Manny Ramirez’s 2003 positive test: What will Terry Francona say?

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The news that Manny Ramirez tested positive for performance-enhancing substances in 2003 calls to mind a conversation with Boston Red Sox Manager Terry Francona in May, after Ramirez was suspended 50 games for violating baseball’s drug policy.

Recall that the Red Sox had won World Series championships in 2004 and 2007, both times with Ramirez as one of the stars. Here’s an excerpt from that conversation, related in a Times column:

Terry Francona, the Boston manager since 2004, tersely rejected the notion that his championships might somehow be tainted.

‘Why?’ Francona said.

Ramirez tested positive for a banned substance.

‘When did he test?’ Francona said.

This spring.

‘You’re just digging up stuff now,’ he said. ‘I’m proud of our guys.’

-- Bill Shaikin