SYDNEY -- Manny Ramirez -- yes, that Manny Ramirez -- is back in baseball Down Under.
The now 48-year-old former Boston Red Sox legend and 12-time Major League Baseball All-Star is scheduled to begin the season on Thursday for the Sydney Blue Sox in the Australian Baseball League.
Sydney manager Shane Barclay said the two-time World Series winner's preparation for the season -- his team opens the season against the defending champion Melbourne Aces -- could not be faulted.
"We knew there'd be a Manny show but it's been a pleasure," Barclay said Wednesday.