Baseball 2012 (2 Viewers)

[jazzeum]

If the integrity of the samples couldn't be guaranteed there was no choicecbut to throw them out. If you can't have confidence that all the rules are followed then you will have the process questioned. You as an attorney sould know that Louis.

 

[Fusilier]

If the integrity of the samples couldn't be guaranteed there was no choicecbut to throw them out. If you can't have confidence that all the rules are followed then you will have the process questioned. You as an attorney sould know that Louis.

True enough. So, why have a seemingly haphazard method of safekeeping and delivery that is dependent on some random Fed Ex guy? I mean, if police officers have to follow strict 'chain of evidence' procedures for a routine DUI case, shouldn't MLB, with millions in contracts/promotions at stake want to do the same with high profile tests?

Again, sounds to me like a convenient out for both the players association and baseball itself. As it stands now, Braun can claim he was never actually caught while MLB can state their MVP selection was not actually tainted.

Noah

 

[jager7080]

True enough. So, why have a seemingly haphazard method of safekeeping and delivery that is dependent on some random Fed Ex guy? I mean, if police officers have to follow strict 'chain of evidence' procedures for a routine DUI case, shouldn't MLB, with millions in contracts/promotions at stake want to do the same with high profile tests?

Again, sounds to me like a convenient out for both the players association and baseball itself. As it stands now, Braun can claim he was never actually caught while MLB can state their MVP selection was not actually tainted.

Noah

Noah ,

What do you think of the possibility that Braun was able to prove to MLB that the reason he tested positive was due to an ingredient in his medication , for a condition he may or is trying to keep secret...
on The Score 670 AM in Chicago , earlier they were discussing the fact that he had herpes or possibly shingles was leaked to the media...Maybe MLB is trying to not come out & say " oh yah our MVP is cleared of all charges he just has herpes...That is not very classy for MLB...So the whole we screwed up the process of delivery & procedure is a nice out ???

 

[jager7080]

Noah ,

What do you think of the possibility that Braun was able to prove to MLB that the reason he tested positive was due to an ingredient in his medication , for a condition he may or is trying to keep secret...
on The Score 670 AM in Chicago , earlier they were discussing the fact that he had herpes or possibly shingles was leaked to the media...Maybe MLB is trying to not come out & say " oh yah our MVP is cleared of all charges he just has herpes...That is not very classy for MLB...So the whole we screwed up the process of delivery & procedure is a nice out ???

But back to the juicy stuff. In December, reports came out that Braun had tested positive for PEDs and people began calling for him to relinquish his MVP award. But some people quickly did some digging. What if Braun was actually innocent? Terez Owens reportedly got this quote from a Brewers' representative:


Braun will be let off because he tested positive for Herpes and the medication given to him by his doctor (legal to fight this) is what caused the spike. Braun and his lawyers plan to go after whoever leaked the story because of HIPPA laws. That is why Braun has not made a statement and that is also why in Mark’s statement he referenced it being a 'personal issue'

 

[Fusilier]

Noah ,

What do you think of the possibility that Braun was able to prove to MLB that the reason he tested positive was due to an ingredient in his medication , for a condition he may or is trying to keep secret...
on The Score 670 AM in Chicago , earlier they were discussing the fact that he had herpes or possibly shingles was leaked to the media...Maybe MLB is trying to not come out & say " oh yah our MVP is cleared of all charges he just has herpes...That is not very classy for MLB...So the whole we screwed up the process of delivery & procedure is a nice out ???

If that is the case, that the positive test was due to a medication ingredient, then his suspension should be overturned. I would say that you are correct in that instance. Still, if that was the case, couldn't Braun or MLB say that before now, without disclosing what his condition actually is? You would assume both sides in this case want to avoid the bad press that comes with the whole positive test/suspension drama. How incompetent would/does MLB look if they suspended Braun without checking out his explanation sufficently......

My earlier comments were in response to the explanation floated out in which the arbitrator overturned the suspension due to issues with the safekeeping of the drug test. If that is the reason for the overturning of the suspension, then I stand by my earlier statements. And yes, I'm cynical enough to think that the "safekeeping irregularities" explanation is a win-win for both sides. That doesn't prove guilt, but is does get rid of the issue for both parties with the damage mitigated as much as possible.

Noah

 

[jager7080]

If that is the case, that the positive test was due to a medication ingredient, then his suspension should be overturned. I would say that you are correct in that instance. Still, if that was the case, couldn't Braun or MLB say that before now, without disclosing what his condition actually is? You would assume both sides in this case want to avoid the bad press that comes with the whole positive test/suspension drama. How incompetent would/does MLB look if they suspended Braun without checking out his explanation sufficently......

My earlier comments were in response to the explanation floated out in which the arbitrator overturned the suspension due to issues with the safekeeping of the drug test. If that is the reason for the overturning of the suspension, then I stand by my earlier statements. And yes, I'm cynical enough to think that the "safekeeping irregularities" explanation is a win-win for both sides. That doesn't prove guilt, but is does get rid of the issue for both parties with the damage mitigated as much as possible.

Noah

Noah,

I agree that MLB would look incompetent if they didn't check out his explanation sufficently...From what i have been hearing on Sports radio here in Chicago sources @ the station said Braun was going to work with the commisioner to prove his innocence & i geuss supposedly had been or were going to work it out...Then supposedly BLAM they suspended him...Maybe they did not believe him ? or for whatever reason couldn't wait & had to smack him with a suspension ? I geuss this is all meaningless speculation...
The ultimate end result as we know is his suspension is overturned on a technicality of his specimen not being treated according to procedure...Usually things are cut & dry...you are either using PED or you are not...The whole situation being discussed with him having herpes or shingles & being on medication just brings a cloud to this whole thing...especialy since they are not just saying " hey we made a mistake the guy has herpes...But if i was Braun i would not want everybody knowing that i had herpes...
Would MLB want to publicize the fact that their MVP has herpes ? Organizations are so worried about their image , also how would that work for Braun ? Would a company use him to endorse a product knowing he has herpes ??? Who knows ? Would the league be liable if they released that info about him if he didn't want it to be known ? Is it easier to say ohh the procedure was messed up...everybody go about your bussiness , nothing to see here...I honestly i was not even following this situation until today when Peter posted Braun suspension lifted...I looked up why because i was curious...Then put on the radio...Just an interesting situation in sports today...

Joe

 

[Louis Badolato]

If the integrity of the samples couldn't be guaranteed there was no choicecbut to throw them out. If you can't have confidence that all the rules are followed then you will have the process questioned. You as an attorney sould know that Louis.

Expain to me how the integrity of the samples is in any way comprimised by being alone in the collector's apartment for two days? Braun's legal team conceded the seals remained intact and the sample was not tampered with. As far as my being an attorney (a litigator/appellate attorney with 75 verdicts and well over 1,000 appellate decisions), I have always thought exclusionary rules based on technicalities were senseless, elevating form over substance. Prior to the advent of the "exclusionary rule" in our lifetimes, for the first 190+ years of American jurisprudence technicalities were something that went to weight of the evidence rather than admissibility, and the evidence was placed before the finder of fact who would listen to the arguments concerning chain of custody and decide how much to credit it. In a case like this, where there is no scientific basis for finding that the testosterone level in the admittedly untampered with sample could have risen as a result of being left in the tupperware container over the two day period, I don't have a problem with the "process". Additionally, when Braun's team offered to have DNA testing to conclusively determine whether or not the sample was his, the Arbitrator should have ordered it, thereby putting the question of whether the sample was his to bed, and enabling a determination on the merits. The foolishness of the MLB legal team, who were so convinced that the ruling would be upheld, in refusing to do DNA testing to conclusively prove this was Braun's sample, is what cost them the Arbitrator's award.

 

[Combat]

All professional sports are morally corrupt and driven by money. It is absolute BS to hear them talk about cleaning the game up. Everyone and their brother knew Sosa and McGwire were juiced back in the day. And MLB rode that pony to millions. A lot of noise, but nothing has changed. It reminds me of the NFL with all their ridiculous PC rules designed to "protect" players from injury. While at the same time they play a bunch of meaningless preseason games, play on artificial turf and are discussing extending the season to 18 games. All of which put players at risk.

 

[Peter Reuss]

MLB looking incompetent?? There's a novel concept...

 

[sammy719]

hey it's the end of Feb, and my O's are still in first, haven't lost a game in 2012 yet!!^&grin:smile2:...Sammy

 

[lancer]

Gee, "innocent" on a technicality. Where have I heard this before?:rolleyes2: Braun and MLB should be proud. -- Al

 

[Warrior]

I caught his press conference yesterday; for a guy that got away with cheating, he sure is an angry man.

My advice is count your blessings, be quiet and move on with your life.

 

[lancer]

Local news in DC is reporting that the Nats have signed Ryan Zimmerman to a long term contract extension, avoiding a possible season long distraction for both parties. There are no details yet as to money or length, but as Zimmerman is the face of the franchise and the Nats most popular player, I'm sure Zimm is going to be a team member for a long time, at an appropriate salary level. Glad to see it. He is a class act and quality player.-- Al

 

[lancer]

Local news in DC is reporting that the Nats have signed Ryan Zimmerman to a long term contract extension, avoiding a possible season long distraction for both parties. There are no details yet as to money or length, but as Zimmerman is the face of the franchise and the Nats most popular player, I'm sure Zimm is going to be a team member for a long time, at an appropriate salary level. Glad to see it. He is a class act and quality player.-- Al

Deal is for $126 million thru 2019 with an option on 2020. -- Al

 

[lancer]

I see AJ Burnett's run of bad luck hasn't ended with his trade to Pittsburgh. he gets a chance to start anew in Pitt and promptly gets injured trying to bunt a pitch. Fouled it off into his face, breaking the eye socket bone (I think). Now he needs surgery and will miss several weeks. Bad luck all around, for Burnett and Pitt. -- Al

 

[Warrior]

Well it may not be huge news around baseball but Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek announced his retirement yesterday.

Jason was a rock behind the plate for the Red Sox, he caught more no hitters (four) than any other catcher in baseball, he wrote the "C" on his chest and was a great captain.

He'll always be remembered for shoving his glove in Arod's face and being in the middle of that brawl, a brawl which turned the Red Sox season around in 2004 as they went on to win the World Series for the first time in 86 years, that picture hangs in just about every sports bar in Boston.

Thanks for everything Captain.............

 

[Louis Badolato]

MLB formally announced the addition of a second wold card team in each league and a one game playoff between the two wildcard teams in each league. Why don't they just eliminate the regular season and let every team make the playoffs . . . :rolleyes2:

 

[lancer]

MLB formally announced the addition of a second wold card team in each league and a one game playoff between the two wildcard teams in each league. Why don't they just eliminate the regular season and let every team make the playoffs . . . :rolleyes2:

Louis, you have the 'every team makes the playoff' already in force in the NBA and NHL. MLB and the NFL still need to play the regular season.:rolleyes2:^&grin -- Al

 

[jazzeum]

I don't think this is the worst thing in the world and will make winning the division relevant again. It will mean something.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Louis, you have the 'every team makes the playoff' already in force in the NBA and NHL.:rolleyes2:^&grin -- Al

That's one of the reasons why I don't follow the NBA and the NHL.