Manny's Futurama

IT'S A REAL SHAME that Manny is choosing to avoid discussing his past regarding his drug-related supsension as he really owes it to the fans. If he only cheated this past winter, then wouldn't it serve him better to tell? Or does his silence suggest that he cheated, say, for an entire decade? Part of the problem is the blind support of some of his fans who don't care one bit that he cheated. Because they don't care, he doesn't care. I guess I was foolish to hope that Manny might be that superstar who chooses to be forthcoming about his past mistakes, forsaking any Hall of Fame chances and becoming a spokesperson against PEDs? How liberating it would be. Manny has made more money than he could ever spend in his lifetime, but it's clear that it's just not enough for him because in his eyes fame belongs with fortune.

If You Need Anything Right Now, Just Ask Frank McCourt

THINGS ARE GOING SWELL IN DODGERVILLE, just ask owner Frank McCourt. His recent approval of the prospects of Manny being in this year's All-Star Game just confirms how fine things are in the Land of Blue. Who could have guessed that the Dodgers would have the best record in the majors after Manny's suspension? Nobody. But that's not all, we all know that McCourt has $7 million cash back coming to him for Manny's indiscretions via his pro-rated salary and also a fresh and well-rested slugger for the second half of the season. Who needs steroids when you get 50 days off? And how about not asking your best slugger to give account for his cheating? It's no wonder McCourt has his head in the clouds these days.

Juan Pierre Gets His Day

SINCE MANNY RAMIREZ'S SUSPENSION, Juan Pierre has shown us how good a player he can be when he's on top of his game—getting on base, slashing the ball, stealing bases and scoring runs. Some people think there is no place in baseball for a speedy outfielder who slashes and dashes, sports a low on-base percentage and has a subpar arm, which is all the more amazing how Pierre was able to play every single game for five straight seasons ('03-07). But long before Juan Pierre's arrival there was a guy by the name of Willie Wilson who played 19 seasons in the big leagues. Yes, how soon we forget. Good to see No. 9 running out there again.

MannyQuake

THERE'S SO MUCH SPECULATION OUT THERE about who might be juicing, but it's like an earthquake or a bombshell every time a big name is exposed. Today it's Manny Ramirez's turn.
Sooner or later every fan ought to ask of themselves why baseball is still worth watching after it's been dragged thru the mud perhaps more times than all of the other major sports combined. It's disappointing for sure. But if it means the sport will get cleaner as a result, then it'll be well worth sticking with it. How much more can baseball take?

Papelbon Doing the Manny Polka

A LOT OF REPORTERS CRITICIZED Jonathan Papelbon for calling out Manny this late for his final acts in Boston last year, but failed to note that his interview in Esquire's April issue happened last December shortly after the season ended when feelings are still somewhat fresh, not this Spring. And after reading his comments, I thought Papelbon really didn't say much that wasn't already noted about the situation. In other words, it wasn't really news at all, just another one of Pap's loud polkas.

Manny, Manny Dollars