Atlanta – The players willingness to accept tougher penalties for steroids Monday deflected attention away from Tuesday’s hot-button clubhouse issue: amphetamines.
The players union said it would be open to first-time ever amphetamines testing if it reopened the collective bargaining agreement again. Players said specificity regarding the rules was critical, concerned that an allergy pill or cold medicine could cost them a 20-game suspension.
“We have to know exactly what we can and can’t take, how everything is classified. We need a list and the trainers need to have it as well so there’s no confusion,” Rockies reliever Mike DeJean said. “If we drink eight cups of coffee, we’ve got to know that’s not going to be a positive result.”
Several players joked that Red Bull – a popular energy drink – would become a staple not only in clubhouse kitchens, but every locker cubicle. Following with the minor-league drug policy, commissioner Bud Selig has long sought to test for amphetamines, which have been illegal without a doctor’s prescription since 1970.
Addressing the length of the schedule – 162 games in six months with few days off – could ultimately result from tackling the amphetamines issue.
“If it reveals prevalence is there then the next logical question is to ask why?” Rockies strength and conditioning coach Brad Andress said. “Hopefully the testing reveals that is not as globally used as some have suggested.”
FOOTNOTE: With first baseman Todd Helton blocking his path, the Rockies are expected to have Ryan Shealy begin outfield work this winter. The conversion will be difficult because of his size – 6-feet-5, 240 pounds.
