PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) – Manny Ramirez is ahead of schedule in his bid to re-establish himself as one of the most fearsome sluggers in baseball.

The 12-time All-Star worked out with the Tampa Bay Rays for the  first time Thursday, arriving at spring training with what he said was a “chip on my shoulder” and motivated to prove he’s still a productive player.

Ramirez agreed to a $2 million, one-year contract, joining Johnny Damon as the biggest offseason acquisitions by the AL East champions.

Slowed by injuries, the 38-year-old hit .298 with nine homers and 42 RBIs in 90 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox last season.

He’ll be primarily a designated hitter with Tampa Bay, but there’s a chance he’ll occasionally play left field, too.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)