SoCal

The red-hot Dodgers and their fans are reeling today after news broke that slugger Manny Ramirez will be handed a 50-game suspension for testing positive for what insiders are calling "Crazy Juice."

To many observers, Manny Ramirez is a clubhouse cancer and an aging slugger on the downside of his career. To the LA Dodgers, he remains one of baseball's best hitters and provides a much-needed edge in the NL. The Dodgers reportedly are nearing a two-year, $45 million contract extension, and Ramirez is certain of two things: 1. He's going to continue acting like a loon and 2. He's going to hit at least .500 again against the Cubs.

The Padres re-upped on Tuesday with pitcher Mark Prior on a one-year minor league deal that can earn the injury-plagued right-hander up to seven figures in salary in 2009. The unique contract requires Prior -- who signed with the Padres before the '08 season for $1 million, but did not pitch in a single game before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery -- to wear a ski mask to the mound every time he pitches.

The Heckler brings you the most shocking headlines from the world of sports.

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