Great Moments in Red Sox History

Mo Vaughn - Linebacker

Ouch

While Manny Ramirez' positive test was a blow to Boston fans, it didn't hurt nearly as much as the latest news on David Ortiz. Manny had become a Boston villain already. While Manny was clearly was the anchor of the offensive force that brought two world series titles, Big Papi was the heart and soul of it. Big Papi is still such an icon that he even avoided boos in Fenway Park while being the worst offensive player in baseball over the first two months of the season. Think Manny could have managed that?
While watching Manny Ramirez hit it is clear one is watching a superb baseball talent. No drugs could craft such a perfect swing. Ortiz on the other hand, with his not-so-pretty left-handed power-stroke emerged as an offensive force out of nowhere in 2003 after an early career as a modest 20 home run, part-time guy for the Twins. Manny was going to the Hall of Fame anyway, Ortiz may be a case, like many other 90s sluggers, of a player created by steroids
David Ortiz has been outspoken on the issue of steroids, which has brought him increased criticism the last couple days. He has stated that players who test positive should be banned for a full season. He has asked that Manny Ramirez, after testing positive, come out with the full truth. Now he claims to be "looking for answers" when it seems obvious that he was indeed notified of his positive '03 test. However before we all call Big Papi a Big Liar, lets give him a chance to come clean. If one reads between the lines of his off season comments which have recently received much attention, what he says is that we should forget the past. He was saying that now baseball has strict rules and they must be followed. Lets give him a chance to give details and an explanation as he has promised.

Tainting of Red Sox Championships: Negative Nancy Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy is quick to proclaim that this ruins the Red Sox great run. I don't care if the whole 2004 team was on steroids, it doesn't taint anything to me. When I look back on the '04 team and see Papi smashing clutch bombs, maybe I'll frown a little at him, roll my eyes, but I won't call him a fraud. I won't allow it to ruin what the team accomplished and what it meant to me then and still means to me now. Manny and Ortiz were using steroids to help beat A-Rod and Giambi, who used steroids. Big whoop.

The Latin Problem: The latest chapters in baseball's steroid debacle are infused with Latin superstars. Is it fair that they are increasingly being tarnished for using drugs that are easily accessible and often-times legal in their own home country? I don't really know the answer, but its a fair question.

The List: I've said it before, the names on this list should be released. If not legally, then someone should leak them all. Not because it is fair to A-Rod and Papi to do so, but because otherwise we are going to get one or two names trickling out for the next ten years. The situation is a mess. Getting them all now is the only way to put this disaster to rest.

Bad Timing: David Ortiz has recently launched a new website, a new blog and on July 24 opened a new restaurant in Framingham, Mass. called Big Papi's Grill.

Rem Dawg?!?!?!?!?: Jerry Remy's son Jared was fired by the team last year for using steroids. It is possible he was supplying steroids, though he denies it. He has admitted to discussing steroid use with Ortiz' personal assistant, though says he has no knowledge of any player usage.

Bronson Arroyo: Arroyo came out and admitted he used Mark McGwire's beloved "andro" and some other stuff in 2003. He said it made him feel like a "monster". He also spoke openly about using amphetamines. "Oh yeah, of course I took a greenie for a 12:35 p.m. game," Arroyo said. "Pitching against Johan Santana, you don't think I'm going to take a greenie if I could? C'mon." Give Arroyo credit, is he the first active player to admit steroid use without first being caught? I can't think of another...

Some last words from Manny: Manny Ramirez tells ESPN's Bob Holzman that 50 game suspension was embarrassing but release of his name "isn't that big of a deal"
Ramirez: "Me and David (Ortiz) are mountains: This isn't going to have any impact on either of us. We're both going to keep hitting."