Posted on 05/07/2009 8:52:53 AM PDT by kellynla
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.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
I’m a Cowboys fan, so I understand the need to eradicate poisons from the clubhouse. Adios T.O.
I'm a Red Sox fan (and not a Dodgers-basher). One thing the Dodgers will always have: The National Treasure that is Vin Scully. I just love the guy. :o)
Maybe that will give him time to find a barber shop.
Next thing you know he’ll be angling for the feds to take over and “clean up” baseball.
Oh, it’s not dreaming. I’ve watched more than a few Ortiz at bats this year and his slump is not because he cannot catch up to a fast ball. It’s a mechanics and timing problem that he will fix before this season is over.
Yeah! And there’s a site I was browsing through, http://www.ballparkreviews.com that offers opinions of major and minor league stadia. Pitts. goes from having one of the worst parks to having one of the best, it says
http://www.ballparkreviews.com/pburgh/pnc.htm
I had gotten a very good seat behind home plate for $27 on a walk-up.
neither does America. but don't tell that to the 'legalize it' crowd around here.
Heck, they found an ally in Arnold
Jason was definitely the better player in that trade! LOL!!
and he is GREAT this year, quite consistent, maybe Big Poppe needs to hang out with him more, I got a feeling he may be gone next year...sad, but necessary
sorry, have a strong day!
He cannot get around on pitches any longer is the real truth. If you try to get past him you have to deal with Youk and Jason Bay.
The wrist injury he suffered last year hid a decline that started back in 2007. He had a monster year in 2006, a decline in power but a 1.045 OPS in 2007 then downward still in 2008. Is it reasonable to think that a guy degrades in two years to a point where he is done? I think so....
drug testing is more likely a reason for the decline.
Vin is like, Chick Hearn....Legends both.
I suspect you are right, regarding the big 2004 World Series win. Next time I run into an overseas Red Sox fan, I'll try to find out... wish I had asked these fans when I met them. I think I remember some of the Irish fans I met years ago had relatives living in Boston.
There's a big Red Sox community of fans in southern California. The biggest Red Sox hangout I'm aware of is Sonny McLean's in Santa Monica. It's a great Red Sox (and Patriots, Bruins and Celtics) bar, and the owner arranges bus trips to Angels Stadium ("The Big A") when the Red Sox are in town. He also does some group trips to Fenway.
Another great Red Sox hangout in Southern California: Fat Face Fenner's Fishshack in Hermosa Beach, CA.
My stepson lives in LA... he says Red Sox Nation is alive and thriving out there because of all the transplants from 'back east' to the LA area.
Most likely he hasnt gotten caught in the last five years because this substance wasnt being tested for. New drugs are tried all the time. Look at cycling.
Manny is a POS. Hes a spoiled punk that didnt appreciate what he had been given in life.
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