Manny Ramirez Fails Drug Test
Dodgers Star Will Miss 50 Games; Tests Positive for Banned Substance
May 7, 2009
Ramirez tested positive for high levels of testosterone and human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. The banned substance is a women's fertility drug that body builders will use after a cycle of steroids to restart testosterone production.
How Long is Manny Ramirez Out?
Ramirez will miss the next the 50 games played by the Dodgers and the earliest he can return is July 3rd on the road against the San Diego Padres. The suspension is based on actual games played so if there is a rain out or a game suspended for any reason that will not count on Ramirez' suspension.
Dodgers Star Loses Close to Eight Million Dollars
Ramirez will lose between seven and eight million dollars while serving his suspension. He signed a two-year, $45 million contract in March of this year and he has the ability to opt-out of his current contract and become a free agent after this season. Even with the pay loss of about $7.7 million this season, if Ramirez honors his current contract, he will still make more than $37 million.
Major League Baseball Zero Tolerance Policy
Baseball analysts are beginning to assess the Ramirez situation coupled with the release of Selena Roberts book, "A-Rod: The Many Faces of Alex Rodriguez" and her accusations of Rodriguez' prolonged steroid use. In the wake of Ramirez' suspension ESPN's Buster Olney feels that there should be a zero-tolerance policy in baseball for players who violate the drug testing program.
Who Replaces Manny Ramirez?
The Dodgers now have a vacancy to fill in left field and in the number three slot in their batting lineup. Most likely Juan Pierre will replace Ramirez in left field as he played that position in the two games Ramirez missed this season. Also, the Dodgers have called up minor league outfielder, Xavier Paul, to add depth.
As far as the offense is concerned, Ramirez didn't just add his production to the team. His .348 average, six homeruns, and 20 R.B.I. are a large part of the Dodgers offense but the guys around him will be adversely affected. Orlando Hudson has enjoyed a hot start to the year hitting in front of Ramirez as Hudson is hitting .342 and has scored 23 times to lead the club. Andre Ethier has enjoyed hitting after Ramirez as he leads the Dodgers with 27 R.B.I.
Manny Ramirez' Statement
Ramirez says he "saw a physician for a personal health issue" and the medication he was prescribed was the banned substance he tested positive for.
"I do want to say one more thing; I've taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past five seasons," Ramirez said in his statement, "I want to apologize to Mr. McCourt, Mrs. McCourt, Mr. Torre, my teammates, the Dodger organization, and to the Dodger Fans."
