BY SCOTT LAUBERSorry for the delayed post (I'm sure y'all are talking about this already), but for the past few hours, we've been trying to pin down details from an ESPN.com report that lefty reliever J.C. Romero will receive a 50-game suspension for unwittingly, it seems, using a banned substance.
OK, here's what we know: It doesn't appear that MLB believes Romero cheated or sought to gain an unfair competitive edge by using an over-the-counter product that he purchased in July from a GNC store in Cherry Hill. Rather, it seems Romero is being punished for what MLB is calling "negligence" in not knowing the supplement was banned. According to ESPN.com, Romero claims that the Players' Association told him the supplement was OK to use, then issued a directive months later warning that the supplement (and two others) would result in positive drug tests.
Evidently, Romero tested positive Aug. 26 but didn't learn about the result until mid-September. And, incredibly, he secretly attended a two-day arbitration hearing in Tampa Bay during the World Series to plead his case. Despite what had to have been a distraction, Romero still pitched 4-2/3 scoreless innings during the Series and was the winning pitcher in two games, including the championship-clinching Game 5.
Neither the Phillies nor MLB are commenting yet, but Romero, whom I have always found to be accountable and forthright, had this to say to ESPN.com: "I still cannot see where I did something wrong. There is nothing that should take away from the rings of my teammates. I didn't cheat. I tried to follow the rules. ... What's most important is that I get back my honor. This just isn't fair."
Regardless, it seems the Phillies are going to be without Romero in April and May, and he will leave a big void. Since the Phillies claimed Romero off waivers in June 2007, he has posted a 2.17 ERA in 132 appearances.
Think they can get by for two months with one proven lefty reliever (Scott Eyre)? Should rookie J.A. Happ, a starter throughout his minor-league career, open the season in the bullpen? Or should the Phils pursue another experienced lefty, someone like free-agents Joe Beimel, Will Ohman or Brian Shouse?
3 comments:
looks like Romero got screwed to make an example. but now the Chan Ho Park signing makes a little more sense. I think the Phils got what they need in lefties in Eyre and Happ. Unless Happ is chosen for the 5th rotation spot then a new lefty might make sense. With that being a possibility, it would probably be smart to sign a low risk alternative to get through the first two months.
Hey Reuben...are you listening...how about going to bet for JC?
I'd like to know if there is any proof of the offer of a reduced suspension for admission of guilt.
Isn't a confession with the promise of some benefit in exchange basically extortion?
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