Manny And Damon Introduced At Tampa Bay

Ramirez, Damon officially join Rays

By FRED GOODALL
AP Sports Writer
      ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) – The Tampa Bay Rays are counting on
Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon to help them remain competitive in
baseball's toughest division.
      The free-agent outfielders officially became the newest
additions to the defending AL East champions on Tuesday, signing
one-year contracts to fill a couple of holes on a roster depleted
by the departure of several key players, including All-Star Carl
Crawford and slugger Carlos Pena.
      Damon agreed to a $5.25 million deal that includes a chance to
earn $750,000 in bonuses based on attendance.
      Ramirez gets $2 million from the cost-conscious Rays – well
below the $20 million he made last season with the Los Angeles
Dodgers and Chicago White Sox.
      
      (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)