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MLB

The LA Dodgers unveiled outfielder Manny Ramirez before the disgruntled slugger was set to make his NL debut.

Ramirez, who will sport number 99, was the marquee name in a three-team blockbuster trade in which the Boston Red Sox received Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jason Bay on Thursday, just minutes before the non-waiver trading deadline expired.

"I'm happy to be here and whatever happened in Boston, happened," Ramirez said. "I'm excited to be here in a new league, a new team, and I'm going to try my best.

"This is a new chapter in my life and I want to come here and play and move on. Like I said, I'm happy to be here and that's all I can say. (Los Angeles) is a great city and I'm proud to be a Dodger."

The deal came one day after Ramirez criticised Red Sox management and claimed that he had been mistreated by the defending World Series champs in an interview with ESPNDeportes.

"I want to thank the fans in Boston - I love you guys," Ramirez said. "There's been the ups and the downs and I wish everyone the best. But I'm in a new city and I'm ready to move on."

Ramirez batted .299 with 20 homers and 68 RBI in 100 games with Boston this season. In 2004, the 36-year-old helped the Red Sox win their first title since 1918 - earning World Series MVP honours - and also was a major contributor to their 2007 title run.

Ramirez joins a Dodgers club that already has a crowded outfield of Matt Kemp, Juan Pierre, Andre Ethier and Andruw Jones, who has battled injuries and poor play throughout his first season in Los Angeles.

"I'm here in a new league and I'm going to try to do what I do best - baseball," Ramirez said. "Every day, there's something to be learned whether you're young or old."