Manny Ramirez through the years

Manny Ramirez yells to a player on the field at the Camelback Ranch stadium before his news conference on Thursday.  (Morry Gash / Associated Press)

Manny Ramirez, who led the Cleveland Indians to World Series appearances in 1995 and 1997, hit a solo home run in the ninth inning of Game 3 in the American League Division Series against the Boston Red Sox in a 4-3 victory in the 1998 playoffs. Heading into the 2008 season, Ramirez ranked among the top 50 all-time in grand slam home runs (2nd, 20), home runs (26th, 490), RBIs (28th, 1604) and extra-base hits (32nd, 978).  (Steve Senne / Associated Press)

Manny Ramirez hit three home runs against the Oakland A’s during a push to make the playoffs in 1999.  (George Nikitin / Associated Press)

The benches cleared in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series in 2003 when Roger Clemens sent a pitch high and tight to Boston’s Manny Ramirez.  (Jim Rogash / Associated Press)

Manny Ramirez, who is not known for his defensive prowess, makes his second error in as many batters on a ball hit by Larry Walker during Game 1 of the 2004 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.   (Elise Amendola / Associated Press)

Always a fan favorite because of his outgoing personality, Manny Ramirez celebrates Boston’s 2004 World Series title during the victory parade.   (Stan Honda / AFP / Getty Images)

Manny Ramirez celebrates winning the 2004 World Series, in which he was selected the most valuable player, when he batted .412 with four RBIs and a home run.   (Mark Humphrey / Associated Press)

Manny Ramirez watches his game-winning home run in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series in 2007 against the Angels at Fenway Park. Ramirez would help the Red Sox win their second World Series title in four years last season.   (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Manny Ramirez slides safely into third base in Game 3 of the American League Division Series last season against Maicer Izturis and the Angels.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Hall of Fame slugger Eddie Murray presents Manny Ramirez with a plaque to commemorate his 500th home run during a Fenway Park ceremony on June 10 this season.   (Elsa / Getty Images)

Manny Ramirez raises a beverage to the crowd at Fenway Park after entering the Green Monster scoreboard and poking his head out of an opening during a pitching change in a game July 13 against the Baltimore Orioles.   (Elsa / Getty Images)

Manny Ramirez reaches under himself to grab a ball that he misplayed and eventually rolled onto during a game July 18 at Angel Stadium. Center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury tries to lend a hand, but the Angels’ Maicer Izturis was given a triple on the play.   (Gus Ruelas / Associated Press)

For the first time in nine seasons, Manny Ramirez was not selected to be a starter in the All-Star game, but he did have his share of laughs in the annual event with Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez. Ramirez is an 12-time All-Star who ranks eighth all-time in slugging percentage at .593.  (Justin Lane / EPA)

Not all the Boston fans were happy with Manny Ramirez‘s antics -- and salary -- this season as demonstrated during a game against the New York Yankees on July 27 at Fenway Park.   (Jim Rogash / Getty Images)