Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon to the Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays needed to reload after losing a plethora of free agents including Carl Crawford, Rafael Soriano and Carlos Pena. The Rays successful added pieces back to their puzzle by signing a pair of aging stars in Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon. Tampa Bay will count on Ramirez and Damon to produce in order to make it to the postseason for the second straight year.

Ramirez signed a deal worth $2 million, while Damon got $5.25 million for one season. Damon’s contract includes the possibility for incentives.

While both players could one day make it to the Hall of Fame, the Rays are certainly taking a risk due to their age. Damon is 37, while Ramirez will soon turn 39. However, since the Rays were able to sign both players for a relatively small amount of money, I’d say the risk is definitely worth the reward.

Manny Ramirez - Tampa Bay Rays (Image: TSN.ca)