A’s owner Wolff addresses Manny, stadium

For now, Wolff has no choice but to believe that the A’s can compete this year, despite so much roster turnover. And he would be just fine if more of it came in the form of Manny Ramirez.

Ramirez, who will turn 40 in May and would have to serve a 50-game suspension at the start of the season after having his suspension reduced from 100 games, has been pegged as a potential designated hitter for Oakland. Despite the history he brings, Wolff believes “he should be viewed on a basis of talent.”

“If he serves his penalty, the idea of serving a penalty is that you’re free to go back and do something,” he said. “I think it would be fun. I hear he’s in great shape. I don’t know if we’re in the running for him, but it wouldn’t bother me to have him on the team. In fact, just the opposite.

“My theory in life, which may not apply to baseball, is that we all make mistakes, and if we serve a penalty, there’s no reason we shouldn’t have the opportunity to do the right thing after that.”

“How can you not be romantic about baseball?”