More information keeps coming out about Manny Ramirez’s last days on the Red Sox, and the details reinforce just how strained the relationship was at the end.

The Providence Journal reported on Saturday, July 26 that if Ramirez had decided to sit out that day’s game against the Yankees, the Red Sox would have taken disciplinary action against the slugger — including a possible suspension.

Yesterday, ESPN reported that the team had gone so far as to draft an official letter of suspension, and delivered it to him at Fenway Park on Friday, July 25.

Copies of the letter were reportedly sent to Major League Baseball, to the Players Association, and to Ramirez’s agent, Scott Boras.

Ramirez, who was traded to the Dodgers at the trading deadline, finished fourth in the National League MVP voting after a torrid second half with his new team.

Ramirez is a free agent and is in negotiations with the Dodgers on a new contract.

Teixeira’s bat is in demand

With the Yankees having signed Nick Swisher to fill their hole at first base, the Red Sox could emerge as a leading contender for the services of 28-year-old first baseman Mark Teixeira, the top young positional player on the market.

A bidding war between the Yankees and Red Sox over Teixeira seemed possible at the start of the offseason, but with the Yankees directing their dollars toward free agent pitching — particularly CC Sabathia — the Red Sox look to be the only baseball superpower interested in acquiring Teixeira.

The Boston Herald reports that the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals are both angling to land the Maryland native, but the Red Sox should be among the few suitors that could actually afford the slick-fielding slugger. Teixeira is reportedly seeking $20 million on an annual basis, which would make him among the highest-paid players in the game.

If the Red Sox do sign Teixeira, they would likely move Kevin Youkilis back across the diamond to play third base. That leaves Mike Lowell, the 34-year-old third baseman coming off hip surgery, as the odd man out. Lowell is owed $24 million over the next two years, and would likely be shopped around the league.

Tigers seeking Lugo

Talks are still alive between the Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers on a swap of spare parts, which could mean a ticket out of town for shortstop Julio Lugo, rendered expendable by the emergence of the younger, cheaper Jed Lowrie.

The teams have been reportedly mulling trading Lugo for pitchers Nate Robertson or Dontrelle Willis, a deal that would work salary-wise. Robertson is owed $17 million over the next two years, while Lugo’s contract gives him $18 million over that same period. Willis is owed $22 million over two years.

Lugo, 33, also has an option for 2011. The Tigers are interested in acquiring a short-term shortstop so they can give several minor-league prospects time to develop.