07/03/2009 - San Diego, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez spoke to the media Friday, prior to making his scheduled return to the majors following his 50-game suspension.
Ramirez is expected to be in the starting lineup when the first-place Dodgers play against the San Diego Padres.
Although Ramirez apologized for violating baseball's drug policy, he didn't delve into the details surrounding his suspension, but the 12-time All-Star did say he was sorry to the fans and his teammates.
He was suspended for reportedly taking the banned substance human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a female fertility drug that can also be used as an antidote to reduce testosterone levels at the end of a cycle of steroid treatments.
"I missed the game that I love, I miss being around the guys," said Ramirez, who donned sunglasses for the news conference. "It is what it is, but I'm here, I feel great and I'm ready to play.
"I want to say I'm sorry to the fans, to my teammates that they're always there for me. I want to thank Frank McCourt (Dodgers owner) for his support and I'm here. I'm excited. I can't wait to get onto the field."
The Dodgers went 29-21 while Ramirez sat due to a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs. He'll now join a team that is 50-29 this season and holding a 7 1/2 game lead on San Francisco for first place in the National League West.
The 37-year-old Ramirez was hitting .348 with six homers and 20 RBI prior to his suspension on May 7.
Juan Pierre started all 50 games for the Dodgers in left field since the suspension started and hit .318 with 14 doubles, 21 RBI, 31 runs and 21 steals in those games.
"I know it's going to take time for me to get my rhythm, to get my timing" said Ramirez. "That's what I'm here for and I'm just going to go day-by-day."
Dodgers manager Joe Torre doesn't believe there will be an internal rift from the players with Ramirez returning.
"I think Manny coming on board is certainly going to lessen the load on some of these kids," said Torre. "I don't think it's going to be a chemistry problem. I'd be very surprised if that's going to be the case."
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MySportsbook.com Week 1 odds:
Saints +6 @ Colts -6
Falcons @ Vikings (pick ‘em)
Panthers @ Rams (pick ‘em)
Broncos -3.5 @ Bills +3.5
Chiefs -1 @ Texans +1
Dolphins +3 @ Redskins -3
Patriots -5 @ Jets +5
Eagles -3.5 @ Packers +3.5
Steelers -4 @ Browns +4
Titans +6 @ Jaguars -6
Bears +6 @ Chargers -6
Lions +3 @ Raiders -3
Bucs +6.5 @ Seahawks -6.5
Giants +4 @ Cowboys -4
Ravens +3 @ Bengals -3
Cardinals +3 @ 49ers -3
Super Bowl line (2008)
NFC +6.5 vs. AFC -6.5
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