Jul
30

Manny, Papi tested positive for PEDs in 2003

By Mike Axisa

Wow. Legacy, meet taint. Taint, legacy.

Update (12:37pm): Here’s the original NY Times article.

Posted on Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 12:35 pm in Asides, STEROIDS!.

RSS feed | Trackback URI

357 Comments »

Peedlum says:

The full NY Times article and my red sox fan friends reaction.

“ughhh. well there’s a pretty good explaination for why his numbers are down.”

you think, captain obvious?

Chris says:

I don’t buy that explanation. Why would Ortiz suddenly stop using this year? Testing has been in effect for a number of years, so if he’s passed all of his tests since 2003, then why stop using now?

I find it just as hard to believe that his decline this year is because he stopped using 5 years ago.

Peedlum says:

because he decided to advocate for harsher penatlies:

http://articles.latimes.com/20.....ll-notes17

what a hypocrite. or, more aptly, hippo-crite.

the artist formerly known as (sic) says:

nice find. i am enjoying clicking back and forth between two open tabs in my browser right now. the title of those tabs?

“Manny, Papi tested positive for PEDs in 2003/River Ave Blues”

and

“David Ortiz calls for stiffer steroid penalties” – LA times.

 
Drew says:

When he came out and said that in ST he was speaking of looking forward. As in, from here on out, if you test positive you get a whole season suspension.

Rob H. says:

doesn’t matter. He’s still a hypocrite for saying it when he knew full well that he was a user.

 
Randy says:

Didn’t he say last year that anyone who’s caught using steroids should be banned for life??

Looks like Yanks fans will be taunting Papi and the Sox this August when they return to New York next!

 
 
 
 
 
Manimal says:

The arod distractions was before the season. This is write in the middle of a playoff run. Should be interesting to see how they react.

Manimal says:
 

I love how you correct were, but not write.

 
 
 
Raf says:

cant really gloat about this but its not like it wasnt expected.
always felt the guys denying the accusations the loudest (Ortiz) were doing so to cover it up.

 
the artist formerly known as (sic) says:
Tampa Yankee says:
 
 
Jordan says:

This is almost as good as trading Igawa, Ransom and Kevin Cash for Halladay and Downs and cash. Almost.

Chip says:

Agreed, I’ve been having an on-going argument with my uncle that if anybody in baseball was using it was David Ortiz

pete says:

“if anybody in baseball was using”

 
 
 
Peedlum says:

I can’t help but go back to this and laugh now: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn.....ortCat=mlb

 
 
Stryker says:

what a load of hypocrisy on david ortiz’ part.

 
MyNameIsNed says:

Does anyone else think Chowda Nation is now going to go with the line “Everyone else was doing it, so I dont care.”

I had to take their shit for months about A-Rod juicing, now that their heroes have been exposed, they are going to try to brush it off.

Besides, who really didnt know that fat P.O.S. was taking shots in the ass, both with needles and in Provincetown?

Whitey14 says:

I’m guessing you have lots of bumper stickers on your car…

MyNameIsNed says:

Nope, only have the NY magnet on my hood. I just love to talk shit.

 
 
 

Besides, who really didnt know that fat P.O.S. was taking shots in the ass, both with needles and in Provincetown?

Thanks for crossing an unnecessary line and cheapening your whole argument.

Pete says:

He obviously meant “Person On Steroids”…

Heh. I was referring to the “taking shots in the ass… in Provincetown” part, though. That’s just bigoted, ignorant and pointless.

rbizzler says:

Agreed. And it only detracts from the situation at hand, which I find strangley liberating.

 
Pete says:

Provincetown? What’s going on there? ;-)

pete says:

my name is also pete!

 
 
 
 
 
Double-J says:

They are. Check ESPN.com comments. This news story isn’t news, because, after all, everyone was doing it. GO SAWX !1!1111!!11!! :P

 
 
GG says:

Glad to see George Mitchell was doing his due diligence with the clubhouse he had the most access to.

Zach says:

ha, its like when you’re going out to eat with a bunch of friends, but when you count you forget to count yourself.

 
 
Raf says:

honestly the only names that would surprise me right now are Jeter and Mo. to me anyone could be on that list.

 
 
Whitey14 says:

Sad day indeed…..Ortiz won’t take anywhere near as much crap as Manny and Arod though because he’s been so much more likeable. He was just as wrong as they were though. I’m not surprised, but very dissapointed. I was hoping this day would never come. Sounds like Ortiz has been refusing comment too. Not sure if that’s the way to go or not.

Yeah, but with Ortiz there’s more of a question whether he ever would have been a good hitter at all without the steroids, since his career is so funky and he really didn’t hit until something happened after he got to Boston in 2003. I think Ortiz takes a HUGE hit here, I think you’re not seeing a big part of this. Everyone knows Manny and A-Rod (however unlikable A-Rod might be) were special talents without the steroids. But Ortiz? Not so much. His entire career gets called into question now.

Whitey14 says:

I actually agree with you, but we’re not talking about a Hall of Fame career here so the fall from grace isn’t nearly as far. I also think fans will be much more forgiving of him because they love him so much.

We’ll see. I mean, yeah, nobody takes crap like A-Rod takes crap, the personal hatred won’t be like that. But I think the guy will look like a total fraud to a lot of people now. People will still like him because he’s Big Papi and people like him, but his legacy as a ballplayer? Doneskis.

And, honestly, my laughing-reaction to this news aside, I personally don’t give a shit if the guy did steroids. He seems like an awesome guy, I see why Sox fans love him. But it doeschange my opinion of his on-field exploits.

Whitey14 says:

“But it doeschange my opinion of his on-field exploits.”

Mine too man, mine too.

Meh… See the conversation below… It’s not about dancing on Papi’s grave. He’s still a cool guy who did some cool things for you guys.

Look at me, feeling empathy for a Sox fan. We know how it feels, and it sucks, huh.

Yup. I just hope people gain perspective as more of these names come out, because if you rail at the heavens about how evil all the other teams players are for taking steroids, you’re going to be in an uncomfortable position later when you realize the truth.

Your favorite player took steroids. Nobody is exempt from this. Steroids were like water for most of the past two decades. Everybody was on stuff.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
 

“Your favorite player took steroids. Nobody is exempt from this.”

Don Mattingly did not take steroids, and I will punch you in a very uncomfortable spot (Not the back of a Volkswagon) if you say he did.

 

Don Mattingly probably didn’t take steroids.

Looking back at his injury plagued career, though, he should have. He cheated us Yankee fans out of several good years of baseball in the early 1990’s, and if he had cheated like he was supposed to he probably would have won a ring.

So, yeah, I’m a little pissed at Donnie Baseball for not taking steroids.

BOOOM, THAT JUST HAPPENED. IS YOUR MIND BLOWN?

 
Rick in Boston says:

DBHOF is so coming out of the woodwork for you now.

 

HOMO CLOWN!

/Ironhorse-PinstripeDestiny’d

Yeah, he should have dabbled into the HGH, huh. With some HGH and that little O’Neill leg kick he picked up in ‘95, he would have been awesome.

 
 
Whitey14 says:

Yeah, I do hope that most of you will remember that this guy didn’t take shots at Arod. I never advocated booing him and chanting at him and I still don’t.

Everybody is jumping to the conclusion that because Ortiz is on the list that he did Steroids (and he most likely did), but what if he was taking some girly drug like Ramirez. Maybe that’s why all his comments mention Steroids specifically and only steroids specifically. Yes, I realize I’m grasping at straws…

(Comments wont nest below this level)

You’re not grasping at straws, Whitey. Straws are bigger than that. You’re grasping at sub-atomic particles of elements that could potentially become straw someday.

 

“but what if he was taking some girly drug like Ramirez.”

That “girly” drug’s purpose was to kickstart his natural testosterone production while coming off a steroid cycle.

 
Ed says:

Manny was busted for steroids. When you test positive, they look at all your medical records. When they did that, they found the prescription for the “girly drug”. They suspended him for that instead because Manny couldn’t appeal that, whereas he would’ve been able to drag out an appeal on the drug test results for months.

And as Joe said, the “girly drug” was part of his steroid usage.

 
Whitey14 says:

Damn, I knew I was grasping at straws, or maybe element particles, but did you guys have to prove it so thoroughly ;-)

 
 
 
 
 
Zach says:

if he was still putting up numbers yes. not hitting .223 though. he’ll never get booed at fenway, but lets see them try to do ‘you did steroids’ chant for arod now

Whitey14 says:

But you have to remember the ignorance of some fans will lead them to chant at Arod anyway because they’ll be expecting Ortiz to get the chants in the Bronx so they’ll think it’s alright. It’s unfortunate for both players.

Zach says:

yeah true. but did sutcliff say they were good fans when they did that to arod? whatever ill just laugh if i hear it.

any word if gammons will be on bbtn? or is he taking a vacation?

Whitey14 says:

He’s on ESPN News right now and his answers are fairly shaky at best although he has mentioned the 70’s Steelers as a comparison that fans may make.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
Rick in Boston says:

Whitey, I’d like to commend you for coming on here and making clear, positive statements as a Sox fan. The few we get around here are usually awful, but when you do comment, it’s balanced and thoughtful.

 

Oh, Whitey’s always been awesome. He’s better than tons of Yankee fans on here. Because he makes sense.

No, seriously, I would trade like half of you jerkfaces for Whitey in a heartbeat.

 
V says:

So, what you’re saying, is Mike (Joba), Joe (Hughes), and Ben (AJax) for Whitey (Halladay)?

 

I believe I’m the bastard son of Kei Igawa and Ian Kennedy.

 

Let’s not go crazy, here.

Whitey isn’t Roy Halladay… more like John Burkett.

 

“Whitey isn’t Roy Halladay… more like John Burkett.”

So, what you’re saying is, Whitey had a surprising career year in 2001 at the age of 36? So… Whitey did steroids?!?!

Wow. Whitey, man. You think you know a guy.

 
Klemy says:

I believe I’m the bastard son of Kei Igawa and Ian Kennedy.

That’s one ugly f’ing baby Joe.

 
Whitey14 says:

Wait, wait, wait….in order for me to be John Burkett, I’d be having that career year right now, since I am 36 for a few more weeks. So let’s see, I have a beautiful new daughter, Jimmy Rice is in the Hall of Fame, I made it through my company’s downsizing and came out of it with a promotion, yeah, I guess this is my career year. Drat, I am John Burkett. Son…of…a…bitch!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Colin says:

This made my day so much better

 
Will (the other one) says:

Surpriiiiiiiiiiiise!

Seriously, though, what this (once again) highlights more than anything is the ridiculous lack of control the MLBPA and the congressional commission have over the secrecy of the PED list. How difficult can it possibly be to keep these names under lock and key?

Zach says:

very difficult. there are leaks all the time in every thing. leaks in CIA, FBI, Police, grand jury testimony from giambi, etc

 
Ed says:

The problem is as part of the Bonds investigation (I think), the government tried to get access to it. It dragged on in appeals court for a long time, which meant a lot of people saw it along the way. It’s (probably) not a case of new people getting access to the list.

Will (the other one) says:

This is really my point–my comment was really supposed to be sarcastic, though I didn’t do a good job of presenting it that way.

Mitchell, his colleagues in Congress, and MLB were all presumably smart enough to know that there would be NO way whatsoever to keep this list confidential for any period of time. They had to understand that names would leak out through a variety of avenues and that those players would be subject to all of the social and professional penalties to be expected. Yet they went ahead with their exercise (which, let’s be honest, hasn’t done a bit of good for the sport or its fans) anyway.

Sorry, but to me, that’s the definition of irresponsibility. Personally, I’m not an advocate of the secrecy of PED test results; but if you as a political or league official promise you’re going to keep those results confidential, you’d damn well better know what you’re promising before your mouth writes checks your ass can’t cash.

 
 
 
Dela G says:

How the hell were they then scott free on the mitchell report?

today is a glorious day for the red sox haters

Tom Zig says:

George Mitchell is on the board of directors of the Sox

Dela G says:

oh yeah i forgot about that

 
 
I Remember Celerino Sanchez says:

That’s easy. Every single user on the Mitchell Report can be tracked back to one of three sources:

- Radomski (McName was via Radomski)
- Balco
- The Florida supplement place

That’s all they had. If a player didn’t admit it himself, and if he didn’t get his PEDs from one of those three sources, he wasn’t in the report. That’s why it was so useless to name anyone.

Zach says:

exactly. they busted 3 places in 3 different parts of the country. you dont think theres a lab down in texas that supplies players down there? or chicago, or LA, or pick a city.

 
 
 
yankeegirl49 says:

And in other news..the sky is blue.

 

HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

…ahem…

HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I think this is the only way to react. It’s no surprise that Ortiz is on the list. It’s just a shot at Boston fans who were classy enough to chant “you did steroids” at A-Rod.

The worst part of this all, and I mean WORST, is that Yankees fans will taunt Ortiz similarly when they come to town next week, rather than remaining silent. Please, people, prove me wrong.

Raf says:

exactly. it’ll be hard for Yankee fans to gloat about it and seriously mean it. no team is immune to this, especially the Yankees.

 
The Fallen Phoenix says:

What if we just give Ortiz a standing ovation, like the one Rivera received on Opening Day in 2005

Peedlum says:

I love this idea. It acknowledges it, it will get a lot of coverage and it totally embarrasses Ortiz.

 
 

Oh totally. It’s a shot at Boston fans but not even just them… It’s everyone who has been so freaking stupid and hypocritical about this entire thing gets laughed at. What a joke this entire issue has become.

Ortiz? He seems like a real nice guy to me. Honestly, I don’t wish ill upon him, it sucks that he’s going to have to go through this and that his legacy is poop now. I laugh at everyone, all the people who made this issue such a circus and came out so harshly against these guys in the past.

A-Rpd murdered the history of baseball, Jayson Stark? He had PLENTY of company. Including YOU.

Raf says:

i agree. its been more about demonizing the users who have been caught or admitted instead of realizing the big picture of the total number of users in baseball. you cant turn a blind cheek to the larger number and just go after one scapegoat like Jayson Stark did.

Well, you really can’t turn a blind cheek to anyone, can you. ;-)

 
 
 
Jordan says:

What if Yankees fans chant “You did steroids, too!” It’s not that hypocritical then and it makes Ortiz feel like shit, which is clearly the ultimate objective.

Everyone drink.

Anyway, sucks to be you, David. I do, however, agree with what HCM’s been saying: Ortiz seems like a nice guy and it’s shitty this had to happen. Oh well, it’s hard to say I’m even the slightest bit surprised.

 
 
Peedlum says:

I say we just bring back the “1918″ chant.

 
Marcus says:

Well the cadence of that chant is all wrong. And it sounds more like a school yard taunt. Better to go with no chant at all, I think that would actually be the most noteworthy event. Papi comes to bat and Yanks fans just treat him like any other schmoe.

 
 
 
 
 
Sam says:
Zach says:

i fucking love it. they better play back this tape and ask david to respond

 
 
Little Bill says:

lol, this isn’t surprising at all. I wish though that they’d just release the entire list or burn the list and keep them all secret. I don’t really like this coming up with a new name every few months. It was supposed to be confidential anyway so I don’t know who is releasing these names.

 
 
zack says:

Further proof everyone in baseball was using steroids. No reason to gloat, no reason to be sad. As a fan, you should probably have just accepted it by now.

Personally, I still don’t care. The hypocrisy from writers and players and fans alike is far more irritating than the long history of performing enhancing drugs in baseball.

The hypocrisy from writers and players and fans alike is far more irritating than the long history of performing enhancing drugs in baseball.

+1

 
 
Ivan says:

But the Red Sox are “pure” and respect the integrity of baseball. Im really shocked. SHOCKED.

pete says:

that only applies to white redsox players, duh. ortiz and manny may have been sox but they were never true sox because they were lazy dominicans

Klemy says:

Am I racist for laughing at this? Because it IS funny.

 
 
 
danielle says:

its about time their names came out, it seemed like the only names that would be releases were yankees and the mitchell report was all yankees. I guess ortiz might want to take back those comments he made when he said those who tested positive should be banned from the game.so basically the the 2004 and 2007 champs might have been “artifically enhanced” so maybe the curse wasnt reversed, it was just juiced =)

 
Ivan says:

I can’t wait for next clever pic from No Mass lol.

BklynJT says:
 
 
 
Peedlum says:

I wonder if I can get my 1918 shirt back???

 
younguns says:

Ohhh, George Mitchell, Yoots gots sum X-plane-ning to do!!

 
Zach says:

i love the yankees play at 8, i can watch the whole NESN pre game show and comcast new england sports tonight shows

Ivans says:

The cheaters…I mean, the Sox are playing at 1:30.

Zach says:
 
 
 
Drew says:

lol. Shocker. Next we’re going to find out Pudge was teh juicer!

 
A-Rod is Still My Ninja says:

This news would make a clever t-shirt

 
Clemson Rob says:

This just made my day. Anyone think that it’s a coincidence that all of the big 4 that were named were Dominican?

Zach says:

mark mcgwire and barry bonds were the first biggest before them. and they are oh um american

Roger Clemens and Kirk Caminiti also say hello.

Clemson Rob says:

oops. yeah, wasn’t thinking

Ken Caminiti. My bad.

Make it 27 says:

You were thinking of Mike Seaver….Kirk Cameron….it happens

Brandon Arroyo.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
Zach says:

harDen is the best pitcher in baseball this year!

 
 
 
You Don't Mess With The Johan says:

Maybe you had Kirk Cameron on the mind.

As usual. He’s so dreamy, and he’s a good Christian role model too.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
 
 
 
 
JMK says:

Thought it was Kirk. Am I missing something here?

JMK says:

I mean Ken. Damnit!

 
 
 
 
 
 
BklynJT says:

HAHAHAHAHA.. Remember when Ortiz mad all those negative statements about steroids…

Rich James says:

Good point, David Justice probably did steroids too.

Marcus says:
 
 
 
 
Derby says:

This was a very nice surprise to see. Now I have something to argue with when all my “sawx” fans start blabbing about A-roid. hahah I love it!

 
CountryClub says:

The whole list will get leaked sooner or later. The only thing I ask is that Jeter and Mo not be on it.

Seriously, dude, stop holding out hope. They probably did too.

Make it 27 says:

No, just probability.

Make it 27 says:

Thats just not accurate.

Make it 27 says:

It is not…in fact any sort of statistical analysis would point to them not being on it…possible of course….far from probable

(Comments wont nest below this level)
 
 
 
 
 
SS says:

Heresy! Mo is above such trifling things as steroids!

Klemy says:

Mo: I have walked on the surface of the Sun… witnessed events so tiny and so fast, that they can hardly be said to have occurred at all. But you, tommiesmithjohncarlos, you’re just a man. The world’s smartest man poses no more threat to me than does its smartest termite.

 
 
 
 
A-Rod is Still My Ninja says:

This came from the NY Times. Don’t they own part of the Red Sox. ROFLMAO!

Rick in Boston says:

I believe they’re trying to sell off their shares of the Sox.

Zach says:

yes, i believe they made the sale it just hasnt gone through yet

 
 

Shouldn’t that make you feel good about their journalistic integrity that they ran with a story that could damage the reputation and bottom line of one of their subsidiaries?

 
 
Chip says:

And funny thing is, all the major news outlets are a bit slow on reporting this. It was front page news in 5 seconds when it was A-Rod

 
Drew says:

Does this mean we’re looking at a Sucka Got No Juice Remix?

 
Kiersten says:

I’ll admit, I’m a little disappointed. While I’ve hated Ortiz for being a Yankee killer, I’ve always respected him as a player. He’s always played with class and has never opened his mouth like the rest of those Idiots. I don’t think steroids are the reason he’s been a great hitter, same thing with A-Rod, and I’m not about to attack Sox fans for this because I believe about 85% of players who played MLB before ‘03 juiced at least once.
Whatever, the steroids story is so old already, moving on…

BklynJT says:

pls stop raining on our parade.

Kiersten says:
 
 
YankFan says:

Opened his mouth about what. Punishing the steroids users or bitching about Joba.

 
 
Jordan says:

And to think Felix Heredia struck out David Ortiz with the bases loaded back in the day.

 
A-Rod is Still My Ninja says:

Big Papi needs some new nicknames besides Big Sloppy

Big Flip-Floppy?

Sincerely,
Swift Boat Veterans for Baseball Truth

 
 
Scooter says:

First thoughts:
Big Shrivel
Big Mommi
The Revere ‘Roider
The Splendid ‘Roider

 
ben says:
Whitey14 says:
 
 
dfav says:
 
 
The Fallen Phoenix says:

…I’m still pissed that anonymous names are getting leaked, though. Makes me feel really secure about my civil liberties.

Pasqua says:

So long as you’re not a celebrity, or otherwise a notable public figure, I think you’re okay.

 
Peedlum says:

The whole list should be released at this point. Sort of like ripping a band-aid off. I wonder about the “lawyers with knowledge of the results”. I bet the NY Bar goes after those guys to find out, given the serious ACP breach.

 
Rob H. says:

it’s not anonymous if there are names attached to the samples. It’s ridiculous they can say it was anonymous and know who gave a sample.

Yeah, the big massive fuck-up in all this was the Players Union, who A) agreed to an “anonymous” survey where the names are attached to the samples and B) didn’t ensure immediately that the list was destroyed.

Rob H. says:

see that’s the point. B never should have been an issue since there never should have been a list to begin with, just numbers of players that tested positive. The Union screwed this up big time, you are absolutely correct on that.

 
 
 
 
John Duci says:

This is not a suprise. Its about time this came out. Papi = fat and cheater. Ive been saying this for years but everyone always told me no because he was fat. This makes me really happy.

Tom Zig says:

Does anyone else have certain words underlined in yellow and links to a product on amazon by the same name?

Guess its just firefox

ARX says:

…Im using Firefox as well, nothing on my end, you might want to check for ad/malware.

 
 
 
Jordan says:

Isn’t it ironic that the NYT owns part of the Sox (for now) and scooped this story?

BklynJT says:

Unlike Mitchell, they are still able to do their job without letting the conflict of interest get in the way.

 

What a misunderstood concept, huh. You should keep that Princess Bride clip queued up.

 
 
Sam says:

It’s like rain on your wedding day

 
 
YankeeScribe says:

These guys are making Dominican players look bad

 
JMK says:

Only the lazy ones!

 
 
Observer283 says:

This is not the main story on the front page of ESPN yet. Its on the front page of CNNSI. They have a link to it over in the side bar.

Maybe there is something to this NESPN thing.

Tonight’s ESPN headline:

More names leaked from ‘03 steroid list | Who’s next? Maybe Jeter?

 
 
max says:

Oh sweet Jesus this makes my day.

 
Pasqua says:

This doesn’t make me ecstatic because it somehow “invalidates” the Sox championships. It makes me ecstatic because, now, self-righteous and holier-than-thou Sawx fans must STFU.

Sam P. says:

+1.

But of course, it won’t be a big deal via ESPN. If it was another Yankee, absolutely.

 
 
John Duci says:

The anchors of the 04 and 07 Sox championship teams are both cheaters!!!

Whitey14 says:

Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett? Damn, not them too ;-)

 
 
Jake H says:

Look at ortiz’s HR #’s in 03. 4 hrs in the first 3 months then 27 from July on. It was right there the whole time.

Nate says:

He was platooning with Giambi until after the AS break. Nice try though.

 
 
suppository says:

HAHAHAHA THE SAWX’S CHAMPIONSHIP IS TAINTED. F*CK THEM!

 
gxpanos says:

Perfect handle for you. It’s like you used one, and then, WHOOSH, a bunch of crap came out.

Whitey14 says:

WOW, that was awesome!!! I’m still fucking laughing….

 
 
 
mike in sf says:

no steroids chants

just a nice big “1918″

Peedlum says:
 
 
mike says:

ive gotta go to those GNC stores in the DR more often – they seem to have a whole different product sourcing system than the GNC’s in my local mall…:)

 
Rey22 says:
 
Andy Stankewicz says:

Pedro Gammons would still vote for him as the MVP! LOL

 
Andrew M. says:

Time for a new nickname perhaps? Big Jeringuilla? (Big syringe)

 
John Duci says:

hahaha i just went on redsox.com to rub it in sox fans faces and they all sound so dissapointed. there like, “lets not argue about peds instead lets talk about how clay bucholz is the greatest pitcher ever already”

 
Observer283 says:

Do you think he will have to go through the same ringer A-Rod did?

Survey Says….No.

 
A-Rod is Still My Ninja says:

It’s Bud Selig’s 75th birthday today. That cake must taste like shit now!

Frank1979 says:

Bud Selig is 75?!

Klemy says:

He forgot the 1 in front.

 
 
 
A.D. says:

Peter Gammons….suicide watch.

A-Rod is Still My Ninja says:
 
 
Peedlum says:

only one thing could make this better–schilling being outed.

 

okay. If you were in the Jayson Stark headline brain storming session, which would you choose?

- Manny and Papi use the history books as toilet paper

or

- It’s the end of organized baseball as we know it

- Manny and Papi tragically caught up in Alex Rodriguez Steroid Scandal

Done and done.

Sam P. says:

That’s a great title, TJSC. Love it!

 
Sam P. says:

Though, you know, it could actually be a Mike Lupica title as well. Somehow it’ll be A-Rod’s fault that this has come to light.

 
 
 
Tank Foster says:

Who cares? I’m glad the info came out, because I didn’t think it was fair for ARod to be sort of singled out in the leak department. And to expose Ortiz’s hypocrisy.

But the stuff was everywhere, and I honestly don’t blame any of them for using the drugs. Athletes have always done – and will continue to do – whatever they can legally as well as stretching legal limits, to get an edge.

Maybe we need some asterisks on Willie Mays’s records seeing as he used uppers. And Babe Ruth’s, because he used a corked bat once, etc.

 
Brendan says:

ESPNews just talking about how much Ortiz is “revered” in Boston. So absurd.

Brendan says:

And how his “leadership” (cough steroid use cough) helped the Red Sox win two World Series.

 
Rick in Boston says:

It’s not absurd in the fact that he is revered up here. For a lot of fans, he’s what is/was right about the Sox and why Manny was such a loser.

 
 
Tampa Yankee says:

So KLaw’s chat has “Welcome to SportsNation! On Thursday, MLB Insider Keith Law will be here to take your questions on anything baseball related.”

Then he gets…

Matt (Boston, MA)
I know you won’t be getting any questions about it, but can we please talk about Manny and Ortiz taking steroids for the entire chat?

Keith Law (1:03 PM)
Of co … wait a minute, $5. And no more Ortiz questions.

So doesn’t he not want to talk about it since its the Sox or he’s over the whole PED thing to begin with?

Tampa Yankee says:

Did enjoy this though:

Matt (Philly)
So when Curt Schilling swears he never saw steroids in the locker room, despite being on the 1993 Phillies, 2001 Dbacks and 2004 Red Sox, what should we say to him??

Keith Law (1:17 PM)
To get his eyes checked?

 
Klemy says:
 
 
 
gxpanos says:

Uuuuuuhhhhhhhh. Annoying. So bored with this. Dont care if Jeter and Mo take horse steroids with breakfast at this point.

Tank Foster says:

Agree. Well….don’t care if they took horse steroids for breakfast or mainlined them for that matter.

It’s fully illegal now, specified, spelled out, so the jig is up. No more. We don’t need kids around the world juicing hoping to get to MLB. Yeah, they’ll do it anyway, maybe, but at least we don’t need MLB players setting the example any more.

 
 
Andrae says:

They really need to release that list. Why would only Manny & Papi’s name come out, are those the only names the lawyers knew, no.

Here are my top 5 i hope are not on the O3 list;: Jeter, Rivera, Frank Thomas, Griffey, Piazza, Randy Johnson.

Top 5 I hope are on the list are:; Maddux, Moyer, Louis Gonzalez, John Smoltz, Jimmy Rollins, this will maybe shake up peoples perception of what a steriod user looks like and how he or she performs, i think alot of us think that only guys that hit 57 home runs use PED’S and win the dimondbacks world series but it could also be soft tossers like moyer

You Don't Mess With The Johan says:

Mad Dog is the fuckin man.

 
Tom Zig says:

Why randy johnson and mike piazza?

But yeah that was 6.

Andrae says:

I literally love that guy, piazza and the unit is the man, that would crush me,

Tony says:

Piazza is one of the “everyone already knows” guys. There have been many stories about him being an obvious roider.

 
 
 
Klemy says:

I don’t see how anyone could be terribly shocked to see Griffey or Thomas on the list.

Just look at the era, the homeruns that were hit, and the group of guys they would be with in terms of numbers…Bonds, Sosa, McGwire, Canseco…and you know what? Even if they aren’t ever brought out, suspicion will be there because of the rest of the names. Damned either way…Griffey’s injuries alone are enough to convince me at this point.

It’s sad, really. Even still, I don’t care so much anymore. I’m tired of it. It’s what it was.

 
 
 
YankeeScribe says:

Will anyone be surprised to find out that Pujols is on the list too?

 
 
jsbrendog says:

instead of 1918 chants or you did steroids why not just a hypicrite chant.

HY-PO CRIIIIIIITE

cause yeah he did steroids everyone did, the issue here is the fact that he failed (and knew it) and came out with his full season suspension comments. way to go ass

 

Dan Shaughnessy on Colin Cowherd right now, btw.

 
Marsha says:

Love the ad right under the post for Red Sox hats and t-shirts.

 

What happens to all the fans that proclaimed Theo as a GOD and use picking Ortiz up off the scrap heap as an example?

Frank1979 says:

Yeah didn’t they also sign Jeremy Giambi that year as well? In fact, if I remember correctly their original intention was to have him split time with Ortiz at DH and use him occasionally at 1B and in the outfield.

 
27 this year says:

I know Theo’s secret. The players become good because he gives them steroids. It is the only explanation.

 
 
bkight says:
 
Ross says:

Innocent until proven guilty. Pujols’ career has been at the same high level for the duration – no Bonds or Ortiz bumps in production.

He deserves the MVP awards that Bonds stole from him and the 2004 WS trophy the Sox won.

Going back and trying to reallocate records, awards, or championships from years ago is both wrong and unworkable.

You Don't Mess With The Johan says:

I remember you saying something about having a vote for awards or something. How?

If I said something like that, it was tongue in cheek.

I have no vote for anything. Not a baseball insider in any way.

 
 
 
 
The Evil Empire says:

Watching Sports Center, and I can’t believe my eyes. Peter Gammons is undeniably the most bias sports reporter of ALL TIME.

WOW, I feel like throwing a shoe at him through the T.V.

ARX says:

Same question I always ask of people who hate Francessa: why do you even bother listening/reading/watching Gammons at this point?

Zach says:

I dont think thats fair. If you have another choice ok, but if you dont get mlbnetwork what other sport news show do you get besides espn?

i used to listen to francesa a lot, but mostly for the heyman offseason updates, torre/girardi interviews, or if something big happened. i get espn radio but cant stand colin cowherd

ARX says:

Oh, I dont mean it as an attack, I just wonder, when it comes to people that you already know are idiots/biased etc, do you expect anything different when you listen to them? If Gammons came on, in ANY story having to do with the Yankees/Sox, I’d turn the sound down. But even if I listened to it, I wouldnt get aggravated, or even slightly annoyed, because my expectations couldnt be any lower with him.

Zach says:

I agree with that when listening to certain guys you KNOW there’s going to be bias about whatever issue, and falling into the trap of maybe they wont will just get you more pissed.

But at the same time when you watch BBTN and you have 4-5 guys who just sometimes just throw integrity out the window it does piss you off, regardless if you know if its coming or not.

 
 
 
 
Zach says:
 
 
You Don't Mess With The Johan says:

SOX GAME ON MLB NETWORK!!!!!!!!!!!

 
 
Jake H says:

Gammons on espn news talking about Ortiz.

 
Souter Fell says:

Does this officially make him Mo Vaughn?

Jason Giambi. It makes him Jason Giambi.

Klemy says:
 
 
 

Gammons sounded like their lawyer in that interview. I really can not stand that guy.

Jake H says:

I think he was crying on the inside.

 

Yeah, I loved the part when Gammons talked about Ortiz, and Mrs. Ortiz, doing all their charitable work in the Boston community. Very relevant.

 
 
mustang says:

Saved this for this special moment…LOL…. LMOA…

mustang says:
May 16th, 2009 at 12:44 pm

“We can watch A.J. Burnett or Joba Chamberlain strike out Ortiz now, but that’s hardly an accomplishment today.”
Maybe it’s making up for all times they would of struck him out if he were clean in the past.
Reply

Benjamin Kabak says:
May 16th, 2009 at 1:10 pm

This makes you just as bad as Selena Roberts. You have zero evidence that Ortiz juiced. He developed as a player after changing his batting stance and leaving Twins at a time when a rigorous testing program was in place.
I prefer innocent until proven — and not just anonymously mentioned — guilty. Don’t be disgusting about it.

The Fallen Phoenix says:

Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

mustang says:

Thank you that makes me right in line with most of the site.

The Fallen Phoenix says:

If I hit on 17 in Blackjack and draw a 4, I’m still wrong.

 

But not in line with Ben, who was right, while you were wrong, in the very situation you yourself cited.

 
 
 
Klemy says:

At the time he was right. But now, if you post that, you wouldn’t see that same response from Ben.

Yeah, Ben was very right, you were very wrong. You really don’t help your cause by re-posting that comment.

mustang says:

It help my cause because said “Maybe it’s making” key word there is MAYBE. Ben took the stand that he develop into a great player i thought he used a little help. The only issue i took with Ben was placing me in the same company as Roberts i thought that was a little unfair.

Puh-leeze. That’s pretty flimsy. You brought this conversation up because you thought you were right and Ben was wrong, you were trying to do a “gotcha.” But you were wrong, and now you’re really stretching to try to say you were right. At the time you had that conversation, there was no evidence Papi had cheated, so it was reasonable to think he’d improved by some other means. You’re still wrong, Ben is still right.

mustang says:

If you believed at the time that it was ‘reasonable to think he’d improved by some other means’ then thats your opinion your welcome to it. At time I believed it was more than development and as It turns out it was more.

You’re right about one thing, at the time that conversation occurred, you were speaking based only on opinion. Ben was speaking based on fact, as, as far as anyone knew, Ortiz had been tested numerous times and had never failed a PED test.

Dude, of course we all think everyone was using PEDs, at this point. But you were speaking based on nothing but opinion, Ben was speaking based on what was then known as fact. So, just because you happened to be later proved right, doesn’t mean your statement at the time you made it was right.

And, frankly, you just look like an asshole when you bring up an old conversation like that just to be like “look at me, I’m so special and I want to take a shot at Ben, who’s not even here to answer my charges.” People don’t take too kindly to stuff like that.

Whatever, let’s put this one to bed.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
mustang says:

“And, frankly, you just look like an asshole when you bring up an old conversation like that just to be like “look at me, I’m so special and I want to take a shot at Ben, who’s not even here to answer my charges.” People don’t take too kindly to stuff like that.”

Wow you mean to tell me you never pointed out about being right here. That’s real good again your welcome to your opinion. And I’m sorry I didn’t schedule this argument for Ben to be here I don’t have any problems discussing it with him.

We can agree one thing this one does need to be put to bed.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You Don't Mess With The Johan says:
 
mustang says:

“You have zero evidence that Ortiz juiced”

I have some now thank you NY Times.
It’s so easy all you have to do is open your eyes the juicers are right in front of you.

But at the time you had none. You had suspicions, but no evidence. Now you have evidence, as do we all. Ben’s point still stands strong.

mustang says:

I did say “MAYBE it’s making up” , but before the next key could touched I was in the same company as Selena Roberts.

The Fallen Phoenix says:

Because you were in the same company as Selena Roberts.

Doesn’t matter that you were correct ex-post facto, because you had no evidence when you made the allegation.

Exactly.

Ben wasn’t comparing you to Selena Roberts because he thought Ortiz was clean and that you were wrong about him, he was complaining because he felt it was inappropriate for you to claim Ortiz was juicing absent any sort of actual proof and that you were just smearing his name.

mustang says:

Again all I was doing was opening the side to the possibility that Ortiz was dirty. Like you pointed out I had no actual proof . I just looked at his numbers and thought it was more then development. I actually like Ortiz even if he is a Red Sox that doesn’t change the fact that he is a cheat and killed my team while he was cheating.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bo says:

Dont worry mustang. Most with common sense agreed with u that day.

It’s unfortunate that Bo and Mustang are the only people around here with common sense. I don’t know how you guys can stand to have conversations with the hoi polloi here, it must be so hard for you. There must be someplace with other people with common sense who you can discuss baseball with.

mustang says:

Don’t make this into a personal issue keep it to baseball. I have NEVER try to placed myself above anyone here and I treat everyone the same way they treat me. I try to be respectful to everyone here.

I didn’t make it personal, I responded to Bo’s comment.

mustang says:

Oh really Thats not how it reads to me. You made it out to be like some how i feel like I’m better then some of the people here which is a amazing point since you don’t know me.
I like RAB thats why I’m here so often I think these guys do great work. But i do question them sometimes I don’t like following in clone like fashion.

Bo brought your name into it, and I followed up on his comment in response to his comment. You didn’t say what Bo said, so I was off-base in including you in my response. My bad.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
mustang says:

No problem.
Done.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ARX says:

Perhaps, as some have argued, it doesn’t matter anymore, practically everyone was on the juice, no name would surprise anymore (not quite THAT cynical yet). And of course, Yankees have had their share of roid users. But I’m going to enjoy a few days of schadenfreude, I’m going to absolutely TORTURE the asshole Sox fans I work with…does that make me a bad person? :)

 
Nigel Incubator-Jones says:

I hope they don’t release the entire list. If they do, anyone not on the list will be presumed innocent.

This would never happen, but I wish all MLB players would come out and say they did PEDs (if you include coffee it wouldn’t even be lying). That could end it.

Sorry, except for any Mormon players, since they’re the only ones that go to heaven.

ARX says:

“If they do, anyone not on the list will be presumed innocent. ” That couldnt possibly be worse than what we have now, where alot of fans are so cynical that EVERYONE is either presumed guilty, or wouldnt be a surprise if they were exposed. Thats NOT a good thing imho.

The Fallen Phoenix says:

I liked Joe Sheehan’s response to all of this:

“In other news, somewhere a 6’2, 320-pound man who plays a popular sport professionally for a living ran very, very quickly on a hot summer day. Nobody cared.”

 
 
 
Sam says:

For anyone with MLBN or NESN, Ortiz is hitting 2nd for Boston in the next half inning. Crowd reaction should be interesting

A-Rod is Still My Ninja says:

Maybe they don’t know yet! So……but we’ll see!

Sam says:

Oh good point, I didn’t consider that

 
Ivans says:

This is 2009, not 1909. Everyone knew and he got a lukewarm round of applause. Nothing special.

Bo says:

Do u expect them to boo him??

He single handedly won them a title!

A-Rod is Still My Ninja says:

Way to cover Ortiz, redsox.com. They don’t even add it to the frontpage slideshow.

 
 
 
 
 
Klemy says:

I’m waiting patiently for the next edition of 38 Pitches…

http://38pitches.weei.com/

 
Mac says:

I blame A-Rod for Papi juicing.

Also, I blame A-Rod for putting in Bruney last night, not getting Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay (yet) and I think Tex and Melky’s Hr’s last night would have travelled even farther last night if it wasn’t for Mr. Rodriguez.

 
E-ROC says:

The Players Union continues to fail. Epically. Miserably.

Get the crackin’ on that press conference, Ortiz.

Dayman, fighter of the Nightman says:

What about the failure of the Commissioner, ALL the owners, the fans etc, etc, etc. Looking the other way, quite possibly encouraging the players to take PEDs.

 
 
 
A-Rod is Still My Ninja says:

Comments from the Boston Herald:

* ezmover2020 — I hate the way they selectivly release the names instead of just publishing the entire list. Just doesn’t seem fare to me.

* John_Dennis_Call –NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

* KP – oh please.. from a NY paper ? why would I suspect anything from the Times? I’ll wait for the real report thanks

* gormenghast – If this is true, I’m officially done rooting for this team.

* Sorry, but the post that was in this spot has been removed as it did not follow our guidelines. #764339 – Jul 30, 2009 1:15 PM EDT

Pasqua says:

I don’t think KP is too familiar with his team, nor with the notion that, just because a paper has “New York” in its title, it’s not necessarily “local.”

 
 
Bo says:

Who didn’t think Papi was on juice? When you had scrubs and minor leaguers on it you just happen to think that stars aren’t doing it? Which has been proven by every star and big time player being linked to it. His taking it paid off big time. he got a huge contract out of it and his family is taking care of for generations.

suppository says:

Bonds and griffey are close friends. I’m pretty sure griffey took some of that stuff.

Pasqua says:

That statement is exactly why the names should probably just come out, despite the promise of anonymity. Because a guy knows a guy who did steroids that likely makes him guilty? Come on, that’s just patently unfair.

Klemy says:

It is unfair, completely. The fact remains that those conclusions will be made by many, many people. No one is safe from the suspicion now and that’s kind of sad.

Still, I’d just say I wouldn’t be shocked by it being true, because the injury record kind of sucks.

 
 
 
 
suppository says:

ortiz’s career is over.

Zach says:

it was already over before this was leaked