What effect will Manny Ramirez's suspension have on the remainder of the Dodgers roster?
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) -
Manny Ramirez of the Los Angeles Dodgers is a great hitter, a flake and now possibly a cheater, but what effect will his 50-game suspension have on the fantasy world?
Obviously, Ramirez himself will be out of the lineup until early July and with it his prodigious slugging numbers. But what effect will it have on the remainder of the young fantasy-worthy players on the Dodgers roster?
We heard all last year how Manny's presence in the lineup calmed the young Dodgers hitters and made them better. I'm here to refute that, at least from a fantasy point of view.
Yes, Ramirez made the Los Angeles Dodgers a better team (30-24 regular season finish) helping them to a NL West crown and a first round sweep of the Chicago Cubs, but he wasn't as good at helping those around him as most of the press would have you believe.
Of the four young players who make up the core of the Dodgers' future, Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp, James Loney and Russell Martin, only one had better statistics after Ramirez arrived at the end of July.
Ethier's numbers were up across the board, but not the other three hitters. For Kemp, Loney and Martin the final two months of the season produced less results not more. Check the statistics below.
From August 1st until the end of the regular season, Kemp, Loney and Martin had lower batting averages, on-base percentages, slugging percentages and OPS.
So while the Dodgers may struggle in Manny's absence, maybe Kemp, Loney and Martin will raise their games to a higher level.
Los Angeles Dodgers Splits - Pre/Post Ramirez Arrival
