No downside for Sox with Manny
Other than spending $4 million of Jerry Reinsdorf's money, there's no real negative for GM Kenny Williams in picking up Manny Ramirez.
Whether there's any upside is entirely up to Manny.
Ramirez can still be a great hitter when he wants to be. So if he can stay healthy and in the lineup, he could be quite helpful down the stretch, especially if the injury to Gordon Beckham has cost them a hot bat for a few days.
It's basically been a done deal since July 31 when Williams first inquired about Ramirez because no one else behind the Sox in the standings wanted him and the Dodgers were certain to put Ramirez on waivers.
Credit L.A. GM Ned Colletti for waiting as long as possible to make the move, hoping his team might get back in the race and hoping Ramirez might show signs of life in L.A.
Neither occurred, so as expected Ramirez is now with the White Sox and will be in the lineup and hitting fifth Tuesday night.
Ramirez has been bothered by injuries or general malaise most of the season, and when he hasn't been hurt he hasn't shown any desire to play.
But with the Sox he's got a manager in Ozzie Guillen who undoubtedly will explain to him that a good month - particularly a big one in a pennant race - can mean another contract in the AL.
Granted, there aren't many players who can push a button and start to hit again after sitting half a season, but if there's a guy capable it's probably Ramirez.
It's hard to get too excited about this move when the Sox are really in need of bullpen help, and it's a lot like the Ken Griffey Jr. move of 2008, when the Sox hoped they might catch lightning in a bottle.
They didn't get a whole bunch from Griffey, but at least he made that one great throw in Game No. 163, and that made it all worth it.
Ramirez won't see the field here since he can't play a position, but if the DH gives the Sox a few big RBI, then this move will have been a plus.
When it ends badly with Manny - and it always does - it will only be a month and easily forgotten, unlike in Boston and L.A.
Just a couple of weeks ago, Williams laughed at the mere mention of Ramirez's name, recalling the last time he saw him.
Ramirez walked past him on the field in 2009, yelling, "Kenny Williams, get me back to the major leagues. No more National League. You got to get me back to the major leagues."
Williams has done his part for Manny. Now we'll see if there's any major league left in Ramirez - or if he's merely a major pain.
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