Report: Manny Ramirez Suspended 50 Games for PED Use
by 0157H7 on May 7, 2009 12:19 PM EDT
in News
124 comments
According to the LA Times, Manny Ramirez has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, and will be suspended 50 games. From the article:
The test result and suspension is expected to be announced later today.
The suspension will cost Ramirez $7.7 million, or roughly 31% of his $25-million salary. Players in violation of baseball's drug policy are not paid during suspensions.
We'll be on the lookout for an official announcement and further confirmation.
(Hat tip to reader Andrew Martin for the news.)
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More details:
Scott Boras, Ramirez’s agent, told ESPN’s Peter Gammons that his client did not test positive for steroids, but for a drug that was prescribed by a doctor for a medical condition. —ESPN.com
Frankly, that sounds sketchy. We know it was a performance enhancing drug, not weed or a narcotic. What “medical” condition could Manny Ramirez have that requires a hormone-derivative drug?
I’m very upset by the news. Despite Manny’s antics with the Red Sox, he was one of my favorite players. I love his swing and his at-bats were must-see events.
"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.
by SoxDevil on May 7, 2009 12:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
couple of options
He could have some sort of endocrine system problem, like a thyroid condition. However, The Dodgers management and Manny’s doctor would either get a waiver to take certain medications, or get a prescription of a medication that will not lead to a suspension. There is too much money involved for Manny or the Dodgers to be careless.
by superferret on May 7, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
don't stimulants count as PEDs?
Looks like another Mike Cameron case to me (and look, he managed to get signed with a pending 50-game suspension)
by morineko on May 7, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
hormone therapy/hormone drugs are used to treat lots of medical conditions like prostate cancer from what I understand .
That being said, I dont know what Manny’s deal is or if he has any condition at all & am I saddened by the news. No matter what the reason for the meds, he will be tainted. I really hope the reason is legit.
I am awaiting the statement from Manny.
"You know," Girardi said, shrugging his shoulders, "it didn't work."
( Joe Girardi on pitching to Manny Ramirez with first base open)
by MassGal on May 7, 2009 12:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If it was legit, MLB would have been notified of his condition.
"You know you're having a bad day when the fifth inning rolls around and they drag the warning track." - Mike Flanagan, Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 1992.
by SoxDevil on May 7, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://www.latimes.com/media/acrobat/2009-05/46773170.pdf
Rock me, sexy Jesus...
by nuthinboutnuthin on May 7, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He waive his right to challenge the suspension..
it sounds like he is guilty. If the suspension was a mix up by a doctor, he would have a strong case to challenge the suspension.
Oh, Mr. Parking Lot Attendant is going to be so happy with this!!!
by superferret on May 7, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
not necessarily
Manny knows that the only grounds for suspension are that the test was a false positive. The fact that the drug was prescribed by a doctor is not an excuse, according to MLB.
by RickD on May 7, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he was taking something for his prostate...
He would be taking anti androgen antagonists, ie Propeica that is used for male baldness, which most patients take in small amounts.
Manny could have a legitimate reason for his drug prescription, I will wait and see.
However, much like health care, half of the problem is to preventative measure. The Dodgers and Manny needed to make sure he didn’t get a positive drug test, without notifying the MLB front office that Manny needed to get a waiver for a specific drug for a medical condition. WADA allows this for certain athletes
by superferret on May 7, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Propecia
does increase your serum testosterone but not to levels that would be red flagged.
by Buzzy on May 7, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
According to one source
Manny used a sexual enhancer.
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on May 7, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Recently I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was OK to give me,” Ramirez said. “Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy that mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now.”
by I Bleed Pinstripes on May 7, 2009 12:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Substance
=Dianabol.
Just kidding. All players make these kind of statements after they are caught. I am interested to see what it is, however.
by Buzzy on May 7, 2009 12:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Blaming the doctor defense isn't going to work...
If the doctor knew what drugs are banned, they could prescribe certain medications that are allowed.
My guess is the drug is tied to his hamstring, or to recover from the wear and tear of everyday play, but that would make it a steroid. I am curious what Manny was tested positive for. the Steroid is that is most plausible to me would be synthetic testosterone.
by superferret on May 7, 2009 12:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
it is almost guaranteed
that the drug story is just a cover. He was probably taking for his entire career, like many stars of this generation of players.
If it is testerone he is very, very stupid. He could have taken a PED that clears the system much faster. Or maybe he did and just got caught by random luck. I don’t think the MLB uses an HGH test (it has been only recently developed, and must be very expensive), but that is the “medical” excuse most often offered-a pituitary problem.
by Buzzy on May 7, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would like to see what he was tested positive for...
I don’t want to jump to conclusion until I see what exactly he was tested for. It is was for HGH, that could mean he probably was taking for some time.
Jose Canseco gives me a headache, sometimes he is right, sometimes he is wrong, but he gets a kudos for calling Manny out in the beginning of the season.
by superferret on May 7, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
Does the MLB test for HGH? It is not a common test.
by Buzzy on May 7, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just looked it up
MLB does not test for HGH-it is a blood test and only urine tests are used. So it is not HGH.
by Buzzy on May 7, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As Per Yahoo Sports
and now ESPN, he claims it was a sexual performance enhancing drug … Not Viagra
by I Bleed Pinstripes on May 7, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The player's union won't agree to blood testing.
Thought that was well known.
by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on May 7, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ladies and gentleman
an archetype for a “jumping to conclusions” comment.
We already know that Manny wasn’t “taking for his entire career”. He has been drug tested dozens of times over the past five years. He came up clean every time. You cannot simply pretend those drug tests never happened, no matter how much you dislike the man.
by RickD on May 7, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that doe not mean much.
A clean test does not mean a clean player. There are lots of ways to beat the test (indeed, it is looking more and more from leaked reports that he might have been pegged for a masking agent like Clomid). Also the drug may not be in your system when you are tested. I think this is a naive statement for sure.
by Buzzy on May 7, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
really?
“it is looking more and more from leaked reports that he might have been pegged for a masking agent like Clomid”
Where are you getting this from?
It sounds like you want to accuse him of using steroids, and since you cannot, you have to accuse him of using a masking agent.
Ultimately, MLB owes it to fans to make it clear what drug was involved here. And no, press releases from Boras or Manny are not going to suffice.
by RickD on May 7, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have no axe to grind
I love Manny. I just am realistic. See below about HCG, which is like Clomid, as I suspected.
by Buzzy on May 7, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a shame...
…that he started using banned substances when he went to LA. And at no time before.
Rock me, sexy Jesus...
by nuthinboutnuthin on May 7, 2009 12:52 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Would be sad
but sort of amusing if indeed it is not an anabolic agent but an ADD drug. Many are stimulants and many are on the banned list, and we all know Manny acts like he has ADD.
by Buzzy on May 7, 2009 12:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Is it wrong to wish that Manny really does have a medical condition
that justifies the use of the banned substance/drug?
"You know," Girardi said, shrugging his shoulders, "it didn't work."
( Joe Girardi on pitching to Manny Ramirez with first base open)
by MassGal on May 7, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he did, he could have that excused. Which he and Boras SHOULD know.
by Randy Booth on May 7, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Manny was taking something like Ritalin...
He would just have to clear it. It is no big deal, it may take some time to get a waiver, but it would had kept private, while a doctor would prescribe non amphetamine
When Boras is stating that Manny wasn’t tested for a steroid, well Manny could had been tested positive for a masking agent, which is just as bad. Once again. The Dodgers and Manny should had worked together to make sure that Manny wouldn’t get a positive drug test, if Manny had a pre-existing medical condition.
I believe, but please correct me if I am wrong, Propecia (Finasteride) is consider a masking agent for anabolic steroids.
Another angle if Manny is innocent, (which I doubt, when he uses blame the doctor excuse) is he was using a Chinese Medicine doctor or taking lots of ephedrine, which is banned.
by superferret on May 7, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And there was
much rejoicing in the streets…..
"Besides, this is freaking 2009.... WHERE THE HELL IS MY DAMNED FLYING CAR??"
by DbacksSkins on May 7, 2009 1:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Love the quote in the sig. Where's it from?
Also, we’re going to be a lot less happy if we find out he was using in 04 or 07.
by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on May 7, 2009 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Congratulations 2009 Dodgers
you’ve just hit the iceberg, your sinking…
Movement to make Jeff Samardzija our closer!
by Chanman25 on May 7, 2009 1:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And so begins...
…the competition to see who will lose to the American League in the World Series, provided the Yankees, Tigers or Rays don’t represent the AL
Rock me, sexy Jesus...
by nuthinboutnuthin on May 7, 2009 1:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i wouldn't worry about the Yankees
right now I would worry more about the Blue Jays and Rays than the Yankees.
by RickD on May 7, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
The Blue Jays are in first place, and the Rays are the defending AL champions. OTOH, the Sox are 5-0 against the Yankees this season.
They do not look like a playoff team to me.
by RickD on May 7, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Every baseball fan says this in April and May ..
Yanks were 0-4 against the sox last year and series ended up tied, sorry but history points out that the Yanks are always slow starters, Tex hasnt started hitting yet, and Arod returning this weekend. Prepare to swallow words, I am not being a dick but seriously fan of them or not you cant write off a team 27 games into a 162 game season.
by I Bleed Pinstripes on May 7, 2009 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i wasn't writing them off
I was saying that they don’t worry me as much as the Rays and the Blue Jays. The Blue Jays have played very well against the Sox in recent years, and the Rays are the defending AL champions.
The Yankees badly need Wang to come back and pitch well, or for Sabathia to pitch like he did in the second half last year, or for Burnett to pitch better than he ever has. Really, they need two of the three.
It’s kind of funny when I look at the Yankees stats and Nick Swisher is their best pitcher. :)
by RickD on May 7, 2009 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disagreed, Agreed, Agreed and Agreed
The Blue Jays have been unreal against both the yanks and the sox, and although I am suprised by them starting off like they have. But, I must say our division is unreal, Jays and Orioles would have very Legit chances if in other divisions. Bottom Line is the Yanks need to get the pitching down pat, like you said. Sabathia scares me though he was ABUSED down the stretch in Milwaukee. Burnett always seems to pitch well enough to keep us in the game, and Wang what could i say but he has been pretty much that, WANG. I was always a strong believer of Joba in the bullpen, cause Mo wont pitch till he is 50. Replacements have to be considered at some point. But like every team injuries have hit us hard too, Bruney, Marte(Sucks though), Posada, Aroid(steroids or not his presence is felt in that lineup) etc.
by I Bleed Pinstripes on May 7, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Swisher is awesome ..
every game I have gone to this year, I am a right field bleacher creature, even when losing this guy does something to keep us happy, whether talking to us, making gestures, busting his ass on plays we know are not makeable. The guy is awesome, so far I am most happy with the acquistion of him forget the other 500mill spent this offseason lol. Just kidding, or am I?
by I Bleed Pinstripes on May 7, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Blue Jays have had an easy schedule so far.
They have not played the Rays, Sox or Yanks. That means they have 48 of their 130 games left against those three teams. I would not put that much stock into the Jays until they start beating some division rivals.
by BTLove on May 8, 2009 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was just mocking them...
…for losing to the NL
Rock me, sexy Jesus...
by nuthinboutnuthin on May 7, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
27 games into the season and less than 6 games back ..
yea i guess our season is over
by I Bleed Pinstripes on May 7, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what you really should worry about
only two teams in the AL have a worse run differential than the Yankees: the Orioles and the Twins. That’s not the neighborhood you want to be in.
You only have two decent starters right now, and the bullpen (aside from Rivera) is awful.
by RickD on May 7, 2009 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tim Brown and Steve Henson of Yahoo say Manny tested positive for...drumroll...a sexual enhancer (not Viagra). Ramirez tested positive in Spring Training, and then again recently. Manny did not test positive for a steroid or human growth hormone.
by I Bleed Pinstripes on May 7, 2009 2:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
that would make sense
at some point MLB needs to make it explicit what exactly the prohibited substance was. Manny’s statement was intentionally vague, but the vagueness would be explained if the drug was a sexual stimulant.
My feeling is that it is some kind of stimulant. That would explain both why it was a prescription drug and why Boras is saying it was not a steroid. Boras is not going to simply lie about whether the drug was a steroid or not – that information is known by too many people, many of whom detest him.
At some point, Manny is going to have to realize that only a full disclosure here of the details will ensure that he has a crack at Cooperstown. Too many sportswriters dislike him already, even though his numbers ought to guarantee a first ballot entrance absent any scandal.
by RickD on May 7, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Drugs are dual use
It shouldn’t be looked upon as a “sexual stimulant”, it should be looked upon whether it was used as a masking agent, if he was caught already, why the hell was he continuing to use it? It is more in the class as a vasodilator, aka a PDE 5 inhibitor. They inhibit enzymes that control blood flow, to certain body parts like the genitals.
Boras will sell his own grandma, if he could get an opt out clause for his clients. Shameless is Boras’s middle name. He will say anything to help his clients. He has lots of money at stake with Manny, besides any future contracts that Manny wants. Confessing that his client was taking PEDs, would take a couple million off any new contract, which means less fees for Boras.
There is alot of spinning go around. It also doesn’t make sense why Manny would continue to take a PDE 5 inhibitor if he was warned.
by superferret on May 7, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No...
If true, that’s awesome. He’s missing the mojo enhancing effects of being around Big Papi!
“When this bed’s a-rocking, don’t come a-knocking!”
Rock me, sexy Jesus...
by nuthinboutnuthin on May 7, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is he stabbing the bed?
Or autographing it?
by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on May 7, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought he was “knocking on wood” at first…
by Randy Booth on May 7, 2009 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There appears to be a white board marker in his hand.
Cap is sticking out.
by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on May 7, 2009 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's carving another notch.
Manny ain't the only bad man.
by tommy.otm on May 7, 2009 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
shit you would think that whole headboard would be full if it was notches lol
but then again he does have a hott ass wife
by I Bleed Pinstripes on May 7, 2009 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
most sexual enhancing drugs are...
Vasodilators, so he would be taking them for better circulation and aerobic performance. (yeah, yeah, I know the snickering of the double entendre) If he was caught once, he could easily solve the problem. They are enzyme inhibitors, I don’t know if they can be used as masking agents.
I don’t buy the story.
by superferret on May 7, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, yeah...
I don’t have the link to the Yahoo Sports! story, but ESPN reports:
However, two sources told ESPN’s T.J. Quinn and Mark Fainaru-Wada that the drug used by Ramirez is hCG — human chorionic gonadotropin. HCG is a women’s fertility drug typically used by steroid users to restart their body’s natural testosterone production as they come off a steroid cycle. It is similar to Clomid, the drug Bonds, Giambi and others used as clients of BALCO.
Sounds like an easy mistake by Yahoo in the rush to get a story in (electronic) print. The ESPN story is specific and obviously Fainaru-Wada is, y’know, an actual journalist…
Rock me, sexy Jesus...
by nuthinboutnuthin on May 7, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clomid is used as a fertility drug
That is what I thought Octo-Mom was taking because I couldn’t believe a Fertility specialist would be so reckless in implanting 6-8 embryos.
by superferret on May 7, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's LA...
So take everything you know about the minimal standards of competency and reasonableness, and divide it by four. Then give it fake boobs and its own reality show…
Rock me, sexy Jesus...
by nuthinboutnuthin on May 7, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As per my statement
about Clomid, it appears that:
However, two sources told ESPN’s T.J. Quinn and Mark Fainaru-Wada that the drug used by Ramirez is HCG — human chorionic gonadotropin. HCG is a women’s fertility drug typically used by steroid users to restart their body’s natural testosterone production as they come off a steroid cycle. It is similar to Clomid, the drug Bonds, Giambi and others used as clients of BALCO.
So, sure it is a “sexual enhancer” but it is taken for one or two reasons. To mask due to hormonal imbalance caused by steroids or to restart production of testosterone due to steroids (related things). It is not like viagra at all…
by Buzzy on May 7, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is a much more plausible explanation...
Than the Erectile Dyfunction explanation. This makes sense, and why Manny is not appealing the ruling. This is bad for Ramirez… really bad, like DFA bad, and forgo your next year option bad..
Man, the Sox miss a huge PR nightmare in this, or maybe not? The Sox Management may get “What did you know and when did you know it?” type of inquiry…
by superferret on May 7, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes
the Sox must feel relieved. And, from what Gammons says, the people in the Red Sox front office do not believe that this is steroids-related.
by RickD on May 7, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it is
HCG or Clomid it most certainly IS steroids related, unless Manny wanted to give birth.
by Buzzy on May 7, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You better believe this is steroid related....
if Manny is taking HCG, that is a pretty much shows he was taking anabolic steroids. He is either trying to mask his steroid use or trying to balance out his steroid use…
When in doubt, never trust what crap that Boras is spinning.
by superferret on May 7, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well,
to be fair, he was “technically” correct ;).
by Buzzy on May 7, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boras is better off with the argument that Manny
wanted to have a baby.. he would have more sympathy…
From Life of Brian…
Judith: [on Stan’s desire to be a mother] Here! I’ve got an idea: Suppose you agree that he can’t actually have babies, not having a womb – which is nobody’s fault, not even the Romans’ – but that he can have the right to have babies.
Francis: Good idea, Judith. We shall fight the oppressors for your right to have babies, brother… sister, sorry.
Reg: What’s the point?
Francis: What?
Reg: What’s the point of fighting for his right to have babies, when he can’t have babies?
Francis: It is symbolic of our struggle against oppression.
Reg: It’s symbolic of his struggle against reality.
by superferret on May 7, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great job with the medicinal knowledge, and the relevant quote.
Too bad I can’t rec every comment.
by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on May 7, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please, please make it stop
I am going to be one of those maniacal, fanatics who will defend Manny to the end: the doctor was a plant by the Sox to get back at Manny for his behavior; or the Yankees just because ; or ARod for obvious reasons; or the Diamondbacks; or Kobe because he is jealous that there is another athlete in LA who gets press.
( sticking head in sand; going away now)
"You know," Girardi said, shrugging his shoulders, "it didn't work."
( Joe Girardi on pitching to Manny Ramirez with first base open)
by MassGal on May 7, 2009 2:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I feel sorry for Manny and all his fans including you
if it does turn out to be complete crap … the speculation will go on and on till MLB says something
by I Bleed Pinstripes on May 7, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, even after...
…the HH’ers still are convinced that us thrashing them in the postseason every year is the product of a hexagonal conspiracy between the Red Sox, MLB, the pod people and the reverse-vampires. Apparently, Manny taking F-raud’s pitch out on to Landsowne Street in 2007 was faked just like the moon landing…
Rock me, sexy Jesus...
by nuthinboutnuthin on May 7, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate Halos Heaven
They are below only the MFYs and the Rays for my most hated MLB teams.
Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.
by sox-inda-south on May 7, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks IBP
sigh, its a conspiracy for sure. I just know it. I won’t believe otherwise – I can’t, I shan’t.
"You know," Girardi said, shrugging his shoulders, "it didn't work."
( Joe Girardi on pitching to Manny Ramirez with first base open)
by MassGal on May 7, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's the Torre effect
:-)
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on May 7, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps Manny wanted to get pregnant?
I am sorry, but this positive test is bad. This is going to cause a huge shitstorm. I don’t think Theo is even going to escape it, let alone Manny’s former teammates. However the Dodgers must going into spastic fits, they are so screwed.
by superferret on May 7, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i wouldn't worry about Theo
The Sox have a good record of getting rid of players who later have positive tests or (like Nomar) see dramatic drop-off in ability that would correspond to going off steroids.
by RickD on May 7, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
MassGal's pretty much in love w/ Manny.
She’s going to the grave with him on this one.
by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on May 7, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what i really want to know
is what the drug is. “Not a steroid” is not going to suffice, if it was a masking agent.
MLB owes it to baseball fans to let us know what happened here.
by RickD on May 7, 2009 2:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It will come out sooner or later.
We do know that the code MLB was in the “other” box, so it is not a steriod. This make it very likely that it is a Clomid-like agent. These agents are banned not because they are performance enhancing, but because they fall under the “probable cause” of suspected steroid use (eg things you would only take if you cycle).
by Buzzy on May 7, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Once again, I love the life over here ..
it tends to be so “dead” on Pinstripe Alley sometimes you find yourself replying to your own comments LOL
by I Bleed Pinstripes on May 7, 2009 3:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The point everyone should understand from this whole ordeal is...
Sign Jason Bay now… each day his price goes up and up and up….
P.S. My favorite athlete still is clean, Pedro still the nastiest 140 lb man ever (Pac-Man being 2nd.)
by SoxAcumen on May 7, 2009 3:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed about Petey
One of my all time faves.
But, to play Devil’s advocate, how do you know Bay—or any other player for that matter—is clean?
I gotta go 'cause I'm probably definitely gonna nod out again.
by Drugs Delaney on May 7, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
we simply dont, as is illustrated by the fact manny tested positive for this during spring training, and mlb kept their mouths shut till he tested positive again. Who knows how many players are out there who are just waiting for their names to be released.
by spinz on May 7, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And both of them are going to get rocked this summer, if they are stupid enough.
Pedro’s old, and Pacquiao is going to get demolished by Mayweather.
by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on May 7, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember
similar comments about Oscar
but that will be one helluva fight
by SoxAcumen on May 7, 2009 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It utterly baffles me how the sox have been able to avoid these massive kicks to the groin: Trading nomar when he was one of the most valuable players in the game, and he quickly after became one of the least. And then can you imagine if the sox had signed manny? 50 game suspension and it wouldv been a completely demoralizing blow to the season. These are the kinds of freakish swings of luck that destroy teams like the mets, and for some reason the sox keep getting it right.
by spinz on May 7, 2009 4:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Other things that destroy the Mets
Omar Minaya.
by Buzzy on May 7, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't believe he still has a job.
Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.
by sox-inda-south on May 7, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe the sox just see something with players
that they do not like. Maybe they knew something was up with both. But maybe they had a crystal ball, cause being the team they have been always being there and being one of the elite of baseball they have avoided some serious kicks in the groin. We both ended up with a Pittsburgh Outfielder at the trade deadline, it has worked out for the sox, not the yanks.
by I Bleed Pinstripes on May 7, 2009 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There are couple players the Sox didn't want to re-sign or negotiated...
From the 2004 team, Derek Lowe and Orlando Cabrera. The Sox knew about Lowe’s drinking problem, and they didn’t offered him a deal, which was probably prudent until Lowe needed to work some things out. Besides his wishy washy pitching in 2004.
Cabrera, I don’t know, I heard rumors about him, but Theo wanted a better hitting SS, so he went to Rent-a Wreck.
The interesting thing, Lowe wanted to come back here, but the Sox decided to take a different route, and ironically probably help his FA value when he signed with Atlanta.
If Manny behaved in 2008, the Sox would had gladly picked up his 2009 option. However I am guessing, Iago, I mean Scott Boras was pushing Manny to get traded, so Boras would get a cut on his next contract, because Manny’s Sox contract was done by Jeff Morad, Manny’s former agent.
I don’t think the Sox are clear of the woods of this imbroglio of Manny’s failed drug test. People are still pissed off that George Mitchell ran the commission on PED, while having a financial stake in the Sox, and there was very little incriminatory stuff to the Sox in the Mitchell Report, compare to the Yankees, the Mets, and the Giants.
I also wouldn’t be surprise if the Dodgers try to void Manny’s contract. This is going to cost them a bundle.
by superferret on May 7, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Iago?
Now I know why Scott Boras keeps saying “I am not what I am” and spreading rumors about Ortiz’s wife…
"It's just a tiny little nick, but it hurts when I get champagne in there."
- Jason Bay, on getting spiked scoring the winning run in ALDS Game Four.
by 0157H7 on May 7, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Creating our own luck through wisdom?
Like Dent’s two-sided coin.
by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on May 7, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
how PED testing is measured..
Basically the lab analyses the ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone ratio. they are looking for a 1:1 ratio, the standards accept a limit of a 4:1 ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone. Once it gets above, they are now looking to what caused it, whether natural, synthetic or some sort of hormone producing agent, like a steroid. There are some males who have a very high natural testosterone to epitestosterone ratio, something like 7:1
When Floyd Landis was caught after his Tour de France win in 2006. He had something like 11-12:1 testosterone to epitestosterone ratio. Manny was either using hCG to mask his testosterone levels by trying to stimulate other hormones in his body, or he was using it to get his endocrine system back on balance. This could point to Anabolic Steroids or Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
What Manny was trying to do, was evade the first phase of testing, keeping his testosterone levels under 4:1 so there it wouldn’t raise alarm bells. However, he failed, so the next round was find out how all this testosterone was produced. That is why there is the red herring about his taking a sexual enhancement drug. They probably found lots of stuff, vitamins, caffeine etc. What the lab found that was banned was hCG.
by superferret on May 7, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Wow.
Great info. This is comment gets the rec, but, as I said above, it should be noted that ferret has stepped up big time with the info.
by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on May 7, 2009 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Couldn't have happened to a nicer douchebag
THAT'S the money you could be saving with Geico
by DJDP23 on May 7, 2009 5:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
But...that's... I don't... eh... what do... err...
by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on May 7, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah...
Manny wasn’t a douche. A-Rod’s a douche, Manny’s a doofus – with douchey tendencies post-Boras.
Rock me, sexy Jesus...
by nuthinboutnuthin on May 7, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So I hear Manny's been uses drugs to get good wood.
Manny ain't the only bad man.
by tommy.otm on May 7, 2009 7:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i hear he using them to get pregnant ... female fertility drugs ... wow
by I Bleed Pinstripes on May 7, 2009 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Manny wasn't producing enough...
….eggs.
LOL. Couldn’t have happened to a better man!
by beantownkid10 on May 7, 2009 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As grateful as I am for the 2 championships he helped us win
Karma kicked him in the groinfemale groin. Who would have ever known he was capable of having children? Amazing.
Again, I love Manny and I thank him for the two rings, but the bullshit he pulled last season just was.. well.. bullshit. I mean I am happy we got J Bay in return, because I love the guy. But, for him to do that just because his agent wanted cash is idiotic. Glad to see he finally got a dose of his own medicine performance enhancing drugs.
A shame for the Dodgers though as his option for next year is in his hands, and if Manny is smart (which he seems pretty smart), he would pick that option up because quite frankly, its the last time he will ever make double digit millions. IF he gets another contract (He might become Barry Bonds Pt. 2), it will be worth 5-6MM. Nothing amazing.
I didn't like the old one very much. I didn't see the ball there very well. - Julio Lugo on the old Yankees Stadium.
by Charged on May 7, 2009 11:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I hate all of this.
People cheat. They always have. Especially baseball players. I wish I could take that pill from the Matrix that would make me ignorant of the whole fucking thing.
by BTLove on May 8, 2009 12:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My feelings exactly
"Hey we got a lot in common here... I'm gonna rape you"
by MerryGoByeBye on May 8, 2009 2:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blue or Red?
Can’t remember.
by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on May 8, 2009 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blue
"It's just a tiny little nick, but it hurts when I get champagne in there."
- Jason Bay, on getting spiked scoring the winning run in ALDS Game Four.
by 0157H7 on May 8, 2009 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I need to watch that movie again.
It’s been a few years.
by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on May 8, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank goodness he's not our issue.
I really thought that we’d finally be able to get away from the whole Manny Mania, but he just keeps sucking us in. Whether he took the drug intentionally to mask illegal substance usage or whether he really did make a stupid mistake of monumental proportions, I can’t help but be thankful that he isn’t our problem or occasional blessing anymore. In some rare occasions, the stress of a situation really does outweigh talent and regardless of what any of us used to think of Manny, at least we (or at least the sane ones) can finally agree that the Sox are better off without him.
It will be a pity if this prevents him from eventually being in the Hall of Fame. I was already torn as I personally think character and the way you play the game is an important factor in determining who should be in there or not. Now? Sorry Manny. There had always been a risk but this time you took “Manny being Manny” and went to far.
It’s also becoming increasingly obvious that Jason Bay and his agent made a VERY smart move into not jumping into a long term contract with us. Whatever the difference was, I suspect that Theo is beginning to realize that perhaps they should have offered enough initially to account for what seems to be a big pay day coming for Bay.
by art0330 on May 8, 2009 7:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes, Ramirez's failed drug test is our issue...
Given what has come out today about a Sox doctor told a meeting in 2001, about using Steroids in the off season that replicates how Manny was caught. There are some serious questions facing the Sox, no matter the change of management in 2001-2002. There are going to be some probing if management knew that Manny was doing this for years in the offseason.
The Dodgers are getting the full blunt of this fiasco. They betted much on Manny this season, and got smacked. The Sox are glad to be gone with Manny. However, his failed drug test put attention on other players surrounding Manny, mainly Big Papi, possibly Nomah.
What may have happened with Manny, he may start taking steroids later in the offseason than in the past. He didn’t get caught with hCG, but with allegedly synthetic testosterone, which points to steroid use.
by superferret on May 9, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Source?
I’m trying to find this info, but I’m having trouble.
by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on May 9, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lou Merloni said it.
According to DirtDogs. Not my favorite source, but they are just transcribing from something Lou said Comcast.
by BTLove on May 9, 2009 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay, now that's scary.
I hope to god that Manny was isolated in this.
by bs.uf15bosox9bears23 on May 9, 2009 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've been waiting...
…for it to surface on MLB.com, SI.com or the WWL, and nothing so far. So either Merloni has backed off his comments (or they’re simply not credible), or the HH’ers are right and it all is a big conspiracy against them and non-East Coast teams. I’m hoping its the former.
Still, scary…
Rock me, sexy Jesus...
by nuthinboutnuthin on May 10, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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