According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Manny Ramirez's sudden retirement has to do with a failed drug test in spring training:
Ramirez's failed test was in spring training. He was notified about a week ago and decided he would rather retire than fight
Though there's no word on whether the drug test picked up performance-enhancing drugs, recreational drugs, or a few poppy-seed bagels, but it's worth noting that Ramirez was suspended for 50 games in 2009 for using performance-enhancing drugs. Well, if you want to be technical, the drugs were identified as the female fertility drug, human chorionic gonadotropin. But who here hasn't needed a little pick-me-up like that after a tough day?
Ramirez was supposed to be the designated hitter for the Tampa Bay Rays this year, who have started the season 0-6. To fill Ramirez's roster spot, the Rays have called up Casey Kotchman. Will Kotchman provide the same amount of hi-jinx and hilarity that Ramirez was good for? Only time will tell.
For more on Manny Ramirez's retirement, and reflections on his career, check out the rest of this StoryStream.