With a chance to have the Red Sox pick up the $20 million option year for 2009 - he has $20 million options for the next two seasons - Ramírez has appeared to have rededicated himself in the offseason, heading to Athletes' Performance Institute in Arizona for workouts, showing up at camp on time, and addressing the media.
But, he said, he's not going to demand the team pick up the option. He's not going to storm in and ask for an extension. It will be more about his on-field performance and, it seems, less about his off-field antics.
"They're the ones who've got my options, it's up to them to say, 'OK, we're going to pay,' " Ramírez said. "It's not up to me to go into the office and demand a four-year deal, or whatever. I'm going to come here to play the game, finish my year. If they want me to come back, I'll come back."
The Red Sox, of course, can wait to see how Ramírez, who turns 36 May 30, produces this season. He had an off year in 2007, only the third time in his 13 full years in the majors in which he has hit below .300. He finished the season at .296 with 20 home runs and 88 RBIs. That broke a streak of nine seasons with at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs.
"It's great that Manny is here, in camp, on time," general manager Theo Epstein said yesterday. "He's obviously put a lot of hard work into getting ready for the season. We're focused on 2008. Obviously Manny's contract provides for the first of his options to be decided upon at the end of the year. There's a time for that, but it's certainly after the season. We're looking forward to Manny continuing to work hard and have a great year."
In his five-minute media session, Ramírez repeated "it's up to them" in reference to the contract options, because he's going to continue playing, citing Julio Franco, who had 90 at-bats last season for the Mets and Braves at 49, as a role model. Although it might not be in Boston, he's "going to go until the wheels fall off," he said.
"I want to finish my career here, but it's up to them," Ramírez said. "If that doesn't happen, hey, I'll go and play somewhere else. I know I can still play and what else can I say? It's up to them. I'm not the one who writes the checks."
