AT ISSUE
Mr. Juan-derful faces a raw deal when Manny Ramirez returns
What: In another chapter of “Life Isn’t Fair,” volume 87, Juan Pierre’s days as the Dodgers’ starting left fielder are quickly coming to an end.
When: Manny Ramirez is scheduled to be reinstated July 3 from his drug suspension.
Background: Pierre’s work ethic is legendary. He told me he prepared for this season as if he would be a starter. “I don’t know any other way,” he said. The opportunity arose when Ramirez failed an IQ, er, drug test, with a banned fertility drug appearing in his system. After Ramirez’s suspension for 50 games on May 7, Pierre took over and took off. He has batted .360 with a .424 on-base percentage. He’s been a catalytic force at the top of the order. Manager Joe Torre admitted the Dodgers wouldn’t still be in first place without Pierre’s contribution.
Renck’s take: The Dodgers won’t do it, but Pierre deserves to be paroled when Manny receives his “get out of jail free” card. Pierre has enhanced his trade value, but he has $24.5 million remaining on a deal that runs through 2011. His lack of power is why he’s such a great fill-in. His swing is always ready. But that same lack of power is why nobody would take that contract. If Pierre were a second baseman, he would be a per-ennial all-star. But he lacks arm and muscle as an outfielder. Nobody should waste Kleenex on this issue — Pierre is a rich man. It just doesn’t feel right that Ramirez will be rewarded for cheating while Pierre will be sitting. Pierre deserves better.
