Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action, with a quick nod to what is ahead.You Oughta Know ...
That on the right night the minor leagues can be awfully interesting, even for someone who doesn't care at all about minor league baseball. Manny Ramirez batted leadoff Tuesday night for the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes, playing four innings and going 0-for-2 in his first rehab game since being suspended 50 games for a violation of Major League Baseball's drug policy.
Ramirez faced former Brewers starting pitcher Manny Parra in both at-bats. Parra, now pitching for the Nashville Sounds, is trying to work his way back to the majors as well after a woeful couple of months in the Milwaukee rotation. He went 3-8 with a 7.52 ERA in 13 starts there before getting demoted, but he was the hard-luck loser against Albuquerque, tossing seven innings of one-run ball. The Brewers could use another effective starter, that much is certain.
"People love me everywhere I go," Ramirez said before the game. "I'm excited to bring a lot of joy to a lot of people here. I feel good. I'm happy that I'm here."Dueling Mannys wasn't the only minor-league storyline with major league implications Tuesday night. Rehabbing Phillies closer Brad Lidge pitched a scoreless inning of relief for Single-A Clearwater as well.
From the Trainer's Room ...
The Padres got Scott Hairston back from the disabled list before Tuesday evening's series opener against the Mariners. Unfortunately, another outfielder replaced him on the shelf. Right fielder Brian Giles was placed on the 15-day DL with a right knee contusion. Giles, 38, has struggled mightily this season, posting a .191 average over 61 games.
Latest Manny Ramirez Images
Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez laughs during batting practice before his first game back from suspension as an Albuquerque Isotope against Nashville in Albuquerque June 23, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL IMAGES OF THE DAY)
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Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez aknowledges the crowd as he takes the field for the first time for the Albuquerque Isotopes before their game against Nashville in Albuquerque June 23, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)
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Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez warms up before his first game back from suspension as an Albuquerque Isotope against Nashville in Albuquerque June 23, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)
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Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez (L) talks with Albuquerque Isotopes' Hector Luna before his first game back from suspension in Albuquerque June 23, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES)
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Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez prepares to take the field before his first game back from suspension as an Albuquerque Isotope in a game against Nashville in Albuquerque June 23, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)
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Los Angeles Dodgers Manny Ramirez swings and misses during his first at bat for Albuquerque Isotopes against Nashville during the first inning in Albuquerque June 23, 2009. REUTERS/Eric Draper (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL)
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Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez hits a foul ball during his first at-bat, in which he struck out, while playing for the Dodgers' Triple-A baseball team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, against the Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque, N.M., on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Craig Fritz)
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Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez heads to the dugout after striking out during his first at-bat while playing for the Dodgers' Triple-A team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, against the Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque, N.M., on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Craig Fritz)
AP
Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez yells to fans before playing for the Dodgers' Triple-A team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, in a baseball game against the Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque N.M., on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Craig Fritz)
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Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez signs autographs before playing for the Dodgers' Triple-A baseball team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, against the Nashville Sounds in Albuquerque N.M., on Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Craig Fritz)
AP
Numbers Game ...
So much for a World Series rematch being a big draw at the gate. The Rays hosted the Phillies Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series. The last time these two teams met was, of course, in last year's Fall Classic, but only 19,608 fans (of a possible 36,973) showed up at Tropicana Field for the encore.
"As we were planning for the season, we circled this series as one of the most compelling of the year," team president Matt Silverman said Tuesday night. "It's a rare privilege to host a rematch of the World Series, especially against a team with local connections. Based on all the information we had, we projected full houses. It's a huge miss." ...In Their Own Words ...
"Quite frankly, we don't know what to attribute it to, but it's not just the economy,'' he said. "It's bewildering. There seems to be great affection for the team and excitement for the '09 campaign, but it's not showing up at the gate at all."
"When you beat a team like that, the hottest team in baseball, that says something. That was big for us." -- Angels center fielder Torii Hunter. The Halos handed the Rockies just their second loss in 19 games and moved into a tie for first place in the AL West with the Texas Rangers.
Advance Scouting ...
Drop in on the hottest team east of the Rockies Wednesday night as the Tigers play host to the Cubs (7:05 PM ET). Detroit has won five straight and will send Rick Porcello to the mound against Rich Harden, who is making his third start since coming off the disabled list a few weeks ago. Since the end of April, the 20-year-old Porcello is 7-1 with a 2.42 ERA.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-24-2009 @ 10:35AM
rexoman2 said...
Why is it NO sportswriter is questioning why Ramirez is permitted by major league baseball to play in a minor league game while being suspended by major league baseball ???
Minor leagues are stricter in regard to enhancement drugs!
Reply
6-24-2009 @ 11:37AM
woodnnicholsla said...
THIS IDIOT IS SUSPENDED, WHY IS HE PLAYING? IF YOU HAVE A SUSPENDED LICENSE,DRIVE AND GET CAUGHT, YOUR IN TROUBLE FOR CHEATING. SHOULD BE THE SAME FOR THIS JERK. LET HIM SIT UNTIL THE SUSPENSION IS LIFTED. DODGERS SUCK
Reply
6-24-2009 @ 4:14PM
lototoys said...
Dodgers Best record in MLB,
6-24-2009 @ 1:05PM
wmkingsman said...
He should do us all a favor, and STAY in the Minors. Prima Donna Jerk.
Reply
6-24-2009 @ 1:51PM
James said...
Why is Pettitte pitching for they Yankees? He got bushed for PEDs. A-Rod name was on the list as using steroids also. Giambi got caught while playing for the Yankees. Yankees players are full of juice and still can't win. Cheaters.
Manny = God
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6-24-2009 @ 4:12PM
ImCool said...
Isotopes? Aren't they a key element of steroids? Now baseball is beginning to make sense.
Reply
6-24-2009 @ 4:51PM
jim said...
I'm 60 and have always loved Baseball.....but when you let these cheaters continue to play after they have been found out, you are ruining the game.
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6-24-2009 @ 5:47PM
Marjie said...
I think baseball has made a terrible mistake. IF you let Manny rehab in minor league games while on suspension you are condoning taking drugs. He sui getting off actually. He isn't suspended. suspended means not being able to partake of any aspect of the sport. The league wants to cut down on steroid use? well then actually punish the player no matter who it is.
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6-24-2009 @ 6:51PM
fab4butrcup1 said...
Manny is allowed 10 days of minor league play before his suspension is up to get back in shape, it is part of the rule. The term isotope has to do with the number of neutrons in the nucleus of an atom and has nothing to do with steroids. The fans of Albuquerque went crazy for Manny last night. It was the worst case of being starstruck that I have ever seen. He is a cheat not a hero.
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6-24-2009 @ 7:42PM
exhibitswest said...
does this mean baseball condones drugs and what do we tell our children about steriods that you can still play juiced and you will still be a hero.
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6-24-2009 @ 11:08PM
Leon said...
I agree with Bert Blyleven of the Twins broadcast team. Manny should not be allowed to play in major league sports and that include minor league play. Minor league play is still pro sports. Manny made his bed of lies and decieption, so he should now live a life without the sport.
Reply
6-24-2009 @ 9:04PM
papam11 said...
Manny seems to have grown his hair quite long. I hear the Dodgers have a dress code. I'm wondering if they'll make him cut his "locks" or if they'll continue to allow him to do what he pleases. You know, for a guy who grew up as a kid in NY, his thick accent tells me that he's not all that bright.
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