Ramirez Has Interest in Angels

The agent for Manny Ramirez said Thursday that if the Boston slugger asks to be traded this winter, or if the Red Sox decide to pursue a trade of the outfielder, Ramirez’s first choice will be to go to the Angels.

“As long as he’s under contract, his loyalty is to the Red Sox,” Greg Genske said. “But if the Red Sox do want to trade him, the Angels are the most attractive option. Manny has a lot of respect for Orlando Cabrera and Vladimir Guerrero and for that organization.”

Genske also said Ramirez would welcome a trade to Cleveland. As a player with 10 years in the majors and five with the same team, Ramirez can veto any deal.

Ramirez, who hit .292 with 45 home runs and 144 runs batted in this season, asked to be traded in July, but the Red Sox, after trying to construct trades involving New York Met center fielder Carlos Beltran, failed to make a deal.

Genske plans to meet with Boston owner John Henry next week in Florida, and some time after that meeting, Ramirez will determine whether he will repeat his request to be traded.

“We’re just looking to understand what the plans are for the club and whether or not they will pursue trade opportunities for Manny as they have in the past,” Genske said.

Ramirez, 33, has three years left on a contract that will pay him about $19 million a year.

The Angels would prefer to fill their needs through free agency, but they are also one of a handful of teams with a surplus of top prospects that teams covet, so they could swing a deal for a player such as Ramirez.

Ramirez has a quirky personality and can be as unpredictable as a knuckleball, but he was never considered a divisive force in the Red Sox clubhouse. Because Ramirez is under contract with the Red Sox, the Angels cannot comment about him.