His 50-game suspension will cost him $7.7 million in lost wages, which is 31 percent (50 of 162 games) of his salary ($25 million).
"Recently I saw a physician for a personal health issue," Ramirez said in a statement released by the MLB Players' Assn. "He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was okay to give me. Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy that mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now. I do want to say one other thing; I've taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past five seasons."What was the "personal health issue" and the "medication"?
Well, if Manny's right and it wasn't intended to kick-start testosterone production after a steroids cycle, then Manny was looking to get pregnant.
ESPN is reporting the drug he used was hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is a fertility drug.
From the Dodgers' perspective, Manny may cost the team some money in marketing deals and negative press and publicity. But they save $7.7 million in salary due to the suspension and are likely to still win the N.L. West without Manuela for 50 games.
Perhaps the Dodgers should give the "Mannywood" ticket-holders a 31-percent refund.
