Manny Ramirez's second act is taking place in Cubbie blue, as part hitting guru and part, as Joe Maddon puts it, "cultural coach." Ramirez, the one-time hitting savant turned baseball outlaw, has been a big part of the blooming of some of Chicago's terrific young talent, Maddon says.
Manny Being Helpful? Not really the post-playing path many would have figured for a former drug cheat who was as well-known for his 555 career homers as he was for his bizarre off-the-field doings.
But Maddon and others around the Cubs rave about him. Maybe Ramirez can pen his own redemption tale, even with the pockmarks on his resume.