Manny Ramirez News: Pro Sports Daily

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July 4

Boston Globe

columnist Dan Shaughnessy

"Manny is back. Surrounded by the love of his teammates and thousands of Dodgers fans - some wearing "Free Manny'' T-shirts - Manny Ramírez returned to the Los Angeles lineup at Petco Park (appropriate, no?) last night. He went 0 for 3 with a walk in the Dodgers' 6-3 victory and was replaced in left field after popping up in the top of the sixth. When asked afterward about the fan reaction, he said, "It was great man. It was the best.'' It was Manny's first game since he was slapped with a 50-game suspension for failing a drug test in spring training. And it was, of course, a circus. It's always a night at the Big Top with Manny. In addition to being one of the greatest righthanded sluggers ..."

For Manny Ramirez, cheers outdo jeers; Dodgers win, 6-3

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July 4

Los Angeles Times

"Manny Ramirez made sure his presence was noticed before he even stepped on the field at Petco Park on Friday, stopping in the Dodgers dugout to preen for photographers. "It's showtime!" he said, repeating what has apparently become his new catch phrase. And the curtain opened on Ramirez's first act at 7:10, when he stepped into the batter's box for the first time since his May 7 suspension for violating baseball's drug policy. Most in the sellout crowd came to their feet, some booing, some cheering. Ramirez, who walked and grounded twice in his first three at-bats against Padres starter Chad Gaudin, faced reliever Luis Perdomo in his fourth and final trip to the plate in the sixth inning ..."

Ramirez set to re-enter Mannywood at Dodger Stadium

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July 2

USA Today

"The eyes of baseball will be on the Dodgers this weekend as Manny Ramirez makes his return to the lineup after serving his 50-game suspension for violating the MLB's drug policy.He's expected to be in left field Friday night when the Dodgers open a three-game series at San Diego. Joe Torre's club hardly skipped a beat without Ramirez. The Dodgers went 29-21 with Juan Pierre holding the fort in left field (he hit .318 and stole 21 bases). When Ramirez began his serving his suspension the Dodgers were 21-8 with a 6 1/2-game lead in the NL East. Entering Friday's action they have a 7-game advantage on the second-place Giants. And the team's chemistry seems to be every bit as good as its ..."

Dodgers manager Torre will brief Manny

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July 2

L.A. Daily News

"It won't be a heart-to-heart, but rather a simple face-to-face when manager Joe Torre and Manny Ramirez have their expected chat before first pitch at San Diego on Friday. Torre said Wednesday he has no big-picture themes to discuss with the slugger coming off a 50-game suspension, and certainly doesn't have amotivational speech lined up. Team members and coaches are gearing up for a crush of media and harsh reactions from fans around the country. After San Diego, the Dodgers head straight into the fire that is New York, before closing out the road trip, and the first half, in Milwaukee. Torre does plan on discussing the situation with Ramirez, though, however briefly. "I don't know about ..."

Players, fans don't care about steroids so ... welcome back, Manny!

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July 2

San Francisco Chronicle

columnist Scott Ostler

"Thanks to Manny Ramirez, I have seen the light. When Ramirez becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame, he gets my vote. Same with all the other 'roid boys. No longer will I try to hijack the game of baseball from its rightful owners - the fans and players. Ramirez has provided the final proof that nobody cares if a player has more needles stuck in his butt than a porcupine. If the fans don't care, and the players don't care, who am I to care? What am I? A knucklehead? Ramirez returns to the Dodgers on Friday in San Diego, and it could get brutal out there at Petco. Who knows what might happen when those Padres' fans get all hopped up on microbrew and fish tacos? "You may have a few ..."

Manny's being Manny, yet that seems to suit Dodgers fans just fine

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June 30

L.A. Daily News

columnist Jill Painter

"Manny Ramirez is big-leaguing the minor leagues. The suspended Dodgers star might not need a fancy chair or his own chef, but he's sure not giving much of his time to fans or his new teammates. If you were Man-Ram, wouldn't you be working overtime to overhaul your image? Wouldn't you be signing autographs until your fingers cramped? John Wooden, 98, only recently slowed in the autograph signing department, but I've seen him sign for two hours until every last person waiting received his trademark signature and a warm hello. What's wrong with Ramirez? Sure, he's signed a few autographs here and there, cameras capturing each stroke of the pen. But if you were Manny, wouldn't you spend ..."

Dodgers manager Torre: Real test for Manny starts Friday

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June 30

L.A. Daily News

"Manny Ramirez can test himself in all the minor-league games he wants, but according to Dodgers manager Joe Torre, the real stretching and straining of muscles won't begin until Friday. That would be the day Ramirez finally puts on his Dodgers uniform for the first time in 50 games and takes swings with complete inspiration behind them while tracking down flyballs with all the gusto he can manage. "You can do all the stuff in the gym and the weight room that you want to do, but still you're going to have to go out there (Friday) and use muscles you're not used to using," Torre said. "He's going to get in the best shape just playing games starting Friday." That's not to say that Ramirez ..."

Manny Ramirez's minor league tour coming to end

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June 29

Los Angeles Times

"Manny Ramirez's weeklong tour of the minors probably will end tonight in San Bernardino. Ramirez is tentatively scheduled to play for the Class-A Inland Empire 66ers again on Tuesday for their series finale against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, but sources in his camp are saying he probably will skip the game because of its 11 a.m. start time. Ramirez had a quiet night Sunday, as he was 0 for 2 with two strikeouts and a walk. He also played six innings in left field. The night was a memorable one for Quakes starter Alexander Torres, a 21-year-old left-hander from Venezuela who pitched in the California/Carolina League All-Star game last week. Torres was saddled with the loss in the 66ers' ..."

Federal authorities are looking for link between Manny Ramirez and doctor

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June 26

New York Daily News

"The DEA has initiated an administrative review of a Miami-area physician who investigators suspect wrote a prescription for the banned drug used by Manny Ramirez, who is scheduled to complete his 50-game suspension next week. "At this point, we don't know what we've got," the source said. Authorities believe Bosch's son, Anthony Bosch, may have served as a liaison between the doctor and Ramirez. Baseball sources told The News that the son is friendly with Latin-American players and has ties to player agents. Bosch did not return a call to his Coral Gables family medicine office. A Major League Baseball spokesman said MLB officials are cooperating with the DEA. ESPN first reported on its ..."

Dark cloud of DEA investigation leads from Manny Ramirez to South Florida doctor

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June 26

Miami Herald

"A Coral Gables doctor and his son are under scrutiny by the Drug Enforcement Administration for their possible role in prescribing a banned drug to Manny Ramirez. Ramirez is scheduled to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on July 3 after serving a 50-game suspension. DEA agents are looking at whether Dr. Pedro Publio Bosch, 71, wrote Ramirez a prescription for human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, which is on Major League Baseball's list of banned performance-enhancing substances. Agents are also looking at whether the doctor's son, Anthony Bosch, 45, was the intermediary between his father and Ramirez. A federal law enforcement official confirmed that the DEA in Washington is ..."

It's a pretty shaky suspension bridge for Manny Ramirez

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June 24

Los Angeles Times

columnist Bill Plaschke

"While the Dodgers were playing the 42nd game of Manny Ramirez's 50-game suspension Tuesday, Manny Ramirez was doing something very strange. He was playing for the Dodgers. Well, not exactly, but close enough, as he was playing on a Dodgers-sponsored team, with Dodgers-funded teammates and coaches, in a stadium where a portion of the ticket revenue is sent to Major League Baseball. Manny Ramirez playing for the triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes is as weird as the word "isotope." Why is Ramirez allowed to play there? Why is Ramirez allowed to play anywhere? Since when are players allowed to turn a rehab assignment into a detox assignment? And why can't baseball punish a guy without also ..."

Manny Ramirez to start comeback assignment in Triple-A

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June 21

L.A. Daily News

"Manny Ramirez will begin his comeback from a 50-game suspension on Tuesday with the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque, Dodgers manager Joe Torre announced Saturday. How many games Ramirez will play with Albuquerque or if he will have a stint with Single-A Inland Empire before rejoining the Dodgers on July 3 has not been determined. Albuquerque hosts a four-game series beginning Tuesday while Inland Empire returns from its all-star break with a three-game series starting Thursday at Lake Elsinore. "The only thing I can report to you that I know for sure is that he has agreed to be there (in Albuquerque) on Tuesday," Torre said. Ramirez was struck on the hand by a pitch while taking ..."

Manny's rehab beyond Dodgers' forecast

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June 20

MLB.com

"The Dodgers are hopeful Manny Ramirez begins his rehab assignment Tuesday in Albuquerque, but they aren't confident enough that he will to announce it, and they lack the authority to demand it. Manager Joe Torre on Friday wouldn't provide any details about Ramirez's upcoming schedule after issuing preliminary updates the previous two days that were overwhelmed by shifting media speculation. "There's really nothing we know for sure until something happens," said Torre. "It will have to come from somebody higher than me." Club officials, however, said nothing has been finalized. Torre has determined, however, that Ramirez needs to see Minor League game action before returning on July 3 from ..."

Dodgers' Ramirez may start rehab in Triple-A

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June 20

L.A. Daily News

"The Manny Ramirez circus returns to cities near you next week. Ramirez is set to make his rehabilitation start as early as Tuesday, and one report has him scheduled to play at Triple-A Albuquerque until Single-A Inland Empire is done with its All-Star break. A club official would not confirm the report but a tentative schedule for Ramirez has been made. Ramirez has played his entire career under a microscope, but it promises to be nothing compared to his return from a 50-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs. Dodgers manager Joe Torre doesn't think he needs to give Ramirez any advice. "The fact he played for Boston for eight years, he understands it," Torre said. "Whether ..."

Manny Ramirez now set to begin minor league assignment Tuesday

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June 19

Los Angeles Times

"Mannywood is headed to New Mexico. Manny Ramirez is tentatively scheduled to return to the playing field Tuesday with the Dodgers' triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque, according to sources with knowledge of the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter. Ramirez, who will be eligible to play again for the Dodgers on July 3, can play in as many as 10 minor league games at the end of his 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy. According to preliminary plans Ramirez and the Dodgers made Thursday morning, he will be in Albuquerque for a four-game series against Nashville. Ramirez will be off June 27 and report to ..."

Ramirez could start return with Single-A Inland Empire

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June 18

L.A. Daily News

"Calling it only a preliminary plan, manager Joe Torre said Wednesday that he thinks Manny Ramirez will play next week for the Inland Empire 66ers. Starting Tuesday, Ramirez is eligible to start playing what are essentially rehab games as he gets himself in game shape for his return from a 50-game suspension. Barring any Dodgers rainouts, Ramirez can return to action July 3 when the Dodgers play at San Diego. The suspension stemmed from a Major League Baseball investigation that reportedly found a prescription of a banned substance in Ramirez's name. The California League is on its All-Star break from Monday to Wednesday, but Torre said that isn't likely to alter the plan. Inland Empire ..."

Ramirez is likely to begin minor league stint next Thursday

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June 18

Los Angeles Times

"Manny Ramirez is scheduled to return to the field next week for the first time since his May 7 suspension for violating baseball's drug policy. And Manager Joe Torre said Wednesday that Ramirez's first game would likely be with Inland Empire, the Dodgers' affiliate in the Class-A California League. "That's what we're thinking about. Just for the convenience of the whole thing," Torre said. Playing for Inland Empire would allow Ramirez to commute to games from his home in Pasadena. Ramirez is eligible to begin playing minor league games on Tuesday, but the California League is taking three days off next week for its All-Star game. That means Ramirez would likely return during Inland ..."

Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez speaks but says little about suspension

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June 10

Los Angeles Times

"Manny Ramirez, breaking his public silence since being suspended May 7 for violating baseball's drug policy, said Tuesday that the incident was "in the past" and that he wanted to "move on." The Dodgers' slugger said he had no plans to publicly explain exactly how he violated Major League Baseball's policy against using banned substances. Ramirez also conceded he let down his fans, but said he would "make it up" by leading "this team to another level" after his suspension ends July 3. "Whatever happened, that's in the past and I'm coming to play my game," Ramirez said a few hours before the Dodgers hit four home runs to beat the San Diego Padres, 6-4, at Dodger Stadium. "I don't want to be ..."

Jamie McCourt: Dodgers fans will be happy when Manny Ramirez returns

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June 7

Los Angeles Times

"Dodgers fans will support Manny Ramirez when he returns in early July from his 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy, Chief Executive Jamie McCourt said Saturday. "I think I speak for a lot of people when I say all of us are disappointed," said McCourt, who owns the team with husband Frank McCourt. Still, "I think people will welcome him back, will be happy when he's back," she said after unveiling a new ZIP Code (90090) designated for the Dodgers, a move she spearheaded. "Let's face it, he's a great athlete," McCourt said of Ramirez. "Everyone will be happy to have him back as part of the team." McCourt said she had not spoken to Ramirez since his suspension May 7, ..."

Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel supports Manny Ramirez

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June 5

Los Angeles Times

"Like Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, Philadelphia Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel said he wouldn't have a problem with Manny Ramirez playing in the All-Star game if fans vote him into the National League's starting lineup. Manuel will manage the NL All-Stars in the game, which will be played on July 14 in St. Louis. "Major League Baseball has rules," Manuel said. "Once you're eligible and you can play, why shouldn't he play? . . . If he's voted in, I don't see where it becomes an issue. For me, I don't see where it becomes an issue at all." Ramirez ranks fifth among NL outfielders with 635,530 votes and is 135,000 votes behind Alfonso Soriano, who is third and in line for the final starting ..."

Manny Ramirez looks good in practice

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June 3

Los Angeles Times

"Manny Ramirez has looked impressive in his morning workouts at Dodger Stadium, according to two people who have been allowed past security guards to watch. "He looks incredible. The best I've ever seen him," said one. Neither witness wanted to be identified by name because the Dodgers have insisted on keeping details of Ramirez's workouts private. Ramirez, who has been practicing in shorts, a T-shirt and red bandanna, was suspended last month for violating baseball's drug policy. He is not eligible to return to the Dodgers until July 3 at the earliest, though he can work out with the team provided he leaves the stadium when the public gates open. Ramirez has been working out alone and has ..."

Torre: Blame me -- not Manny -- if Dodgers aren't in first by July 3

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June 2

L.A. Daily News

"If the Dodgers aren't sitting atop the National League West a month from now, it won't be the fault of the pitching, the offense or even the defense. No matter what happens between now and then, if the team isn't in first place, go ahead and blame manager JoeTorre. He won't mind. Really. With an 8 1/2-game lead in the division heading into play Monday, as well as the best record in baseball, the Dodgers are in good shape at the start of June. And when July arrives, the roster will get a boost with the return of Manny Ramirez. Torre went ahead Monday and said if Ramirez doesn't return to a first-place club, then the manager should be blamed. "I don't know how many we'll be ahead, but you're ..."

In a state of suspended disbelief over Manny

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May 31

Los Angeles Times

columnist Bill Plaschke

"The actions have been goofy. The approach has been casual. The accountability has been zilch. I'm not talking about Manny Ramirez. I'm talking about the Dodgers. In the wake of the May 7 juice bust, I didn't expect much from Ramirez, but the fans and the community should expect much more from the Dodgers, who are acting more like enablers than enforcers. Since being suspended for 50 games for being a drug cheat, Ramirez has been allowed to maintain his lavish lifestyle as a truth cheat. He has not yet explained himself to the fans, nor is he being pressed to set a date for such an explanation. He has been told by owner Frank McCourt that when he does address the fans, he doesn't need to ..."

Torre on Manny as All-Star: 'It probably isn't the right thing' Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times Dodgers Manager Joe Torre says he doesn't think Manny Ramirez should play in the All-Star game because he hasn't earned the honor through his on-field play.

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May 30

Los Angeles Times

"Dodgers owner Frank McCourt might want Manny Ramirez to play in the All-Star game, but Manager Joe Torre made it clear on Friday that he doesn't. "No," Torre said when asked if he would like to see Ramirez in St. Louis on July 14. "I think if you asked Manny, he'd give you the same answer." Ramirez, who is serving a 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy, was fourth among National League outfielders when the league released the balloting results so far. Voting ends July 2, and the top three will start. "I understand a lot of it is a popularity contest," Torre said. "To me, I think, the significance of the All-Star game is to reward players who had a good first half. We ..."

Torre on Manny Ramirez as an All-Star: 'It probably isn't the right thing'

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May 29

Los Angeles Times

"Reporting from Chicago -- Dodgers owner Frank McCourt might want to see Manny Ramirez in the All-Star Game, but Manager Joe Torre doesn't. Ramirez, who is serving a 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy, was fourth among National League outfielders in the first release of balloting totals. The top three will start in the game, which will be played in St. Louis on July 14. "I understand a lot of it is a popularity contest," Torre said today. "To me, I think, the significance of the All-Star Game is to reward players who had a good first half. We don't always do that because it's a popularity vote, for the most part. "I think Manny's popularity is why he's gotten the votes. ..."

Lots of reasons to vote for Manny

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May 29

San Francisco Chronicle

columnist Scott Ostler

"I just cast my All-Star Game vote for Manny Ramirez, even though he's on maternity leave. Voting for Manny might seem a little nutty, but it's just me being me. Ramirez is fourth in the voting among National League outfielders. My vote could put him in the starting lineup. I'm not trying to be a wise guy. I resisted the temptation to vote 25 times, as allowed - and encouraged - in on-line voting. Casting 25 votes would make me feel artificially powerful. A voter on steroids. There are new Web sites urging fans to vote for Ramirez. The motive seems to be a playful punking of the system. If Ramirez is voted a starter, imagine the uncomfy squirming behind the desk of Bud Selig! Tweaking Bud ..."

Manny works out at Dodger Stadium

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May 26

MLB.com

"Outfielder Manny Ramirez worked out at Dodger Stadium on Monday morning for the first time since he was suspended for violating the MLB drug policy on May 7. With his teammates in Denver to face the Rockies in a Memorial Day game, Ramirez returned to California from his Florida home and apparently will continue working out at Chavez Ravine while the club is out of town through the week, playing in Colorado, then in Chicago against the Cubs. There also has been talk of Ramirez working out at the club's Camelback Ranch complex in Arizona. Ramirez, who received a 50-game suspension, will be eligible to be activated July 3 if the Dodgers have no rainouts. On May 15, Ramirez met briefly with ..."

Manny Ramirez may choose to remain silent

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May 21

Los Angeles Times

"Midway through the Dodgers' six-game homestand, Manny Ramirez was still at his Florida home, according to sources familiar with the situation who weren't authorized to speak on the matter. When Ramirez will leave Miami to start working out at the Dodgers' spring training complex in Arizona remains uncertain. He isn't expected back at Dodger Stadium until next month. But Ramirez's strategy for how he'll address the media appears to be taking shape, as sources in his camp are indicating that he'll apologize for violating baseball's drug policy but won't detail the events that led to him being suspended for 50 games. One source said that Ramirez might cite legal reasons for remaining silent ..."

Dodgers' Ramirez avoiding stadium

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May 19

L.A. Daily News

"Not ready to make this a regular thing, Manny Ramirez was not at Dodger Stadium on Monday for the team's opener of a six-game homestand. Ramirez met with his teammates Friday at the Dodgers' south Florida hotel and apologized for his 50-game suspension that will keep him out of action until early July. Ramirez was suspended for using a banned substance. Despite the suspension, Ramirez is allowed to work out on the field with the team, but he has to leave each day before the ballpark gates open to fans. Since his suspension started May 7, Ramirez has not taken advantage of the opportunity. "He'll eventually come out," manager Joe Torre said before Monday's game against the New York Mets. ..."

Time to polish off Manny's spot in the Hall of Shame

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May 18

San Francisco Examiner

columnist Bob Frantz

"As the world was first learning that Manny Ramirez was either planning a sex-change operation or trying to cover up another cycle of steroid use, the legendary Glenn Dickey wondered in these pages whether or not Manny would receive the same harsh treatment from the media that Barry Bonds has endured for the past several years. While I can't speak for any other Bonds critics, I can assure you that in this corner, the female fertility drug-ingesting Ramirez will soon have his own bust (probably a full C-cup by now) included in the Baseball Hall of Shame, which stands not in Cooperstown, N.Y., but in a condemned warehouse somewhere in a crime-ridden neighborhood in downtown Detroit. Yes, ..."

WALL: Another tainted sample of blog-rolling

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May 17

L.A. Daily News

"The best, less best and sometimes best-left-unread efforts of recent sports blogosphere offerings. You judge if the content actually improves your life, or merely adds to the clutter of mindless entertainment. Not that there's anything wrong with that. The Schill hasn't gone From Curt Schilling, on the former MLB pitcher's blog 38pitches.com, addressing former Boston Red Sox teammate Manny Ramirez and the game's continued tainted image from steroid use. Please spare me the "That taints your two World Series with the Sox!!!" e-mails. ... Because if you honestly think that in the last 10 years one team for even one season had NO PLAYERS using Steroids or HGH, you're kidding yourself. As ..."

Dodgers fans want explanation from Manny

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May 17

Los Angeles Times

"Manny Ramirez bounced toward the podium. Love was all around. Smiles to the left, smiles to the right, a microphone and television cameras in front of him. As an adoring fan base awaited his first words, Ramirez settled on two: "I'm back!" That was then, this is now. That news conference was the joyous homecoming two months ago, at Camelback Ranch. There will be no joy in this news conference, the one in which Ramirez explains himself to a fan base wounded after he was unmasked as a drug cheat. We're not sure when Ramirez will speak, though friends are pressing him to do so this week, at Dodger Stadium. We're not sure what he'll say. How do you satisfy everybody? Anybody? After the ..."

Manny Ramirez tells Dodgers he's sorry -- no spectacle

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May 16

Los Angeles Times

"It was short, uncomfortable and, in the view of some teammates, totally unnecessary. But even after Manny Ramirez apologized to Dodgers players and coaches at the team's beachfront hotel Friday, the controversy surrounding the suspended slugger isn't over. "I think it's going to play out for a while," Manager Joe Torre said. "My advice to him was, it is what it is. Don't hide from it. Just basically deal with it and move on." Ramirez's meeting with the Dodgers was his first since May 7, when he was suspended 50 games for violating baseball's drug policy. It took place an hour before the first team bus left the hotel for Land Shark Stadium, where the Dodgers rallied for a 6-4 win over the ..."

Manny Ramirez meets with Dodgers

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May 15

Los Angeles Times

"Outfielder Manny Ramirez met with his Dodgers teammates today for the first time since his suspension eight days ago. Ramirez, who has a home in south Florida, met with the team at the Dodgers' hotel in early afternoon before the team left for its opening game of a three-game series against the Florida Marlins. What Ramirez said and how he said it were not disclosed, but the meeting lasted just a few minutes. Players were seen milling about the hotel lobby at about 1 p.m. (EDT), then went upstairs as a group, with most returning a short while later."

HCG not found in Manny Ramirez drug test

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May 15

Los Angeles Times

"No trace of the medicine HCG was found in Manny Ramirez's system at the time of his drug test, three sources with specific knowledge of the results have told The Times. It was a prescription for that drug, which is a non-steroid but banned by Major League Baseball, that led to the outfielder's 50-game suspension for violating the league's drug policy. One of the sources with knowledge of the test results confirmed that the outfielder's sample was flagged for having an unusually elevated synthetic testosterone level, more than four times that of the average male. Sources also said that MLB's decision to move to suspend Ramirez would have happened only if the report showed a banned ..."

Manny Ramirez planning to return to Florida in next few days

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May 13

Los Angeles Times

"Dodgers teammates Rafael Furcal and Guillermo Mota have spoken to Manny Ramirez in the last couple of days, they said Tuesday, and both described the slugger as distraught over his 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy. "He's recuperating," Mota said. Ramirez has not met with the team or the coaching staff since his suspension last Thursday, although he did meet with owner Frank McCourt over the weekend and has spoken to Manager Joe Torre and General Manager Ned Colletti by phone. Ramirez is planning to return to Florida in the next couple of days, making it likely that he will meet with the team during the Dodgers' three-game series with the Marlins that starts Friday, ..."

Bud Selig remains quiet about Manny Ramirez

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May 13

Los Angeles Times

"Bud Selig has gone into hiding. These should be days of triumph for the beleaguered commissioner. He ought to wave a Mannywood T-shirt before the nags in Congress: Look, boys, we caught a big fish! Instead, these are days of silence. In the six days since Manny Ramirez was suspended for violating baseball's drug policy, we have heard not a word from Selig. There is no joy, not to the players and teams with which Ramirez performed, their accomplishments suddenly subject to suspicion. There is no glory for Selig, only the depressing realization that the past might haunt him and the future might taunt him. Selig pounced on Alex Rodriguez this spring, responding to the revelation that ..."

Sources: Records had key evidence

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May 12

ESPN.com

"The story of how Manny Ramirez was nabbed by baseball's drug-testing policy is rooted as much in the language of the collective bargaining agreement as it is in the fact that the Los Angeles Dodgers' slugger had synthetic testosterone in his body when he was tested this past spring. Ultimately, Ramirez was brought down by his own private medical records -- records that the Major League Baseball Players' Association turned over on his behalf, as required under the sport's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The Ramirez saga, as described by three sources with direct knowledge of the case, began to play out in spring training when the 36-year-old outfielder provided a urine sample ..."

Manny Ramirez's prescription for suspension

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May 12

Los Angeles Times

"Manny Ramirez abruptly dropped an appeal of his drug suspension within hours of a scheduled hearing last week, cornered not by test results but by a prescription for a banned substance that appeared in his medical records, sources told The Times. The substance -- human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) -- is classified as a performance-enhancing substance in baseball's drug policy. Although a test result revealed elevated levels of testosterone and triggered an investigation, Ramirez ultimately accepted his suspension on the basis of a little-known clause in baseball's drug policy enabling the commissioner to levy suspensions "for just cause," the sources said. Within the first two weeks of ..."

Manny apologizes to Dodgers owner

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May 11

MLB.com

"Dodgers owner Frank McCourt told reporters Sunday that he met with Manny Ramirez in person in the days after his suspension and that Ramirez apologized for his 50-game suspension for the use of performance-enhancing drugs. McCourt said the meeting with Ramirez was just the first of many steps Ramirez has to take in order to regain the trust of the Dodgers organization and its fans."I felt strongly that I need to hear from him and I was pleased when [I] did," McCourt said. "I felt strongly he needed to meet with [general manager] Ned [Colletti] and he did. I feel very strongly that he needs to talk to his teammates in person and I feel strongly he has to speak to the fans and to the ..."

There is no dodging the truth this time

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May 11

Boston Globe

columnist Dan Shaughnessy

"Wonder if doofus Dodgers owner Frank McCourt has checked "The Ramírez Provision" in Manny's $45 million contract. It's never polite to gloat. But with the Bruins staring down the barrel of elimination and the Celtics falling behind in Hooterville Heights, we take what we can get, and Red Sox Nation is beaming over the news of Manny getting slapped for 50 games for using a banned substance. The German word is schadenfreude and it represents the pleasure one derives from the misfortune of others. It fits nicely in the wake of all the nonsense aimed our way when Manny was rewarded for quitting on the Red Sox late last summer. You remember. The savant slugger went to Los Angeles, where he was ..."

Steroid cheaters are pregnant with excuses

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May 11

Washington Times

columnist Tom Knott

"Maybe Manny Ramirez just wanted to get pregnant. Maybe that is why he was taking a female fertility drug. Or maybe Ramirez consumed "two beers and at least four shots of whiskey" the night before he took the test that came back positive. That was the defense of Floyd Landis, the disgraced cyclist who was stripped of his Tour de France crown. Our celebrated sports performers have a million the-dog-ate-my-homework excuses. They blame a teammate, a relative or a trainer. They blame everyone but themselves. Sprinter Justin Gatlin said a vengeful-minded masseuse rubbed what he believed was a harmless cream onto his legs, only to find out the hard way that it was a steroid balm. Sprinter Ben ..."

Dodgers owner McCourt meets with suspended star Ramirez

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May 11

L.A. Daily News

"Dodgers owner Frank McCourt received an in-person apology from Manny Ramirez on Saturday and expects Ramirez to issue one to his teammates and fans next. "We had a lengthy conversation," McCourt said Sunday. "I thought it was important the conversation be eyeball to eyeball and not over the phone. It came as a result of a phone call to me by him. "I found him to be very sorrowful. He was really apologetic. He's very sorry. He knows he disappointed not only me but everybody in the front office, Joe (Torre), everybody down there, his teammates and his fans and the community. "He's hurt. He also knows he brought the hurt on himself." Ramirez failed a drug test, reportedly for using the ..."

A Swing Won't Bail Out Ramirez This Time

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May 10

New York Times

columnist Jack Curry

"The ubiquitous ear buds from Manny Ramirez's digital music player popped out, so there was a chance, however briefly, to interview him. The first question was lobbed at Ramirez, who was typically mum whenever he visited Yankee Stadium. But this time, Ramirez turned, embraced the topic and talked. He talked about his friendship with Alex Rodriguez, he seemed indifferent to the notion of hitting 500 career home runs, he imitated Derek Jeter's swing and he talked about the Hall of Fame. Ramirez, who has often behaved as if he cared about little, said he would be honored to be inducted into the Hall. This conversation occurred in a cramped corner of the old clubhouse 13 months ago, long before ..."

Suspension savings smaller than first thought

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May 10

MLB.com

"The Dodgers won't save $7.7 million this season with Manny Ramirez's 50-game suspension as originally reported but instead will save a total closer to $6.8 million over four years and just $2.37 million this year.Ramirez's $25 million salary for this season is spread over four years with $10 million coming this year and $5 million without interest over the next three seasons.That means that Dodgers will save $2.73 million this season, which is nearly $5 million less this year than originally reported. The Dodgers will save about $1.37 million the next three seasons, however.Ramirez loses on out $6.8 million instead of $7.7 million because players are paid over 183 days instead of 162 ..."

Dodgers hoping Manny talks to team

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May 10

MLB.com

"Two days after being suspended for 50 games for the use of performance-enhancing drugs, Manny Ramirez still hasn't reached out to his teammates yet but it's something Dodgers manager Joe Torre would like to see from Ramirez.Torre said the players would like to hear from Ramirez and that it doesn't have to come in the form of a formal team meeting."I don't think addressing the team is necessary but I think it's important that players get a chance to see him," Torre said. "I don't think we need anything formal. I think they just need to physically see him."Torre also hasn't talked to Ramirez since Thursday but he did speak to Ramirez's agent, Scott Boras, on Friday and said Boras also thinks ..."

A's have only a little sympathy for Manny

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May 8

Contra Costa Times

"The news of Manny Ramirez's 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy got a variety of reactions Thursday in the A's clubhouse. Reliever Russ Springer said players know the risk they run when it comes to getting caught with a banned substance. "I know right now our testing program is supposed to be strong enough that if you're taking anything tainted, you're going to get caught," Springer said. "I don't take vitamins, I don't take anything. "I know it's probably tough for position players to not take anything because you have to bounce back every day. ... I drink Red Bull and 5-Hour Energy. That's it. I choose not to chance it." When it came to addressing Ramirez directly, ..."