By now, it’s pretty much old news that the New York Times reports that David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez were on the list of 104 Major League Baseball players who tested positive for performance-enhancing substances in 2003. I’m not sure what this proves, except that absolutely nothing is sacred in this tarnished era, not even the “holier than thou” Red Sox. One thing it probably does prove is that Ortiz, while possibly the most likable among the players whose legends have been scarred by this ongoing controversy, is quite likely the most hypocritical of all.
The Phillies didn’t land Roy Halladay, but they have officially declared themselves the team to beat in the National League with Wednesday’s signing of reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee. The Phils now have the unusual problem of having too much starting pitching, with Lee and the also recently acquired Pedro Martinez joining Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer and Joe Blanton in the rotation, with J.A. Happ and Rodrigo Lopez likely moving to the bullpen.
Speaking of Halladay, according to Toronto General Manager J.P. Ricciardi, trade talks involving the Blue Jays right-hander are dead, but the club remains willing to listen to offers. So, did we learn anything new from that statement? Most likely not, but with today’s trade deadline of 4 p.m. ET fast approaching, it appears that the Jays are unlikely to move him, with the only real contenders for his services being the Red Sox and the Dodgers.
Halladay may be staying put, but Jarrod Washburn isn’t, with the Tigers acquiring him from the Mariners today in a move that improves their status as the favorite to win the AL Central, although the Twins and White Sox still might have something to say about that. Washburn appears to have resurrected his career this year, posting an 8-6 record with a 2.64 ERA, and is well on his way to his best season since he was the ace of the 2002 World Series champion Anaheim Angels staff.
The Red Sox may not get Halladay, but it seems unlikely that they’re not going to add another bat by the deadline, with the rumor mill saying that they’re close to a deal with the Indians that would bring Victor Martinez to Boston, in exchange for Clay Buchholz. Martinez has split time between catcher and first base for Cleveland this year, but it’s unclear how much the Red Sox would plan on using him behind the plate. The deal would make Adam LaRoche expendable, however, so the word is that they’re looking to find a taker for him as well.
The Twins, in dire need to improve upon a weak offensive middle infield, have worked out a deal with the Athletics to bring Orlando Cabrera to Minnesota. He’ll likely replace Nick Punto (.208 BA, .568 OPS) at shortstop, with Brendan Harris already pushing Alexi Casilla (.171 BA, .474 OPS) out of second base duties.
In a couple of smaller, but not insignificant deals involving left-handed relief pitchers, the Dodgers bolstered their bullpen by acquiring George Sherrill from the Orioles, and the Pirates dealt John Grabow to the Cubs.
By the time you read this, of course, a few of the questions regarding potential trades will already be answered. What are your opinions on these recent developments in Major League Baseball? Please share with the bench and let’s get the discussion started.
Welcome back after a short respite, Chas.
I can’t say that I’m surprised at Ortiz. I like the guy too, but his numbers go from nothing in Minnesota to unreal in Boston. I never said to myself, “I bet he juiced” but I just am not surprised. His interview was weird. He said that once he found out what it is he tested positive for, he’ll address it and be open. How can you NOT know? That tells me that he probably took so much stuff he just wants to come clean on the drugs that are in the ’03 test.
I LOVE Ozzie Guillen’s comments. At times, because he’s an AL Central foe, I think he’s too candid, but what he said was great. Just come out with the damn list and let’s put this behind us. It makes you wonder what elephants might be in that closet that the MLB might be protecting. Griffey? Jeter? Dare I say, Pujols? Who knows, but it seems like someone has decided to let this leak slowly. Every time another name comes out, they allow the media and fans to pick a scab that was on its way to healing.
Concerning the Indians: I declare my beloved franchise the Pirates of the American League. The Pirates have traded away a darn good team in the 2000s, and continued the tredn this year. Cleveland has now made it two Cy Young award winners in a row they’ve trraded. Sabathia didn’t bother me because he was not going to re-sign or seek an extension. I think the club had a chance at keeping Lee with an extension. The team is not bad; I swear they have the worst injury problems than any other team the past few years. People in Cleveland are calling for Wedge’s head and I get it. I just find it hard to believe that a guy who, in a healthy year, had a team one win away from the World Series. This year it has been Sizemore, Carmona, the terrible pick up of Kerry Wood that have doomed them.
Plus, I don’t get why they had to throw in Ben Francisco with that trade? It’s well known the Phillies weren’t giving them they’re favorite prospects. They wouldn’t have been happy with just Lee.
Now there are rumors that Victor Martinez is on the block.
https://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4368061
The problem is not in the clubhouse. The problem is Mark Shapiro. None of this happened with John Hart in office. I give Shaprio credit because he brough this youth movement to Cleveland, but I don’t understand why he is so quick to trade every year expectations are not met.
Nevermind, SI.com is reporting that the deal is done. Victor Martinez to Boston
Yeah, they came pretty darn close to winning the World Series in 2007–I have to believe they would’ve beat the Rockies had they finished off the Red Sox–but it’s been all downhill from there.
I don’t know, Rey. It does seem like they’re not a team that needs to go the fire sale route. The downfall of Fausto Carmona has definitely hurt them. Now it seems as though they’re not even going to get Buchholz, but Justin Masterson instead, in the deal. I’m not sure about that one.
The MLB network is now reporting that Adrian Gonzalez and/or Heath Bell may be going to the Dodgers, with James Loney being part of the deal if they get Gonzalez. Bell, Broxton and Sherrill in the bullpen, and Ramirez and Gonzalez in the middle of the lineup? That might change my contention that the Phillies are the NL’s team to beat.
If Albert Pujols is on the list, then absolutely nothing is sacred.
That’s the GMs fault. They trade Francisco when they didn’t have in the Lee deal. Now they’re getting rid of Maartinez and may not get Bucholtz like earlier reported. Poor, poor negotiating on Shapiro’s part.
I knew the day was coming, when a Red Sox player would be named for testing positive. I almost think people in Boston thought their team was on a different stage then the rest of the Major Leagues. Give me a break – PED use was rampant in baseball for who knows how long.
As for Papi – until I hear more, I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt. I hope he stays true to his word, finds out what he tested positive for and addresses the issue head on. I believe him when he says that he has nothing to hide – so I am going to hold off on rushing to judgement – unlike Dan Shaugnessy who wrote Papi’s obituary yesterday. It was like Max Percy writing Roy Hobb’s obituary before the game winning home run.
Either way – his image has taken a major, major hit – Both in baseball and in the New England area.
As for the list of 104 – let’s get the list out there. This leaking of a player here and there is ridiculous – and I certainly question the timing of this leak as it certainly presents a distraction for both the Red Sox and the Dodgers. But let’s get the list out there and let’s move on..
You have to wonder if they are witholding the list in hopes that eventually the public will say “ok, we’re happy now.” It makes you wonder if there is a name on that list they are REALLY scared of leaking out.
Amen to that, Smitty.
I don’t know, Smitty. This “let’s not rush to judgement” sounds pretty familiar. That’s happened a few times before and then the story just ends up getting worse. But, of course, he deserves the same consideration as anyone else. That said, his quote from last night is ridiculous. He also said in ’07 that he wasn’t going to take any more over-the-counter stuff from GNC in the Dominican Republic. It sounds like he was setting himself up for being able to use that as an excuse when he got nailed.
The V-Mart deal is a done deal. The MLB network guys are now wondering how it’s going to affect team chemistry. Who’s going to lose playing time? Varitek? Ortiz? LaRoche is on his way to Atlanta, they’re saying.
Chas – I know, it does sound familiar. But people are writing his obituary and calling his time as a Red Sox a lie – before they even know what he tested positive before. It is interesting that the automatic assumption is – Steroids.
But more could come out and it could be damaging. If that is the case unfortunately – Papi will go where all the others who have use PEDs for me – to the back of the line.
I am just finding it startling how much the Boston writers have been quick to crucify the man. Would they have done it for Bobby Orr or Larry Bird??
Adam LaRoche to Atlanta for Casey Kotchman. Hmmmm……
Scott Rolen to the Reds if he’s willing to waive his no-trade clause.
I think the writers are going to be quick to jump on anybody at this point. I don’t think you can make that Bird/Orr comparison because their sports never had this major controversy. Now, if Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon had all been found to have been using steroids, and then allegations about Bird came out, I think it would be a different story.
What year did it become against baseball rules to take peds and steroids. If this list of names is prior to this date then the list means absolutely nothing. Anyone that fails a test after that date, then you can take them out to the woodshed and take the Louisville Slugger to them. Can we pass judgement on someone that has not broken the rules of baseball?
One more piece of evidence to prove that denial is not just a river in Africa.
What in heaven’s name was Ortiz thinking? Did he consider the Palmiero fiasco and how friggin’ idiotic he looked?
Ok, so what are we looking at here? Everything from 1989-2007 is considered the steroid era?
No, PEDs were not illegal in MLB at one time (Of course, they are illegal drugs. But hey athletes and celebs seem to skirt the law.), but again, my problem is the way this affects how we look at the careers of guys like Mattingly and Dawson. At one time their numbers were impressive. But now?
If the way these names are being leaked is not a testimony to how people and/or the media try to create a stir, then I don’t know what is. They release a couple of names. Let the story die down. And then do it again. The only good thing I see out of that is, like Rey, said: the Ozzie sound bytes. His comment was perfect – “If you’re going to break up with me, then divorce me. Don’t tell me you’re leaving.”
I will be STUNNED if Jeter is ever implicated.
Is anybody going to take the melody to Ricky Nelson’s ‘Traveling Man’ and tell the sage of Adam LaRoche. I’d do it but my brain is mush.
And I haven’t even tapped into the Genesee Beer…at home…in the fridge…with my name on it.
Jake Peavy to the White Sox slides under the radar. If they can get a month out of Peavy, it could be a big move, but I’m assuming they did it for more than just this year.
Casey brings up a good point. These guys have learned nothing. They have been hoping nothing comes out about them. But fans and writers will forgive. Andy Pettite anyone? Like I said earlier, what bothers me is Ortiz wants to know what he took, then he’ll talk to the media and fans. I can’t fathom how you don’t know what you took, unless you took so much you can’t remember which one you were taking the time of the test.
Nobody would stun me at this point except for John Kruk. Not even Jeter. Well maybe not even Kruk. Did you see him doing those one handed pull ups in the Baseball Tonight commercial?
The only way Kruk did a one-handed pull up was if Peter Gammons was helping him by the ankles.
I’ll be stunned if David Eckstein is on the list. 🙂
Me too.
🙂
Chas … I agree … the WhiteSox-Jake Peavy move is really looking at him being a mainstay on the staff for several years. I guess his ankle is hurt and he could be back pitching in a couple weeks. At least it’s not his arm. Yet.
Ya gotta love Ozzie Guillen for getting right to the point. Sometimes, he’s priceless. Other times, he’s worthless.
This just in … Kent Tekulve is on the list. Apparently, they spotted remnants of a bicep on locker room film from the early 80’s. Guilty!