During the offseason, Ryan Braun failed a drug test and was suspended for 50 games. He immediately appealed and this week his suspension was lifted by an arbitrator, supposedly over chain-of-command issues. After the decision, Braun issued the following statement, as originally quoted by AP writer Ronald Blum:
“We provided complete cooperation throughout, despite the highly unusual circumstances. I have been an open book, willing to share details from every aspect of my life as part of this investigation, because I have nothing to hide,” Braun said in his statement. “I have passed over 25 drug tests in my career, including at least three in the past year.”
A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that, after being informed of the positive result, Braun asked to have another urine test taken, and that the second test was within normal range.
Jose Bautista has been subject to more “random” drug tests than normal since he started hitting so many homers. Braun should expect to receive the Bautista treatment going forward. Do you think Braun was using and got off on a technicality? If so, do you think he will continue to use and eventually get caught if he indeed has more random tests this year?
On to the Mets links!
Terry Collins won over a large portion of the fan base keeping the team afloat in 2011. However, James Kannengieser puts Collins on notice for a quote the manager made about his desire for the Mets to lead the league in sacrifice hits by 10.
http://www.amazinavenue.com/2012/2/23/2818369/terry-collins-wants-the-mets-to-lead-the-league-in-sacrifice-bunts
Ed Leyro put together a Top 10 list of items that should have been in Charlie Samuels’ memorabilia collection. And it has the added bonus of being his 500th post.
http://studiousmetsimus.blogspot.com/2012/02/dj-joey-b-presents-charlie-samuels-top.html
We all know that “Metal health will drive you mad!” Still, Ed Marcus is positively cranking out the tunes for the 2012 season.
http://realdirtymets.com/2012/02/22/this-day-in-mets-infamy-with-rusty-the-5-positive-songs-that-can-describe-the-mets-upcoming-season-edition-02-22-12/
If you’ve ever collected baseball cards, you know all about error cards. Shannon Shark recently came away with an “error jersey.”
http://metspolice.com/2012/02/23/i-own-this-1862-mets-shirt-yes-18-62/
We were supposed to get a ruling Thursday on motions for summary judgment in the Madoff clawback suits. Richard Sandomir alerts us that Judge Rakoff now will rule by March 5th.
http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/23/judge-defers-ruling-on-mets-madoff-case/
Stephen Keane has a notes column up where he discloses that Ben Baumer won $35,000 for the Welcome Back Veterans charity in the MLB Network’s Baseball IQ trivia show. Keane was turned off by the show’s host, Matt Vasgersian, and gives an excellent summation of his personality.
http://www.kranepoolsociety.com/2012/02/24/ground-control-to-major-fred/
The eyebrows, the sideburns, the mustache! Centerfield Maz has Ken Boswell in all his hairy glory.
http://www.centerfieldmaz.com/2012/02/1969-world-champion-mets-second-baseman.html