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dd88
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Post subject: Dodgers looking forward to Manny's return
 Posted: Jul 01, 2009 - 03:56 PM PST
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Site Admin
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The countdown to Manny Ramirez's return to the Dodgers is just about over.
On Wednesday, the Dodgers played their final game without Ramirez, who was suspended 50 games for violating MLB's Drug Policy.
And after having to endure nearly a third of the season without the most potent bat in their lineup, the Dodgers will be happy to have Ramirez join them Friday when the club begins a three-game series at San Diego.
"We're looking forward to having Manny back," manager Joe Torre said before Wednesday's game. "I think he'll add something to our lineup."
Though Torre conceded that it probably would take a couple of games for Manny to return to his pre-suspension form, Ramirez's mere presence should help out a struggling offense.
The Dodgers entered Wednesday's game against the Rockies having scored just seven runs in their past four games. Los Angeles is 1-3 during that span.
Torre expects to see Ramirez reassume his role as the primary power-hitting threat in the lineup.
"Manny's a good hitter," Torre said. "Am I defending what he did? No. I'm not defending what he did. But do I think he's only been a good hitter because he may have done something for a period of time? No.
"To me, there are certain levels of this game that you pay attention to the caliber of player, and Manny's in that upper group."
Torre also addressed Ramirez's hesitancy to speak at length about the details surrounding his suspension. While Ramirez publicly hasn't denied anything, he yet to share many specifics about what transpired.
"I don't know how comfortable he is talking about it," Torre said. "His personality, and we knew this long before this issue came up, [is] that he's sort of shyish. ... When you get to know him, he's a little more guarded and shy."
Once Ramirez does join the club, it should create an atmosphere unlike many in the Dodgers' clubhouse have experienced.
"This first week or so is going to be new to everybody," Torre said. "I'm looking to the All-Star break, and once we get home after the All-Star break ... that'll sort of be where stability can set in."
At home, Ramirez probably will be received with the same warm reception he got from fans during his five-game Minor League rehab assignment.
At those parks, fans cheered his every movement and chanted "Manny, Manny" during his at-bats. There, the focus was less on Ramirez's suspension and more on his performance on the field.
"People come out to the ballpark, they want to be entertained," Torre said. "They want to come out here and get away from their own problems. They don't really want to delve into a lot of stuff." |
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