It was this lack of a smoking gun, so to speak, that fueled speculation that Ramirez would lodge an appeal. His last-minute decision not to has raised some questions, with some speculating that Ramirez feared further incrimination during the appeals process. By declining an appeal, the matter is settled as far as the MLB is concerned.
This revelation has produced an instant outcry from the sports media. Peter Gammons tells us Ramirez's side of the story (in a manner that makes him sound more like Ramirez's agent than a journalist), whereas Fox Sports contributor Ken Rosenthal has nothing but contempt for Manny, not only for using but for getting caught at a time when a player's bodily fluids are under incredible supervision.
Ramirez's suspension casts a harsh shadow over a Dodgers team whose 21-8 record is the best in baseball. Not only that, but the Dodgers recently set a new record by notching 13 straight wins at home to begin a season. They've won seven straight and sit a comfortable 6.5 games ahead of the second-place Giants. Ramirez was the engine behind the Los Angeles offense, hitting .348 with 6 homers, 20 RBI and an incredible .492 on-base percentage. The bulk of the playing time in left field will likely go to Juan Pierre, a prospect that should send a cold chill up the back of Dodger fans.
There are still many unanswered questions surrounding this story. We'll have to keep looking to learn more and get some confirmation of the early reports coming from ESPN and T.J. Quinn. Either way, though, it looks like "Mannywood" will be out of action for nearly two months.
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
The hCG is the clincher on this story. Manny wants to be a Mommy!
2 - Aaron Whitehead
Incredibly unscientific study: ESPN.com poll question: "With the news of his suspension, does Manny Ramirez get your vote for the Hall of Fame?"
Always Had My Vote (48%)
Doesn't Have My Vote Anymore (32%)
Never Had My Vote (20%)
Over 150,000 votes and counting. I find this amazing. There is a HUGE disconnect between the inescapably shrill voices in the sports media and the average joe sports fan. And this is the average joe fan who bothers to vote on ESPN.com polls, so he's more committed than most. And that 20% of fans who've changed their minds about him today will dwindle down toward 10% as time passes.
I don't really have a moral comment to make here, except to say that most sports media entities are either dramatically out of touch with the fan base, or they're pandering to the 10-15% who already agree with them (I favor the latter explanation). And this casual attitude among fans has been the same ever since this started.
3 - Paul Roy
Yeah, I take woman's fertility drugs all the time for my illnesses. The Red Sox got rid of this idiot just in time.