Matt Foran, Nielsen Sports
While controversy seems to follow Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez wherever they go, Nielsen Online buzz data reveals that, when it comes to buzz, steroids trump all of their on-field accomplishments. Of all the online discussion over the past year surrounding Manny Ramirez, Internet buzz peaked last week when it was announced Ramirez was suspended 50 games for using performance enhancing drugs.
Ramirez's absence may also impact the Dodgers' television ratings, since those numbers for Dodgers games are up 35% since Manny was acquired on July 31st of last year.
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez also saw a significant online buzz spike in reaction to his steroid scandal.
Love him, hate him, or somewhere in between, it can't be denied that he delivers eyeballs: His first game back from a hip injury received a 4.8 rating, a 15% increase over their current average on the YES Network.
