isn't it likely ortiz was a steroid user?

[Fafnir]

I once saw an article that compared Papi's career statistical profile past players and he matched most closely to Mo Vaughn. Didn't Mo Vaughn start to fade around the same age?

This happens all the time to older players with wrist injuries. Derek Lee of the Cubs was killing the ball until he hurt his wrist a few years ago. Since then he's stopped hitting for the same power. Combination of age and writ injury is very bad for hitters.

[CoachCowens]

who knows. It's much easier to speculate on a skinny guy like Nomar than a guy that was big coming into the majors.

[Boris Badenov]

I once saw an article that compared Papi's career statistical profile past players and he matched most closely to Mo Vaughn. Didn't Mo Vaughn start to fade around the same age?

This happens all the time to older players with wrist injuries. Derek Lee of the Cubs was killing the ball until he hurt his wrist a few years ago. Since then he's stopped hitting for the same power. Combination of age and writ injury is very bad for hitters.

Exactly. Mo also looked a little leaner in his rookie card than when he was 33. Doesn't mean he "did" anything, except eat a little more than he should have.

[Roy Hobbs]

I once saw an article that compared Papi's career statistical profile past players and he matched most closely to Mo Vaughn. Didn't Mo Vaughn start to fade around the same age?

This happens all the time to older players with wrist injuries. Derek Lee of the Cubs was killing the ball until he hurt his wrist a few years ago. Since then he's stopped hitting for the same power. Combination of age and writ injury is very bad for hitters.

Exactly. Mo also looked a little leaner in his rookie card than when he was 33. Doesn't mean he "did" anything, except eat a little more than he should have.

True, although I think Mo was accused in the Mitchell report of purchasing steroids, at least when he was with the Mets.

[housecall]

there is no active MLB player above suspicion in my opinion.

[Eja117]

At one time the number of players in MLB on steroids was limited only by....how many of them wanted to be on steroids. They did nothing to stop it through their unions. In my view 100% of them are 100% guilty

[gift]

i think ortiz used performance enhancing drugs.  i don't know that it has much to do with his recent performance though... could be a number of factors.

i do find it funny though that we tend to be so critical of all of these hitters who are suspected of using PED's to enhance their offensive production, and we don't seem to factor in that they are probably facing some PED using pitchers and fielders as well.

can anyone say that the league is clean now either?  i assume guys are still juicing, just differently now.

[KungPoweChicken]

It's obvious that he used steroids. But what difference does it make? If guys want to juice up and hit dingers then let them.

[SSFan V]

I hate to say it, but yes I think he was.  I also think he's about 3-4 years older than what he is saying too. 

Both the lying about the age and the PEDs puts him in the same boat as many others, but to be in that boat means one is indeed tainted.


He has tremendous warning track power when he connects.

[KungPoweChicken]

To simplify things a bit, Ortiz stunk in Minnesota. But when he came to Boston, he had a three year period where he was a very good player, which was most likely due to the juice.

[Roy Hobbs]

To simplify things a bit, Ortiz stunk in Minnesota. But when he came to Boston, he had a three year period where he was a very good player, which was most likely due to the juice.

I don't know.  Steroids almost certainly give a player more power, but they don't give him the ability to hit the ball.  It's not like Ortiz has had a ton of fly balls that have died on the warning track this year.

Also, I have a general question, not necessarily about Ortiz.  After a player stops using steroids, how long does it take for him to return to his pre-steroid level?  I would imagine that a lot of the muscle gains made by using steroids can be sustained long after somebody quits using.  Why do players -- at least in theory -- have a sudden fall off?  Is it only due to the healing effects of steroids?

[Rondo2287]

I dont think he was on steroids.  The guy isnt making good contact.  Steroids dont help you put the bat on the ball. They help you hit it farther once you do.  If he was making solid contact but coming up short then I would believe he was on roids.  Also I think if he was coming off roids he still would hit a couple home runs like Arod is now.  Ortiz just cant hit anything right now. 

[Redz]

steroids or not, he sure sucks right now 

[Big Ticket]

To simplify things a bit, Ortiz stunk in Minnesota. But when he came to Boston, he had a three year period where he was a very good player, which was most likely due to the juice.

I don't know.  Steroids almost certainly give a player more power, but they don't give him the ability to hit the ball.  It's not like Ortiz has had a ton of fly balls that have died on the warning track this year.

Also, I have a general question, not necessarily about Ortiz.  After a player stops using steroids, how long does it take for him to return to his pre-steroid level?  I would imagine that a lot of the muscle gains made by using steroids can be sustained long after somebody quits using.  Why do players -- at least in theory -- have a sudden fall off?  Is it only due to the healing effects of steroids?

Not sure and certainly not an expert, but isn't it because the long term affect of steroids are mostly negative?  I thought in the long run they lead to (yes more) but weaker muscle fibers and tendons.  That's why a sudden rash of injuries to tendons and ligaments is one possible tip to steroid use.  And in that regard, I think it definitely can affect a player's ability to make contact.  They might still be stronger than usual, but if their bodies are breaking down the motor skills and muscle control might be decreasing.  Just a guess.

[Big Ticket]

Please stop posting old pics of Ortiz in a Twins uni.  It's bringing back bad memories of the half-decade when the team desperately needed a power hitting lefty DH.

(Hey Roy...  http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=290521104)  Mauer Power!