Since breaking into the American League with the Cleveland Indians in 1993, Manny Ramirez has put up astounding numbers. He is a 9-time All-Star and most aptly described as a hitting machine.
Manny Ramirez Stats
In 27 games this season, Manny batted .348 with 6 homers and 20 RBIs. He has compiled 32 hits (9 for extra bases) and 26 walks as well as an on base percentage of .492. There is no question that these are All-Star numbers. But is Manny an All-Star or does his use of a performance-enhancing substance make him unworthy of the honor?
All-Star Game 2009
There is no real criteria to be eligible for the All-Star game other than being an active player on a team’s 25-man roster. Fans vote for the starting position players. Players, managers and coaches vote for the pitchers as well as a backup player for each position. Their voting is typically based on statistics, whereas fan voting seems to have more to do with popularity than numbers.
Since Manny was an active player on the 25-man roster of the Los Angeles Dodgers when the ballots were printed, his name was included. Though he was suspended for 50 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, Manny’s name continues to appear on the ballot. Also, Manny's suspension ends July 3rd, making him eligible to play in the All-Star game at Busch Stadium on July 14th, should he be voted in.
All-Star Players 2009
Manny's top competition among National League outfielders appears to be the following players: Ryan Braun (Brewers), Alfonso Soriano (Cubs) and Carlos Beltran (Mets). They will each have over 200 at-bats by the All Star break (Manny currently has 92). Had Manny continued to hit at the same rate for another 92 at bats, he would have accumulated 12 home runs and 40 RBIs.
Although the ballots are still being cast, Manny will probably be voted in by the fans. Manager Joe Torre, believes that Manny should decline to attend since this would deny a player who has played considerably more games than Manny a spot in the All-Star game. Torre may attribute his reasoning to limited at-bats, but the real issue is whether or not Manny should be considered an All-Star after testing positive and subsequently being suspended for steroid use.
MLB All-Star Voting
Manny is hardly the only player on the ballot who has either tested positive or admitted to using a banned substance. Should fans not vote for him because he tested positive this season as opposed to players who have admitted to using in the past and have supposedly stopped?
Commissioner Bud Selig is already contemplating his options should the fans vote him in. However, the collective bargaining agreement clearly states that players voted to the All-Star game by the fans may not be excluded by the commissioner. Therefore, Selig would have an interesting dilemma on his hands should Manny get enough votes from the fans.
