David Ortiz Risks Legacy On PED Article

Even though I think Ortiz brought some of this on himself with his off the cuff "Dominican milkshake" comments, I sympathize with his plight here just a little bit.

from Seamheads.com
http://seamheads.com/2015/04/02/david-ortiz-risks-legacy-on-ped-article/

Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz recently penned an article for the website The Players Tribune professing his innocence and annoyance regarding claims of steroid use.

The longtime Sox designated hitter was outed by The New York Times in 2009 as a player failing a drug test during the 2003 season. The paper named seven of at least 100 players failing tests including Ortiz, teammate Manny Ramirez, Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, San Francisco Giants legend Barry Bonds and two others. The lawyers speaking to the Times did not provide the entire list and would have faced judicial sanctions for releasing information sealed by a court. The document naming Ortiz and all others has been destroyed.

Since the Players Association and Major League Baseball agreed on performance-enhancing drug testing and punishment in 2006, Ortiz has passed every test.  Still, his name is whispered by fans, especially of Boston rivals, every year of his Red Sox career, increasing in volume after his failed test disclosed in 2009. Pointing to a lack of decline in offensive statistics in his mid-to-late 30s and a World Series for the ages, those whispers may have merit.

To Ortiz’s defense, the once portly slugger slimmed down over the last five years and became a smarter hitter at the plate, knowing what pitches to layoff and placing the ball more to the opposite field. Is that the primary reason at 38-years-old Ortiz slugged 35 home runs for the first time since 2007 at 31?

With an understanding that haters will hate, the most perplexing part of what has happened recently is Ortiz himself coming forward to thrust his lack of use into the conversation. He explained himself in 2009 and, according to him, passed every urine and blood test since. Because his career goes against the curve for aging heavyset sluggers have gone through before does not mean he is cheating, no matter how much his name is mentioned in New York.

If he pleads his case, he's criticized. If he says nothing he is criticized. A true no-win situation for the player vs. the media. 

How does that saying go?

"You have the right to remain silent. If you give up the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of public opinion. Do you understand these rights?"

Personally, I'm waiting for someone to use the hat size argument against him, but maybe that was a Bonds exclusive argument?    ~;::::::;( )">  ¯\_( )_/¯