AL East

Most of the self-proclaimed "experts" have already conceded the 2011 American League pennant to the Boston Red Sox. Some more conservative pundits have held back, predicting that the Red Sox will win only the Eastern Division crown, but cautioning their audience that, as Joe Torre was fond of saying, the playoffs are a crap shoot, meaning that a pennant cannot ever be predicted.

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Manny Ramirez officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on April 8 after an outstanding 19-year career, for much of which he was considered to be the best right-handed hitter in the game.

In the wake of the news of the sudden and sad departure from Major League Baseball by Manny Ramirez, there will no doubt be many articles, op-ed pieces and columns regarding Ramirez and his place in baseball history.

Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez, who helped lead the team to World Series victories in 2004 and 2007, has abruptly retired from Major League Baseball after what appears to be another failed drug test.

MLB released the following statement:

After being notified of a drug violation by MLB, Manny Ramirez sent notice of his retirement to the league office on Friday, as reported The New York Times.

The Rays announced earlier this week that Ramirez had left the team to attend to a personal matter.

An announcement from the league office reads as follows: 

In a surprise announcement Friday afternoon, Manny Ramirez shocked the baseball world by announcing his decision to retire from MLB, effective immediately.

The retirement was announced by MLB via the following statement (courtesy of ESPN.com news services)::

According to USA Today, Manny Ramirez has made the shocking decision to file retirement papers. A statement was released earlier today by Major League Baseball.

Ramirez struggled last season and had just one hit in 17 at-bats this year, but it still seems as if he has the ability to be a professional baseball player.

In a shocking development for major league baseball today, 19-year veteran Manny Ramirez has announced his retirement from the game. The outfielder was in his first season with the Tampa Bay Rays, and it will be a big loss for Joe Maddon's club in a tough AL East division.

In the 19-year career of Manny Ramirez, the slugger has hit 555 home runs, good for 14th on the all-time list. After today's announcement, it appears that Ramirez will hit no more.

This time, it's not Manny being Manny. The former Red Sox, Dodger and Indian is calling it quits after the Rays slow start.

Major League Baseball made the announcement today.

The move isn't all that surprising, considering his age and his recent lack of productivity, but it's still sad to see a character like Manny go.