Report: Selig Prepared To Ban A-Rod For Life Today or Tomorrow

From Bob Nightengale:

Commissioner Bud Selig is prepared to levy a lifetime suspension on New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, while suspending about eight others before the weekend, two people with knowledge of the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports.

The people were unauthorized to speak publicly because no announcement is expected until Thursday or Friday.

"I hope he does it,'' former Commissioner Fay Vincent told USA TODAY Sports. "It's right for baseball. The harder he comes down, the better it is for baseball.''

Rodriguez, according to his attorney, David Cornwell, will appeal any suspension, regardless of the severity. The other players are expected to receive 50-game bans, and most are considering accepting the discipline without appealing, according to one of the people.

As many as 20 players were originally linked to Biogenesis, a Miami clinic that allegedly provided performance-enhancing drugs, but some players could not be disciplined for lack of evidence.

Besides Rodriguez, All-Stars Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers and Jhonny Peralta of the Detroit Tigers are facing possible suspensions, along with shortstop Everth Cabrera of the San Diego Padres.

...

In banning Rodriguez for life Selig could invoke Article XII (B) of the CBA, which states:

"Players may be disciplined for just cause for conduct that is materially detrimental or materially prejudicial to the best interests of baseball, including, but not limited to, engaging in conduct in violation of federal, state or local law.''

MLB will contend that, in addition to lying about performance-enhancing drug use, Rodriguez lied to MLB officials while attempting to sabotage their investigation, according to one of the people.

When asked if MLB is planning to impose a lifetime ban on Rodriguez, union executive director Michael Weiner said in an email: "I can neither confirm nor deny.''

This could all go down as soon as today so stay tuned.

What are you hoping happens? Do you want to see A-Rod in pinstripes ever again?

Major League Baseball Expected To Suspend A-Rod, Many Others

From Jon Heyman:

Alex Rodriguez, who once appeared on his way to breaking baseball's all-time home run record, is all but assured of a Biogenesis-related MLB ban being levied against him -- quite possibly more than the usual 50 games for first-time offenders -- people familiar with the case say.

Rodriguez is expected to be one of up to 15 or so players to receive suspensions by MLB when they are announced, possibly within a couple weeks. All the suspensions could be announced simultaneously.

Rodriguez declined to answer the questions of MLB investigators when they interviewed him, sources told CBSSports.com, as did perhaps most of the other players linked to the PED case. The players union believes baseball's Jenkins Rule allows players not to answer MLB investigators' questions, and players are being advised that their answers could be used against them in a possible appeals process or additional legal matter.

A-Rod, Brewers star Ryan Braun -- the other high-profile player linked to the case -- and most other players involved publicly denied they received performance-enhancing drugs from now-defunct Biogenesis or its proprietor, Tony Bosch, who became a witness for MLB in the case.

Any Biogenesis-related suspension based on so-called "non-analytic positives" (not triggered by a positive test) is subject to appeal -- though the likelihood now is that suspension announcements would be made before any appeals. Players union chief Michael Weiner told the New York Daily News, speaking generally and not necessarily about A-Rod, that appeals aren't necessarily automatic, explaining that in cases where the evidence is overwhelming the player might simply accept a suspension.

...

'I don't think he's going to beat the suspension back to the field,' one person connected to Rodriguez said...

...Sources who have spoken to Rodriguez say the Yankees third baseman is expecting a suspension, though he hasn't said that publicly.

MLB people declined to comment, except to say its investigators are going where the evidence takes them.

MLB appears to be readying bans which likely will be based on the drug-test failure standard:

•First offense: 50 games
•Second offense: 100 games
•Third offense: Lifetime ban

...

"MLB has receipts, checks, the whole nine yards," a person with ties to an investigated player said.

"He's looking at a lengthy suspension," another player-connected source said about A-Rod.

I know people have been saying this was going to happen for months, and then nothing would happen, but this time I think the shit is finally about to hit the fan for A-Rod and the rest of his merry band of cheaters. And I can honestly say I don't care. If this idiot cheated again, he deserves whatever he gets, and probably should just retire and save us all the future head aches.

UPDATE: Bruan has been suspended for the remainder of the 2013 season.

MLB Preparing to Suspend Players Linked To Biogenesis, Including A-Rod

Here's the story via ESPN:

In case you were wondering about Cano, John Harper reports that he isn't part of this upcoming wave of suspensions because "according to a Yankee source, there has been no indication from MLB that Robinson Cano is in danger of being suspended." Hopefully, that is true.

By now I'm sure we're all pretty sick of A-Rod and everything that has come along with him. I know I am, and I don't care if he's suspended. The Yankees probably don't care either.

Jeter Responds To Skip Bayless and His Stupid Comments

In case you did not know, here's what Skip said yesterday on First Take:


In this second video you can hear Jeter's response and Skip & Stephen A's reaction to said response:


It would seem that Skip's real issue--besides being an idiot--is with MLB and their lack of HGH testing, which I think we all can agree with, however, making Jeter your target is just ridiculous. If anyone deserves the benefit of the doubt, it's Jeter.

Bartolo Colon Suspended For PEDs

Here's the latest from the athletes are morons department via the AP:

Former Cy Young Award winner Bartolo Colon of the Oakland Athletics was suspended for 50 games Wednesday after testing positive for testosterone.

...

"I apologize to the fans, to my teammates and to the Oakland A's," Colon said in a statement released by the players' association. "I accept responsibility for my actions and I will serve my suspension as required by the joint drug program."

He will miss the final 40 games of the regular season and the first 10 games of the postseason if Oakland advances that far. Any remainder of the suspension would be served in a future season, if Colon signs another major league contract.

"It's a shock," Oakland reliever Grant Balfour said. "He's a guy that we're definitely relying on right now. I guess you could say it's bad timing any time, but especially now."

Oakland, which hasn't made the playoffs since 2006, began Wednesday a half-game out in the AL wild-card race. The A's were preparing for an afternoon series finale with the Minnesota Twins at the Coliseum when they got the news from the clubhouse TVs. A closed-door team meeting was quickly called.

"The Oakland Athletics are disappointed to learn of today's suspension," the team said in a statement.

The 39-year-old Colon is 10-9 with a 3.43 ERA in 24 starts this season, his first with the A's, and has a 171-122 record in 15 big league seasons. He was due to start Thursday in Tampa.

Seriously, what the **** is wrong with these guys?

Yanks Tell Reggie To Stay Away

From Buster Olney:

After Reggie Jackson's disparaging comments about Alex Rodriguez and others last week, he was essentially benched by the Yankees and told to stay away from team events indefinitely, according to AL sources.

Jackson was not in Boston over the weekend, where the Yankees played the Red Sox.

Jackson, a special adviser for the Yankees, usually is around the team.

But at this time, there is enough anger at the Hall of Famer from within the organization that the team has decided that he should keep his distance until otherwise determined.

"A cooling off period, but not a death penalty," a source with knowledge of the team's thinking called it when speaking to ESPNNewYork.com's Andrew Marchand.

At some point, Jackson is expected to be back with the team, the source said.

Olney also mentions that Jackson apologized to Joe Girardi and other team officials, as well as A-Rod himself.

To me, Reggie did nothing wrong and shouldn't have been forced to apologize or stay away from the team. After all, the quote in the article was pretty harmless:

"Al's a very good friend. But I think there are real questions about his numbers. As much as I like him, what he admitted about his usage does cloud some of his records."

The Yankees are blowing this whole thing way out of proportion.

Would The Boss have reacted this way? I don't think so, and I'd bet he'd be pretty disappointed.

The only thing that matters here is that Alex Rodriguez brought this on himself when he decided to cheat the game, and he's not the victim here. If anyone is, it's Reggie.

... Well, and maybe some of those HOF'ers he ripped in the article, too.

Clemens Trial: Not Guilty On All Counts

From The Associated Press:

Roger Clemens has been acquitted on all charges by a jury that decided he didn't lie to Congress when he denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

Jurors returned their verdict Monday after close to 10 hours of deliberation. The outcome brings an end to a 10-week trial that capped an expensive, five-year investigation into one of the greatest pitchers in the history of baseball.

The 49-year-old Clemens was accused of perjury, making false statements and obstructing Congress when he testified at a deposition and at a nationally-televised hearing in February 2008. The charges centered on his repeated denials that he used steroids and human growth hormone during his 24-year career.

The verdict is the latest blow to the government's pursuit of athletes accused of drug use.

And the United States Justice system continues to be an embarrassment to all citizens of this great nation. Clemens cheated, he knew he cheated, and he lied about it to Congress. Somehow the painfully obvious was lost on these 12 idiots.

"Hey Rusty, I can't believe they bought it."

Mistrial Declared in the Roger Clemens Case

For the details, I'll turn to ESPN:

The Game Ain't Clean Yet

Kinda fitting that this would come out around the same time as Clemens indictment... Marlins catcher Ronny Paulino has been suspended for 50 games after failing a drug test.

Paulino tested positive for an unspecified performance-enhancing substance and his suspension begins immediately, MLB announced Friday.
...

Paulino is the second major league player suspended for drug policy violations this year but the first one who will actually miss time because of it. The Reds' Edinson Volquez drew a 50-game ban in April but he already was on the disabled list after undergoing surgery last year and didn't return to the field until after the All-Star break anyway.

According to Biz of Baseball, 75 minor leaguers have been suspended for drug violations this season.

When are these morons going to get it and stop cheating?

I'm starting to think it's time for MLB to implement a one strike and your out rule. Maybe then these players will wake the hell up.

Clemens Indicted

From Michael S. Schmidt:

A federal grand jury has indicted Roger Clemens on charges of making false statements to Congress about his use of performance-enhancing drugs.

The 19-page indictment charges Clemens with three counts of making false statements and two counts of perjury in connection with his February 2008 testimony before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. According to the United States attorney’s office, Clemens faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine, but under the current sentencing guidelines, a conviction would likely bring 15-21 months.

Clemens’s allegedly false testimony came in a public hearing in which Clemens and his former trainer Brian McNamee, testifying under oath, directly contradicted each other about whether Clemens had used the banned substances.

“Americans have a right to expect that witnesses who testify under oath before Congress will tell the truth,” United States Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. said in a statement announcing the indictment. “Our government cannot function if witnesses are not held accountable for false statements made before Congress. Today the message is clear: if a witness makes a choice to ignore his or her obligation to testify honestly, there will be consequences.”

The authorities will not seek to arrest Clemens. According to a spokesman for the United States attorney’s office, Clemens will be asked to appear at arraignment through a judicial summons. The spokesman said that a date had not been set for the arraignment although it could be set later today. The congressional hearing at the heart of the indictment came just two months after McNamee first tied Clemens to the use of the substances in George J. Mitchell’s report on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball. After Mitchell released the report, Clemens claimed McNamee made up the allegations.

The same thing happened to Barry Bonds and it was only a matter of time before these lies caught up with Clemens. Don't look at me for any sympathy, this lying idiot deserves whatever he gets. He'll always be a Red Sock anyway.

But if you thought perjury charges would be enough to get this guy to put a halt on those lies, well you'd be wrong:

I never took HGH or Steroids. And I did not lie to Congress. I look forward to challenging the Governments accusations, and hope people will keep an open mind until trial. I appreciate all the support I have been getting. I am happy to finally have my day in court.

Rocket

Whatever you say, Roger.

Get Ready For Some More PED Drama (UPDATE: It's Volzquez)

Updated 3:10 p.m.: According to Jon Heyman, it's Edinson Volzquez. He says that it's believed that Volquez failed a test during spring training. His supension will take effect tomorrow.

Volzquez is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery, and according to Ed Price, he can his 50-game suspension while on DL. So it will only cost him 50 games pay.

(original post)

Luckily, it will likely not involve any Yankees. Accoring to Will Carroll there is a "Ped suspension incoming."

Craig Calcaterra says that a source has told him it's a "'semi-big' name, though not a "huge" name." And that it's not a player from New York and it's a National League pitcher. More info coming.

While we wait, any guesses?

Jeter, Rivera To Testify Against Clemens?

From Nathaniel Vinton:

The Yankees have never relished the destructive defamation suit former pinstripe hero Roger Clemens brought two years ago against his accuser, former Yankee trainer Brian McNamee, but bigger headaches for the club may yet lie ahead according to a new appeals-court brief issued by McNamee's defense attorneys.

A footnote deep in the 60-page brief lists current Yankee stars Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, and Derek Jeter as witnesses McNamee might call to the stand for sworn testimony about Clemens' purported use of steroids and human growth hormone. Also listed among potential witnesses for McNamee is Angela Moyer, an alleged mistress of Clemens who tended bar near the Upper East Side apartment where McNamee said he visited Clemens after Yankee games to inject the pitcher with steroids and human growth hormone (Clemens has testified he thought the syringes contained vitamin B12).

The brief, which McNamee's attorneys sent Friday to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, portrays Clemens' defamation suit as nearly dead in the water. It comes in response to Clemens' appeal of a lower court's ruling last year that eviscerated the suit, which Clemens first brought against McNamee on Jan. 6, 2008, three weeks after a report by former Senator George Mitchell first publicized McNamee's accusations.

Mitchell was also listed as a potential witness. He and the others could also be summoned to testify as part of a defamation countersuit that McNamee himself brought against Clemens last year in a federal court in Brooklyn -- and will likely pursue, at least in order to recover his monumental legal fees.

Great, more steroid nonsense for the Yankees during spring training. What else is new?

Ben, over at River Ave. Blues, sums up the situation better than I can:

If McNamee’s brief is as convincing as the Daily News says it is, the Yankees could be free of having to send their star players to testify. McNamee’s side could file for summary judgment and hope to get the case’s original dismissal affirmed. However, McNamee will continue to push his countersuit in Brooklyn, and only a settlement would stave off a trial.

Not that having these two testify would really hurt the Yankees--there aren't two better guys in baseball that could handle this--but I'd rather not have to hear any more about this crap. Let this case come and go without needing to bring anyone else into the mix. Whoever wins isn't an issue, both Clemens and McNamee are losers in my book.

You know, if they had just kept David Wells the Yankees would never had to deal with any of this. Thank you, Roger.

Two DSL Yanks Suspended For Steroids

From the AP via ESPN (hat-tip to Was Watching):

Four Dominican Summer League players, including a pair of New York Yankees prospects, have been suspended for the first 50 games of the season following positive tests for steroids under baseball's minor league drug program.

Yankees pitcher Israel Tolentino and catcher Josue Rodriguez were penalized along with New York Mets pitcher Melvin Colon and Cleveland Indians outfielder Steven Lebron.

Tolentino and Lebron each tested positive for boldenone metabolite, the commissioner's office said Wednesday. Rodriguez tested positive for metabolites of stanozolol, and Colon for nandrolone.

I'm sure very few of you have heard of these guys (I haven't) so I can't imagine you care too much. Either way, I felt like I should pass this along.

Galea: I Treated A-Rod

From Christian Red and Michael O'Keeffe:

Yankee World Series MVP Alex Rodriguez was treated by controversial Canadian doctor Anthony Galea, Galea told the Associated Press Monday.

Galea, who has been charged in Canada with conspiring to smuggle human growth hormone and other drugs into the United States and is being investigated in the U.S. on similar charges, insisted that he treated A-Rod with anti-inflammatories only, and not with HGH or other performance-enhancing drugs. Galea told the AP that he treated Rodriguez for his hip, which was "inflamed."

According to a Yankee source, team executives have not yet talked to Rodriguez about Galea because they don't want to impede the FBI investigation into Galea that is originating out of the U.S. Attorney's office in Buffalo. They will sit down with their star third baseman after the feds complete their investigation and will ask him several questions, including whether Galea's comments are accurate; whether Marc Philippon, the surgeon who operated on A-Rod's hip last spring, was aware that Galea treated the player; and whether A-Rod was aware that the chiropractor he used during his rehab, Mark Lindsay, is an associate of Galea's.

While being treated by a doctor not authorized by the team is against MLB rules, at least it appears that that was the only thing he did wrong. I've learned not to believe anyone mixed up in these steroids scandals, but for now I'm going to take Galea at his word. Probably because the last thing I want to hear about is another A-Rod steroid scandal.

Yankee Brass Upset With A-Rod

From Bob Raissman:

Certain members of the Yankees high command are very, very angry with Alex Rodriguez.

No one likes being deceived, especially these suits. They are furious over A-Rod hanging them out to dry, not immediately informing them he had been contacted by the FBI to testify in a matter concerning Anthony Galea, the Canadian doctor linked to the importing of illegal drugs.

"They (Yankees brass) don't like being blindsided," said a TV industry source who deals with the Yankees and YES. "If Rodriguez isn't protecting the organization paying him a fortune, why should the organization go out of its way to protect him?"

Raissman then went on to describe how the YES execs must have enjoyed the way YES covered his first at-bat of the spring. Explaining that YES took a very different approach than they have in the past, when they would usually ignore stuff like this. Instead, Michael Kay and Kenny Singleton spoke about the story. (For the quotes, check out the article.)

I can't completely disagree, although I wouldn't go as far as saying the YES booth was particularly hard on A-Rod. Sure, they mentioned it, but honestly, they wouldn't be doing their job if they didn't.

Raissman continues:

Highlighting tales of syringes and shady characters is not good for the Yankees brand. This time around, though, although it's "just" about him having to talk to the FBI, A-Rod was not provided cover. For YES, this was a radical departure. It indicates the depth of anger here. While there's no evidence Kay and Singleton were ordered by the higher-ups to highlight this so early in the telecast, you can be sure, absolutely sure, none of the Yankee higher-ups called their counterparts at YES to complain.

"At first they (Yankees execs) thought the media was blowing this up (out of proportion)," an MLB source said. "Then they found out he (Rodriguez) is being called in (by the FBI) to testify and this was coming directly from the feds. Thanks to Alex, the Yankees were caught off guard."

Now, there is concern over this FBI situation - and where it will lead. Whenever players are called to testify under oath, there's always the risk they can get caught up in perjury charges, as was the case with Barry Bonds and Miguel Tejada. There's also concern that A-Rod may be backsliding into his days of scandal and turmoil.

"They (Yankee officials) are concerned this stuff is going to start happening all over again," the source said. "They are not happy. He's been in camp, what, a week? First he gets in the papers for his Maybach thing (fender bender). Then comes this FBI thing. They're wishing he would have stayed with Kate Hudson."

Regarding the Yankees brass being upset with A-Rod, I completely understand that. If I owned a company, of any sort, and one of my employees did something behind my back that could make the company look bad I'd be pissed too.

The Drama Continues For A-Rod

From Ben Shpigel:

For Rodriguez, it was a fine day on the field, as it often is. But in the clubhouse, it was another matter, as he again had to deal with questions tied to the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Before the game, Rodriguez told reporters there was nothing new to say about when he would meet with federal authorities. They want to ask Rodriguez what he knows about Anthony Galea, a Toronto-based doctor who has been charged by Canadian authorities with conspiring to smuggle drugs and is under investigation in this country by various federal authorities.

...

But a meeting with federal investigators — something Rodriguez is believed not to have had — comes with more stringent parameters. The person being questioned is essentially under oath and can face criminal charges if the authorities conclude he was not truthful.

Several athletes have been punished in recent years because of their statements to federal authorities. For example, the track star Marion Jones pleaded guilty in 2007 to lying to federal agents about her use of performance-enhancing drugs and was sentenced to six months in prison.

... Rodriguez was asked by reporters Monday if Galea had ever treated him and replied: “I can’t really get into that. You’ll know within time, all at the same time.”

Several people who have been briefed on the investigation said federal authorities had been told that Galea treated Rodriguez at some point. They did not want to be identified because they were discussing a continuing investigation.

The Yankees themselves are not sure what to think. They do not know if Galea treated Rodriguez; they know only that they did not authorize Galea to do so.

This is all just frustrating to this Yankees fan. I really thought last year was the turning point for A-Rod. It all started with being outed as a steroid user--the low point of his career. Then, he suffered the first major injury of his career, putting his season in doubt. It was rock-bottom for A-Rod. But he fought through it all, came back sooner than expected, had a very good regular season, and then led the Yankees to their 27th world championship.

Now, we have this crap. More questions about PEDs, more suspicion, and another distraction for A-Rod and the team around him.

Like I said the other day, I'm not going to jump to conclusions and assume he's guilty of anything besides dealing with a doctor he probably shouldn't have. I know he was tested a few times last year and since he hasn't been suspended I have to assume that they all came back clean. So, for now, there's no reason to believe he used again. But could you imagine if it's found out that he was using HGH while recovering from hip surgery?

A-Rod Will Talk To The Feds

Here's an update to this morning's post via Bryan Hoch:

"I'm aware of an investigation, and I plan on cooperating," Rodriguez said at George M. Steinbrenner Field after the Yankees' workout.

Rodriguez declined to comment when asked about the nature of his relationship with Galea, who faces charges in Canada of conspiring to smuggle human growth hormone and the drug Actovegin into the United States, as well as conspiracy to smuggle prohibited goods into Canada.

"I can't really get into that," Rodriguez said. "I know you [reporters] have to ask those questions, but I have to speak to those [agents] first. You [reporters] will know pretty much all at the same time."

Rodriguez said that he did not know when the meeting with the agents would take place.

"Not sure," he said. "I'm just kind of waiting for instructions."

I'm sure A-Rod didn't do anything wrong here, I'm just kind of annoyed that this has to be a news story, in other words, a distraction, just as the games are about to begin. But if he was able to get over last spring's catastrophe, this will be a cake walk.

Here's a statement that was released by the Yankees today. It comes from Pete Caldera:

"The New York Yankees have not been contacted with regard to an investigation of Dr. Tony Galea. The Yankees never authorized Dr. Tony Galea to treat Alex Rodriguez, nor do we have any knowledge of any such treatment. The Yankees authorized Dr. Marc Philippon to operate on Alex and oversee his rehabilitation. At the request of Dr. Philippon, we also authorized Dr. Mark Lindsay to supervise the daily rehabilitation program established by Dr. Philippon. We will continue to monitor the situation."

A-Rod May Be Questioned By Feds About Dr. With Ties To PEDs

From Teri Thompson and Michael O'Keeffe:

Alex Rodriguez and Tiger Woods may be on deck to be questioned by the federal agents who interviewed Mets shortstop Jose Reyes last week about a Canadian doctor who is under investigation for alleged drug violations, a source closely involved in the case told the Daily News Sunday.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the agents have indicated that they will continue talking to other athletes about a Toronto sports medicine doctor named Tony Galea, and may issue subpoaenas for the grand jury investigating Galea.

Galea faces charges in Canada of conspiring to smuggle HGH and the drug Actovegin into the U.S., conspiracy to smuggle prohibited goods into Canada, unlawfully selling Actovegin and smuggling goods into Canada in violation of the Customs Act.

The nature of A-Rod's relationship with Galea, the Toronto physician who was arrested in October after authorities found illegal drugs in his assistant's car during a stop at the U.S. Canadian border, is unclear. Mark Lindsay, a Canadian chiropractor who managed the Yankee third basemen's rehabilitation after hip surgery last year, is an associate of Galea, however. Galea and Lindsay are principals at a Toronto sports medicine clinic called Affinity Health. Galea is being investigated in both Canada and the U.S.

Lindsay has deep ties to BALCO, the San Francisco-area lab that provided designer steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs to athletes. Lindsay has treated former NFL star Bill Romanowski and sprinters Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery. All three athletes testified before the BALCO grand jury.

BALCO founder Victor Conte told the Daily News last year that Lindsay was part of a group called "Project World Record" that intended to make Montgomery the fastest man In the world. Montgomery was later implicated in the BALCO scandal and is now in prison for heroin distribution. Jones served six months in prison for lying to federal investigators about her use of performance-enhancing drugs, and for her role in a bank fraud scheme.

A-Rod and Scott Boras did not comment on this story, and Brian Cashman said he has not heard about any subpoena.

At that time in his life--recently having to admit past steroid use--why would A-Rod go to a Canadian chiropractor who "treated" athletes that were all tied to the BALCO scandal? Wouldn't you think that this was exactly the type of person to stay away from when coming off a steroid scandal of your own?

I'm not saying Alex cheated to get back, I don't think he did, I just think his judgment sucks. Sure, there's a good chance he had no idea who this guy Lindsay had ties to, but there's also a chance he did. Now he's going to have to answer questions about this relationship, and people in the media, along with fans, will start to speculate about what a former steroid user was doing with a doctor with links to steroid users. Not the wisest of moves, Alex.

HGH Testing Coming To The Minors

From Michael S. Schmidt:

Major League Baseball, which had long been skeptical about a viable test for human growth hormone, now plans to implement blood testing for the substance in the minor leagues later this year, according to an official in baseball with direct knowledge of the matter.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because he did not want to be identified discussing a decision that has not yet been made public.

The decision to move ahead with blood testing comes one day after a British rugby player was suspended for testing positive for H.G.H. It was the first time that an athlete had been publicly identified for testing positive for the substance and was seen as overdue proof that the blood test, which has been in limited use for six years, actually works.

Over the past decade, the minor leagues have been the place where Commissioner Bud Selig has introduced new steps against the use of performance-enhancing drugs. The majority of minor leaguers are not members of the players union, which has allowed Selig to take drug-testing measures without the union’s consent. For instance, testing for steroids was initiated on the minor league level before the union later agreed to its use in the majors.

Selig plans to use the same blueprint with H.G.H., with a second baseball official confirming on Tuesday that Selig will now move to get the union’s approval to test for H.G.H. on the major league level.

This is something MLB, among other sports, has needed to do for years. Apparently there is finally a reliable test and I'm glad to see Bud Selig doing the right thing. I'm sure there are going to be player's union people who will be against any kind of blood testing, but that's just too damn bad. If the players care about cleaning up the game completely than this is something they're going to have to accept.

Gossage: Keep Cheaters Out Of The Hall

From The AP:

Goose Gossage watched Mark McGwire's televised confession to steroids use and was happy his former teammate came clean. That's where the praise ended, with the Hall of Fame reliever saying there should be no place in Cooperstown for McGwire or any other player who used performance-enhancing drugs.

"I definitely think that they cheated," Gossage said Tuesday in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "And what does the Hall of Fame consist of? Integrity. Cheating is not part of integrity."

...

"The integrity of the Hall of Fame and the numbers and the history are all in jeopardy," said Gossage, inducted two years ago. "I don't think they should be recognized. Here's a guy Aaron, we're talking about the greatest record of all records. And he did it on a level playing field. He did it with God-given talent. And the same with Maris, absolutely. These are sacred records and they've been shattered by cheaters."

Goose also says that Hank Aaron is still the all-time HR king, and Roger Maris still owns the single-season record, and I happen to feel the same way.

I also agree that the HOF is no place for steroid users, but we really have no idea how many people are in the HOF, but were just lucky enough not to get caught.