Manny Ramirez

If you've read this blog, you know about me. Red Sox born, Red Sox bred...and when the journey's over, Red Sox dead. Simple.

Manny Ramirez helped my team get two World Series titles. He's as immortal as any Red Sox player in history, with the exception that he - unlike most of his teammates - has a catchphrase.

Now, we've learned that -- apparently -- "Manny Being Manny" means getting hopped up on female fertility drugs; getting caught by Major League Baseball; and blaming your doctor for it.

I have no doubt that Manny has, at times in the past, had legit injuries. Makes sense. Takes a lot of energy to dance to the beat of a different drummer...parts break down. Doctors are needed.

This, however, is just absurd.

Much as I respect Manny for what he did for my team, and what he's done for the Dodgers, I simply cannot accept any explanation for eating a fifty game, drug policy violation related, 7-plus million dollar suspension that involves (a) blaming your doctor, your lawyer, your Indian Chief, or anyone else; and (b) any 36-year old MAN getting popped for juicing with a female fertility drug. I'm no medical professional...but that's just weird.

Manny cheated. Simple. Grant Napear on KHTK.COM this afternoon summed it up in one succinct word: "guilty." Not fair, perhaps, to convict a guy before all the facts are in...but Manny blew his chance by passing the blame off to someone else.

Manny Being Moron. Disappointing. Kinda sad, as well. You'd think they'd learn by now...there is shame in cheating...admitting it is the first step to at least a modest amount of redemption.

And forgiveness....from the people who make these guys who they are. That, by the way, would be US.