"Manny Ramirez can't wear a major league uniform until the last week in May while he serves a 50-game suspension for violating the league's drug policy.

But when Ramirez is eligible to return, there are some who envision him wearing green and gold.

According to an ESPN Deportes report, the A's are "very interested" in signing the 39-year-old to be their primary designated hitter. Ramirez reportedly has taken swings in an indoor cage for scouts from the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays; he plans to stage further workouts in Miami for other clubs before the end of the month.

A's G.M. Billy Beane did not return a call seeking comment; another club official privately expressed doubts that the A's would be serious suitors for Ramirez.

Others around baseball see Oakland as a prime destination for Ramirez.

"He is a perfect match -- upside with baggage and cheap," one industry source said. "It's Moneyball reincarnated."

Major League Baseball has reinstated Ramirez from the restricted list, allowing other clubs to sign him. But he must serve a penalty stemming from a positive drug test last season. Ramirez, who was trying to restart his career with the Tampa Bay Rays, announced his retirement rather than begin serving the suspension."