If it was a Yankees player, you wouldn't consider it hearsay, I bet. Let's at least resemble objectivity. He failed a test. It was probably for some stupid BS like Bastardo, Davis and Mondesi Jr., but he failed a test.
Then again, let's say the Sox are interested in Mondesi Jr. He failed a test because of an OTC medicine, and even got a reduced suspension because it was, by all accounts, an honest mistake. Should they shy away because he's a "known user"?
Farrell made the right call. Shaw has been terrible against lefties, and you absolutely bet on the platoon advantage, especially with three righties in a row, and a pitcher historically vulnerable to opposite side batters. They choked.
Premium defense at the SS position plus immense offensive value should be a no-contest when considering Bogaerts. We're talking about an up-the-middle guy putting up video game numbers.
You're the one who's saying you don't want "known" PED users on the team. Ortiz is a known PED user, It could've been leaked by a unicorn, but it's undeniable that he failed a test.
Let me put it another way: Only a sith deals in absolutes. Extremist views are never a good thing.
The double standard is right there. The fact that he failed a test is common knowledge. It was not forbidden at the time, but he failed the test. By your "standards" we should get rid of Ortiz. Be consistent.
They never released it, but he failed the test. At the moment it was not forbidden either, but he failed the test. The point is that square "no users" stance is ridiculous. It depends on the situation.
What about Mondesi Jr, who failed over an OTC medication in the silliest of manners?