"The A's have agreed to a minor-league deal with free agent designated hitter Manny Ramirez, ESPN and Sports Illustrated reported Monday afternoon.

It was assumed to be just a matter of time before Oakland brought the controversial slugger into the fold, as the A's have shown interest in him for several weeks.

A team spokesman said the A's have no comment right now.

"If and when I see the dreads flapping around, I'll have more comment on that," manager Bob Melvin said with a smile."