"How time flies. Manny Ramirez rejoins the Los Angeles Dodgers Friday and it seems like only yesterday he was saying he was sorry for his 50-game drug suspension.Sort of.

Or was he sorry that he was caught? It's hard to remember which.

Anyway, he's back, just like the Terminator. He's returned, with only slightly less fanfare than General MacArthur to the Philippines. And about the fans, as the prodigal son prepares to man the post again in left field - have they forgiven and forgotten? Are you kidding?

The only reason Ramirez won't get a standing ovation in Dodger Stadium Friday night is because his team is playing in San Diego, to open a long road trip. The L.A.-Manny love fest will have to wait until July 16, after the All-Star Game. It'll have everything Valentine's Day has, except roses.

We could work up a lather about how a guy who allegedly flouted the rules in a rather knuckleheaded way should at least have to twist in the wind awhile.

We could argue that rehabilitation should come in stages. Respect and trust first, before adulation and hero worship.

We could plead that the matter of accountability not be lost in the quest to hold back the San Francisco Giants."