What drug scandal?
If you ask the Major League Baseball Players Association, there is no drug problem in the sport. Atleast that's what the MLBPA CEO, Gene Orza has recently implied. He went on to compare 'steroids' with cigarettes and asprin, making his case against regulating these substances. What he does not realize is that 'steroids' are not limited to legal steroid precursors like androstenedione, but the bigger concern should be with illegal steroids that work much better than the prohormones and are almost guaranteed to increase muscle mass and strength. It seems like this issue will end up on the bargaining table where the players and owners will look to fight over other things they can hold hostage to the steroids problem.
Marge Schott passes away
Controversial former Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott passed away due to complications from lung related ailment. She was 75. Schott made more than her share of bone-headed comments throughout the years but is also regarded as a huge baseball fan and a very caring individual by many people (including ex-Reds players) who knew her. The Reds will most likely honor Schott in some fashion on opening day.
Personal trainers not welcome
I read a recent report that the New York Yankees have barred personal trainers from travelling with the team and from their training facilities. This follows a MLB edict put out in wake of the unfolding steroids scandal banning non-team personnel from all facilities. In today's world of high-paid professional athletes, just about every one of them has a personal trainer. So it'll be interesting to see how things pan out - will a lot of these trainers find themselves on MLB team payrolls? Is the old 'strength training coach' position still relevant in pro-sports?
Following up on the steroids issue, I have recently learned that baseball has one of the most lax steroid policies around. The first positive test for steroid use would result in treatment, second positive would bring a fine or suspension, and a player would have to test positive five times to get a one-year suspension. It sounds lax when you compare it to the Olympic rules where a first steroid positive calls for a minimum two year ban and a subsequent second leads to a lifetime ban.
