Sox slugger steps up to media's plate

09:02 AM EST on Wednesday, February 23, 2005

BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The dreadlocks were tied tight, hanging loosely almost down to his shoulders, beads woven into the ends.

And the hair was kept away from his forehead by about a two-inch bandana with the Brazilian national flag prominently featured.

Of course, outlandish hairstyles, outlandish at least by normal big-league baseball standards, are nothing new for Manny Ramirez. So his latest look yesterday, as the slugger prepared for the Red Sox' first full-squad workout of the spring, was by no means a stretch in Manny World.

But a couple of things were different. The big, contented smile for the media, for one. And the willingness to not only speak patiently to reporters, but to clearly enjoy being the center of attention.

Who would have known that Manny Ramirez, the World Series MVP in the Sox' sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals last fall, could spout funny lines worthy of any open mike at a comedy club?

So, Manny, where is the glove you wore in the 2004 World Series?

"I don't know," deadpannded Ramirez, a twinkle in his eye. "I was running so fast (from left field) to the mound (to celebrate the last out) that I threw everything in the air.

AP photo

Manny Ramirez is doing a lot more talking, and smiling, than in training camps past. The World Series MVP now enjoys being in the spotlight.

"It's probably on E-Bay right now. Maybe Mientkiewicz has it," Ramirez said, referring to former Boston first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, who engaged in a custody battle with the Red Sox over the baseball that registered the final out of the organization's first World Championship in 86 years.

So, Manny, what are your goals for this season?

"Oh, maybe to hit .275 with 25 homers and 100 RBI," said Ramirez, an intentional understatement for a man who has a career batting average of .316, and a man who led the league with 43 homers a year ago, knocked in 130 runs and was tops in slugging percentage, at .613.

Times certainly have changed for Manny Ramirez, at least his personality around the ballpark.

Only two years ago when he reported for training camp, Ramirez refused to speak to the media, still smarting over the scorching he took for not even trying to run out his one-hopper back to the mound in a game against Tampa Bay.

Last spring, he was a little wary of the media and of the organization, which had placed him on waivers and then tried to rid itself of his big contract by packaging him to Texas in a deal for Alex Rodriguez that never came off.

But as The Idiots blossomed in the Red Sox' clubhouse late last summer, Ramirez came out of his shell. His transformation from a guy who shunned the media to a media darling came last year in an engaging press conference during the Sox' American League Division Series in Anaheim.

And through it all, Ramirez has hit, which is why he is paid about $20 million per year.

Hitting is no joke to Ramirez, though. He works very hard at his craft. His concentration on his job, combined with his natural hand-eye coordination, timing and considerable strength, have made him one of the most feared power hitters in the game for years. In 11 seasons and 1,535 games, Ramirez has bashed 390 home runs and knocked in 1,270 runs.

Ramirez religiously studies videos and last year he tried some new hand-eye exercises to maintain and enhance his already uncanny reflexes at the plate.

Yesterday, Ramirez took batting practice for the first time this spring. But before he stepped in for an early soft-toss session with BP pitcher Eno Guerrero, Ramirez chatted with batting coach Ron "Papa Jack" Jackson.

"You know when I had trouble keeping my (left) shoulder in sometimes?" Ramirez said to Jackson. "I think if I do this it will help me."

Ramirez then positioned his body to show Jackson what he meant. Jackson readily approved. And then Ramirez stepped in and made solid contact, as if he had never left, as if he were ready to extend the 14-game postseason hitting streak he fashioned in helping the Sox overtake New York in the ALCS and swamp the Cardinals in the Series.

He was all smiles later, in the clubhouse as he greeted the Sox and outside, waving to the many fans ringing the practice fields at the Sox' minor-league complex.

"I got a hug from Manny, which was different than last year," manager Terry Francona said.

Clearly, Ramirez, who will turn 33 on May 30, was feeling refreshed after his offseason.

"I spent about a month in Brazil," said Ramirez. "My wife (Juliana) is from there. They don't know a lot about baseball. That was good."

The best part was he was allowed to be anonymous, said Ramirez.

But in other offseason travels, he ran into Red Sox fans. And he was happy about that, too.

"A lot of people would come up and said they wished their dads could have seen (the Sox win). That made me feel good. Winning was a great feeling, man. Playing in that atmosphere . . . I was so happy," said Ramirez.

Apparently, that feeling hasn't worn off. Ramirez, though sad to see his friend Pedro Martinez depart ("It feels different, but baseball is a business."), finally appears at peace with himself in the intense world of Red Sox baseball.

"I'm ready to go," said Ramirez.