I'm just going to keep this post open and add to it.
9:05: Just got off work and I am listening to Charlie Steiner on my way home. I am glad to see the Dodgers respond with six first-inning runs and kind of exorcise a demon or two. Here comes a longer post on Manny.
1:57: Peter Gammons says he believes Manny. There probably isn't a reporter that knows him better. I am leaning towards believing him.
12:24: I just saw it was a sexual enhancer. Someone is speculating he was masking his steroid use with it, because it's something people use at the end of the cycle. I'm skeptical.
12:21: I agree with all of you. There are a number of things he could have tested positive for. I hope it is one of those. Do we feel confident it's not steroids? I think I do. Man, Juan Pierre.... We'll see what Xavier Paul has to offer at least. And Manny will be fresh, at least. I do worry about them fading for two months.
10:36: So what do we think guys? Do we believe it was a prescription? I know I want to believe him.
9:49: I'm going to strangle the next person that text messages me about this. Have enough respect to leave me alone for a little bit.
9:18: This can't be happening.
The season I have been waiting for since 1988, the hopes of a World Series title, all of that seems unlikely now.
I know it's for 50 games and he'll be back, but they were running away and hiding in the National League West.
Things will get tighter in the division, home field advantage is less likely in the playoffs and now they need to make a move for a pitcher.
We'll see what the drug was, see if there is any chance of an appeal and all that stuff later.
I can't write anymore right now. I'm in shock...
IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE KEEPS PUNCHING ME IN THE NUTS OVER AND OVER AGAIN.
I GOING TO GO CRY NOW.
MUD
WOW!!!!!!!!! What a shock.I can't believe this. Jose Canseco as much of a snake he is, he has said manny had used PED's and it turns out to be true. I feel like this winning streak was for nothing.
Well there's a longer list of 'banned substances' other than PEDs - if he tested positive for mary jane and got suspended 50 games I wouldn't be surprised.
I still think the dodgers win the weak arse west, and with manny getting 50 games off he'll be nice and fresher for the playoffs.
OK, next time instead of texting you I'll go right to your blog.
I agree with John. He could have tested positive for a lot of different stuff. He may or may not have known what he was putting in his body was illegal. It's hard to say with players these days. Even when they tell the truth, no one believes them.
The Dodgers will be fine and still win the west. At least Manny doesn't have to worry about aches and pains for the next month, and he'll be fresh.
Now batting left fielder #9 Juan Pierre! WTF MANNY!!! Now what, we are going to look like the Dbacks last year after there big lead.....sorry Matt but FUCK!!!!!!!!!
I was thinking it might be a sexual performance drug. They said he visited a doctor for 'personal reasons'. That means you're either crazy in the head or your dick doesn't work.
Dont know if I can believe anyone who is accused of doing steriods and then says it wasnt steroids they did...has anyone who used that defense been vindicated? I love ManRam and what he has done for LA (make us a championship caliber team!), but in my gut I think he did it...say it aint so manny!
What to do for the next fifty games?
Dont make a rash signing or trade, all we need to do is play .500 ball for the next 50 games and we will be 46-33 still 13 games over .500 when Manny comes back. I doubt any other team in the NL West can match that and when ManRam does come back we will still have 83 games to sort out the division. Andre/Matt/Russel/James need to show they are fully grown up and can play without Manny having their backs. They can do it, but it will take a bigger effort from Martin and Loney.
I am also hoping for .500, and the kids are now going to have to step up and lead the lineup for a while. It's time for Juan Pierre to play a big role.
The more I hear Manny's statement, the more it sounds like an apology of guilt. This drug is also used at the end of a steroid cycle, sounds like he knew what he was doing.