The anticipation runs both ways, as Ramirez said he's looking forward to his reunion with his home fans as much as they are.
"I'm excited," Ramirez said. "I want to thank the fans of Los Angeles for the support they've given me. I can't wait. I can't wait."
The Dodgers at a glance:
Biggest first-half surprise
The Dodgers' bullpen, which was the greatest source of concern for management heading into the season, performed remarkably well. The unit's 3.31 earned-run average is second best in the majors.
Jonathan Broxton has been lights out in his first full season as the closer, converting 20 of 22 save opportunities. Ronald Belisario (2.42 ERA), Ramon Troncoso (1.75) and Jeff Weaver (3.48) far exceeded expectations. Rookie Brent Leach (4.26) has become a serviceable situational left-hander and Guillermo Mota (3.51) overcame a rough start to become a viable late-inning option.
Biggest first-half disappointment
Russell Martin and Rafael Furcal didn't look like themselves at the plate.
Martin, who hit 32 home runs in his first two full big-league seasons, had only two home runs in the first half to go with a .258 average and 27 runs batted in. Furcal, who missed 4 1/2 months last season because of back problems, hit only .256.
Both players showed signs of improvement. Martin batted .343 over his last eight games and Furcal .373 over his last 10.
At this pace
Andre Ethier could become the first Dodger to hit 30 home runs since Adrian Beltre had 48 in 2004. Ethier has 18 home runs in the Dodgers' 88 games, putting him on pace for 33.
Reasons to be excited
The Dodgers survived Ramirez's 50-game ban and opening-day starter Hiroki Kuroda's two-month stint on the disabled list.
Chad Billingsley (9-4, 3.38 ERA) rebounded from a nightmarish playoff experience to become the team's most reliable pitcher. Matt Kemp (.320, 11 home runs, 50 runs batted in) is gradually realizing his potential.
The maturation of the players in their mid-20s is complemented by the calming presence of veterans such as All-Star Orlando Hudson, Casey Blake (12 home runs, 55 runs batted in), Brad Ausmus, Mark Loretta and Juan Castro.
Reasons to be concerned
The bullpen already has logged 302 innings, second-most in the majors. Broxton has an injured toe that kept him out of the All-Star game and is expected to linger for the remainder of the season. Belisario and Troncoso are on pace to shatter their career highs in innings pitched, and Belisario is already on the disabled list.
