Around the NL - AthlonSports.com

NL Notes: Dodgers must find PT for Pierre

With Manny Ramirez set to return from a 50-game penalty due to the use of performance-enhancing drugs, the question now becomes: How do the first-place Dodgers handle Juan Pierre, one of their hottest hitters?

NL Notes: Rasmus leads for NL Rookie honors

The tattoo on Colby Rasmus’ upper right arm tells you everything you need to know about the kid’s confidence level. He's backing it up too. The speedy center fielder is the clear frontrunner for National League Rookie of the Year.

NL Notes: Hanley causes a stir

This week's Around the NL looks at Hanley Ramirez's feelings of being protected, the Mets' cavernous new stadium, a run of Nationals bad luck and more.

NL Notes: Glavine released, Unit gets 300th

This week's NL Notes opines on the Tom Glavine situation, a feel-good story in Arizona, Randy Johnson's 300th victory and more.

NL Notes: Rockies' Hurdle shown the door

Nineteen months ago, he was the toast of Denver. His Rockies were in the World Series for the first time in their brief history, and Clint Hurdle was a big reason why. And now? Hurdle is out of a job, the second National League West manager canned in recent weeks.

NL Notes: Ohman, Helms, Peavy and more

This week's National League notes looks at the disappointing Cubs, Jake Peavy's rejected trade, Will Ohman's lost money, Wed Helms embracing the boos and more.

NL Notes: Dodgers holding it together

This week's NL notes focuses on the Dodgers holding it together thus far in Manny's absence, Dan Haren's lack of run support, the porous Nationals' bullpen and other tidbits.

NL Notes: Manny's actions don't look innocent

Manny Ramirez insists this failed drug test was just an innocent mistake. And perhaps he is right, but it doesn’t look good when you fail a test for a female fertility drug that is considered a known steroid masking agent.

NL Notes: Baker has Reds contending in Central

Dusty Baker took the first team he managed to the brink of a World Series title in 2002. He came close again in Chicago. Now, in his second year running the Reds, Baker has injected some life into a previously moribund franchise. Should anyone be surprised?

NL Notes: Bradley up to usual tricks in Chicago

Lou Piniella benched the combustible Milton Bradley last week after he loafed in the field and on the bases. Oh, and the Game Maker carried out an 11-day media boycott that ended with him (what else?) blasting the media. All in a day for Bradley.

Sean Casey Official Major League Baseball
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