Manny Ramirez: 11 Teams That Might Be Interested in Him

With the news of Manny Ramirez filing for reinstatement, he could soon hit the free-agent market if he's accepted back into the MLB.

Ramirez will still face a ban, albeit shortened to 50 games from his original 100, but he could make an impact if a team wants to take that chance.

Most likely, Ramirez will garner only a one-year deal worth at most $2 million, which was what the Tampa Bay Rays paid him before he got suspended early last season.

However, at 39 years old and fresh off a season in which be played just five games, plus another 50 games off due to the suspension, there's no telling what the former baseball great might have left. Not to mention the circus he would bring with him.

Despite all that, there will be interest from teams this winter looking for some offense at a cheap price. Here are 10 teams that fit that bill.

Miami Marlins

With the Miami Marlins spending serious cash this winter, it isn't impossible for them to make a move to sign Ramirez.

The Marlins just added Jose Reyes and Heath Bell to their roster, and they are still actively pursuing Albert Pujols.

All this spending might leave adding depth to their lineup difficult, but Miami could bring in Ramirez for relatively cheap, and he could certainly help stretch the Marlins' order.

Not having a DH might hurt the potential for this move or any move to a National League team for that matter, but if Ramirez can still produce enough, I think Miami will sacrifice some defense for that.

Remember, Miami is looking to put some extra butts in the seats of their new stadium, so a headline grabber like Ramirez would fit that bill perfectly.

New York Yankees

Of all the teams that might be in contention for Ramirez, the New York Yankees have the resources and the depth to sign him now and be able to wait the 50-game suspension out.

With Jorge Posada's departure, the Yankees have a void at DH, which will currently be filled by some of their aging stars. Ramirez could fill in at DH for the Yanks and make a few spot starts in the outfield when necessary.

He could be a huge asset off the bench as well in a pinch-hitting role. On top of that, in a lineup like New York's, Ramirez would have plenty of protection and very little pressure to do a lot. 

Milwaukee Brewers

I'd bet the farm that Prince Fielder won't be returning to Milwaukee in 2012, leaving a huge hole in the middle of their order.

Ramirez wouldn't replace Fielder's production, but he could give an ailing offense a nice boost and some depth as well.

Again, the whole playing the outfield part might make it difficult to sign him in the National League, but first base will be vacant and maybe Manny can be Manny there instead.

He could provide half the production for about $20 million or so less.

Texas Rangers

Josh Hamilton's injury problems always cause the need for a little insurance in Texas, so the Rangers might take a look at Ramirez.

He can be the full-time DH for them, giving a little backup to the uncertainty that Hamilton has become.

The hot weather will help an older Ramirez hit the ball a little further, and he wouldn't be forced to play the outfield as much. Ramirez would have plenty of protection as well, barring major injury problems for the Rangers.

Texas is another team that has the depth to wait on a 50-game suspension.

Boston Red Sox

Realistically, I don't think the Boston Red Sox would ever bring Ramirez back to Fenway, but considering what they might be losing this offseason, it isn't so unreasonable.

David Ortiz might not return to Boston in 2012, which will leave a hole in the Red Sox's offense. Manny abused the Green Monster for several years and could return to that if he rejoins his old team.

Fenway might be the most friendly park Ramirez could play in because of the advantage in left field, and he wouldn't have to play a stitch of defense, much like Ortiz didn't have to in 2011.

He could be a cheap alternative to some of the other options out there and could be a nice addition of depth for a team loaded with big, expensive contracts.

St. Louis Cardinals

Albert Pujols might not be back next season, which would be a tough pill to swallow if you're a St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Pujols' departure would mean the loss of a huge chunk of run production, and it would leave an unimaginable, gaping hole in their lineup.

He'd be irreplaceable, but bringing in a guy like Ramirez would help replace at least a percentage of what Pujols used to produce.

With first base opening up, Ramirez could try and learn the position and play the outfield every so often.

After a successful reclamation project in Lance Berkman, the Cards might feel Ramirez could be another one of those cases.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have to try and surround Jose Bautista with some more offense if they want to become a powerhouse in the AL East.

Ramirez could be one of those pieces that help the Blue Jays advance and give Bautista some help driving in runs.

Toronto, who doesn't have a huge payroll, could add him for cheap in a market that has become very demanding on both sides of the ball.

Helping Bautista is the first step in competing in the toughest division in baseball, and Ramirez would be a step in the right direction.

Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians have made it clear they are trying to compete, as evidenced by their trade for Ubaldo Jimenez, amongst some other moves they've made.

Still, outside of re-signing Grady Sizemore, Cleveland has done little to improve their offense, which was ranked 16th in runs scored last season.

Ramirez would certainly add some depth to a lackluster lineup, being able to split time at DH and outfield.

The Indians might be willing to spend some money, and while the kind of depth Ramirez could possibly add usually never comes cheap, in this case it will.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

After missing the playoffs last season, the Los Angeles Angels will look to make some improvements this season, especially with their lineup.

The Angels were 17th in runs scored last season and will continue to find it tough to compete with a good offensive team like the Rangers.

Ramirez could become the team's full-time DH and not be required to play in an already crowded Angels outfield.

Already having a high payroll, the Angels could add a cheap but productive player to their team while not handcuffing themselves by spending too much money.

He certainly wouldn't be the straw that stirs the drink, but Manny could add some much-needed production to a lineup lacking punch.

San Francisco Giants

Losing Buster Posey last season made it abundantly clear that the San Francisco Giants needed offense badly.

Signing Carlos Beltran helped at first, but it still didn't stop the Giants from fizzling out to end the season, which ultimately caused them to miss the playoffs.

With Posey coming back in 2012 and the addition of Melky Cabrera, the Giants are off to a good start trying to make 2012 a better offensive season. However, if the Giants were to lose Beltran, they'd be no better off than they were last season.

Ramirez could help bolster San Fran's lineup, which is in desperate need of some bats to drive in runs.

It's doubtful Pat Burrell will come back for next season, which would leave Manny's position wide open if he became a member of the Giants.

Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins don't exactly break the bank when they look to improve their team, and this year will be no different.

Minnesota has already lost Jim Thome and also stands to lose Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel, leaving their offense decimated by free agency.

With a huge chunk of their lineup gone, the Twins will look to add to their ailing offense and look to do it for as cheap as possible.

Ramirez will only command around $2 million and could replace Thome as the team's DH. He would also provide some insurance for the oft-injured Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, who both missed a ton of games the past two seasons.