Posted on 05/03/2005 11:56:55 AM PDT by raccoonradio
David Ortiz doesn't think it's an accident four out of the five major leaguers who have tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs happen to come from Latin-American countries.
The Sox slugger claimed yesterday Spanish-speaking players are hindered by the language barrier, and that factor has contributed to several of his countrymen, former Minnesota Twins teammate Juan Rincon being the latest, failing drug tests.
Ortiz said many of the Latin players don't fully understand what substances are now banned, in part, because players association meetings aren't translated into Spanish.
``Let me tell you something. My English is not the best, but I can understand everything. I can read, I can write. And sometimes, I misunderstand things. Think about a guy who can't really talk or read?'' Ortiz said prior to last night's 8-3 loss to the Tigers. ``I'm not making excuses for those guys. But I think they would prefer if someone talked to them (in Spanish) . . . the system is all (expletive). You might think everyone's got the message, but they don't.''
Ortiz spoke passionately about the subject, and how he believes Latino players easily walk into danger.
He said it's not unusual for a Latino ballplayer to go into a GNC store looking for some kind of all-encompassing vitamin to help boost energy, and unwittingly come back with a product on the banned list. Why? Because they don't read the labels, or can't read the labels.
Not all of his countrymen are apt to do what he does to protect himself: have everything he takes checked by the Sox training staff.
``I take vitamins from the trainers,'' Ortiz, who went 1-for-5 with an RBI last night, said. ``I make sure what I use, I let them know.''
Ortiz suggested the union get the Latino players together in the offseason with a translator present so they can fully comprehend the new steroid policy.
``Get together in Puerto Rico, or in the Dominican or Venezuela, call a day, whatever,'' Ortiz said. ``Have a dinner and say what's going on.''
Ortiz certainly wasn't shy about letting his opinions fly, inspired by news of Rincon being the latest to fail the drug test. He believes the Twins reliever is a victim of the language issue he described.
``I know Rincon. I don't see the guy using anything. He's a good kid. He's the one kid who'd be afraid of doing anything,'' Ortiz said. ``I can see his face. He's probably freaked out.''
One other element bothers the Sox DH with respect to MLB's policy. He thinks not only the names of the players should be made public, but also the substances for which they've tested positive. Ortiz sees a difference between an anabolic steroid user, and someone getting caught with ephedra or andro in their system. The stigma is different.
``Maybe they were using something like ephedra. What is ephedra? It's something that's not a steroid. It's something like caffeine that might get you a little hyper,'' Ortiz said. ``(How does that compare with) guys going in the back, injecting (expletive) in his butt. But now your name is out there like Canseco's name.
``They're basically saying you're using what (Jose) Canseco did. If they test for all that, they should say what it is,'' Ortiz went on. ``I think it's (expletive) the way they do it. You take Andro, it's not the same (expletive). It's totally different.''
Ortiz can see why some guys go take banned energy boosters given the rigors of a 162-game season. For his part, he doesn't see the need.
``Mentally, you've got to be strong. You've got to take care of yourself, but do it the right way,'' Ortiz said. ``I just don't think you need to use any of that other (expletive).''
Suggestion for these players: Learn English (there are courses on cass. or CD you can take part it while on the exercise bike). Get an Ingles/Espanol dictionary. Use freetranslation.com
Que es "steroids"?
Donde esta mis vitaminas?
I don't know, this sounds reasonably balanced. Look, we frankly don't give a damn where our ball players come from as long as they can swat it out of the park, make a clean throw from the outfield or field a tough ball. The player's union is supposed to be their advocate here. Get 'em some translators, get 'em some english classes, for crying out loud.
I also like his idea of disclosing the drug itself alongside the person taking it. I do think there's a difference between a steroid and a stimulant.
It's a weak excuse, for sure, and besides, I can't imagine MLB *not* having people that can talk to those players in Spanish. Seems like half the players in the bigs these days are native Spanish-speakers, why wouldn't they have some people that comprende Espanol that can explain the drug policy to them? And where are the players' teams in all this? Still, the final responsibility comes down to the player, the individual.
And I do agree with him that the substance they got busted for should be publicized along with the player's name. Seems only fair; if I can get my name in the local newspaper and get the offense I got busted for printed alongside it, why can't these millionaires get the same treatment? Tell us what they got caught with.
}:-)4
Selective hearing, si?
Waaaaaaaahhhh! If your going to live and play here LEARN TO SPEAK ENGLISH!
Is this that Manny Ortiz, John f'n Kerry's favorite baseball player
"If you're going to live and play here LEARN TO SPEAK ENGLISH!"
AMEN AND AMEN!
And to think when people first immigrated here from other countries, they couldn't learn English and assimilate fast enough. Now, it is just the opposite. (sigh)
as as Fat Teddy says, "Sammy Sooser"
Bring an interpreter with you to the meeting and, suddenly, every question takes twice as long to ask and every answer takes twice as long to reply. Thus, in any given amount of time, you only have to field half as many questions as you would if you had not brought your interpreter.
Sosa's a blankety-blanking SOB but, I have to admit, it's a brilliant move. I'll bet McGwire wishes he could get away with it.
Steroids? I don't know. But besibol bin bedy bedy good to me.
Papi's great -- I hope he doesn't end up a race huckster!
So, these guys, they live and play in L.A. and Dallas and Houston - and they can't find a Spanish-speaking store?
Como se dice "bullshit" en Espanol?
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