Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Say It Ain't So, Dan!

Based on the increased traffic here, especially after a long layoff, I checked google news to see what was the reason:

Here's the reason:

Major League Baseball suspended free agent pitcher Dan Serafini 50 games Tuesday for testing positive for a performance- enhancing substance in violation of the league's joint drug prevention and treatment program.

Serafini appeared in three games this past season for the National League champion Colorado Rockies and recorded just one out while allowing two runs and two walks. Prior to his short stint with the Rockies, Serafini last pitched in the league in 2003 with the Reds.

"Although I understand that I must accept the terms of the suspension, I want to make it known that I did not use any banned substances in order to gain a competitive advantage," Serafini said in a statement. "However, while playing baseball in Japan, I suffered two significant injuries that limited my playing time to seven games in 2006 and nine games in 2007.

"While trying to accelerate the healing process of these injuries, I took substances that were prescribed for me by a doctor in Japan. What I did not know at the time was that these substances would cause me to test positive once I returned to the US. I have not taken these or any banned substances since returning to the US and signing with the Colorado Rockies organization in July."

A cynic would say that you shouldn't use Japanese doctors, but while in Japan, do as the Japanese do. A cynic would also say that there is no need to ban a guy who is likely going to be on the outside looking in anyway.

Also, for those that think I am the real Dan Serafini, please take a look here and here.

Finally, a special HELLO to the gang at MLB, ESPN, RedReport, and Desipio!