Manny Ramirez

The Rays did a lot of subtracting this winter, but they have finally gotten around to making some additions — big ones.

Tampa Bay has agreed to terms with both Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez, SI.com reports. The deals are pending physicals and could be officially announced Saturday. Damon actually signed his contract Friday, according to Newsday.

Both are signing at bargain rates, especially relative to what they have earned many seasons in their long careers. Damon will make $5.25 million and could add $750,000 more in attendance bonuses. Ramirez will play (the Rays hope) for a mere $2 million.

Aside from serving as an instant reunion of the 2004 Red Sox, the twin signings should give the Rays some offensive help and perhaps a boost in attendance — two much-needed quantities after a winter spent watching much of the core of their 2008 and 2010 AL East title teams depart.

Manny Ramirez

The savings realized by the mass exodus from Tropicana Field — Carl Crawford, Rafael Soriano, Matt Garza, Jason Bartlett, Dan Wheeler and so on — cleared a lot more money than the Rays will take on with these two deals and previous signings of relievers Kyle Farnsworth and Joel Peralta.

But adding the newcomers to a holdover group that includes young All-Stars Evan Longoria and David Price could give the Rays a chance to remain in contention in the rugged East in 2011 instead of just punting on this season and focusing on 2012 and 2013.

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http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/01/21/report-rays-to-sign-johnny-damon-manny-ramirez/

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