Manny suspended 50 games for PEDs
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DODGERS
Manny Ramirez will be suspended 50 games for positive drug test
Kirby Lee / US Presswire
Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez prepares to head back into the field during a game against the San Diego Padres on Friday.
The suspension makes Ramirez the biggest star penalized under baseball's testing program that started in 2003.
By Bill Shaikin and Dylan Hernandez Times Staff Writers
8:35 AM PDT, May 7, 2009
Manny Ramirez has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and will be suspended 50 games starting today, The Times has learned.
The test result and suspension is expected to be announced later today. The Dodgers informed triple-A outfielder Xavier Paul this morning that he was being promoted to Los Angeles.
Ramirez is expected to attribute the test results to medication received from a doctor for a personal medical issue, according to a source familiar with matter but not authorized to speak publicly.
With the suspension taking effect with tonight's game at Dodger Stadium, Ramirez will not be eligible to return to the team until July 3.
Ramirez would become the biggest star suspended under an oft-criticized major league testing program that started in 2003. He had been a model citizen since arriving in Los Angeles last August, following a stormy tenure with the Boston Red Sox.
This is the second drug scandal to rock baseball within four months. In a year in which baseball officials hoped their greatest concern would be the slumping economy, the two highest-paid players in the game have been revealed to have failed a drug test.
Alex Rodriguez, the game's highest-paid player, acknowledged during a February news conference that he used steroids from 2001 to 2003. The admission followed a Sports Illustrated report that he failed a drug test in 2003, when players were not subject to suspension.
Ramirez did not appear in the clubhouse after the Dodgers' 10-3 victory over the Washington Nationals Wednesday night. After the game, Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti and Manager Joe Torre said they were unaware of any failed test or pending suspension.
As unconfirmed reports circulated around Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night, Scott Boras, the agent for Ramirez, declined to comment.
Major League Baseball spokesman Pat Courtney said he could not comment, citing the limitations stipulated in baseball's drug policy.
Rob Manfred, baseball's top labor lawyer, and Michael Weiner, general counsel for the players' union, did not return multiple messages.
The loss of Ramirez would leave a gaping hole in the Dodgers' lineup. Juan Pierre, the likely replacement for Ramirez in left field, has batted ninth in two of his five starts this season.
Ramirez doubled and drove in two runs on Wednesday, as the Dodgers set a major league record with their 13th consecutive home victory at the start of the season. The Dodgers have the best record in the major leagues, at 21-8, and the biggest division lead in the majors, at 6 1/2 games in the National League West.
Ramirez leads the Dodgers in batting average (.348), on-base percentage (.492) and slugging percentage (.641), and he is tied for the team lead in home runs with six.
He signed a two-year, $45-million contract with the Dodgers in March, with the first year guaranteed at $25 million and the second year at his option at $20 million.
In an appearance at USC last month, Jose Canseco said Ramirez's name "is most likely, 90%" on a list of 104 players that failed a drug test in 2003. The players were promised anonymity for taking tests in 2003; Rodriguez is the only player that has been identified among that group.
Ramirez laughed when Times columnist Kurt Streeter relayed Canseco's allegation to him.
"I got no comment, nothing to say about that," Ramirez told Streeter. "What can I say? I don't even know the guy."
bill.shaikin@latimes.com
DODGERS
Manny Ramirez will be suspended 50 games for positive drug test
Kirby Lee / US Presswire
Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez prepares to head back into the field during a game against the San Diego Padres on Friday.
The suspension makes Ramirez the biggest star penalized under baseball's testing program that started in 2003.
By Bill Shaikin and Dylan Hernandez Times Staff Writers
8:35 AM PDT, May 7, 2009
Manny Ramirez has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and will be suspended 50 games starting today, The Times has learned.
The test result and suspension is expected to be announced later today. The Dodgers informed triple-A outfielder Xavier Paul this morning that he was being promoted to Los Angeles.
Ramirez is expected to attribute the test results to medication received from a doctor for a personal medical issue, according to a source familiar with matter but not authorized to speak publicly.
With the suspension taking effect with tonight's game at Dodger Stadium, Ramirez will not be eligible to return to the team until July 3.
Ramirez would become the biggest star suspended under an oft-criticized major league testing program that started in 2003. He had been a model citizen since arriving in Los Angeles last August, following a stormy tenure with the Boston Red Sox.
This is the second drug scandal to rock baseball within four months. In a year in which baseball officials hoped their greatest concern would be the slumping economy, the two highest-paid players in the game have been revealed to have failed a drug test.
Alex Rodriguez, the game's highest-paid player, acknowledged during a February news conference that he used steroids from 2001 to 2003. The admission followed a Sports Illustrated report that he failed a drug test in 2003, when players were not subject to suspension.
Ramirez did not appear in the clubhouse after the Dodgers' 10-3 victory over the Washington Nationals Wednesday night. After the game, Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti and Manager Joe Torre said they were unaware of any failed test or pending suspension.
As unconfirmed reports circulated around Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night, Scott Boras, the agent for Ramirez, declined to comment.
Major League Baseball spokesman Pat Courtney said he could not comment, citing the limitations stipulated in baseball's drug policy.
Rob Manfred, baseball's top labor lawyer, and Michael Weiner, general counsel for the players' union, did not return multiple messages.
The loss of Ramirez would leave a gaping hole in the Dodgers' lineup. Juan Pierre, the likely replacement for Ramirez in left field, has batted ninth in two of his five starts this season.
Ramirez doubled and drove in two runs on Wednesday, as the Dodgers set a major league record with their 13th consecutive home victory at the start of the season. The Dodgers have the best record in the major leagues, at 21-8, and the biggest division lead in the majors, at 6 1/2 games in the National League West.
Ramirez leads the Dodgers in batting average (.348), on-base percentage (.492) and slugging percentage (.641), and he is tied for the team lead in home runs with six.
He signed a two-year, $45-million contract with the Dodgers in March, with the first year guaranteed at $25 million and the second year at his option at $20 million.
In an appearance at USC last month, Jose Canseco said Ramirez's name "is most likely, 90%" on a list of 104 players that failed a drug test in 2003. The players were promised anonymity for taking tests in 2003; Rodriguez is the only player that has been identified among that group.
Ramirez laughed when Times columnist Kurt Streeter relayed Canseco's allegation to him.
"I got no comment, nothing to say about that," Ramirez told Streeter. "What can I say? I don't even know the guy."
bill.shaikin@latimes.com
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
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Comments
Say it ain't so Manny.
"If I ever decided to do a book, I've already got the title-The Bases Were Loaded and So Was I"-Jim Fregosi
<< <i>That's not a surprise. It's about time they get someone other than AROD to pick on for a while. So many more are still out there. >>
Very true, sad, i like manny
You know how you ax all this roids garbage real quick? Selig gets all the manangers together and tells them that if your players get caught on roids, they are gone forever,clear out your locker and go flip burgers
If you have been watching baseball latley, the seats are almost empty from the highlight reels ive watch on sportscenter, granted people dont have the $ to go like they once did.
Who was the yankee pitcher that got caught on cocaine 7 or 8 times and always came back to play, its been a while?I forget his name?
<< <i>
<< <i>That's not a surprise. It's about time they get someone other than AROD to pick on for a while. So many more are still out there. >>
Vey true, sad, i like manny
You know how you ax all this roids garbage real quick? Selig gets all the manangers together and tells them that the if you get caught on roid, you are gone forever,clear out your locker and go flip burgers
If you have been watching baseball latley, the seats are almost empty from the highlight reels ive watch on sportscenter, granted people dont have the $
Who was the yankee pitcher that got caught on cocaine 7 or 8 times and always came back to play, its been a while?I forget his name? >>
Steve Howe?
<< <i>Oh what a surprise !!!
<< <i>
<< <i>That's not a surprise. It's about time they get someone other than AROD to pick on for a while. So many more are still out there. >>
Vey true, sad, i like manny
You know how you ax all this roids garbage real quick? Selig gets all the manangers together and tells them that the if you get caught on roid, you are gone forever,clear out your locker and go flip burgers
If you have been watching baseball latley, the seats are almost empty from the highlight reels ive watch on sportscenter, granted people dont have the $
Who was the yankee pitcher that got caught on cocaine 7 or 8 times and always came back to play, its been a while?I forget his name? >>
Steve Howe
Yup,thats him!!!!!!!! box of bon-bons on the way to everybody
As stated, if they don't just start removing these guys permanently, this could be the beginning of the end for baseball. In all sports, if you fail a test like this you should be banned forever. Make guys pay and try to clean it up. I don't care about the records as much as some do, but it does send the worng message to young athletes hoping to make it one day. Thousands will try them and many wont even make it, but the effects could be permanent and even fatal.
The thing I don't understand is why are the great players like Manny, Barry, ARod and others doing this? Can it be for any other reason than to break records? I see why the marginal guys might consider it. That little extra help may get them there, but these guys already are there. They are some of the best and making HUGE money. Arg.
I wonder what sign or getup Woody Paige will have for this one?
Good post. But you ask why they continue to use....thats easy, the reason is MONEY. Especially with Manny's age, after that 2 years is up then he'll want another big money contract. The only way he will get it is to put up big numbers. Why ARod? How suspicious would it be if his numbers bottomed out? He probably feels he has to keep using in order to keep those numbers up. Im sure each guy has his reasons. It's sad that we will probably never watch a clean game ever again. New drugs will continue to be developed and used.
Actually, the fact you would make this statement is more a sign of today's world that the statement itself.
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<< <i>Dirtmonkey
Good post. But you ask why they continue to use....thats easy, the reason is MONEY. Especially with Manny's age, after that 2 years is up then he'll want another big money contract. The only way he will get it is to put up big numbers. Why ARod? How suspicious would it be if his numbers bottomed out? He probably feels he has to keep using in order to keep those numbers up. Im sure each guy has his reasons. It's sad that we will probably never watch a clean game ever again. New drugs will continue to be developed and used. >>
Sure, money is always the bottom line. With the contracts of today, it sickens me to think these guys will get paid by somebody regardless of whether they cheat or not. It goes to the "win at all cost" mentality in professional sports, which is obviously propelled by the mighty dollar (well, not so mighty in this economy). Everybody hates Manny now, but most would likely cheer if their team picked him up and gave them a better chance of winning. I am not one of those guys, but understand those who are. If my favorite team has to sell what's left of its soul to win a championship, I'd prefer they just fold the franchise. I understand nearly every team has to have a bad apple or two, but I'd rather win with a piece of crap like Terrell Owens over the nice guy that's a 'roider. Now if TO also used roids (which is probable), then I rescind that statement.
I guess the point is, the fans are to blame for this. We continue to support these players or the teams that sign them. We buy the tickets, the jerseys & hats so we can follow our teams as they cheat their way to the top. So we're getting exactly what we pay for. *sigh*
<< <i>"It's a sign of today's world."
Actually, the fact you would make this statement is more a sign of today's world that the statement itself. >>
I dont disagree with you one bit, RB LOL
I guess my point is that we have PEDS in todays world so it's something we have to contend with. Every generation has its own.
<< <i>Are Red Sox fans
Actually, if I was a Red Sox fan, I would be wondering who else Manny had brought into his steroid usage while he was a Red Sox. And I hope no one here tries to say Manny wasnt a user during his Red Sox years LOL It raises a lot of concerns. The entire city of Boston will burn down if Curt Schilling was his dealer
of guys here who would back Bonds and now, I don't see anyone backing these juicers.
We all knew that Manny only cares about one person and that is Manny.
How bout that Dodger winning streak!
JS
manny's
baseball cards, autos, "game used", memorabilia, etc.
could take a big dump, after all this!
You think?
rd
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<< <i> There used to be dozons of guys here who would back Bonds and now, I don't see anyone backing these juicers. >>
Time and education are setting in.
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<< <i>Peter Gammons reports that the substance was NOT steroids. I guess we will find out from MLB excactly what is was later today. >>
I don't think even Manny would be stupid enough to use steroids nowadays. I do hope it is announced as to what the exact drug is.
On the bright side, the Dodgers save almost $8 million in payroll, Manny gets time off, and the team gets him back for the stretch run.
Exactly! This will work fine for the Dodger's. Manny will be on a mission when he comes back. Will probably bat .500!
<< <i>and the team gets him back for the stretch run.
Exactly! This will work fine for the Dodger's. Manny will be on a mission when he comes back. Will probably bat .500! >>
Maybe the Dodgers can pick up Bonds while they are at it, won't he hit for the league minimum?
JS
<< <i>
<< <i>and the team gets him back for the stretch run.
Exactly! This will work fine for the Dodger's. Manny will be on a mission when he comes back. Will probably bat .500! >>
Maybe the Dodgers can pick up Bonds while they are at it, won't he hit for the league minimum?
JS >>
he'd have to play the outfield, his bones are too brittle for that.
<< <i>Peter Gammons reports that the substance was NOT steroids. I guess we will find out from MLB excactly what is was later today. >>
Allegedly, it was a woman's fertility drug, which is on the banned list, and it kick starts your testosterone. They say that it used after a steroid cycle.
<< <i>
<< <i>Peter Gammons reports that the substance was NOT steroids. I guess we will find out from MLB excactly what is was later today. >>
Allegedly, it was a woman's fertility drug, which is on the banned list, and it kick starts your testosterone. They say that it used after a steroid cycle. >>
poor Manny, he just wanted to have more kids and WHAMMO -- he gets hit with this.
It is silly to single out guys to ridicule though. If testing was as advanced as the dealers, am sure we'd be singling out non-users instead of users as they would be the minority.
Bosox1976
I have said it before and I will say it again IMO 80% of MLB players have used them at one time or another- yes I think Griffey & Thomas used them as well.
<< <i>Wonder when the flowers from A-Rod will arrive at Manny doorstep for taking some of the heat off of him for a couple days............ >>
Only a couple of days is right, the minute he gets back in the lineup.....Bam!!! it starts again.
<< <i>I wonder how many of us would take PEDS for a measely 40 or 50 million, probably not very many of us.
Well, we'll have to ask Manny when he's 50 if it was worth it...oh, we may not be able to do that because at 50 he'll probably be dead.
would know what was banned.
<< <i>I'm a Dodgers fan so it's very disappointing. As a baseball fan its disheartening because I have faith in the guys I watch and I always give everyone the benefit of the doubt for all baseball players. Manny screwed up and takes full responsibility and that's what everyone should do. Also, everyone here for the most part is a baseball fan and you should not be happy hearing about another superstar getting into trouble...It's not good for the game. Additionally, there are still just over 100 names from several years ago that have not been outed yet....It could be anyone from Griffey Jr. to Albert P......Maybe a Mike Piazza...I hope there aren't any big names there and I hope that PED's are really declining in use. We'll see. >>
Im already annoyed at the excuses coming from Manny, I dont blame him one bit for taking them- Ive said it before that he ( and every other user ) wanted to put himself on a fair playing field with his piers HOWEVER spare me this BS that your Doctor prescribed you something and there just happened to be illegal substances in it LOL
I know Manny is as dumb as they come but please dont tell me that you just take whatever a Doctor gives you without asking what it is!
And Brian I hate to admit it but I believe Griff, Thomas, Piazza AND Pujols are all on the stuff or were at some time or another.
<< <i>
And Brian I hate to admit it but I believe Griff, Thomas, Piazza AND Pujols are all on the stuff or were at some time or another. >>
Paul, That's what bothers me...You are probably right...We'll never know who took PED's that aren't on the list and we might never know who's on the list. Even if Griff, Thomas, Pizza and Pujols are NOT on the list, they very likely did PED's at one time or another....Or maybe not? We could play devils advocate and say they were stupid if they didn't push the envelope during the pre-testing days. I think we need to change the way we act against the players who used PED's during the non-testing years and before the PED's are banned. Of course any players who test positive and don't man up, that's another story.
My Worst Nightmare - Bill Simmons
Told ya so...
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<< <i>Red Sox fans may not want to read this.
My Worst Nightmare - Bill Simmons >>
Simmons eloquently stating what most fans really feels - that if their players used steroids, they'd have some hesitation but ultimately if it brings them a championship, they'd be ok with it.
<< <i>
<< <i>Red Sox fans may not want to read this.
My Worst Nightmare - Bill Simmons >>
Simmons eloquently stating what most fans really feels - that if their players used steroids, they'd have some hesitation but ultimately if it brings them a championship, they'd be ok with it. >>
What?? He's not saying that at all.
<< <i>We look at the 2004 banner again. I always thought that, for the rest of my life, I would look at that banner and think only good thoughts. Now, there's a mental asterisk that won't go away. I wish I could take a pill to shake it from my brain. I see 2004 and 2007, and think of Manny and Papi first and foremost. The modern-day Ruth and Gehrig. One of the great one-two punches in sports history. Were they cheating the whole time? Was Pedro cheating, too? That 2004 banner makes me think of these things now. I wish it didn't, but it does. This makes me sad. This makes me profoundly sad. >>
He's saying that those championships are, in his eyes, now tarnished. Every time he now looks at those banners, rather than thinking of the celebrations, he's going to think they didn't win it the right way and it's NOT okay. His dad's comments were written with tounge firmly planted in cheek.
IMO, I'm glad Manny was exposed, especially today. Anyone that's dumb to take any suppliments without consulting the team's doctors deserves public lashings. Female fertility drugs?!?! Seriously?!?! If he wanted to develop man-boobs, that's one thing but obviously, that isn't the case.
A-Roid is in the same boat, especially after throwing his cousin under the bus.
Perhaps he shares the same doctor as the octomom