Mike Fish has a pretty good article on steroids in the Dominican Republic for espn.com.  If you aren’t completely sick of hearing about the issue it’s a good read.

I have a few quips with his reasoning:

·        The percentages given on use don’t say anything about the number of Dominican players in baseball.  I’m sure it’s not 58%, but I need a frame of reference for those stats to be meaningful.

·        A reason for the higher positive test rate that is alluded to, but not stated, is that young players from poor countries are using street steroids that are behind the testing technology.  Wealthier young players from other countries can afford the newest and least detectable drugs.

·        Despite the stringent penalties, there is more money being pumped into the manufacture of steroids by the major league users.  Testing technology is fighting a losing battle.

·        The damage to a player’s honor and reputation is the most effective penalty.

·        Jose Guillen sounds like he’s got a new publicist:

“When you’re putting something in your body, you’re not going to tell me you don’t know what you are putting in your body,” said Guillen, a 10-year veteran. “We’re all grown men. We’re over 18 years old. I think everybody that gets caught has got to take full responsibility for what they are doing. There is no reason to be complaining and pointing fingers, saying this guy gave me this and that. You know it was a steroid on your own. So explain yourself.”

·        Due to the pervasive use among young players, the problem is going to get worse before it gets better.