[Manny Being Banny: Ramirez announces that he’s tested positive for PEDs.]
What’s been announced is MLB suspending the LA Dodgers’ Manny Ramirez for 50 games and Ramirez portraying himself as yet another player blaming someone else, this time his personal physician, for accidentally prescribing him PEDs. The LA Times called it early this morning, but Ramirez’ statement came out later. The Dodgers ride a 13-0 win streak at home and currently post the best record in baseball. How that shapes up over 50 games without Manny’s .348 bat in the line-up, remains to be seen. The Dodgers have called up Xavier Paul to take Manny’s roster spot. Ramirez says the following:
Recently I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was OK to give me. Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy that mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now. I do want to say one other thing; I’ve taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past five seasons.
I want to apologize to Mr. McCourt, Mrs. McCourt, Mr. Torre, my teammates, the Dodger organization, and to the Dodger fans. LA is a special place to me and I know everybody is disappointed. So am I. I’m sorry about this whole situation.
LA, the Xavier Paul era at Chavez Ravine is NOW!
I might grab Juan Pierre for one of my leagues. Never thought I’d say that.
Let the SF answer chants begin. I’ve mentioned here before the schizo Chavez Ravine locals who chanted “Bal-co!” at Barry Bonds as their flashbulbs went off for photos of the man they hated, so I hope I’m in SF for Manny’s return to McCovey Cove. If no one from the LA TIMES bothers to visit the Mannywood sections of Dodger Stadium tonight, that paper should stop publishing tomorrow.
Speaking of the LAT, Bill Plaschke on “Around the Horn” spouted moral outrage, demanding Ramirez never wear an mlb uniform again. When Jay Mariotti said the doctor who prescribed Manny the dope should be tracked down, Plaschke gave this hilarious snort like Mariotti had suggested someone find out who killed JFK. I mean, the basic concept of reporting and working for a story was just instantly repugnant to Plaschke. Hi-fuckin-larious – the only thing second to Manny outrage for Plaschke is getting off his enormous ass to do his job.
Me, I actually think 50 suspended games, $7 + million in salary and plus lost endorsements, and upending the Dodgers 2009 Inevitable Factor, is punishment enough.
Bill Plaschke was spouting on LIVE Sports Center completely off-the-cut with no facts such as what Manny was taking despite multiple reports that it was not steroids but performance-enhancers nonetheless. He scoffed at reports from his own colleagues (Tom Verducci, Peter Gammons, and Jon Heyman are hardly what I would call hacks) just yelled out, “STEROID, STEROID, STEROID” and got on his soapbox talking and patronizing Manny so maniacally and sadistically. It was very Jack Nicholson in The Shining. Then he was asked about the Lakers series and resumed to his normal, hokey routine. End of the interview Flores and McKendry were speechless. It better be up on Youtube.
Same thing on “Around the Horn!” The host MUTED Plaschke and he got no points for the day (?) as even Jay Mariotti shook his head at Plaschke’s temper tantrum. Between the Chicago media’s war on Milton Bradley and now Plaschke, Mariotti is looking like Grantland fucking Rice.
Mariotti is looking like Grantland fucking Rice.
LOL to the tenth power.