The Return of Man-Ram (Manny Ramirez):From Taiwan To Texas

The 41-year old, formerly-banished slugger Manny Ramirez is returning to American baseball. Yes, not quite as shocking as Brad Stevens leaving Butler to coach the Boston Celtics, but a surprise never-the-less.

Ramirez has spent most of the year making headlines while playing for the Taiwan EDA Rhinos of the Chinese Professional League. He signed a minor league contract and will report to the Texas Rangers AAA Round Rock team.

And yes, according to the teams Minor League rules he'll be cutting his trademark dreadlocks.

You'll recall, Man-Ram last appeared in an MLB game in 2011 with the Tampa Bay Rays, rather than face a 50-game for having elevated testosterone levels.

The Rangers aren't making a big investment, rather they are taking a flyer to see if Manny really has anything left. He hit .358 in Taiwan and showed some bat speed. However, it's Taiwan isn't the major leagues.

And yes, the joke has already been put out there the Rangers signed Manny as insurance in case Nelson Cruz goes down in the Biogenesis investigation.

Remember this Man-Ram gem from April in Taiwan, he got overshadowed by the ever-eager announcer:

Manny Ramirez With Taiwanese HR, But the Call is Better

((ht: deadspin.com))

Good to see that Manny Ramirez can still entertain people with his home run hitting prowess.

And that prowess was on display again this past night as ManRam amazed teammates, fans and apparently the announce team.

Watch Manny put the ball over the fence, but more importantly, LISTEN to the call of said homer, it will end your work week on a great note. ((Best description ever: That ball is gone like an ex-girlfriend that will never return))

You can't make this stuff up: