With just under 40 games left to play on the season, the Chicago White Sox may be getting an added boost to the team’s lineup.
As Wednesday afternoon passed the Los Angeles Dodgers decided to put enigmatic outfielder Manny Ramireiz on waivers, thus making it possible for another like the Sox to add the famous slugger to their team.
The Sox currently sit just 3.5 games behind the division leading Twins, with Ramirez providing a quick fix for Chicago as they pursue an extra bat for the stretch run. Ramirez’ stats are typical of what you regularly see from him with just (8 HR’s, 39 RBI’s, .306 BA) under his belt, but his prolific career as a hitter is tough to look past despite being activated from the disabled list earlier this week.
Despite the numerous setbacks that could ensue—Ramirez must pass through all NL teams before any AL team can claim him—several Sox players support the idea of bringing the perennial All-Star to their team.
Long time White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski had this to say on adding the Dodgers outfielder,
“Sure, why not? He’s one of the best right-handed hitters in all of baseball of all time,” Pierzynski said on “The Afternoon Saloon” on ESPN 1000. “How can you not say, ‘I want Manny Ramirez on my team.’ That’s something that would never be said. As long as he’s healthy and he can play, it’s impossible to say you don’t want Manny Ramirez.”
The White Sox pitching has been on the downfall as of late with the recent moves of putting both Matt Thornton and J.J. Putz on the disabled list, thus making it more apparent to add an integral piece to the playoff puzzle for Chicago.
Ramirez might just be that piece.