Manny Ramirez Suspended 50 Games for Positive Steroid Test

Jayson Stark of ESPN.com has just knocked the baseball world on its collective butt by announcing that Manny Ramirez has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for steroids.

ESPN reports "Major League Baseball is expected to announce Thursday that Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and will be suspended for 50 games, The Los Angeles Times is reporting."

Ramirez's test result and suspension are expected to be announced Thursday, The Times said.

Citing a source familiar with the matter, The Times reported Ramirez is expected to say the positive test results were a result of medication received from a doctor for a personal medical issue.

If his suspension begins Thursday, Ramirez would be eligible to return to the Dodgers' lineup for their July 3 game against San Diego.

Triple-A outfielder Xavier Paul has been told by the Dodgers that he will be promoted later today, according to The Times.

In his first full season as a Dodger, Ramirez is batting .348 with six home runs and 20 RBI. Los Angeles has bolted to a 21-8 record, best in the majors, and a 13-0 record at home that set the modern major league record for home winning streak to start a season.

Ramirez who took Los Angeles by storm after being acquired from the Boston Red Sox signed with the Dodgers after a long hold out this winter. His agent Scott Boras threatened to hold Manny out if the Dodgers didn't meet his salary demands.

Throughout Manny's career he has been known for his Manny Being Manny antics, which included jogging out ground balls, fighting with teammate Kevin Youkillis, knocking down the teams traveling secretary, high fiving fans after a catch in left, and picking off Johnny Damon's throw from center-field. Apparently Manny Being Manny may have been juicing as well.