The MLB Network was quick to jump on the Manny story

  MLB Network all over the Manny story. (AP-photo)

Mets-Phillies

7PM Thursday Night Baseball

MLB Network - Bob Costas and Al Leiter

The network was quick to jump on the Manny Ramirez  suspension for 50 games on Thursday for use of a performance-enhancing drug.

Great work by the MLB Network team to handle breaking news. Something they are learning to do quite well.

ESPN is the go to network for sports news but the MLB Network is doing a fine job with the tough breaking news game.

Here is the time line for the network's coverage:

We included some video links that will let you see the interviews and comments.

12:00pm ET: MLB Network host Victor Rojas went live on-air with the breaking news and held a phone interview with Bill Shaikin from the LA Times

12:15pm: MLB Network Insider Tom Verducci joined Rojas at the desk and interviewed fellow MLBNetwork Insider Jon Heyman by phone

12:20pm: MLBN’s Bob Costas interviewed by phone. (video)

12:30pm: MLB Network analyst Sean Casey interviewed by phone

12:35pm: Boston Globe’s Tony Massarotti interviewed by phone

12:40pm: MLBN analyst Al Leiter interviewed by phone. (video)

12:50pm: Manny Ramirez’s statement read on-air

12:55pm: USA Today’s Bob Nightengale interviewed by phone

1:00pm: MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds joined Rojas and Verducci at the desk

1:15pm: Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal interviewed by phone

1:30pm: LA Times’ Ross Newham interviewed by phone

1:50pm: Tommy Lasorda interviewed by phone

2:00pm: Off the air

A complete video package of the MLBN interviews.

3:00pm: Back on with MLB Network’s anchor Greg Amsinger along with analysts, Reynolds, Verducci and John Hart.