They have rules, albeit not stringent enough. How many, just in our lttile community here in the past couple days have said over the counter shouldn't be lumped in...Weed shouldn't be lumped in...Give me a break. You would rather take a chance smoking dope than play ball-take a hike-"Next"! You would rather take a chance not having an OTC at least tested first instead of testing positive? "Next"! Bay is doing a GREAT job taking Manny's place isn't he? There are plenty of talented, ethical guys waiting in line to take your place. ...View More...View Less
06/02/2009 8:22 PM  

Not sure when this became a platform for the legalization of marijuana...but It's simple-you want to play in the Major Leagues-follow the rules-if not step aside- because there are plenty of other talented players willing to take your place on the roster and abide by the rules. Yeah I'd give up my chances at playing in the Majors by using a banned substances. Stop making excuses for these over-paid whining cry babies. Play ball-follow the rules- or get the hell outta the way. ...View More...View Less
06/02/2009 11:24 AM  

It is not our responsibility to limit what over the counter drugs ANYONE can take, you as a "hippy" should understand that! Whats going to happen in the next 5 years or so when marijuana becomes legal to save this country's economy? "As introduced, this groundbreaking proposal would raise over $1 billion in annual revenue by taxing the retail production and sale of marijuana for adults over 21 years of age. The bill would not alter existing legislation on the use of medicinal cannabis, nor would it impose new taxes or sanctions on the medical cultivation of cannabis. Assembly Bill 390 proposes to make California the first state in the nation to enact a rational public policy for the control and regulation of marijuana." So lets talk about the medical side for a second. If you have a Dr.'s recommendation for a steroid, like Lester did when he was recovering, that is okay by MLB, but a recommendation for a pain medication is not okay? They need to seriously revise these policies. If, with a Dr.'s recommendation, you can take steroids... whats so different from over the counter or other drugs with a Dr. recommendation? And you say its an illegal drug, its banned, well then why are we having this discussion? Because MLB let steroids, clearly a PED, in the game but they make sure that guys cant smoke green or take too much caffeine before games. You know why...because that stuff might make them play bad! PED's dont have that problem. Selig is to MLB what Bush was to the economy, detrimental. ...View More...View Less
06/02/2009 11:08 AM  

And because marijuana isn't an enhancer, even though illegal, it should be put in a different category? Hey guess what- you fail a drug test at your job for marijauna or other illegal drugs-your gone. It's an illegal drug-it's banned-this isn't rocket science. The players are given a list of the banned substances, they are warned about over the counter substances and what COULD be in them that could cause them to test positive, and they have a drug hotline available to them if they aren't sure about the supplements they are using. Give me a break ...View More...View Less
06/02/2009 10:37 AM  

Does the name Steve Bechler of the Orioles ring a bell? Twenty three years old-drops dead...autopsy revealed ephedra in his system-available over the counter...From the medical examiner: "According to Perper's research, Bechler took three tablets of Xenadrine on the morning of Feb. 16, the day he collapsed at an Orioles' workout. "It was multiple factors," Perper said. "Which includes the intake of Xenadrine. It is my professional opinion that the toxicity of the ephedra played a significant role in the death of Mr. Bechler." Teammate Larry Bigbie, a close friend who stayed with Bechler for a portion of the offseason, said the toxicology report just confirms what he believed. "It's no surprise to me," he said. "I don't take the stuff, so nothing is going to change for me. (But) everybody is on their own program, so I don't see a lot of things changing." Team physician William Goldiner insisted that there is a direct connection between ephedra use and Bechler's death. "I don't think this kid dies absent of this kid taking ephedra," he said. You people are kidding yourselves if you think just because it's available over the counter it's safe to use. ...View More...View Less
06/02/2009 10:23 AM  

The entire policy has to be revised. They put all drugs in the same basket, this should not be the case. Anyone that has ever smoked the ganj can attest that marijuana does not enhance your performance. If anything it limits it and slows your reaction time, and baseball is a game of miliseconds so you need every bit of reaction time you can get. As for the whole FDA matter, THIS is when I say its non of OUR business. If its legal its legal. How would you like it if one day you woke up and couldnt drink coffee at work...? All Selig did by making creatine and other legal suplements illegal was redirect the focus from what he was actually allowing to get into the game. He needs to be held accountable for his actions. I have written countless letters to congressmen league officials and syndicated radio hosts to no avail. Sure it sparks conversation but no one cares enough with what this country is going through to do anything about the problem. ...View More...View Less
06/02/2009 1:37 AM  

...call...chat 'em up -tell 'em how you feel. People are calling all the time regarding this issue. I spoke to a woman and I also left my number with one gentleman who is supposedly going to return my call. We'll see. I was told they are "very good about returning phone calls". And no- they are not going to discuss policy with you per se. Give them your input. What have you got to lose? ...View More...View Less
06/01/2009 12:07 PM