Boston slugger hopes once-used grill cooks up big bid on eBay
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- How much would you pay to cook up a few steaks on a fancy grill? If you buy it from Manny Ramirez, prepare to shell out more than $20,000 -- but it comes with an autographed baseball.
The Red Sox quirky slugger with the $160 million contract is selling on eBay a JENN-AIR grill he said he bought for about $4,000.
"Manny, get over here now," teammate David Ortiz bellowed when he saw a television report about Ramirez's move into the luxury appliance trade before Tuesday night's 6-5 win over Minnesota.
Moments later, a smiling Ramirez strolled into the clubhouse, carrying a salad from the players' kitchen.
"I'm a businessman," he said with a laugh. "I need the money."
By the time the game ended, the high bid was $6,200. One hour later, it was up to $20,201 and climbing.
One of the offers -- apparently from a playful bidder -- was for $5,111.11, a reminder of the $51.11 million the Red Sox offered for the rights to negotiate with Japanese star Daisuke Matsuzaka, who signed with Boston.
On the first pitch Ramirez saw from Twins starter Glen Perkins, he grounded into a double play but there was some good news -- the high bid at that moment, the 24th of the auction, was $4,950. That hadn't changed when he flied out to right field on the second pitch he saw in the second inning.
The minimum bid allowed was $3,000 and that was posted at 1:11 p.m. EDT Tuesday.
The listing shows seven photographs, two with Ramirez posing next to the large grill that appears to be located in a garage. The item is in Weston, Fla., where Ramirez has a home.
"Hi, I'm Manny Ramirez," the listing said. "I bought this AMAZING grill for about $4,000 and I used it once. ... But I never have the time to use it because I am always on the road. I would love to sell it and you will get an autographed ball signed by me.
"Enjoy it, Manny Ramirez."
The left fielder has had an eventful six full seasons with Boston -- highlighted by numerous trade requests, 234 homers and a batting championship.
