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Post by Scott on Mar 2, 2007 11:31:30 GMT -5
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Manny Ramirez will break out his big bat on Friday afternoon when he makes his Grapefruit League debut against the Blue Jays at City of Palms Park.
Though he reported to camp six days after the rest of the position players, Ramirez made it clear upon arrival that he was in good enough shape to be on the same schedule as everyone else. Red Sox manager Terry Francona has seen enough from Ramirez in drills to be confident that the slugger is ready to return to left field.
With the Red Sox playing split-squad contests both Thursday and Friday, it was beneficial for Francona that Ramirez was up to playing so soon.
"You know what, I was sitting there doing the lineups yesterday getting dizzy, and I had a question mark by his name," Francona said. "We had a home game the next day. Rather than guess, I walked out and said, 'Hey, Papi, Friday?' He said, 'Yeah I'm fine.' I just didn't want to get him out there before he's ready. Even if it's one at-bat, I would imagine he'd get a couple, but just to go out there and get his feet under him [will be beneficial]."
Ramirez hasn't missed a drill since arriving in camp Monday. He has typically taken no time to get his swing on track during Spring Training.
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