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Torre: Manny Should Skip All-Star Game

Dodgers manager Joe Torre told reporters Friday that slugger Manny Ramirez should skip the All-Star Game if voted in. Manny was suspended for 50 games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He claimed he was perscribed tainted medication, when it fact we learned later he took a drug to mask his heavy steroids abuse.

“No,” Torre said regarding whether Manny should attend the All-Star Game. “I think if you asked Manny, he’d give you the same answer.”

Ramirez, who is set to return to the Dodgers July 3, is currently fourth among outfielders in the National League, just 34,000 votes behind the third place holder, Carlos Beltran. The top three outfielders are automatically voted in.

“To me, I think the significance of the All-Star Game is to reward players who have a good first half,” Torre said. “We don’t always do that, because it’s a popularity vote, for the most part. If you want to include the fans, that’s how it’s got to be.”

About KC Downey

KC is the "head coach" of the Sports of Boston, LLC blog network. Follow him on Twitter: @kc_downey

Tags: Joe Torre, Los Angeles Dodgers, Manny Ramirez, MLB All-Star Game, Steroids