Read the debate intro and Loyal Homer’s argument that it’s unfair for Ramirez to play in the minor leagues.
First of all, let’s not speculate. I’m sure Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez had a very, very good reason taking gonadotropin. I mean, who are we to say he doesn’t need female fertility drugs?
All sarcasm aside (mostly,) it’s fairly obvious that while Manny was being Manny he got his hand caught in a most bizarre cookie jar.
According to Major League Baseball’s drug policy, a player can go on a 10-day rehab assignment in the minor leagues to ensure they are performing at a Major League level upon their return to The Show (… provided the player agrees… and who wouldn’t agree?). Fact: coming back to major league action immediately after being gone from all things baseball for 50 games is extremely difficult. Haven’t we all taken vacations from our jobs? If you’re gone for a week and come back, are you ready for a Monday morning 8 a.m. meeting with your boss to plan and execute the next project or initiative? No! You’ll be rusty and the risk for error is high, considering the information you’re working on is old. In the case of a baseball player, they’re timing is old. They’re not ready to hit a 95 mph heater that tails down and away after not looking at quality pitching for 50 games.
With that understanding, it’s logical to conclude that a rehab assignment makes sense. A player returning from a lapse in activity as long as 50 games always finds themselves in the minors for a few days to a couple of weeks to ensure their timing is back at the plate and their stamina is can withstand the rest of the regular season. However, if a player is not allowed to start on their rehab assignment until AFTER 50 games, then the suspension becomes longer the 50 games, and is a violation of the last collective bargaining agreement the MLBPA and MLB agreed upon. Bottom line, 50 games is 50 major league games. A player should be allowed to do whatever necessary to ensure they’re only gone for the amount of days on their suspension. Those are the rules governing the crime. If the full suspension is served, there is nothing more the player can do.
Plus, there’s precedent. Consider Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher J.C. Romero, suspended last year for the same violation. He pitched in five minor league games to rebuilt his stamina and arm strength. If he isn’t afforded that opportunity and is forced to play “cold” – without any additional training – he runs the risk of serious, career-threatening injury.
Last, this is a good thing for player and organization alike. Do you think ticket and concession sales improved at the minor league ballparks when Manny brought his circus into town? I do. And, what’s good for an organization is ultimately good for MLB.
There’s not a loophole in this rule. It’s a rule designed to keep a player healthy upon their return while not allowing the player to help the Major League club statistically at all. It’s designed to ensure the salary paying club isn’t losing a player for more time than the agreed upon punishment deems necessary (even though they encounter a trade off when the player rehabs by benching player that needs to develop). It’s what’s best for player and league alike. It’s not bad for fans either – especially the ones in those minor league parks that get a glimpse of a player they have only ever seen on TV.
I thought the voting would be more widespread in favor of no!
So, I haven’t convinced you, eh?
If you don’t want to risk long term injury, then don’t take PED’s!