BASEBALL Ramirez's contract reverts back to Red Sox, no teams claim him

There is still a chance Boston could trade the slugger.
BOSTON (AP) -- Manny Ramirez was not claimed on waivers before Friday's deadline, leaving the moody outfielder and his $101.5 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.
Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein and owner John Henry declined to comment on Ramirez, citing a baseball rule against discussing whether players were put on waivers.
The only comment available from the team was that there was no announcement to make, spokesman Kevin Shea said after the 1 p.m. deadline passed. If Ramirez had been claimed, that news could have been released immediately.
A major league team executive, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that Ramirez was put on waivers for anyone to claim, but there were no takers.
"We're looking forward to Manny having another productive year for the Red Sox in 2004," Shea said.
There is still the chance that the Red Sox could trade Ramirez, if they are willing to absorb some of his salary.
Calls to Ramirez's agent, Jeff Moorad, were not returned.
Salary too high
There is no doubt that Ramirez is one of the best hitters in baseball, but his salary -- the second highest in baseball -- scared away any potential takers when he was placed on irrevocable waivers on Wednesday.
He led the AL with a .427 on-base percentage and 28 intentional walks this year -- outstanding numbers for a team that emphasizes a player's ability to get on base. He also had 37 homers and 104 RBIs.
But with five years and $101.5 million remaining on a $160 million, eight-year contract -- he gets an extra $1 million if he switches teams -- he is too costly for all but a few teams.
Even the New York Yankees, whose payroll of $164 million -- not including postseason and award bonuses -- is the highest in the major leagues, wouldn't bite on the contract former Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette gave Ramirez in the winter of 2000, before the new collective bargaining agreement helped slow the market.
Clubs often place many of their players on waivers to gauge other teams' interest and to lay the groundwork for trades, but most are not claimed and the moves rarely become public knowledge. Ramirez was placed on irrevocable waivers, meaning they could withdraw him if he was claimed.
Next chance soon
The next waiver period begins Nov. 11 and runs through Feb. 16.
"This club inherited this contract. Their analysis must consider something other than his performance on the field," said Scott Boras, a prominent agent who negotiated Alex Rodriguez's 10-year, $252 million contract with Texas. "When you look at his on-the-field performance, I think he's performing at a very high level. Obviously, the club must have other factors in their decision."
Ramirez is scheduled to make $20 million in 2005, $19 million in 2006, $18 million in 2007 and $20 million in 2008. He is owed $5 million of his $16 million signing bonus. The team also holds $20 million options for both 2009 and 2010.