Jorge Polanco: I'm Really Sorry

Polanco knew exactly what he was doing, took that chance and was caught. No sympathy from me at all. The fact that he doesn't want to go into details, is all I need to figure that out. Just sad for him to throw it away.

Like how Ervin Santana threw it away? Whatever happened to that guy, anyway?

Like how Ervin Santana threw it away? Whatever happened to that guy, anyway?

You don't think Santana would want those games back? 

I think the Twins will support him this year and trade him in the off season... this was his window... the other guys will be ready next year. 

If they don't trade him he could become the utility guy... and let Escobar leave. 

You don't think Santana would want those games back? 

Your post is a non-sequitur. Since you asked, I'm sure he would have rather pitched. His career is doing just fine nonetheless.

Of course, but it's easy to see how there might be different incentives for players and trainers coming from a country with a different set of values and laws regarding PEDs. I know MLB is already coordinating some "education" for young Dominican players regarding the adverse effects and career risks associated with use, but clearly there are still a lot of issues. First, they probably should focus on ways to improve cultural sensitivity. I'd also be interested in finding out if there were any particular trainers or 'hubs' of trainers in the DR that tend to distribute PEDs. There might even be trainers down there who administer PEDs to players unknowingly to advance their own careers. There are several angles that could be improved, because clearly something's wrong with the system at this point.

I wonder about this as well.  

Kind of weird to juxtapose my imagined picture of Jorge's trainer with the trainer that Lynn, Morrison, Kinley, etc worked with; the one that was featured in an article this weekend (sorry; no link.)  Maybe the U.S. based one's just have more undetectable stuff...

To me the question regarding whether it was accidental or intentional is irrelevant.  It's a super competitive business...we all know of the incentives for pushing the envelope.  But irresponsibility is always willful, either in act or omission of act.

This need not impact his career drastically long-term.  He's 24 years old.  24 year olds have time to atone for bad mistakes (thank God).  Nor do I fear greatly that his 2nd-half performance was necessarily artificial.  There are a lot of possible variables contributing to improved performance for a 24 year old batter.

I'll be pulling for him when he comes back.

You don't think Santana would want those games back? 

And the 7 million or whatever it was that he lost money wise.

Of course, but it's easy to see how there might be different incentives for players and trainers coming from a country with a different set of values and laws regarding PEDs. I know MLB is already coordinating some "education" for young Dominican players regarding the adverse effects and career risks associated with use, but clearly there are still a lot of issues. First, they probably should focus on ways to improve cultural sensitivity. I'd also be interested in finding out if there were any particular trainers or 'hubs' of trainers in the DR that tend to distribute PEDs. There might even be trainers down there who administer PEDs to players unknowingly to advance their own careers. There are several angles that could be improved, because clearly something's wrong with the system at this point.

That trainer would be blackballed the minute word got out that he did something like this. well except to the players who want to take steroids.

Exactly. It just doesn't make any logical sense for someone to inject ped's into someone who doesn't want them.

What is the end game? If they make it big, you are going to tell them, "surprise! I've been secretly injecting you with illegal and potentially dangerous drugs this whole time!"

I can't imagine anyone is delusional enough to think that is going to end well. And good luck finding work after pulling a stunt like that.

Really, the only explanation that makes any logical sense, is that Polanco wanted him to inject ped's.

Not to say that nonsensical, illogical things never happen, so it's not 100%. But it's really, really close.

Does anyone know specifically what the frequency of drug testing is in MLB?

Does anyone know specifically what the frequency of drug testing is in MLB?

I think have read previously that most players are tested randomly twice per year.

I think players with previous failed tests are subject to unlimited random tests.

What he did is not as important as when this happened. Yes he will miss half a season, but in reality it will be a full season. Will he be in baseball condition when he comes back? Will someone else step up and fill his role? For a young player who has had 1/2 good season this is really a bad situation. And in a competitive sport it is not about forgiveness or team support - it is about getting an opportunity and holding on to it. On a team with Gordon, Javier, and Lewis, wasting a chance is stupid.

None of those guys are likely to be ready by June. In fact, only Gordon has a chance.

I don't agree that there is a high likelihood that this causes any missed time beyond the suspension.

The only scenario I can see that would, is if both Escobar and Adrianza start out terribly, and the Twins trade for a SS better than Polanco.

But, with them likely being close to maxed out payroll right now, I don't find that too likely either.

I think have read previously that most players are tested randomly twice per year.

I think players with previous failed tests are subject to unlimited random tests.

If MLB is serious about creating a landscape void of real or perceived windows of opportunity, a weekly testing would be implemented. Also, they have the financial resources to test biweekly in the offseason. Anything less is smoke and mirrors.

The terms of drug testing are agreed to in the CBA.  MLB can't just arbitrarily start drug testing players every week.  And from what I've read, there are only about 5 labs in the world that can do the sophisticated testing to find all the new variants of PED's.

It is punitive to also suspend him for the playoffs.

This might be quite a shot to the Twins if Sano is also suspended to start the season.

I think we are too quick to assume he took a banned substance knowing it was banned.

We have no evidence that he was doing what Mark McGuire, Sammy Sosa and players of that era were doing to hit the home runs.

He tested positive, he is being penalized. When he comes back he may or may not have a job. So, it could be an expensive mistake

He made a mistake, he is paying for it.

After Ervin, now Jorge, perhaps the twins need to crack down and keep a closer watch on what their players are doing/taking while in the Wild West that is the DR.

 

Not to call out any specific country but 2 times now? Kinda getting old guys....

 

Someone please step up and dont let this destroy our season. 

I suppose if the player wants their help they could, but I don't believe they can test players. They PA would step in.  

I am looking forward to hearing about the lawsuit Polanco will surly file since those people gave him an illegal substance that cost him a boatload of money.  It's about time all of these players take their stand against the rising tide of trainers/doctors/etc who conspire to make them fail drug tests.  Baseball players are truly the victims here, can't anyone see this trend??? No articles, no congressional hearings and no social outcry.  #sarcasm

It also prevents some players benefiting from the timing of their failed test. A player who fails in March would be back in time for postseason, while a player who fails in July would miss the postseason.