"Manny Ramirez has put up Hall of Fame offensive numbers during a 19-year career marked by run-ins with teammates, the media and his bosses.

But run-ins with steroids were part of it as well, and that's what brought his career to an abrupt end Friday.

Ramirez, who spent a month with the White Sox last season, chose to retire rather than deal with another investigation and punishment for reportedly violating baseball's drug policy. Indications were Ramirez, who signed with the Tampa Bay Rays for this season, tested positive in spring training for a banned substance, which would have meant a 100-game suspension.

It would have been Ramirez's second offense. He was given a 50-game suspension in 2009 for violating the drug policy.

Ramirez, 38, was with the Sox in September when general manager Ken Williams made a final push to try to win the American League Central. The eccentric player with the long dreadlocks never produced big for the Sox, but he also was never a problem, manager Ozzie Guillen said.

"I didn't know him personally — I only had him for one month," Guillen said. "He should be a Hall of Fame-type player. I have my opinion. I'm glad I had a chance to manage him.''"