AT ISSUE
MLB soon could become a blood sport
What: Becoming the first pro sport to take this step, MLB implemented random blood testing for human growth hormone in the minor leagues for those players not on 40-man rosters.
When: Commissioner Bud Selig made the announcement Thursday, setting the stage for the issue to be collectively bargained at the major-league level in the future.
Background: This step is significant because it follows the pattern that led to the testing for performance-enhancing drugs. Selig first implemented steroid testing in 2001 in the minor leagues and — eventually through congressional and public pressure — created a policy with teeth at the major- league level.
Renck’s take: Baseball has tried to learn from its past when it let lawlessness and arrogance run amok. The sport was WWE in spikes. What this step does is put pressure on the players’ union to adopt HGH testing at the major- league level, whether that’s next season or 2012. The union opposes the test because of its debated effectiveness and its anti-blood-testing stance. The union wants a urine test for HGH, but one has never been developed despite millions of dollars of research. Leading scientists disagree with the blood test’s accuracy. “I think everybody wants the game to be clean. And I think eventually you will see us tested (for HGH), but it has to be done the right way. You can’t have false positives if the test is unreliable,” said Rockies union rep Jeff Francis. This is a good first step, but it will be counterproductive if the science isn’t ready. And if the smartest lab coats in the world have doubts in the blood test, I am inclined to side with them.
EYE ON . . .
Dan Haren, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Background: A former star at Pepperdine, a solid reliever for the Cardinals, an all-star for the Athletics, an all-star for the Diamondbacks, now this? Haren has become the centerpiece of the Diamondbacks’ farm refueling plan as Arizona eyes multiple prospects for its ace. The Rockies are monitoring the situation but aren’t considered a favorite given the Yankees’ dogged pursuit.
What’s up: Borderline untouchable last month, everything has changed leading up to Saturday’s trade deadline. The Diamondbacks fired their general manager and manager and are determined to shed payroll and create more depth. Haren has a partial no-trade clause — Minnesota and Detroit are on it — and roughly $33 million remaining on a contract that runs through 2012 with a $15.5 million club option for 2013. Haren was a Cy Young candidate last season but has been rather ordinary this year, minus his hitting. The Rockies aren’t sure they have the pieces to make it happen. Technically, they do — it would start with Jhouyls Chacin — but the Diamondbacks have told NL West teams the price will be even higher to trade him in the division.
Renck’s take: I know for a fact the Rockies really like Haren and would love to have him. The reason this deal must be explored is as much for next season as this year. There’s a strong possibility the Rockies will lose Jorge De La Rosa or Jeff Francis — or both — to free agency. Landing Haren could give them a true horse to pair with Ubaldo Jimenez. The concern is that Haren might not be an elite pitcher anymore. Since the all-star break last season, he’s gone 12-13 with a 4.60 ERA while allowing 38 home runs. Haren is clutch, and his cool California vibe would fit in the clubhouse. But the acquisition has to make sense — giving up better prospects if Arizona eats salary, or lesser prospects if the Rockies absorb the contract. And I don’t know if that will happen given the Yankees’ desire to get the right-hander.
THREE UP
1. Cardinals: The wonders of Wainwright. He dropped his ERA to less than 2.00 with a 25-inning scoreless streak.
2. Giants: Rookie catcher Buster Posey entered the weekend with a 16-game hitting streak.
3. Yankees: Alex Rodriguez’s march toward 600 HRs is igniting offense, even if it seems joyless.
THREE DOWN
1. Mets: In the first week after the break, they had five hits with runners in scoring position.
2. Tigers: With their pitching becoming more of a concern, they prepare for a run at Dan Haren.
3. Dodgers: Their attendance is down, the offense is sputtering and the McCourt divorce is hanging over the franchise like an anvil.
