Juan Rincon
Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 9:07 pm
<!--EZCODE BOLD START--><strong>Rincon is fifth player to test positive</strong><!--EZCODE BOLD END--><br>Monday, May 2, 2005<br>Associated Press<br><br>MINNEAPOLIS -- Juan Rincon, who emerged last season as a dominant right-handed reliever and top setup man for the Minnesota Twins, became the highest-profile violator of Major League Baseball's new policy on performance-enhancing drugs.<br><br><br>Rincon was hit Monday with a 10-game suspension after testing positive for an undisclosed substance.<br><br>His agent, Ed Setlik, said a grievance was planned. But unlike other penalties, such as for fighting, suspensions under this policy take effect immediately and are not delayed pending a hearing.<br><br><br>"Suffice it to say, he was devastated and stunned by the result," Setlik said after speaking with Rincon, who is 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA in 12 appearances this season.<br><br><br>The 26-year-old Venezuelan didn't immediately return a message left on his cell phone. Minnesota was off Monday, but the team said he would make a brief statement to the media at the Metrodome before Tuesday night's game against Cleveland.<br><br><br>Last October, a dejected Rincon lamented giving up a four-run lead late in a season-ending playoff loss to the New York Yankees. On Monday, he had a similar feeling.<br><br><br>"He feels like he's let the team down," manager Ron Gardenhire said.<br><br><br>Four lesser-known players previously received 10-day bans: Tampa Bay outfielder Alex Sanchez, Colorado outfielder Jorge Piedra, Texas minor league pitcher Agustin Montero and Seattle minor league outfielder Jamal Strong.<br><br><br>Under the new policy that began last month, steroids and other performance-enhancing substances are the only drugs to draw a 10-day suspension. Baseball officials and the players' union agreed they would not disclose the exact substance for which a player tests positive.<br><br><br>Last week, commissioner Bud Selig proposed much tougher penalties for players caught using steroids. He sent a letter to the union calling for a 50-game suspension for first-time steroid offenders, a 100-game penalty for a second offense and a lifetime ban for a third violation under what he called a "three strikes and you are out approach" to doping.<br><br><br>With three straight AL Central titles, the Twins have been lauded for their success in a small market and have received several organization-of-the-year awards from various publications. For a franchise proud of its positive image, it was a bad way to start the week. Though publicly offering support for Rincon, the Twins weren't happy to hear it, either.<br><br><br>"It's a tough day," Gardenhire said. "I think we're all surprised, but hopefully we'll get through this thing. We'll let the process take its place and do the best we can.<br><br><br>"We're on his side. We've always stood by our players. They make mistakes. They're humans. It's a learning process for everybody."<br><br><br>Right-hander Scott Baker, one of the team's top minor-league prospects, was brought up from Triple-A Rochester to fill Rincon's roster spot. The bullpen responsibilities of lefty J.C. Romero and righty Jesse Crain will increase, as will the pressure on the starters to last longer in games.<br><br><br>"Obviously that's going to put a little strain on the staff," said right-hander Kyle Lohse, who is the team's union representative.<br><br><br>Lohse said he called Rincon to see what the story was. Because of the pending grievance, everyone was reluctant to divulge details.<br><br><br>"He doesn't want to affect the team like that," Lohse said. "It's surprising to have a teammate come up positive. Hopefully we can clear it up and move along."<br><br><br>According to his agent and his manager, Rincon is allowed to work out with the team but must leave the stadium once games begin. He'll miss nine of them, with eligibility restored May 13 against Texas.<br><br><br>Rincon, who is making $440,000 this season under terms of a two-year contract he signed during spring training, will forfeit $24,044 in salary. The penalty also will hurt Rincon's chances to earn bonuses of $10,000 for appearing in 68 games, $20,000 for 73 games and $30,000 for 78 games.<br><br><br>Last season, he went 11-6 with two saves and a 2.63 ERA in 77 appearances, emerging as one of baseball's best relievers.<br><br><br>What does everyone think of this? Shows that not just big sluggers or batters for that matter are guilty. Yes, I know that it doesn't say steroids (performance enhancing), but it is a positive test nonetheless. Does this put pitchers who have outstanding years out of nowhere, (prior to last year, he never had more than 6 K/9 and then he had 11 K/9) under scruitiny much like that of batters who put up big power numbers? Also, was there a drop in his velocity this year or was he using so that he could throw on consecutive days like has been mentioned? I'm just curious to everyone's opinion on the matter <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START 8) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... lasses.gif ALT="8)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br> <p>Elk River AA State Champions- 2001 Boys & 2004 Girls</p><i></i>
