Manny fever descends on ABQ

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The possibility of Manny Ramirez in Albuquerque Isotopes uniform has fans flocking to the 'Topes box office.

Dozens of people lined up an hour before the ticket office even opened, and a steady flow of Manny hopefuls patronized the office all day long.

"It's not everyday you get see one of the top baseball players in the world," baseball fan Adam Feldman said.

The Manny fever ignited when a Los Angeles Times article cited an unnamed source, saying the All-Star would start his rehab in Albuquerque.

Ramirez is currently serving a 50 game suspension after he tested positive for a banned substance.

Despite the possibility of a Major League superstar dawning a Topes jersey, it's business as usual at the ballpark.

"It's all it is, is that he's getting ready to go back. Certainly it would be exciting for the team and the city," Isotopes Manager Tim Wallach said.

"I don't think it's gonna change anything in the clubhouse. We all have to go about our business whether he's here or not," Isotopes Pitcher Charlie Haeger said.

The Isotopes front office hasn't received official word that Ramirez is coming, but their phones have been quite busy.

"Today, we were contacted by TMZ.com. I guess we've hit the big time if we're been contacted by TMZ. We've had a lot of fun with a lot of attention type things," Isotopes General Manager John Traub. "Obviously Manny's a bit of a rock star and I think he brings a whole different element. We're ready in the event that we get the call that he is coming and we'll be able to handle it."

The Ramirez circus could start in Albuquerque as early as Tuesday for a series with the Nashville Sounds.