Finally, Manny "countdown" is ending

The "countdown" of Manny Ramirez's return to the Los Angeles Dodgers is coming to a close, and not a moment too soon.

Judging from some of the broadcast coverage of this "event," it almost seems like a cause of celebration. Unless he's on your fantasy team, this isn't a time to break out the champagne. This hoopla is simply misguided.

He plays his first game in San Diego on Friday night, where he's certain to be booed lustily. But when he returns to Dodger Stadium after the All-Star Game, will he receive a standing ovation? He did in his minor-league rehab stops, which was borderline ridiculous.

(And while we're at it, why should a player on suspension be allowed to have rehab time in the minors? That's a loophole that should be addressed. He should be starting that "rehab" now.)

We still have lots of questions, and no real apology or explanation. Manny will hope this all goes away when he hits that first long home run. As columnist Tim Dahlberg of the AP wrote:

"We'll probably never know why he felt compelled to use a fertility drug when it's obvious his best child-bearing years are behind him."

Manny's best run-producing years are probably behind him, too. His streak of 11 consecutive All-Star Games is ending. The suspension cost him roughly $8 million in salary. It also cost him an automatic pass into the Hall of Fame five years after retirement.

Is that punishment enough? I don't know. But the adoration of the L.A. fans will return. Quickly. Probably too quickly.