Ramirez
Manny an All-Star? OK with Manuel
Even a 50-game drug suspension might not be enough to keep Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez off the National League All-Star squad.
A Yankees fan in suburban New York created a Web site designed to point out that no rule prevents players coming off a drug suspension from being elected as an All-Star - which is just fine with NL manager Charlie Manuel, of the Phillies.
"The All-Star Game is for the fans, and I think if he got voted in, then it would be appropriate for him to play," Manuel said yesterday. "Once he serves his suspension, he's paid his penalty, and he's just like every other player."
Ramirez, who was suspended May 7, was fourth among NL outfielders this week. He is eligible to be reinstated on July 3, with the All-Star Game set for 11 days later in St. Louis.
"It would be too interesting, too funny, too pick-your-adjective to see Manny get elected," said Jason Rosenberg, 39, the creator of voteformanny.blogspot.com. On the site, he has a link to All-Star balloting, with the note: "Remember, vote early and often!" *
