Breaking News: Manny Suspended 50 Games for PEDs

[TheKilo]

Doesn't matter, he still had the prescription for it.

 

If he wasn't using it, why would he not appeal the suspension? HE ADMITTED TO USING IT.

[a700hitter]

Doesn't matter, he still had the prescription for it.

 

If he wasn't using it, why would he not appeal the suspension? HE ADMITTED TO USING IT.

I feel like we are going around in a circle. The point of my post was that if he had purchased the drug on the black market without a prescription he would not have been suspended.

[TheKilo]

I feel like we are going around in a circle. The point of my post was that if he had purchased the drug on the black market without a prescription he would not have been suspended.

 

Probably not - but he didn't, and was dumb enough to get caught

[a700hitter]

Probably not - but he didn't' date=' and was dumb enough to get caught[/quote']It highlights the fact that MLB's testing program is window dressing. How many guys are not dumb like Manny and are not leaving a paper trail? Probably more than a few. The testing reveals no banned substances, but they are continuing to cheat.

[das11209]

I feel like we are going around in a circle. The point of my post was that if he had purchased the drug on the black market without a prescription he would not have been suspended.

 

This brings a good question - is testing working? I heard in the talk show that lots of baseball players are still using it and they are confident they will never be caught. As soon as they find a test for HGH - may be the players will move on to something else that is undetectable. So - the labs/black marketters and players will always be a step ahead of MLB.

 

I think the testing has somewhat changed the culture. Previously - almost everyone was cheating and it was part of MLB culture. It used to be like a road where there are no cops - so you can speed to stay ahead and you probably will as everyone else is speeding. I think right now the players know exactly where the cops are in that road - so they can slow down when they need to but still can speed if needed and will not get caught unless they are stupid like Manny.

[TheKilo]

It highlights the fact that MLB's testing program is window dressing. How many guys are not dumb like Manny and are not leaving a paper trail? Probably more than a few. The testing reveals no banned substances' date=' but they are continuing to cheat.[/quote']

 

This isn't a shock that people will continue to cheat - however any progress is good progress (but it could much better, we all agree).

 

Nailing MR on this is a big win for the program - Manny owned up to it and didn't even have to test.

[a700hitter]

This isn't a shock that people will continue to cheat - however any progress is good progress (but it could much better, we all agree).

 

Nailing MR on this is a big win for the program - Manny owned up to it and didn't even have to test.

I'm not sure if this is progress. The lesson that cheaters will take from this is to be more careful about the source and documentation of PED purchases. There probably were quite a few calls to doctors regarding medical records and files after Manny got nailed. I think you can argue that there was more of an even playing field prior to this program. If you wanted to use, you did. Everyone had the same opportunity without worry of being penalized. Now, a player has to have more sophisticated knowledge of PEDs and a reliable, discreet supply chain. Only the smarter, better connected players will be able to cheat without fear of accountability. Maybe I am cynical, but I don't view this as progress. I think it is an elaborate farce.

[TheKilo]

I'm not sure if this is progress. The lesson that cheaters will take from this is to be more careful about the source and documentation of PED purchases. There probably were quite a few calls to doctors regarding medical records and files after Manny got nailed. I think you can argue that there was more of an even playing field prior to this program. If you wanted to use' date=' you did. Everyone had the same opportunity without worry of being penalized[/quote']

 

A fair point for sure.

 

 

Now, a player has to have more sophisticated knowledge of PEDs and a reliable, discreet supply chain. Only the smarter, better connected players will be able to cheat without fear of accountability. Maybe I am cynical, but I don't view this as progress. I think it is an elaborate farce.

 

I disagree - if the player makes it to the major leagues he will be paid handsomely enough to find his own connections - it's just a matter of covering your tracks (which MR did not do).

[a700hitter]

I disagree - if the player makes it to the major leagues he will be paid handsomely enough to find his own connections - it's just a matter of covering your tracks (which MR did not do).

But those who are stupid like manny will get caught.