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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, March 14, 2009

Manny solid in spring debut

Advertiser News Services

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

The Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez heads to first after being walked against Texas in the third inning in Glendale, Ariz. It was his first spring appearance since signing a two-year, $45 million contract.

CHRIS CARLSON | Associated Press

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Manny Ramirez walked twice and singled in his spring training debut as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Texas Rangers, 4-3, at Camelback Ranch in Phoenix.

Despite his perfect on-base percentage, the Dodgers' slugger complained about his timing at the plate. But he said his legs — which delayed his Cactus League debut for one day — felt fine.

"It takes time, that's why we're here in spring training, to get a lot of at-bats, make a lot of mistakes and get it out of your system and move on to the season," said Ramirez, making his first game appearance since signing a two-year, $45-million contract.

Batting third in the lineup as the designated hitter, Ramirez walked in his first two at-bats against Texas starter Doug Mathis. He then singled to center in the fifth off Elizardo Ramirez before being replaced by a pinch runner.

YANKEES

CANO, MARTE HURTING AFTER WORLD CLASSIC

Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano and reliever Damaso Marte are scheduled to be examined by doctors today and won't immediately play after rejoining New York following the World Baseball Classic.

Cano has tightness in the back of his right shoulder. He has felt it all spring training but didn't think it was serious.

Cano didn't tell the Yankees about the tightness before leaving for the WBC, which he feels at times when extending his right arm on a throw. There is no discomfort when he hits.

He did have his ailing shoulder examined by the Dominican team doctor.

Marte has tightness in the left side of his chest, which he thinks stems from weightlifting. He hopes to only miss three or four days.

ELSEWHERE

Law and order: A woman filed a complaint against former Yankees center fielder Bernie Williams for allegedly hitting her at a nightclub while she took his picture in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Officer Angel Nazario said the woman claimed Williams snatched the camera, damaged it and hit her in the face. The incident allegedly happened around 2:30 a.m. Thursday at a nightclub, hours after Williams and his Puerto Rican teammates beat the Netherlands, 5-0, in the World Baseball Classic.

Twins: Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer will see a doctor in Baltimore today to get a second opinion on his ailing back. Mauer, the two-time American League batting champion, has not played at all in spring training. He had surgery Dec. 22 to remove a blockage from his kidney.

Mariners: Chad Cordero signed a minor league contract with Seattle on Thursday, then made the 5 1/2-hour drive from his Southern California home to the Mariners' spring training complex in Arizona to resume rehabbing from shoulder surgery. He hasn't pitched in 10 months.

Marlins: Outfielder Jay Gibbons was released by Florida, a setback in his bid to revive his career after admitting he used human growth hormone.