Ramirez gets OK to report to Red Sox camp late

MIAMI (Reuters) - The Boston Red Sox has given all-star outfielder Manny Ramirez until March 1 to report to spring training, the team and Ramirez said in a joint statement.

The date is one day after players are required to report to camp. Most players began training this week.

The hard-hitting outfielder asked for a trade last season but the Red Sox have been unable to work out a deal.

"With the permission of the Boston Red Sox, Manny Ramirez will report to spring training in Fort Myers (Florida) on March 1, 2006," said the statement, which was released by the Red Sox.

"Manny is in Florida completing an extensive training regimen and is prepared to have an exceptional season."

Red Sox officials declined to say whether Ramirez still wanted to be traded. "That's between Manny and the club," general manager Theo Epstein told MLB.com when asked whether Ramirez has withdrawn his trade request.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona, who spoke to Ramirez on Monday, said he believed Ramirez would be in a Boston uniform this season despite his late arrival.

The decision over spring training raises questions about Ramirez's playing for the Dominican Republic in next month's inaugural World Baseball Classic

Ramirez will be in the Red Sox's camp for only two days before leaving to train with the Dominican Republic team.

The Dominican Republic has until March 2 to name its lineup for the 16-team tournament that will feature major league players competing for their home nation.