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Saturday, December 01, 2012

Maury Brown: Manny Ramirez Tests Positive For Testosterone

Not sure what this means… is it three strikes?

An annual report released as part of Major League Baseball’s drug program shows that of 5,136 tests for performance-enhancing drugs and stimulants, a total of 18 tested positive, or less than 1 percent (0.35%) during the 2012 season. While 18 players tested positive for banned substances, not all served suspensions as a first offense for stimulants only results in follow-up testing…

There were a total of 7 positive tests for performance-enhancing substances that resulted in discipline, with four accounting for testosterone that resulted in 50 game suspension. Three were announced suspensions during the course of the year (San Diego Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal; Oakland Athletics pitcher Bartolo Colon, and; San Francisco Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera), but the fourth was not announced. That now appears to be Manny Ramirez who retired in early 2011 to avoid a 100-game suspension for a second violation of the drug policy. After sitting out the entire 2011 season, a deal was reached with MLB and the MLBPA to allow his reinstatement and to serve just 50 games rather than 100 after signing with the Athletics.

The District Attorney Posted: December 01, 2012 at 04:41 PM | 13 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: hall of fame, manny ramirez, ped

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1. Danny Posted: December 01, 2012 at 05:45 PM (#4314159)

Not sure what this means… is it three strikes?

He tested positive for testosterone in 2011 while with the Rays. They included it in the 2012 report because that's when he served his (reduced) suspension.

2. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: December 01, 2012 at 06:39 PM (#4314171)

So who wants to guess the player who is being treated for hypogonadism?

3. The District Attorney Posted: December 01, 2012 at 07:00 PM (#4314183)

So who wants to guess the player who is being treated for hypogonadism?

Wang?

4. bob gee Posted: December 01, 2012 at 08:04 PM (#4314210)

johnson

5. The elusive Robert Denby Posted: December 01, 2012 at 08:05 PM (#4314211)

Wang?

No offense.

6. Gonfalon Bubble Posted: December 01, 2012 at 08:26 PM (#4314223)

I'm going to guess one of the Colorado Rockies; they have to keep their balls humidified.

7. Best Regards, L.M. Posted: December 01, 2012 at 09:57 PM (#4314281)

Not sure what this means… is it three strikes?

The three strikes rule is dumb, dumb, dumb. There's no reason that three positive tests is special.

There should be escalating suspensions. There should probably be lifetime bans. But I think the lifetime bans should be handed out at the Commissioner's discretion, though not until after the third positive test (or at least the second positive test).

8. depletion Posted: December 01, 2012 at 10:16 PM (#4314284)

There's no reason that three positive tests is special.

This one goes to eleven. I generally prefer two strikes and you're out. One chance to royally screw up, then we figure he will never ever get the message. But, hey, this is baseball so it's three strikes.

9. Cabbage Posted: December 01, 2012 at 10:42 PM (#4314302)

I think PED punshiments should be flexible, and that its should be baseball's official policy to consider certain circumstances. Even a second offense from a AAAA player who's originally from a developing country and supporting an extended family is less blameworthy than a first offense from an established starter. There are really giganitic economic differences in players' lives, and I think the punishments should understand and account for that. After all, if baseball wasn't a hugely financially rewarding, few players would risk their long term health for on-field glory.

10. Random Transaction Generator Posted: December 02, 2012 at 02:21 AM (#4314419)

There are really giganitic economic differences in players' lives, and I think the punishments should understand and account for that.

Different punishments based on the wealth/success of the player?

Yikes. I can't imagine that working out very well.

11. Bhaakon Posted: December 02, 2012 at 02:26 AM (#4314420)

Even a second offense from a AAAA player who's originally from a developing country and supporting an extended family is less blameworthy than a first offense from an established starter. There are really giganitic economic differences in players' lives, and I think the punishments should understand and account for that.

Understanding and condoning are two different things. If part of the justification for testing is to prevent fringe players from feeling like they have to use drugs to succeed, then giving those same players a slap on the wrist when caught is counter productive. You'd be encouraging use among those players if they felt like they could get away with little punishment.

12. Benji Posted: December 02, 2012 at 09:44 AM (#4314465)

Bye Manny. I hope.

13. Yastrzemski in left. Posted: December 02, 2012 at 01:06 PM (#4314555)

Manny is still being Manny.

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Saturday, December 01, 2012

Maury Brown: Manny Ramirez Tests Positive For Testosterone

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