VeeshanVault

So what do you guys think?

A first positive test would result in a suspension of up to ten days, a second positive test a 30-day ban, a third positive a 60-day penalty, and a fourth positive test a one-year ban.

Under the previous agreement, a first positive test resulted only in treatment, and a second positive test was subject to a 15-day suspension. Only with a fifth positive test was a player subject to a one-year ban under the old plan.

from http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?id=111012

When I look at it and compare to the old policy I can see they upped the penalties a fair bit from what they had, but it still seems weak to me, and definately not a "zero tolerance" like Bud Sellig claims to be after. 4 offenses before a year long suspension? Would have been more fitting to see that on the 3rd offense (3 strikes still means you're out).

Is it enough? I'm not a baseball fan, so I look at issues like this in the spin off effects to other sports I do enjoy. I know I am critical of baseball, and while I appreciate a harder line being taken on this issue, I have to say I don't think its enough to gain a lot of credibility from the people (like me) who look with a jaundiced eye on what people like Bonds, Maguire et al have accomplished in comparason to athletes from previous eras.

By comparison, WADA (the World Anti Doping Agency) the governing body for most world/olympic sports has the following policy:

First offense: 2-year ban

Second offense: Lifetime ban

I personally think that the MLB policy is weak, but perhaps as good as it needs to be for the apathetic American sports fan. I think using performance enhancing drugs is wrong, and that athletes that use them should be severely punished, but I'm not sure how much other people care.

At any rate, it's all bullshit anyway. Even on the WADA side. The real problems with enforcing performance enhancing drugs in sports is that the the tests suck. The tests don't detect everything, the tests only detect things you've taken within a certain time period. I seriously doubt that MLB players are going to have to piss in a cup, or take a blood test before every game like cyclists do before every race.

I haven't read all that the new policy changes, but I'm guessing that the testing is also not going to be as random as it can be in cycling. As an example, WADA representatives can show up at Lance Armstrong's (among other athletes) house any time they want and demand he piss in a cup. I'd bet that MLB players will know the test is coming well in advance of the actual test, which gives the cheaters an opportunity to do a number of things. One thing I've learned from watching cycling is that the cheaters are determined and crafty, and they don't often get caught unless they do something stupid unrelated to drug tests and hemocrit levels... Sad really.

I would of prefered a permanent ban after the 3rd offense. However, I'm still glad they are making some progress.

Thats a joke. First time offender should be suspended for 1 year, and his current contract voided along with a 100k fine. Second time? Yea ok second time, youre banned from the hall of fame, and banned for life.

Why do people need warnings to do WHAT THEY SHOULDNT BE DOING IN THE FIRST PLACE.

This is bs and should be redone.

its a joke, barry bonds is going to pass babe ruth this year for fucks sake.

Hillbillies have more teeth than this proposal