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The column also speculates trading forward
DES MOINES, Iowa - Manny Ramirez has been called everything from a World Series MVP to a cheater. Bradley Chubb Jersey . The disgraced slugger is hoping to add "mentor" to his resume. The 42-year-old Ramirez, a two-time champion with Boston and a two-time offender of Major League Baseballs rules against performance-enhancing drugs, joined the Triple-A Iowa Cubs as a player/coach on Thursday after signing with Chicago in late May. Ramirez is expected to play one or two times a week for the organizations top affiliate in Des Moines. But Ramirezs biggest responsibility will be to work with the Cubs most promising prospects — and hes already got some simple advice for them. "Do the right thing, bro. Follow the rules. Thats it," Ramirez said Monday. That was often a problem for Ramirez when he was starring in the big leagues. Drama has always seemed to follow Ramirez, a happy-go-lucky but enigmatic slugger who clashed with managers, teammates and front office personnel during a 19-year major league career that included 555 home runs and 12 All-Star selections. But Cubs president Theo Epstein, who spent years dealing with Ramirez as the general manager of the Red Sox, said Monday in an interview with Boston radio station WEEI that he believes Ramirez is a changed man. "Manny gave me as many problems as he gave anyone, probably besides (former Red Sox manager Terry Francona) in his time in Boston. Hes responsible for most of the grey hairs on my head. So its not something that we entered into lightly," Epstein said. "But people do change. I talked a lot to Manny, and he seemed like a completely different guy... hes grown for the better. Hes open and honest about all the mistakes hes made in the past and he wants to fix that by being a positive influence on young players," he said. Ramirez spent the last month working on his swing in Arizona, even though Epstein said that the club had no plans to add him to the major league roster. But Epstein said that hes received glowing reports about Ramirezs attitude and work ethic from those in the organization whove worked with him so far. "When you love the game and you want to help young players and give them your testimonial and the things that you went through so they dont go through that, its easy," Ramirez said. "When you come here and youre helping young players grow up and see them go to the next level, I think thats such a joy for yourself, to come and help somebody else. It doesnt matter who you are. Its who youre going to be," he said. Ramirez, whose trademark dreadlocks have been replaced by an outgrown Mohawk, was scheduled to hit sixth and serve as the designated hitter on Monday night for Iowa. But what Chicago really wants is for Ramirez to share the wisdom that made him such a great hitter with his younger teammates. Many of the cornerstones of the Cubs rebuilding effort are now under the guidance of Ramirez, and perhaps shortstop Javier Baez will benefit most from Ramirezs tutelage. Baez, a 21-year-old Spanish-speaking native of Puerto Rico, is considered one of the games brightest young prospects. But hes struggled some at Iowa, currently hitting .239 with 11 home runs through 71 games. Arismendy Alcantara, a 22-year-old second baseman from the Dominican with an .893 OPS, and third baseman Kris Bryant are among the other high-profile prospects the Cubs are hoping Ramirez can reach. "Theres no one better to teach hitting," Epstein said. "He could always burn me on it, and wed release a minor league coach, a minor league player. But I dont think thats going to happen. I think if he helps one of our many talented young hitters in the organization. ... it will be worth it. And help one kid avoid a mistake off the field by using himself as an example, it will be worth it. Hes doing a great job so far." Tim Patrick Jersey . The Vancouver coach and an announced sellout crowd of 18,910 watched in dismay as the Canucks lost 7-4 to the New York Islanders on Monday night by squandering a 3-0 lead in the third period. Garett Bolles Jersey . The league announced Thursday that Tom Higgins is leaving that post effective immediately.With just one day until the NHL Trade Deadline, check out the latest trade-related reports and speculation from around the NHL beat. And follow TSN.ca right through Wednesdays 3pm et trade deadline for all the updates. Blue line help for Red Wings? In addition to what he reported in Insider Trading, TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun wrote on ESPN.com that the Detroit Red Wings are believed among the teams looking at defenceman Christian Ehrhoff. More than half of Ehrhoffs $40 million contract will be paid out by the end of the season. Where Could He Go? The Vancouver Provinces Ben Kuzma writes that Ryan Kesler wont waive his no-trade clause for the Columbus Blue Jackets and adds that the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings are the front runners for his services. Kuzma speculates that Brayden Schenn or Sean Couturier could address the Canucks needs if Philly is in the mix. Fair Return? While the Ottawa Senators contemplate giving Chris Phillips a two-year contract extension, TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger has been told the Senators are looking a first round draft pick in return for the veteran defenceman. Also, Dreger sayys while there is some interest in Flyers defenceman Kimmo Timonen, it appears he wants to stay in Philadelphia. Stitched Denver Broncos Jerseys. As for fellow blueliner Andrej Meszaros, the asking price is a second round draft pick. Options for Columbus Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch examines some deadline options for the Blue Jackets, which includes adding an experienced defenceman, and a gritty forward. Portzline adds that the team could hold on to Marian Gaborik - up to the trade deadline - to see he will generate a good return. If not, they could keep him for the rest of the season. The column also speculates trading forward Cam Atkinson if they can make an improvement in return. Never Count Out Pittsburgh... Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review says says Kesler, defenceman Marek Zidlicky of the New Jersey Devils and Edmontons Ales Hemsky are among the players the Penguins have interest in going into Wednesdays deadline. ...Or Philly For That Matter According to Frank Seravalli of The Philadelphia Daily News, the Flyers have tabled a substantial offer for Kesler and are also interested in Canucks defenceman Alex Edler. 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- Created: Nov 12 '18
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