Really Manny? Really?

I'm going to keep this short, because, frankly, there's not much information out about it yet. All we know so far is that Manny Ramirez (pictured left after hitting his 500th home run) has been suspended for 50 games by MLB for violating the league's drug policy. In a recently released statement from Ramirez, he claims that the drug in question was prescribed to him by a doctor for a personal health issue. Although not a steroid, the drug was banned by Major League Baseball.

This makes me sad. I had a post a while back about how bad A-Rod's steroid use was for the game of baseball. This is just another blow. It may end up being just the one isolated incident, taking the wrong drug for the right reasons, and maybe that will blow over. But do you actually have any faith that that's what it is? In any case, his name is no longer clean. Which great hitters in baseball still are? Albert Pujols? Ryan Howard? I guess there are still a good handful, but it's just sad to see one of the great hitters in baseball history veer off the straight and narrow. 

Don't get me wrong. I think Manny is a goon. I definitely don't think he's a saint, and I think that what he did with Boston last year was just plain wrong. I'm just saying for the game in general, it hurts. 

(Photo Credit: www.babble.com)

Looking Back

With so many sports going on at once, how can you keep track of them all? You don't have to, but I will. Every Monday I will look back and hit briefly upon the 5 story lines that stuck out from the previous weekend.

1. It stunk to be a University of Maryland fan this weekend. After being annihilated against an inferior opponent, all Maryland players had to say for themselves was pretty much exactly what they had to say after losing to Middle Tennessee State, along the liens of: "Oops. We weren't ready to play. Trust us, we're still really good, though." 

Combine that with men's soccer giving up 3 goals in 1:23, completing a collapse to Clemson in what coach Sasho Cirovski called one of the most embarrassing moments of his career, and the school's athletics really did us proud.

At least field hockey won.

2. That being said, it might be even worse to be a Cubs fan. Your team absolutely destroys for 162 games this season. You're playing the worst team to make the playoffs this year. 

And then you get outscored 20-6 and get swept.

I mean, I suppose they're used to it. But still, don't you feel for them a little bit? Just a little?

3. Meanwhile, the Phillies continue to be the most overlooked team in baseball after take the series 3-1 against the Brewers. They will have home field advantage in their next series against the Dodgers, and they have to be considered the favorites to win, even after what LA did to the Cubs. I understand Manny is elevating his team's hitting to a whole new level, but Manny doesn't pitch, and the Dodgers won't have enough firepower to overcome the Phillies bats.

4. Hockey begins! The 2008-09 NHL season is officially underway with a couple games in the Czech Republic and Sweden. With the Capitals last year becoming relevant in the NHL, there has been a renewed interest in the sport around the D.C. area. Of course, having the best player in the game certainly helps matters. Listen Wednesday for a hockey preview on the broadcast.

5. Do upsets even exist any more in the NFL? SI.com's Don Banks examines the question in this article. I recommend the read. If you don't have time, a quick look at the standings will tell you all you need to know.