 After being released by the Rangers , Ramírez got a job at a Coca @-@ Cola bottling plant while learning how to pitch . In 2000 , he attended the Hiroshima Toyo Carp 's academy in the Dominican Republic , and he appeared in two games for the Carp in 2002 . He gave up one run in three innings while striking out three batters and walking two , and he was posted in 2003 . The winning bid was placed by the New York Yankees , who signed him on March 5 , 2003 , and assigned him to their minor league system . 
