CBSSport Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez declined to comment on multiple reports that hes been put on waivers.
Ramirez shook off several reporters over an hour in front of his locker before Wednesday nights game in Milwaukee.
“No, man, Im good, thanks,” Ramirez said.
The White Sox are said to be interested in claiming him for a postseason push if hes available. Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen said Tuesday if he were asked by general manager Ken Williams if he wanted Ramirez, he would say yes.
Ramirez was is in the starting lineup against the Brewers and playing consecutive games for the first time since coming off his third trip to the disabled list. Manager Joe Torre said the star left fielder will get Thursday off.
The reported Ramirez and teammates Casey Blake, Scott Podsednik and Jay Gibbons have been placed on waivers, a common process toward the end of the year that doesnt necessarily mean any players leave their current teams.
“Waivers are something that are supposed to be something very confidential and Im certainly not privy to it,” Torre said. “Its something thats not supposed to be talked about.”
Dodgers GM Ned Colletti declined to comment in an e-mail to the Associated Press, saying he doesnt discuss the process.
This year, Ramirez stopped giving substantial interviews to reporters in the spring. His play has been quiet, too, with right calf and hamstring injuries that have sent him to the disabled list for 58 games this year.
Ramirez is hitless in his last 10 at-bats. He came into Wednesdays game hitting .306 with eight homers and 39 RBI in 63 games and Torre believes Ramirez wants to stay in L.A. and finish his contract.
“Mannys always expressed that,” Torre said. “Hes had a tough year with the calf all year long. I think what would help right now is get a few hits in the game and things would feel a lot better for sure.”
Ramirez was traded to the Dodgers in 2008 and signed a $45 million, two-year extension in 2009 that included $10 million each season and three payments of $8,333,333 each from 2011-13. The 38-year-old is eligible for free agency in the offseason.
Ramirez has been adored in Los Angeles and his sometimes erratic play coined the phrase “Manny being Manny” in Boston during his 7½ seasons there after eight in Cleveland. He stayed a fan favorite in L.A. even after serving a 50-game suspension for violating baseballs drug policy last season.
“Mannys been a good soldier over here and continues to be a good soldier. Hes never given me a problem. Hes had a tough time here from when he was suspended a year ago because I think initially he was embarrassed by it and hes been trying to work his way back to where hes comfortable again,” the manager said.
Torre believes the 18-year veteran had to adjust to no longer being a power hitter, but came into spring training with the right mindset.
“I think once he realized the hitter he is where he may not hit as many home runs, he can still be productive,” Torre said. “His setup, everything right now is good, hes just a little bit behind. But hes still, he doesnt talk to you guys, but his personality in the clubhouse is about the same.”
