David Ortiz Presser (Or Pressure?)

On Saturday August,8th at 12:30 PM, David Ortiz held a press conference at Yankee Stadium to address the fact of his name being on the list of positive results from the “Sample Survey” taken in 2003. As you know, this testing was to see if the 5% threshold of Major League ballplayers tested positive for substances to aid in performance, known as PED's.

Ortiz was accompanied by the future Executive Director of the MLBPA Michael Weiner to clarify as to why “Big Papi's” name was leaked. I'm not going to elaborate on what Mr. Weiner said, just what Ortiz said and my opinion of his statement.

Ortiz appeared confident as he made his opening statement in which he said he was “a little bit careless” in buying over the counter supplements and vitamins from both the U.S. and from his home country of the Dominican Republic. He apologized to the fans and the Red Sox for the distraction and not being more careful and, in effect, uneducated of what he took.

He then quite emphatically claimed that he never purchased or used steroids. He then said he thinks of the fans every day and again apologized to them for the distraction.

During the Q & A period, Red Sox beat writer Sean McAdam asked Ortiz if he regretted not mentioning about taking supplements and vitamins prior to Saturday, Ortiz said he was busy trying to get information on how his name was on the list.

My thoughts ---

I was struck by that statement that Ortiz was “a little bit careless” in buying supplements and vitamins over the counter. Didn't he know what he was taking? I mean my God, did he just ask a friend or the person behind the counter what would be good to maintain stamina or add strength? That's not a little careless, that's either not caring at all or just plain stupid! As far as I'm concerned, Big Papi was not paying any attention to what he was taking... Looking out for #1.

His claim about thinking of the fans every day may be true NOW, but how about in 2003? I doubt he was thinking about anybody but himself. He had struggled with Minnesota before signing on with Boston. No way was he thinking of fans that he didn't have.

As far as not answering Sean McAdam's question directly, what information could Ortiz have gotten? All he had to say was that he hadn't thought about mentioning it because he was upset and perhaps bewildered. That would have sufficed, in my opinion.

My assessment of the David Ortiz presser is no different than others --- he skirted the issue of taking over the counter supplements by claiming he didn't know what he was taking, and sidestepped as to why he didn't say anything about taking these supplements days before the presser. I know he was given council not to, but I find that to be no excuse not to say anything. All in all, I was very disappointed with the process as I expected much more from such a “stand up” individual.

David Ortiz, you are no different than the rest.

Send email to dlafrance2@207me.com

The Gang of 104

Recently it has been reported and confirmed that Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz are included on the list of 104 Major League baseball players testing positive for steroids in 2003. Of course we know by now the Alex Rodriguez story and his “admission of guilt”, but how much do we really know, or for that matter, how much do we really care? I for one am sick and tired of what happened in 2003 but yet I am still curious about who is on that list.

With that said, there are two schools of thought --- either have the judge with the sealed list release the document or allow names to be leaked periodically, which seems to be the trend. I will present brief arguments for both. Oh wait, isn't this list confidential? Doesn't seem that way to me.

Releasing the list would put a quick end to much of the bickering behind the scenes between reporters, agents, and God knows who else. My goodness, at the rate of the names that are being leaked, it would take many years for all 104 to be learned. I could be cremated by then! I ask you, wouldn't we all be relieved that once and for all, this BS would finally come to an end? Or do we give a rats behind? It's up to the judge at this point. Let's just threaten to run over the courthouse with bats and look mean --- or not. Let's just get this mess behind us.

Then again...

Perhaps the list of names should be leaked slowly over time. In doing so, these players will have to sweat a bit more hoping their fans never find out that their favorite player was using a banned substance in 2003. The shock, the shame! How to explain! Listen Mister Big Shot (Mister Big Papi!), just admit that you took performance enhancing drugs and we will forgive you. A Rod has been forgiven and Manny has too. We are a forgiving lot we baseball fans and I think the players know that. But these guys are also egotistical for the most part. Tarnish their reputations and they kick and scream --- ask Roger Clemens.

So what do you think? I say release the document and put it behind us. We don't need any more of these leaks to filter into the public eye. Get on with it!

Remember, bring your bats.

Send email to dlafrance2@207me.com