The Manny Marketing Disaster

"Manny being Manny" just isn't an excuse for violating Major League Baseball's drug policy. In the wake of Manny Ramirez's failed performance-enhancing drugs test, the Los Angeles Dodgers are struggling to cope with the 50-game suspension of their highest paid player and most important marketing tool. Once the Dodgers acquired Manny in a trade last year, they immediately began to build a brand around him. They sold wigs in his hairstyle, raked in loads of cash off his jersey, and even named a section of their ball park "Mannywood." Now, as many fans feel betrayed, what to do? Basically, nothing. The Dodgers continue to market Manny as their franchise player. Fortunately for Manny and the Dodgers, he plays in Los Angeles—a quirky player in an even quirkier city.