Braun Suspended For Rest Of 2013 Season

[DOUGHBOYS]

All the players in that play were what made the wheels go slow. Nobody was in a hurry to publicize baseball's black eye.
But I know what you mean too.
The way this story is developing in drips and drabs, Braun could be in the Hall of Fame by the time the fact gathering is done.

[cugjp1]

We haven't seen anything yet....this thing is going to break wide open and when it does it is going to throw the fantasy world into a wirlwind....someone will fold and start talking....I see a record year for suspensions....

[BK METS]

There will be ZERO suspensions from this in 2013. Unless a positive PED test comes out of it, MLB is not going to suspend anyone until they know for sure that the player is guilty of buying or using and that will take the season, at least.This will have to go through a court process and a trial or grand jury at the very least. Even if someone starts talking, it doesn't mean MLB is going to suspend. The players and the players union will deny, deny, deny...

[DOUGHBOYS]

And within 20 minutes, we've gone from a record year of suspensions to zero.
Gotta love this story....

[BK METS]

And within 20 minutes, we've gone from a record year of suspensions to zero.
Gotta love this story....

I have said zero from day one, and I am sticking to my story...

[Edwards Kings]

....someone will fold and start talking....

Be prepared because more will come out as someone will start talking, but consider the source or sources. Baseball won't (or shouldn't) act unless there is good clinical evidence that one of the listed players was or is on PED. If baseball does go on a witch hunt to get Braun (or any of the others) with suspensions predicated on hearsay evidence from the disgraced clinic employees:

1) Another in a string of black eyes (and based on what we know now based on the loosest of "evidence" in some hand written notes) to the sport which could only have a negative impact on what baseball likes best...revenue. Talk about your self inflicted wounds.
2) Baseball does not have the wait for the courts and really does not have to abide by the any rules of evidence or due process other than what is in the Union agreement as it is the only mandated monopoly in the US. To sling its monarchical powers around too aggressively could put the monopoly at risk. There has for some time been an undercurrent in Congress to do that very thing, so baseball had better to tread carefully.

[TOXIC ASSETS]

He may manage to beat the system, at least for 2013 due to the slow speed at which this stuff moves. Bottom line, however, is that Braun only beat the suspension last time because of incompetence. The tests clearly showed that he was doping. And it sure looks like he has been caught in some tall tales this time. As soon as they said it was for consulting, that was pretty obvious that there was deception going on. WHY would anyone use Bosch as a consultant? There is no logical reason. OK boys -- who's going to step up and pick him at #1? # 2? #3? Anyone? Anyone?

[Edwards Kings]

He may manage to beat the system, at least for 2013 due to the slow speed at which this stuff moves. Bottom line, however, is that Braun only beat the suspension last time because of incompetence. The tests clearly showed that he was doping. And it sure looks like he has been caught in some tall tales this time. As soon as they said it was for consulting, that was pretty obvious that there was deception going on. WHY would anyone use Bosch as a consultant? There is no logical reason. OK boys -- who's going to step up and pick him at #1? # 2? #3? Anyone? Anyone?

That is the thing. I believe the original test that started all this garbage was fundamentally flawed. The New York Daily News quoted a source who said saying that the test results were "insanely high, the highest ever for anyone who has ever taken a test, twice the level of the highest test ever taken". Then a second test conducted by an independent laboratory showed normal testosterone levels.

I do not think he beat the system. I think initially he was the victim of a bad test. Eventually the technicality allowed him to extricate himself from a bad situation. He needed that because baseball didn't have the balls or brains to admit there was a problem with the initial urine sample.

Then, under EXTREME scrutiny, Braun goes out and has nearly a carbon copy year with phenomenal results. I've said it before and I will say it again, he proved his innocence on the field.

If I pick #1, it is a toss up between Miguel Cabrera or Ryan Braun.

[Outlaw]

[quote="Edwards Kings"
That is the thing. I believe the original test that started all this garbage was fundamentally flawed. The New York Daily News quoted a source who said saying that the test results were "insanely high, the highest ever for anyone who has ever taken a test, twice the level of the highest test ever taken". Then a second test conducted by an independent laboratory showed normal testosterone levels.

I do not think he beat the system. I think initially he was the victim of a bad test. Eventually the technicality allowed him to extricate himself from a bad situation. He needed that because baseball didn't have the balls or brains to admit there was a problem with the initial urine sample.

More Drips... Bruans test and levels were not flawed. Melky, Colon, and the others who got suspended last year that were using this Clinic and "Dr. Bosch" all had off the chart Testosterone levels. It seems the good Dr's mix of ingrediants caused them all to be high. That is just another reason MLB knows Brauns test was legit, they were all in the same ballpark with his test results. It Seems the Good Doctors Dose's he was selling were the Best and the users knew it.

I beleive that a player or two will flip, as well as the employees who worked at this Clinic. I also believe MLB is not going to play nice with these players. The players really have no recourse on this topic if Selig uses his powers to suspend them. That is a fight they will not win in the court of public opinion. The Union will not fight too hard on this either, becuase they will see the evidence MLB accumulates.

I find it telling that When MLB started looking into this Clinic 3 years ago and then stepped it up last summer, not one player has been willing to cooperate so far that we know, even though they all say they will. The way that works, is Player "A" says he will cooperate, but then the union steps in and does not allow it. So the players public cooperation statement is out there, knowing full well the Union will not allow it. MLB also will not comment and come out and publically say they are not cooperating. So its a win win for the player to say it, until he gets suspended. If anyone believes for a second Braun and others are turning over any evidence they have, think again.

Braun and anyone else connected with this mess will get suspeneded sometime this season, if MLB gets enough evidence, which I beleive they are well on thier way to getting. They are not going to need failed drug tests for these players involved. Also is quite possible, lacking a failed drug test, that when Selig issues the suspensions they could be much longer than anyone thinks. Again the Union will be hard pressed to protect so many players inlvolved. Rose was suspended for life on slips of paper and gossip, that ultimatley proved to be all true when he did an "armstrong". The feds never got him, he went to jail on Tax issues.

[BK METS]

[quote="Edwards Kings"
That is the thing. I believe the original test that started all this garbage was fundamentally flawed. The New York Daily News quoted a source who said saying that the test results were "insanely high, the highest ever for anyone who has ever taken a test, twice the level of the highest test ever taken". Then a second test conducted by an independent laboratory showed normal testosterone levels.

I do not think he beat the system. I think initially he was the victim of a bad test. Eventually the technicality allowed him to extricate himself from a bad situation. He needed that because baseball didn't have the balls or brains to admit there was a problem with the initial urine sample.

More Drips... Bruans test and levels were not flawed. Melky, Colon, and the others who got suspended last year that were using this Clinic and "Dr. Bosch" all had off the chart Testosterone levels. It seems the good Dr's mix of ingrediants caused them all to be high. That is just another reason MLB knows Brauns test was legit, they were all in the same ballpark with his test results. It Seems the Good Doctors Dose's he was selling were the Best and the users knew it.

I beleive that a player or two will flip, as well as the employees who worked at this Clinic. I also believe MLB is not going to play nice with these players. The players really have no recourse on this topic if Selig uses his powers to suspend them. That is a fight they will not win in the court of public opinion. The Union will not fight too hard on this either, becuase they will see the evidence MLB accumulates.

I find it telling that When MLB started looking into this Clinic 3 years ago and then stepped it up last summer, not one player has been willing to cooperate so far that we know, even though they all say they will. The way that works, is Player "A" says he will cooperate, but then the union steps in and does not allow it. So the players public cooperation statement is out there, knowing full well the Union will not allow it. MLB also will not comment and come out and publically say they are not cooperating. So its a win win for the player to say it, until he gets suspended. If anyone believes for a second Braun and others are turning over any evidence they have, think again.

Braun and anyone else connected with this mess will get suspeneded sometime this season, if MLB gets enough evidence, which I beleive they are well on thier way to getting. They are not going to need failed drug tests for these players involved. Also is quite possible, lacking a failed drug test, that when Selig issues the suspensions they could be much longer than anyone thinks. Again the Union will be hard pressed to protect so many players inlvolved. Rose was suspended for life on slips of paper and gossip, that ultimatley proved to be all true when he did an "armstrong". The feds never got him, he went to jail on Tax issues.

Bringing up Pete Rose is silly. He made a deal with Bart Giamotti in order for him to not admit to gambling. In essence he suspended himself. PEDs will never be taken as seriously as gambling on the sport. Baseball is nothing without legitimacy of the final score. As far as baseball suspending anyone this year, I believe it is doubtful. No player has been suspended for PEDs for any other reason other than a positive test so this is uncharted territory and any assumption is just speculation. Sure, the agreement does state they can suspend without a positive test, but I just don't think they are going to make that decision until they know for sure or the evidence is more than speculation or hearsay and that will take a while.

[rockitsauce]

Easy to see why Braun's sample was "insanely high" - from ESPN

Clinic notes obtained by "Outside the Lines" reveal Bosch routinely wrote up regimens for players that contained very high concentrations of testosterone, in some cases as much as 20 percent, in creams and lozenges that they were encouraged to apply or take prior to games. Players linked to Bosch who tested positive are believed to have had extremely elevated testosterone levels, with one source saying they were "through the roof.''

I'm sick of all the Pete haters out there willing to give these steroid cheats a pass, but what Pete did was so goddamn unforgivable. He bet on games. He bet on his team TO WIN. WIN. You know the object of any game, not just a Charlie Sheen meme. WINNING. He didn't purposely throw any games. There was no Black Sox shenanigans. Meanwhile first that creep Manny, then ol Bug Eyes both get artificial help to beat the DBacks in '09 & '11, (from the same "clinic") but Alan says baseball "is nothing without legitimacy of the final score". Tell that to any DBacks fan.

And this - "Sure, the agreement does state they can suspend without a positive test, but I just don't think they are going to make that decision until they know for sure or the evidence is more than speculation or hearsay and that will take a while". Oh really. YOU don't think so eh Alan. Well, that settles it. Case closed. I'm not a lawyer, but a very smart one (hint: he's down w/ Homer's motorcycle gang) has already weighed in on this situation and I'll go w/ his experience/insight on this issue over the rest of the experts on here.

Anyone who's not a total homer can see this jerk got over big time last yr. Perhaps he'll find a way to wiggle out again. IMO, Ando is right...where there's smoke there's fire. His excuses are weak and to say they are credible & logical is beyond ridiculous. From that same ESPN investigation - Bosch told "Outside the Lines" the allegations against him are "bulls---" and "all wrong." Sounds reasonable

[Outlaw]

Gotta Agree with Rockits opinion. Also seems like someone is singing now " The ESPN report said the list was not "definitive proof" that Braun received or used PEDs. But it said a source indicated players on the list received PEDs and that there was "no other reason to be on that paper." "The report cites a source who said the list and its figures indicate those players received the performance-enhancing drugs from Bosch — and that Braun owed him money for the drugs."

and this re: The Feds

Cabrera issued a statement on Friday saying he will cooperate with MLB in its investigation "the best I can, just as my legal counsel has told federal investigators. I have been instructed by legal counsel not to answer questions relating to the pending investigations.”

According to a source familiar with Cabrera’s case, the former Yankee outfielder has already spoken to federal investigators, who have intensified their efforts in the wake of recent news stories linking Bosch and the players to PEDs.

Cervelli, along with the other players whose names have emerged in the investigation, is sure to be interviewed by MLB about why his name is next to a figure that appears to represent a dollar amount.

“I would think Cervelli is in deeper now,” said one source familiar with the investigation.

According to the documents cited by the New Times, Bosch provided clients with a “pink cream” infused with a 20% shot of testosterone, well above the amount usually used by compounding pharmacists who mix the substances.

BALCO founder Victor Conte, for instance, infused his infamous “cream” with 10% testosterone to avoid triggering the 4-to-1 testosterone to epitestosterone ratio MLB has used to catch drug cheats.

“It’s all about ducking and dodging the testers,” said Conte, who is now an advocate for clean performance. Conte has been saying for almost two years that the en vogue form of ingesting testosterone is through creams and balms rubbed on the wrists or inside the elbows. The creams are fast-acting and leave the body within six to eight hours and, if they are used in conjunction with epitestosterone, would likely not trigger a positive test.

A 20% infusion, however, might be risky, especially for a player using the cream before or after a game, when he might be tested. “I have never heard of a compound pharmacy making a 20% testosterone cream,” Conte said. “It doesn’t surprise me (Bosch’s) people got caught.”
The thing about the stuff Bosch was selling, was it obviously was almost test proof because it leaves the body so soon. However I have read that the science and new testing methods are coming along fast and that detection can now look back further to see if samples may show use. I found it itnerested that MLB tested Gio Gonzalez 2 days after his name came out.


I've also suspect another 10-15 names will be coming out soon- talk about throwing Fantasy drafting in a tailspin for the next 6 weeks. I would not be surprised to see MLB take action before the seasons starts, so as not have to deal with this mess during the season.

Drip, drip, drip,

[BK METS]

Easy to see why Braun's sample was "insanely high" - from ESPN

Clinic notes obtained by "Outside the Lines" reveal Bosch routinely wrote up regimens for players that contained very high concentrations of testosterone, in some cases as much as 20 percent, in creams and lozenges that they were encouraged to apply or take prior to games. Players linked to Bosch who tested positive are believed to have had extremely elevated testosterone levels, with one source saying they were "through the roof.''

I'm sick of all the Pete haters out there willing to give these steroid cheats a pass, but what Pete did was so goddamn unforgivable. He bet on games. He bet on his team TO WIN. WIN. You know the object of any game, not just a Charlie Sheen meme. WINNING. He didn't purposely throw any games. There was no Black Sox shenanigans. Meanwhile first that creep Manny, then ol Bug Eyes both get artificial help to beat the DBacks in '09 & '11, (from the same "clinic") but Alan says baseball "is nothing without legitimacy of the final score". Tell that to any DBacks fan.

And this - "Sure, the agreement does state they can suspend without a positive test, but I just don't think they are going to make that decision until they know for sure or the evidence is more than speculation or hearsay and that will take a while". Oh really. YOU don't think so eh Alan. Well, that settles it. Case closed. I'm not a lawyer, but a very smart one (hint: he's down w/ Homer's motorcycle gang) has already weighed in on this situation and I'll go w/ his experience/insight on this issue over the rest of the experts on here.

Anyone who's not a total homer can see this jerk got over big time last yr. Perhaps he'll find a way to wiggle out again. IMO, Ando is right...where there's smoke there's fire. His excuses are weak and to say they are credible & logical is beyond ridiculous. From that same ESPN investigation - Bosch told "Outside the Lines" the allegations against him are "bulls---" and "all wrong." Sounds reasonable

David, you aren't seriously defending Pete Rose. The guy likely did bet against his own team, but he made the agreement with baseball to not reveal the entire findings, in exchange for him forfeiting his involvement in the game and speaking about his innocence. Once he screwed that up, John Dowd, hired to investigate Pete Rose's gambling habits 13 years ago for then-baseball commissioner Bart Giamatti, said that "if the investigation would have continued a little longer it would have shown the all-time hits leader not only bet on Reds games, but actually bet against the team he was managing." So, please don't paint the Rose thing as anything other than the worst possible thing that can happen to any professional sport. As far as PEDs, Technology will probably always be ahead of testing, unfortunately, and it is likely that there are still many players in the game who will never be caught. Its sad but true. As far as our resident lawyer, I agree with everything that he said. All I said was that this process will likely take the entire season to prove and we really cannot say these guys will be suspended prior to the final findings, since this is uncharted territory. I am not trying to say Braun is innocent. I am just saying that they do have to have pretty good probability that he used or purchased PEDs in order to suspend, and it is likely the proceding is going to take a while. And remember, baseball doesn't want this interrupting their season... If it doesn't happen prior to the season, which is currently coming up quickly, they will put in on the back burner until after the 2013 season. And BTW, I am a Mets fan, if you haven't noticed.. not a homer.

[rockitsauce]

David, you aren't seriously defending Pete Rose. The guy likely did bet against his own team, but he made the agreement with baseball to not reveal the entire findings, in exchange for him forfeiting his involvement in the game and speaking about his innocence. Once he screwed that up, John Dowd, hired to investigate Pete Rose's gambling habits 13 years ago for then-baseball commissioner Bart Giamatti, said that "if the investigation would have continued a little longer it would have shown the all-time hits leader not only bet on Reds games, but actually bet against the team he was managing." So, please don't paint the Rose thing as anything other than the worst possible thing that can happen to any professional sport.

Have you read the Dowd report Alan ? There are only 7 freaking volumes so I'm gonna hazard a guess that you have not. Nor have I. I took to the goolgebox to try to unearth some info.

When you say Pete "probably" bet against the Reds I'm assuming you are referencing Dowd's comments in the New York Post in Dec. of 2002. Here they are and some more - In December 2002, Dowd told the New York Post that he had reliable evidence that Rose bet against his team but didn't include it in his 225-page report because of time constraints. He later backed off of those statements. "I was never able to tie it down," Dowd said. "It was unreliable, and that's why I didn't include it in the report. I probably shouldn't have said it. I was not trying to start something here."

Oh, gee, he later backed off those statements. Funny how some people only remember the "probably" part. Damage done.

I really don't give a damn. He belongs in the HOF. His play ON THE FIELD is all that matters. Not even gonna get into the character of some players already in there, we all know what's up. He belongs in the HOF. Period. End of story.

As usual

Haters gon hate

haters_gonna_hate_10.jpg (33.6 KiB) Viewed 6868 times

[BK METS]

Obviously a sore point for you. Pete Rose not being in the hall of fame is his own fault, not only for gambling, but making a deal with the devil. If he would have just stood up and admitted to the fact that he gambled on his own team, then he would probably be in the hall of fame right now. Instead he would admit nothing, and because he signed that agreement, there will always be doubts whether he bet against his team. You have to admit... it is much easier to bet your team will lose, rather than win, when you are the manager.... With the amount of debt he was in, I personally believe he did, but we will probably never know for sure..

I am not a hater.. It is very sad. Maybe someday he will be let in to the hall of fame, probably after he dies... just like Arod and Bonds.

[Edwards Kings]

Poor Pete. I wonder where or where he will ever find solace!

[Outlaw]

Drip, Drip...

Everth Cabrera, Jordan Norberto, Fernando Martinez, Fautino De Los Santos and Cesar Puello are listed in documents from Anthony Bosch's Biogenesis clinic.
The report says that all five players "were on a list as having received performance-enhancing drugs, although the documents are not proof that the players either received or used PEDs." That brings the total to 25 players that have been linked to the clinic, with 10 of them having ties to ACES, the sports agency owned by brothers Seth and Sam Levinson.

[BK METS]

Drip, Drip...

Everth Cabrera, Jordan Norberto, Fernando Martinez, Fautino De Los Santos and Cesar Puello are listed in documents from Anthony Bosch's Biogenesis clinic.
The report says that all five players "were on a list as having received performance-enhancing drugs, although the documents are not proof that the players either received or used PEDs." That brings the total to 25 players that have been linked to the clinic, with 10 of them having ties to ACES, the sports agency owned by brothers Seth and Sam Levinson.

Gio cleared...

[TOXIC ASSETS]

Everth Cabrera, Jordan Norberto, Fernando Martinez, Fautino De Los Santos and Cesar Puello are listed in documents from Anthony Bosch's Biogenesis clinic.
The report says that all five players "were on a list as having received performance-enhancing drugs, although the documents are not proof that the players either received or used PEDs." That brings the total to 25 players that have been linked to the clinic, with 10 of them having ties to ACES, the sports agency owned by brothers Seth and Sam Levinson.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
"not proof that the players either received or used PEDs"....

Use your heads people. Why else would these players be on a list linked to Bosch's clinic? More consultants here?

MLB is fast sliding into professional bicycling territory....and there's no dirtier sport than that one.

[Outlaw]

No cooperation to be expected from the press, at least for now. The potential now exists for in season suspensions for all those named and unamed to date. MLB will not let this horse die until its dead. Not only is the state goign after Bosch, but its pretty well known the The FEDS are also as part of a larger multi State distrubution operation. No doubt MLB is working with the authorites, as they have already said they are.

They will surely make an announcment eventually one way or the other. They owe it to the players to remove the stigma if its found it was all BS. But they owe it to fans and the players to who dont use to suspend those involved if they did buy or use. Draft these players inlvoved at your own risk.



New Times Says No to MLB
By Chuck Strouse Thursday, Mar 14 2013

Sorry, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig. We won't hand over records that detail the inner workings of Biogenesis, the controversial Coral Gables anti-aging clinic that allegedly supplied prohibited drugs to six professional baseball players, including Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez.

The reasons are manifold. History plays a role in our decision. So do journalistic ethics and the fact that we have already posted dozens of records on our website. Finally, there is a hitherto-unreported Florida Department of Health criminal probe into clinic director Anthony Bosch.

Handwritten client lists from Biogenesis.
"We're going after Tony Bosch," says a source from the State Department of Health. "He's the target."

Two sources, who declined to be named, confirmed that investigators have begun interviewing witnesses and reviewing records to build a case against Bosch. They will try to prove that the troubled businessman, who hung a Belize medical degree on his wall but has no license to practice medicine in Florida, violated Chapter 456 of the State Statutes, which requires a license for medical professionals.

This, of course, isn't what Major League Vice Presidents Pat Courtney and Rob Manfred were seeking when they visited New Times last month. They hoped for direct access to Bosch's notebooks and other records that an unnamed source provided New Times at the beginning of a three-month investigation. Manfred said he hoped to establish a "chain of custody" with the documents to persuade an arbitrator to suspend or otherwise discipline players named in the January 31 New Times story about Bosch, "The Steroid Source."

One of our most significant motivations for denying baseball is right here in the tropics. His name is Jeffrey Loria, and he owns the Miami Marlins, who start regular-season play in just a few weeks. A March 1 story in the Atlantic called the pudgy art collector's stewardship of our baseball team, which has twice won the World Series, "the biggest ongoing scam in professional sports." The magazine's article describes, as New Times has in the past, how Loria hornswoggled $515 million in public backing for the stadium and parking facilities, then delivered a losing season and sold off all his best players.

The magazine blamed Selig: "If Marlins fans want results, they should send a few representatives to Commissioner Bud Selig's office in New York. There's a clause in Selig's contract mandating that he act in 'the best interests of baseball.' Right now that would mean stepping in to prevent owners like Loria from using a big-league team as a front for squeezing money from taxpayers."

So this is the guy who wants our records? Isn't he the same commissioner who in 2002 approved the complicated deal that gave Loria the Marlins, betrayed the City of Montreal, and caused Loria's partners to accuse the artful merchant of racketeering? (The charges were later rejected by an arbitrator but continue to roil baseball fans.)

Of course, if only Loria's misdeeds were at issue, we still might give Selig the records. But he represents an organization with a long history of getting things wrong. It started with Shoeless Joe Jackson, the Chicago White Sox player and son of a sharecropper who was unjustly banned from baseball for fixing the 1919 World Series. The guy who probably had more to do with that deal, White Sox owner Charles Comiskey, walked free after the scandal and even had the White Sox stadium dedicated in his name.

Then there is the horrible, racist history we'd like to think ended when Jackie Robinson was signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946 but continued with white-trash owners like the Minnesota Twins' Calvin Griffith ("Black people don't go to the ball games, but they'll fill up a wrestling ring") and Marge Schott (who admired Adolf Hitler, used the N-word, and compared African-Americans to monkeys).

And finally there is the case of Mark McGwire, who admitted to using steroids throughout the 1990s before setting the record with 66 home runs in a season in 1999. Reporters spotted drugs in his locker and wrote about it, but the league allowed him to keep playing. He continues to be involved in baseball, currently as a hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Who was the commissioner of baseball during this morass? The same one who wants our records: Selig.

Then there is the question of ethics. A month ago, I opposed both the newspaper's lawyer and the article's author, Tim Elfrink, and wanted to give the records to baseball. I hoped to see A-Roid and the others punished and believed walking the ethical line was the only way to make that action happen. But then I began pondering the precedents that would set. First, we would be handing over the product of our reporting to a for-profit group with a seamy past. What if baseball improperly used our work? What if it decided to punish some players and not others?

Second, we would be sending the wrong message to future anonymous sources who might want to give us records. Our source for this article fears for his safety. How could we subject him to greater risk by losing control of the information he had provided?

"Handing over the records makes you a tool of Major League Baseball," comments Charles Davis, a professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. "And you are scaring people in the future who might be thinking of calling you."

We have given baseball and anyone else interested in the scandal everything important. Dozens of pages of Bosch's records have been posted at miaminewtimes.com. Only thing is, we have blacked out names of those who weren't demonstrably involved in any kind of malfeasance. If a lawyer, developer, or my barber wants to use testosterone, human growth hormone, or some other performance enhancer, that's his or her right. They're fundamentally different from athletes, who promise not to use these drugs and are role models for millions of kids.

So now it's up to baseball and Florida's health investigators. Bosch's patient records not only list the names of players like the Washington Nationals' Gio Gonzalez and the Texas Rangers' Nelson Cruz but also indicate Bosch regularly sold controlled substances that require a prescription, including human growth hormones, anabolic steroids, and testosterone.

Investigators will also look into whether Bosch illegally compounded drugs. State law prohibits anyone but a licensed pharmacist or doctor from combining prescription medications. Clinic records and Bosch's personal notebooks suggest Bosch might have combined testosterone and other drugs for some of his clients.

The investigators plan to review their database of 'scripts to find any doctors who prescribed medicine later sold at Biogenesis. Those doctors could also face state charges.

Bosch could face separate felony charges for practicing medicine without a license and for illegally compounding drugs. Other doctors too could face civil or criminal penalties.

Anthony Bosch's attorney, Susy Ribero-Ayala, says she "is not aware of any pending investigation" and declined to comment further.

Managing editor Tim Elfrink contributed to this report.



http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com/fo ... -cruz.html

Latest on MLB's investigation concerning Nelson Cruz
MLB is continuing its investigation into whether players, including Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz, received banned substances from an anti-aging clinic in the Miami area.
But MLB will not receive cooperation from the Miami New Times, the newspaper that reported the story in late January. MLB asked the New Times to release documents to aid its investigation, but the paper has declined to do so.
“While we appreciate the New Times consideration, we have been proceeding with our investigation as if we were not going to be getting the documents from them,” MLB spokesperson Pat Courtney said in an email.
There is no timetable for MLB to complete its investigation.
Cruz, who is playing for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, has denied the allegations that he purchased and received banned substances.
However, if MLB deems that Cruz did purchase performance-enhancing drugs, he could be slapped with a 50-game suspension for a first-time offense.

Read more here: http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com/fo ... rylink=cpy

[DOUGHBOYS]

Holy cow!
If anything, this makes me want to draft Braun more. The writers through slants and the targeting of Selig and owners like Griffith and Schott seem to be deflecting.
Now, I'm starting to question parts of their story.
They seem to be very adept at mountaining mole hills.
Next headline? - $$$ Bosch-Braun Alert !!! $$$

[rockitsauce]

I never saw a thread "locked" before (at least not over baseball talk, guys insulting each other etc, sure but this is just stupid). Seems Tommy really has his panties in a bunch over this Biogenesis story. You really struck a nerve w/ him on this one Outlaw. I'm w/ you, let the facts come out, let the TRUTH be told. Bug eyes was guilty last yr, as he is now. Only thing saving his ass is he can afford the best lawyers to cover for him.

I wonder if Braun were a Yankee if threads would be locked. That's just censorship. What you're saying is I don't want anyone suggesting that a player on MY fav. team is a cheater. Well guess what? He is. You can lock all the threads you want, try to prevent all the discussions you want, but it doesn't make it any less true.

My fav. player is Chase Utley. If you substituted him for Braun w/ regard to how this whole thing has panned out I would not be such a HOMER as to ignore the obvious. And if I was in a position of power I wouldn't stifle others from TALKING about it.

[Tom Kessenich]

I never saw a thread "locked" before (at least not over baseball talk, guys insulting each other etc, sure but this is just stupid). Seems Tommy really has his panties in a bunch over this Biogenesis story.

Not at all. I simply don't see why we need two threads to discuss the same story. Feel free to post that and other stories, comments etc here about Braun and anything pertaining to the Biogenesis story. No panties are in a bunch. Just trying to keep the forum clean is all. No one is being prevented from talking about Braun and this situation. This thread has been active for weeks. No one is shutting it down. So I'm not sure how you can claim censorship when nothing of the sort is occurring. Again, this is simply about keeping one thread for discussing this situation and not having two threads devoted to the same topic.

Carry on.

[Outlaw]

A-Rod Braun 'strongly' in MLB's sights in PED investigation

Draft accordingly with any of these guys. They tried to get Cabrillo to turn, but he refused. The question I would ask, is why woud'nt he cooperate....although an ovious reason is not to be labled a Rat, but it does mean he knows more, only a matter of time before those who did "something" wrong get nailed and as it it should be if they have done anything wrong.

Major League Baseball is “actively going after” players linked to the now-closed Biogenesis clinic suspected of providing performance-enhancing drugs to professional athletes, according to ESPN.com.

And New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun are “strongly in their sights.”

Ryan Braun, left, and Alex Rodriguez are being investigated by MLB for possible ties to PED use. (AP Photo)Braun and Rodriguez are among the numerous major leaguers mentioned in Biogenesis documents, first obtained by the Miami New Times. That newspaper published the finding of its investigation in January, igniting a new PED scandal.

Rodriguez admitted to using PEDs in 2009, though he claimed he did so only during the 2001-03 seasons when he played for the Texas Rangers. He said in a statement that he had no dealings with the clinic's chief, Anthony Bosch.

Braun tested positive for PEDs during the fall of 2011, but he successfully appealed the decision and had his 50-game suspension overturned. He has continually denied using PEDs, and he said his name appears on Biogenesis documents only because he used Bosch as a consultant for his appeal.

Detroit Tigers minor leaguer Cesar Carrillo was the first player associated with the Biogenesis clinic to be suspended, as MLB gave him a 100-game ban Friday. According to ESPN.com, Carrillo was suspended for 50 games for being named on Biogenesis documents and 50 games for lying to MLB about knowing Bosch.

Shortly after the Miami New Times released its report, MLB announced it would launch an investigation into Biogenesis. It had hoped to gain access to the documents uncovered by the Miami New Times, but MLB was denied access this week.

The players listed in the Miami New Times’ initial report were Rodriguez, Washington Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez, Texas Rangers right fielder Nelson Cruz, Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Melky Cabrera, Oakland A’s right-hander Bartolo Colon and San Diego Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal. Cabrera, Colon and Grandal previously had been suspended 50 games each by MLB for positive tests.

In the weeks following that report, other media outlets published more names that allegedly had ties to the clinic. Among them were Braun, Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta, Seattle Mariners catcher Jesus Montero, Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera, New York Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli and Baltimore Orioles third baseman Danny Valencia

In the wake of the scandal, both MLB and the players association have expressed a desire to put tougher penalties in place for those test positive for PEDs. However, that potential change to the collective bargaining agreement has hit some early obstacles.

[Outlaw]

As we approach the Main event drafting, consider your team if any of these players get suspended. I wouldnt touch Braun for any of my teams before 5-6th round maybe, becuase my gut says hes going down this season.


Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Braun main targets of MLB's probe of Biogenesis clinic

Major League Baseball is honing in on Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun as two main targets for potential discipline as it prepares to interview players about the Biogenesis clinic that allegedly distributed performance-enhancing drugs throughout the game, sources with knowledge of the league's investigation told Yahoo! Sports.

In addition to being the two biggest names in the Biogenesis logbooks, Rodriguez and Braun have in the past provided MLB with information about alleged PED use the league believes to be false, prompting the extra scrutiny, according to the sources. Following the admission he had used steroids from 2001-03, Rodriguez said in an interview with the league he had not since used any PEDs. Braun maintained his innocence after testing positive for synthetic testosterone during the 2011 postseason. An arbitrator overturned a suspension based on chain-of-custody issues with the urine sample.

"There's no question in my mind they want those two guys," one source involved told Yahoo! Sports.

In pursuing non-analytical positives, which under the league's Joint Drug Agreement could prompt 50-game suspensions, MLB can take into account a number of factors, including evidence such as the players' names appearing in the Biogenesis documents along with past history of cooperation.

During the nascent stages of its investigation into the Miami-area clinic, MLB has targeted three separate camps: players connected to the University of Miami, where Braun played in college; players connected to Rodriguez, who the Biogenesis documents obtained by the Miami New Times paint as a central figure; and players connected to the ACES sports agency, which has had 10 players named publicly. Investigators have spent equal amounts of time looking into the three threads, two sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The union has broached the idea of a joint investigation into Biogenesis with the league, according to sources, though one official maintains MLB plans to conduct the investigation itself. MLB expects the union to appeal any potential penalties to players associated with Biogenesis.

Any case against Rodriguez and Braun will need more evidence than provided by the logbooks to hold up against an appeal, officials have acknowledged, and while they're hopeful the investigation will provide it, they're uncertain whether it will come directly from players.

Multiple sources said the league has discussed offers of immunity to major league players, though none has been officially offered. The league and union continue to negotiate over the conditions. MLB would like information beyond players admitting they used PEDs. The union, according to sources, plans to keep players from pointing fingers at one another. Immunity deals would target only players whose connection with Biogenesis could prompt a suspension under the league's drug plan.

Through the interviews, which sources expect to begin after spring training ends, the league plans to at very least seek information on Biogenesis and its founder, Anthony Bosch, to form a fuller picture of the scope of his alleged PED distribution.

Bosch is under investigation by the Florida Department of Health as well, according to the New Times. MLB's investigation could get a further boost from information gathered by the government.

More than two dozen baseball players' names have surfaced publicly, and USA Today reported Wednesday at least 90 appear in the Bosch's logbooks. The league has interviewed players not on 40-man rosters, and one such player told Yahoo! Sports he was offered immunity in exchange for information about Biogenesis. Another player interviewed, Cesar Carrillo, was suspended 100 games after MLB deemed his cooperation unsatisfactory.

Carrillo, who was Braun's road roommate in college at the University of Miami and remains his friend, showed up on the same page of a Biogenesis document obtained by Yahoo! Sports that lists Braun's name next to a due payment in the range of $20,000 to $30,000.