COMMISH SUSPENDS RAMIREZ

Las Vegas---How bad can things get for the defending Central Division champions? Already reeling from the botched sale of their franchise, division relocation and the loss of ten draft selections, the Luchadores received their worst blow yet: a 50-game suspension for star outfielder Manny Ramirez, who has tested positive for the steroid-related compound HGC.

Ramirez, who hit just .262 with 21 HR and 78 RBI last season, was nevertheless regarded as 'the straw that stirred the drink' in Vegas. The 36-year-old free spirit was widely believed to be the key to career seasons from Matt Holliday (34 HR) and Prince Fielder (43 HR) in a potent Vegas lineup that led the Central in runs scored. 'Man-Ram' was also the biggest star in a lineup that won back-to-back titles in the loop's most competitive division.

What now, though? Already in receivership, denied access to the trade market and sharing a division with two other perennial contenders (Darwin and Yuma), the fast-track to success has come back to bite the Vegas faithful. "This is going to hurt them," conceded Commissioner Scott Hatfield. "But it's also bad for the league. We need competitive teams that are drawing fans, not laughingstocks that draw contempt and bring shame on the entire league. That's why it pains me to invoke this penalty immediately. But we simply have to draw a line in the sand here, regardless of who the player is."

Ramirez, for his part, claims that the failed drug test that led to the suspension was an unfortunate circumstance and not indicative of past steroid use. His agent, Scott Boras, unsuccessfully lobbied Ramirez to file an appeal of his suspension to the league. Boras declined to comment on this failure, or a reporter's suggestion that he had been in touch with the defending world champions (Frostbite Falls) about reacquiring former client Eric Gagne.