"Indeed they were baaaack, as Manny Ramirez said, settling in next to former and once-again teammate Johnny Damon on Tuesday as they were officially reunited by pulling on their Rays jerseys.

They joked and jabbed and exchanged repartee like it was 2004 and they were idiots all over again, and what they seemed to make most clear — at least on this day, the rigors of the season still weeks away — was how much they really wanted to be there.

For Damon, it makes some sense as he grew up and still lives in the Orlando area, relishes the American League battleground and, with his attendance-based incentives, can still make a respectable $6 million.

"This is home for me," Damon said. "This is my dream team."

For Ramirez, like most things Manny, it's not as clear. The pay isn't good (just $2 million, after making $45 million the previous two seasons), the stadium tends to be half (or more) empty, the role is limited to DH duties and it would be an upset to get into the postseason.

But he had his reasons.

"Thank God I've already made my money, so I'm here because I love the game," Ramirez said. "And I love to compete. It doesn't matter how much money you make. If you do love the game … all you want is a chance to prove to people you still could do it.

"For me it wasn't about the money. I could have gone somewhere else (for more money). I'm close to home. I like the stadium. I like Tampa — the people, they're nice people. So I'm right here."

He looked to be in great shape after a winter of extensive workouts in Arizona (down 12 pounds to 225), and he seemed to be having a blast, showing a playful and entertaining side, calling manager Joe Maddon "coach," repeatedly thanking Damon for saying nice things about him, claiming he couldn't get his cap over his hair and joking that he'll be ready to take over if Damon slacks off in leftfield."