The Manny Ramirez Suspension: A Brief Review
When Manny Ramirez was suspended on May 7, the Dodgers had the best record in baseball, at 21-8. How would this club respond to 50 games without their best player? Back on that day, I wrote:
Lest we forget the rest of the club is still a damn good team. The suspension of Manny Ramirez runs through July 2, for a total of 50 games. There are four other clubs that think they are going to gain on the Dodgers during Manny's absence, so here's a goal for the Dodgers: "win" the division over this 50-game stretch. Widen your 6 game lead.
The Dodgers did just that.
Without Manny Ramirez, the Dodgers had to settle for simply the best record in the National League. Here is a look at the top records in the National League since May 7:
| Team | W-L | Pct | GB |
| Dodgers | 29-21 | .580 | --- |
| Rockies | 30-22 | .577 | --- |
| Giants | 29-22 | .569 | ½ |
| Astros | 26-23 | .531 | 2½ |
| Brewers | 26-24 | .520 | 3 |
Despite a furious rally from Colorado, and improved play from the Giants, the Dodgers did not give up any ground without their superstar. Let's take a look at how the Dodgers did it:
Dodger Batter of the Manny-Free Zone: Juan Pierre did more than we could have reasonably asked for in Manny's absence (.318/.381/.411, 21/28 SB), and for the first three weeks Pierre was producing at a level damn near Ramirez. However, the main cog in the Dodger offensive wheel was The Beard, Casey Blake. Blake migrated from the 8th spot in the order all the way up to cleanup, and that he did. Don't let the seemingly low total of six homers fool you. Blake added 15 doubles, and hit .319/.371/.530, easily the best OPS on the club, while driving in 33 runs.
Dodger Pitcher of the Manny-Free Zone: Clayton Kershaw was very good (2.63 ERA over 10 starts) but also wild, keeping him from going deep into games. I'm giving this award to Ronald Belisario, who logged over 30 innings (as did Ramon Troncoso) and put up a stellar 1.19. That wickedly moving fastball has served him and the Dodgers well this season.
Pre-Suspension Record: 21-8 (.724)
161 runs scored (5.55 per game)
106 runs allowed (3.66 per game)
.698 pythagorean winning percentage
Manny-Less Record: 29-21 (.580)
220 runs scored (4.40 per game)
191 runs allowed (3.82 per game)
.570 pythagorean winning percentage
Thanks For The Chance: It could be argued that without the Ramirez suspension, the Dodgers wouldn't have had the need to call up outfielders Xavier Paul, Jamie Hoffmann, or Mitch Jones, each of whom made their major league debut during the suspension. The three combined to hit .224/.273/.429, and quite frankly the .701 OPS isn't out the range of expected production of 4th outfielder Juan Pierre (2009 PECOTA prediction: .293/.334/.356)
What Is This Bench You Speak Of?: Juan Pierre not only took over for Manny during the suspension, but he played every second of every game, appearing in 462.2 defensive innings without a rest. His workload is about to become dramatically different, as he will move to the bench and give the club a viable left-handed batter Joe Torre can use in the late innings, and getting a spot start once or twice a week as needed.
What's Next?: Mannywood invades San Diego, and True Blue LA will be there!
Manny-Less 50-Game Stats
| Player | G | GS | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SB/CS | BA/OBP/SLG | OPS |
| Blake | 46 | 41 | 166 | 28 | 53 | 15 | 1 | 6 | 33 | 15 | 2/1 | .319/.371/.530 | .901 |
| Kemp | 50 | 49 | 189 | 26 | 60 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 24 | 16 | 12/2 | .317/.369/.466 | .835 |
| Pierre | 50 | 50 | 214 | 32 | 68 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 21 | 16 | 21/7 | .318/.381/.411 | .793 |
| Loney | 50 | 48 | 193 | 26 | 54 | 9 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 15 | 4/0 | .280/.329/.415 | .743 |
| Ethier | 48 | 45 | 176 | 18 | 39 | 9 | 1 | 9 | 25 | 16 | 3/3 | .222/.293/.438 | .730 |
| Martin | 46 | 43 | 153 | 19 | 38 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 30 | 5/2 | .248/.382/.301 | .682 |
| Hudson | 48 | 48 | 196 | 25 | 52 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 24 | 18 | 2/0 | .265/.323/.357 | .680 |
| Furcal | 45 | 38 | 165 | 14 | 37 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 17 | 1/3 | .224/.297/.315 | .612 |
| Starters | 362 (88.5%) | 1452 | 188 | 401 | 76 | 8 | 32 | 174 | 143 | 50/18 | .276/.344/.406 | .749 | |
| Castro | 20 | 15 | 48 | 12 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0/0 | .333/.407/.438 | .845 |
| Paul | 11 | 2 | 14 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0/1 | .214/.313/.500 | .813 |
| Jones | 8 | 3 | 13 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0/0 | .308/.400/.385 | .785 |
| Loretta | 36 | 14 | 72 | 8 | 15 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 11 | 0/0 | .208/.313/.264 | .577 |
| Hoffman | 14 | 3 | 22 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0/0 | .182/.167/.409 | .576 |
| Ausmus | 14 | 9 | 37 | 3 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0/0 | .216/.275/.243 | .518 |
| DeWitt | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0/0 | .000/.333/.000 | .333 |
| Ellis | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0/0 | .000/.000/.000 | .000 |
| Bench | 47 (11.5%) | 212 | 29 | 50 | 11 | 0 | 3 | 26 | 21 | 0/1 | .236/.314/.330 | .644 | |
| Pitchers | 24 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 2 | .120/.173/.133 | .306 | ||
| Totals | 1739 | 220 | 460 | 88 | 8 | 35 | 207 | 167 | 50/19 | .265/.333/.385 | .718 | ||
| Pitcher | G | W-L | Sv | IP | H | R | ER | BB | K | ERA | WHIP |
| Kershaw | 10 | 4-3 | -- | 54.2 | 36 | 16 | 16 | 36 | 54 | 2.63 | 1.317 |
| Billingsley | 11 | 4-4 | -- | 71.2 | 64 | 32 | 29 | 35 | 68 | 3.64 | 1.381 |
| Wolf | 11 | 2-2 | -- | 65.2 | 63 | 28 | 28 | 19 | 43 | 3.84 | 1.249 |
| Weaver* | 3 | 1-0 | -- | 15.0 | 13 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 3.60 | 1.267 |
| Milton | 5 | 2-1 | -- | 23.2 | 30 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 20 | 3.80 | 1.521 |
| Kuroda | 6 | 1-4 | -- | 37.1 | 32 | 18 | 17 | 6 | 33 | 4.10 | 1.018 |
| Stults | 4 | 1-1 | -- | 21.1 | 18 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 15 | 4.64 | 1.359 |
| Starters | 50 | 15-15 | -- | 289.1 | 256 | 123 | 117 | 119 | 240 | 3.64 | 1.296 |
| Belisario | 27 | 0-0 | -- | 30.1 | 20 | 6 | 4 | 11 | 26 | 1.19 | 1.022 |
| McDonald | 7 | 1-0 | -- | 9.0 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 2.00 | 1.333 |
| Troncoso | 27 | 2-0 | 3 | 32.2 | 32 | 10 | 9 | 17 | 22 | 2.48 | 1.500 |
| Mota | 20 | 1-2 | -- | 24.1 | 20 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 16 | 2.96 | 1.027 |
| Broxton | 22 | 3-0 | 11 | 23.2 | 14 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 37 | 3.04 | 0.972 |
| Schlichting | 2 | 0-0 | -- | 2.2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 3.38 | 2.250 |
| Leach | 26 | 2-0 | -- | 15.2 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 14 | 3.45 | 1.021 |
| Wade | 18 | 2-2 | -- | 18.0 | 22 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 14 | 7.50 | 1.778 |
| Ohman | 9 | 1-0 | -- | 3.1 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 8.10 | 2.700 |
| Weaver* | 8 | 2-2 | -- | 13.2 | 21 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 12 | 5.27 | 2.122 |
| Bullpen | 50 | 14-6 | 14 | 173.1 | 152 | 68 | 64 | 80 | 154 | 3.32 | 1.338 |
| Totals | 50 |
29-21 | 14 | 462.2 | 408 | 191 | 181 | 199 | 394 | 3.52 | 1.312 |
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36 comments
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Comments
Take this with a grain of salt
But our best draft pick this year, Garrett Gould, has POSSIBLY signed for $900,000. This is from a Varsity Kansas source who allegedly got this information from Gould’s girlfriend.
If this is true, I’ve only got one thing to say:
GIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!
by silverwidow on Jul 1, 2009 11:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Very good news.
Elite reporting! :)
by Eric Stephen on Jul 2, 2009 8:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very well done
Applause my friend. No one, and I mean no one will do a better job.
by bhsportsguy on Jul 2, 2009 12:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Platoon effect off the bench will be nice to have again
if used correctly. JP is nearly a 2 win player (per year, on average, over his career) if facing only right-handed pitching. The Dodgers are very much in need of a left-handed bat off the bench. It was the most notable lack (outside of Manny himself) over the last 50 games. I’d really like to see another left-handed bat added as well.
by Paul Scott on Jul 2, 2009 7:31 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Have fun in San Diego TBLA!
Wish I was going. Hope we do a Dodger stadium outing.
by Michael White on Jul 2, 2009 7:38 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
We’ll try to do one, maybe in August.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 2, 2009 8:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
SOSG Orel had some news regarding the roster
from yesterday:
# Torre had a conversation in passing with Juan Pierre about his diminished role. “He just shook his head with a smile on his face, and certainly is aware of his situation in regards to this ballclub with Manny coming back. Again, the bottom line is things seem to happen that are supposed to happen. If somebody breaks down — we don’t want that to happen — he’s there for us. We’ll certainly try to keep him sharp by getting him in games here and there.”
# Torre anticipates returning to having 13 pitchers on the roster, which he thinks would translate into more opportunities for Pierre off the bench.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 2, 2009 9:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That is better news
than what he said before. If JP started 1 and occasionally 2 games a week and was the first PH (against RHP, of course) off the bench, that would be very nice.
by Paul Scott on Jul 2, 2009 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great Stuff Eric
the numbers without Manny were interesting reading. Quite amazing we compiled that record when you look at the production from Andre, Hudson, Furcal, and Martin. As I said before, the last three weeks have felt like watching the 65/66 Dodgers as the rotation and bullpen have kept the games just close enough for some offense to peak through and give us some tough victories. I’d mention 2003 but we didn’t win enough of those games.
Have fun tomorrow night.
by meercatjohn on Jul 2, 2009 9:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I remembered how bad Ethier was in May, but I really forgot the degree. He had such a great June, that I was shocked when I saw those numbers.
I went back and looked it up, and Ethier’s May 7-31 ended up at .171/.253/.225…13 for 76, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 7 runs in 21 games. Ouch.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 2, 2009 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since the final Hurdle Colorado series, they basically have been the 2003 club…17-14 (88 win pace), 3.39 runs/game.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 2, 2009 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
To bad about Ariza
especially if he goes to the Cav’s, he ‘s exactly what the Lakers can’t afford to lose and what the Cav’s need. A double whammy.
by meercatjohn on Jul 2, 2009 9:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That would be a gut punch, but I believe part of this is just posturing by Ariza to get more cash, and develop a sense of urgency for the Lakers.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 2, 2009 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ariza
I heard Ariza was leaning towards leaving the Lakers and that he would sign with either Toronto or Portland, whichever team doens’t land Turkoglu. I didn’t hear Cleveland.
by Michael White on Jul 2, 2009 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I don’t see how Cleveland can afford to pay Ariza much more than the veteran’s exemption offered by the Lakers ($5.6m).
by Eric Stephen on Jul 2, 2009 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
From the LA Times:
“All we’re looking for is a little appreciation for what Trevor has done,” Lee said Wednesday. “I don’t think they believe Trevor is serious about leaving, and that’s too bad. I didn’t think we’d be in this situation. I am disappointed and surprised by what I thought would be some feelings for the people who have given you everything they’ve got.”
by Eric Stephen on Jul 2, 2009 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe he's rather play and win a championship
with a fun guy instead of an asshole if the money is the same. Just thinking out loud.
by meercatjohn on Jul 2, 2009 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Touche
I would imagine that locker room would be pretty hilarious and fun with Lebron & Shaq, plus even Varaejo and his hair.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 2, 2009 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Except that he probably will end up in Portland or Toronto (if that rumour is to be believed) in which case he will get his pay day, but I doubt either team wil realistically compete for a championship.
by Michael White on Jul 2, 2009 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
To a championship? Or to signing Ariza/Turkoglu?
by Michael White on Jul 2, 2009 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't see it
They lack a PG, SF (okay so Ariza/Turkoglu helps there) a true PF (I can’t express to you how low I am on Aldridge) and a C. Nobody on that team can score in the paint. They’re second best player (Fernandez) happens to play the same position as their best player (Roy.) Neither Aldridge or Oden/Pryzbilla have any post moves to speak of. Aldridge is a 6’10 PF who plays like a shooting guard.
Don’t buy the hype, no LA team has anything to fear from the Blazers.
by Michael White on Jul 2, 2009 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is bold talk
coming from a fan of a team who won 19 games compared to a team who won over 50 and has cap room to bring in more talent.
by meercatjohn on Jul 2, 2009 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
aldridge and kevin garnett have the same offensive game
by matthewmafa on Jul 2, 2009 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
disagree 100% about Aldridge
he’s got a legit post game; his only knock is that he’s skinny. But 8 rpg isn’t the sign of a guy playing like a shooting guard.
and don’t discount Jarryd Bayless. That kid’s gonna be a star if he learns the PG position.
and saying the lakers have nothing to fear is a bit hard to buy since we haven’t won at the Rose Garden since 2005…
by bucknellbruin on Jul 2, 2009 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mwhite hates the Trailblazer fans to I expect he is not a fan of the team either
One one hand Roy on has become one of my favorite players to watch. I don’t know how he gets it done, he is like the anti-Lebron but get it done he does. On the other hand Greg Oden may be the most over hyped player to come into this league in a while.
by meercatjohn on Jul 2, 2009 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alrighty, so you’ve caught my diatribe over at CN. I’ve been a bit nihilistic after the Randolph news last night. I need to chill out before I catch a ban.
by Michael White on Jul 2, 2009 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds Like Clipper Fan talk
I guess if I followed the Clips, I’d be insane by now too.
by Dodger Dude on Jul 2, 2009 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve been a Laker fan forever, and I love Kobe to death, but even I think he’s generally an asshole, and all the “Kobe is a changed man” stories were way overblown.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 2, 2009 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's a fine line between "driven" and "asshole"
His teammates now seem to think its the former. His teammates from before (Kwame etc.) think the latter. I don’t think I need to tell you which ones I would listen too.
I think if you took a camera and documented everybodies early 20’s and broadcast it on national TV, you would see a lot of people doing stupid things. I think changed just really means “growing up” or maturing.
Of coarse if he were decimating my team, I could see why people would go the other way. You need someone driven like this on every championship team (AKA Kirk Gibson). I think in our case, a guy like the beard needs to take a more leading role.
by Dodger Dude on Jul 2, 2009 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kobe’s “attitude” changed the moment the Lakers acquired Pau Gasol.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 2, 2009 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and Trevor, it took both of them to bring that ring home
He’s still an asshole, even at the height of his popularity he picked that time to prove to the Mayor who had the biggest dick in town.
Magic was driven but not an asshole. At least if he was, he kept it under wraps pretty good. No current teammate is going to call Kobe out, so if you ask me who I’d listen to, it would be the teammates who no longer have to play with him.
by meercatjohn on Jul 2, 2009 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I agree with you. I was just pointing out how the perception of Kobe changed once the Lakers became title contenders (the moment Gasol came aboard).
Kobe Doin’ Work was painful to watch, especially with Kobe narrating because it tried to force feed us on just how good a teammate he was.
by Eric Stephen on Jul 2, 2009 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The PEN Really Came Through
Oddly enough after freaking out the first game of Manny’s suspension, the pen were the absolute stars of the suspension. Belisario (who) has become an ace in the hole few months he’s been in the bigs. Mota, (the guy we were all planning his retirement party for in April) put up numbers as good as Broxton??? And Broxton was absolutely solid and sealed many games. They won a lot of games keeping our anemic June offense in games. The numbers say that the starting pitching was solid but the numbers lie. The starters were were mostly solid, but when they were shaky they were able to get yanked on time before they did to much damage because Torre had confidence in the pen and bullpen backed them up.
May Pierre and June Ethier were also stars. You still almost much have to add their numbers though to come up with Manny production were used to. But it was good to see Pierre show the reason why he is on this team and for Ethier to bounce back and win some games for the team after struggling.
Kemp, Blake, and deserve honorable mentions. Solid performances and these guys are anchors of the team.
What is going on with Castro? Every time I look up the stats he’s a team hitting leader. Is he going to keep hitting though the World sSeries? If he keeps hitting is he going to be our shortstop and Furcal become are pinch hitting specialist? And Xavier showed he’s the real deal but is prone to really freakinsh injuries (staph infection?? Groin pull, rotator cuff, torn tendon OK, Staph infection????).
I guess we have to wait to see what Manny we are going to get. I keep thinking something like going from Babe Ruth to Ty Cobb hitting, but realistically, I think we’ll see April 2009 Manny and not August/September 2008 Manny, but we’ll see. I’m pretty positive of one thing, Manny will be able to hit.
by Dodger Dude on Jul 2, 2009 10:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

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