| Andrew Perna. 18th May, 2009 - 9:59 am
 Manny Ramirez may have officially received his 50-game ban for using a performance-enhancing drug late on May 6th, but he was aware of the possibilty for a number of weeks.
According to Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated (in the May 18th issue of the magazine), Ramirez was playing with knowledge that he could be suspended for three weeks.
Using May 6th as a frame of reference, he was coming to work knowing that the blockbuster news could hit the media for quite some time.
Using Verducci's three-week time period, let's assume that Ramirez received word that he could face a suspension on April 15th, a day of celebration for tax-preparers and payers around the country.
That day couldn't have been a bright and cheery one for Ramirez.
Whether you love or hate Manny, there is no denying his hitting ability. Whether he was suffering from difficulty in the bedroom (doubtful), or using hCG to replenish his level of testosterone after a cycle of steroids is irrelevant in the scheme of things.
He was hitting major league pitching with a serious, and secretative, black cloud hanging over his corn-rowed head.
Regarded before the news of his transgression broke as one of the greatest right-handed hitters in the game's history, he proved from April 15th to the day of his suspension that his talent is so tremendous that nothing can keep him from excelling at the plate.
According to Verducci's timeline, Manny played in 19 games with knowledge of the suspension.
Over that period, he went 25-for-69 (.362) with six home runs and 16 RBI. He drew 16 walks, while striking out 15 times.
He also picked himself up after a slow start, which included a .304 average and zero homers in the season's first eight games.
Based on his sheer talent, and ability to focus his mind on what's happening at the plate and nothing else, he won't have an issue hitting when he returns in early July.
You can say what you want in the wake of his suspension, but you can't knock Manny for his ability to hit through adversity. |
