Manny Ramirez returned to the Dodgers last night from his 50-game suspension in a 6-3 victory over the Padres. He was 0 for 3 at the plate, his only contribution a walk in the Dodgers’ five-run first inning.
The big story was his pregame talk with the media, his first real meeting with the press since being suspended for violating MLB’s drug policy.
Not surprisingly – although very disappointingly – he shed no light on the subject of steroids, refusing to answer any questions pertaining to his use over a 15-minute meeting in which he apologized to fans and teammates for not being there for them the last 50 games, but never explaining why he was disciplined in the first place.
The media asked Manny direct questions about his steroid use, but Manny refused to bite, continually stressing he was happy to be back, and ready to move on.
I can’t say I’m all that surprised by the way Manny handled the press conference, but I have to admit I’m disappointed.
I was hoping he would meet the issue head on and explain why he used a banned substance, and provide a timeline of the use. I wanted him to tell us it was an isolated instance, and not something he’s done over a long period of time during his career.
By giving us nothing he leaves us no choice but to wonder if he’s hiding something more sinister than an isolated instance.
