Manny to Dodgers: Sorry

(NEWSER) - The Los Angeles Dodgers don’t have many options in dealing with confirmed doper Manny Ramirez, Sean Gregory writes in Time. Manny’s 50-game suspension is governed entirely by the drug agreement between the players association and Major League Baseball. There is no contract clause allowing the Dodgers to cancel the deal over drugs—though they don’t have to pay him while he’s suspended, a savings of $8 million. More»

Defending World Series champs now up 2-1 over Dodgers

(AP) - Cliff Lee dominated the Dodgers and Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth provided the big swings early as the Philadelphia Phillies cruised past Los Angeles 11-0 last night for a 2-1 lead in the NL championship series. Lee provided another brilliant playoff start, striking out 10 and allowing only three hits in eight innings. "Cliff Lee, what can I say about him? He was absolutely outstanding," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. More»

Ramirez heads to triple-A Isotopes

(NEWSER) - Manny Ramirez may play for the Albuquerque Isotopes tonight, and droves of locals are planning to be there, the Los Angeles Times reports. The Triple-A team sells 7,715 tickets for a typical game; tonight it expects up to 15,000. Fans aren’t much concerned about the slugger’s suspension for using a performance-enhancing drug. “He’s a cheater,” one told the AP, “but I want to see him play.” More»

Suspended slugger may face team on road trip next week

(NEWSER) - Suspended slugger Manny Ramirez is "embarrassed" and "still beat up" over his failed drug test and 50-game suspension, Joe Torre told the Los Angeles Times. "It's not that he thinks it's unfair," Torre added. The Dodgers skipper talked to Ramirez yesterday. A source said Ramirez may finally face his teammates during their six-game road trip beginning Tuesday in Philadelphia. More»

(NEWSER) - Manny Ramirez will be back with the Los Angeles Dodgers for at least a year after contentious contract negotiations, the Los Angeles Times reports. The 37-year-old slugger, pending a physical, will sign a $45 million contract for 2 years, with an opt-out clause after the first year and a $25 million payout. “I know how people treated me in LA,” Ramirez said. “And I want to thank them.” The deal includes a no-trade clause. More»