Friday, July 31, 2009

Full Disclosure vs. Radio Silence

Which is the better strategy when dealing with PED allegations? Yesterday's non-bombshell report that Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz are on baseball's 2003 positive test list provides a study in public-relations contrasts. Manny, who has refused to address the matter directly since his suspension in May, continues to refuse to address the matter directly.

Ortiz, on the other hand, is working overtime to maintain his nice-guy image, saying, "One, I have already contacted the Players Association to confirm if this report is true. I have just been told that the report is true. Based on the way I have lived my life, I am surprised to learn I tested positive.

"Two, I will find out what I tested positive for. And, three, based on whatever I learn, I will share this information with my club and the public. You know me -- I will not hide and I will not make excuses."

Is Ortiz digging himself into a hole? Maybe he already has. "I have just been told that the report is true....I am surprised to learn I tested positive" means he wasn't informed of his test results at the time.

But according to acknowledged PED user Paul Lo Duca, "Everybody knows if they were on that list. When you got tested that year...you got told." (Indeed, ESPN reports: "According to the Mitchell report, all players who failed the test in 2003 were notified by September 2004.")

Where does this leave Ortiz? While his statement can technically be true — he didn't say this was the first time he had been notified, and he could still be surprised after all these years — Ortiz doesn't seem the type to hide behind legalese.

But given that Step One in his tripartite mission already contains some dubious assertions, it's hard to believe whatever Ortiz says from this point on will be the unvarnished truth. And he's already committed to saying it. Maybe Manny had the right idea all along.

31 comments:

Kyle Baker said...

Speaking of, Happy Manniversary!

Kyle Baker said...

Respectful request for a trade deadline day thread? Cause, um, I'm off today and don't have anything else today.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Washburn's gone. Tigers got him

Kyle Baker said...

I thought a guy like Washburn was someone we realistically had a shot. I hadn't even had my coffee when I heard he was off the table. Next?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Less than 4 hours to the trade deadline.

Kyle Baker said...

Why is there a half hour difference between the SoSG counter for trade deadline and the MLB network's?

I'm going with SoSG being correct, just on principle.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

This is like an episode of 24. I can here the clock ticking in the background.

Kyle Baker said...

Hopefully there is no nuclear weapon hidden underneath the Green Monster.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Hopefully Jack Bauer is on our side.

Kyle Baker said...

Nick Johnson to Marlins seems imminent.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

That's what I'm hearing.

Josh S. said...

Can we get $4500 for Schmidt in the Cash for Clunkers program?

Kyle Baker said...

Oh, snap, Josh!

Wasn't the program suspended last night, though? Right before the trade deadline. Must be an Obama plot to help the White Sox.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Sources say BoSox got V-Mart.

Josh S. said...

Are we getting ANYBODY else? I know they're hunting for more relievers, but the pen seems pretty solid right now.

Kyle Baker said...

I don't see adding anyone else to the pen, unless we want to keep 15 pitchers on the roster. We need SP help. With Sherrill and healthy current RPs, I'm comfortable.

But Dodgers front office: We're starting Schmidt today for the 3rd time. Doesn't something about that scare you?

Kyle Baker said...

For the record:

FUCK ESPN Insider! Quit teasing me, you bastards!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

MLBTV is saying the Dodgers' trade for Sherrill could backfire in the distant future, but right now it was a good move.

rbnlaw said...

David Ortiz=not smart.

I would've liked to see V Mart as an occasional 1st baseman in blue. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with the moves and non-moves so far.

rbnlaw said...

Less than 3 hours left.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Nevermind. BoSox have nothing in place for V-Mart. In fact, Tim Brown reports another team has jumped into the fray...

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Twins just landed O-Cab

MR.F said...

Oh I get it. It's another bro hug.

Kyle Baker said...

"DODGERS ACQUIRE VINNY ROTTINO FROM BREWERS IN EXCHANGE FOR VARGAS"

[I'm quoting, I didn't do the caps]

Kyle Baker said...

Per Beto Duran.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I just heard that trade. I guess it clears room on the roster for Sherrill.

Kyle Baker said...

I know the sun dooesn't rise and set on him, but since Vargas came up I thought he had pretty decent stuff and was pitching confidently.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I was surprised. I thought Vargas was pitching well, and he cemented himself in the bullpen.

Orel said...

New trade thread up top.

Kyle Baker said...

cheers, orel.

Ken said...

thats homoerotic