More Questions than Answers for MLB

Friday brought the announcement that Ryan Braun, the reigning NL MVP, successfully appealed his 50 game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs.  As many of you know, this is the first time any player successfully appealed a positive test.   While Braun’s victory sets precedent, the whole thing does little to dispel questions. 

The first question focuses on whether Braun actually tested positive or not.  To be clear, I do not want to unnecessarily surmise about his use of these drugs, though I find a few facts interesting on this line.  For one, the ratio of testosterone hormones in Braun’s urine was 20-to-1.  Any ratio over 4-to-1 breaks baseball’s policy.  Braun’s team, according to  most reports out there, claimed that the 20-to-1 ratio was three times higher than any ratio ever recorded, signifying tampering with the sample in some form.  I am skeptical of that point.  If WWE wrestlers don’t have testosterone ratios above 20-to-1, I would be shocked.  So, the ratio should not immediately point to tampering.

Second, was the sample tampered with?  Listening to Braun’s press conference, he seems to think so.  But, most sources close to the case tell the media Braun did not plead tampering behind closed doors (we’re getting to what he did plead).  In addition, the head of the Montreal lab assigned to MLB did not see signs of tampering and testified as such.  So immediately there is something a little fishy on this: Braun quickly brought up tampering in public but did not focus on that during his private defense.

Finally, the actions of the collector form the crux of this question.  According to Braun’s conference and information from the hearings, the collector did not follow the specified protocol mandating the shipment of samples immediately through FedEx.  He thought the hours for shipment ended, so he went home and put the sample in his refrigerator.  Between Saturday when the test was taken, and Monday when the collector dropped of the sample, 44 hours elapsed.  I have no clue as to the mechanics of this guys’ fridge, but chemistry occurs differently in a fridge like that compared to a shipping truck.  Also, 44 hours is a long time; the sample might have lost some of its chemical integrity, but most anti-doping scientists have said they think not.

The process agreed by the MLB and players broke down, so I do not contest the mediator throwing out the suspension.  Most legal minds would have difficulties with a 44 hour gap.  But, in the court of public opinion (what am I saying, this is my opinion!) there will always be questions.  If Braun gained innocence through a technicality, it revitalizes his career prospects, but we should be cognizant of the surrounding doubt.

What does this mean for baseball testing in the future?  Looks a little uncertain as of now, other than that the league will work to ensure something like this does not happen again (as to the FedEx hours, why would baseball make a process of collection leaning on a package carrier that doesn’t have 24 hour availability?  Clearly the collector didn’t get the memo when he should have).  Another aspect of this: Braun’s alleged offer to take a DNA test to prove the sample wasn’t his, which MLB reportedly denied (there is some question about this).  Considering how invasive baseball’s collection procedure is (urinating anytime anywhere), I believe MLB should accept offers of DNA tests.  For many players, especially a former MVP, a positive test has far-reaching consequences for their career.  Players like Mark McGwire, Roger Clemens, and Barry Bonds will most likely never get to the Hall of Fame because they used steroids.  Those players should have the opportunity to make sure the sample is, in fact, theirs.

We as fans are tired of the steroid era, and I applaud baseball for creating a rigorous testing process.  That said, when the process breaks down it does nothing to create closure for us.  Watch this situation closely---I would not be surprised if the league and players’ association come together to refine the process very soon.  The question remains, however, is there a good process at all?

Bit #1: The rise of Nicklas Backstrom

Many of you may be tired of these Caps-related Bits, but I can tell you I resigned myself to the Caps not making the playoffs this past week.  They are 4-6 over the past 10 games, including a 4-0 and 5-1 losses to bottom feeders Carolina and Ottawa.  I attribute this to one factor: the loss of center Nicklas Backstrom.  There are multiple causes for sure, but I will make a controversial statement: Backstrom is a much better player than Alex Ovechkin.  I cannot make any other judgment on the current situation.  Ovechkin has been unable to make this team reach new heights, despite an incredibly deep talent pool.  The worst part: the Caps have a murderous stretch the rest of the season and play like an AHL team when away from Verizon Center.

The trade deadline in the NHL approaches, and Caps GM George McPhee must be thinking of what he can do.  My suggestion: strip Ovie of the captaincy and give it to Brooks Laich.  The Capitals are not in need of more players, they are in need of better leadership.  Some have gone far enough to say Ovechkin needs to be traded and, while I would not go that far, the NHL continues to prove mega contracts for 10+ years do not work as motivational tools (for evidence see DiPietro, Bryzgalov, Gomez, Richards, Carter).

Bit #2: Why can’t Tiger win?

Other than wearing shoes more suitable for Betty White, Tiger can’t win because he can’t putt.  At last week’s Pebble Beach, Tiger missed 5 putts from inside five feet during his final round.  This past weekend, Tiger couldn’t match Nick Watney’s putting, fittingly missing an 8 footer to lose the match.  Tiger’s putting tanked over the last few years, going from spectacular to cadaverous.  In 2009, he ranked second in strokes gained from putting but fell to 45^th in that category last year.  If he wants to win any time soon, Tiger needs to dial in his putting stroke.

Bit #3: Huge contract for Ryan Zimmerman

The Washington Nationals signed third baseman Ryan Zimmerman to a six-year, $100 million contract extension on Sunday, ensuring a solid core of young talent with Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper.  While building that core makes sense, I am immediately skeptical of giving so much money to a guy with only 395 at-bats last season.  Zimmerman embodies most of Washington sports: huge potential that, for one reason, or another has not lived up to the talent as of yet.  I will give him credit, however.  He wanted a full no trade clause, meaning he wants to stay in DC, an increasingly rare characteristic in sports.

Bit #4: February 25, 1989 – Tom Landry fired

In 1989, the Dallas Cowboys found a new owner, Jerry Jones, who promptly fired 29-year head coach Tom Landry, a Dallas institution.  The Cowboys won three championships in the next 7 years, but the coaching situation always remained in flux.  Jimmy Johnson, Barry Switzer, Dave Campo, and Chan Gailey all served under Jones after Landry until 2003, when Jones hired Bill Parcells.  While the championships of the Cowboys erased a lot of indignation against Jones, his handling of coaches since this time is second-worst to Dan Snyder in Washington.  After running Landry out of town, Jones did the same to Johnson.  Owners like Jones work for a while in a salary-capped sport, but eventually the act wears thin.  He should hire a true GM and give the team more space, allowing for positive growth without coaches looking over their shoulder.