Ichiro Speaks Out on Sosa's Corked Bat
Discussion in the Nichi-Bei forum
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Re: Ichiro Speaks Out on Sosa's Corked Bat
[ Author: Guest: Jim Albright | Posted: Jun 6, 2003 11:01 AM
]
Perhaps such things are rarer in Japan, but the Hawks had a sign stealing scandal a couple of years ago. Yes, the reaction to it was harsher than it would have been in MLB, but it happened.
The salaries players draw (even in NPB) create pressure to perform, and the level of competition leaves players looking for an edge. At least in MLB, some sadly succumb to the pressure and throw a spitter or cork a bat, or use some pharmaceutical aid. I'm not going to condone it, but such things are a part of the fabric of MLB and will continue to be so.
NPB may well be purer in that sense, but the same pressures are there (though the cultural view on such issues may not be so forgiving), and players with exposure to MLB attitudes come over to NPB. For that reason, I doubt all of the NPB is absolutely pure in its adherence to the rules and to proper behavior as to drugs.
Sosa's explanation, given that only one of over 70 bats was corked, is at least plausible. He may also have felt the need to get out of his current doldrums, and in a weak moment chose to use the corked bat. Only he knows for sure. It's a shame either way, but Sosa's at least owning up to his responsibility in the matter. So long as it doesn't happen again, I'm willing to let it go, after he serves the suspension he's going to get for using illegal equipment.
Jim Albright
The salaries players draw (even in NPB) create pressure to perform, and the level of competition leaves players looking for an edge. At least in MLB, some sadly succumb to the pressure and throw a spitter or cork a bat, or use some pharmaceutical aid. I'm not going to condone it, but such things are a part of the fabric of MLB and will continue to be so.
NPB may well be purer in that sense, but the same pressures are there (though the cultural view on such issues may not be so forgiving), and players with exposure to MLB attitudes come over to NPB. For that reason, I doubt all of the NPB is absolutely pure in its adherence to the rules and to proper behavior as to drugs.
Sosa's explanation, given that only one of over 70 bats was corked, is at least plausible. He may also have felt the need to get out of his current doldrums, and in a weak moment chose to use the corked bat. Only he knows for sure. It's a shame either way, but Sosa's at least owning up to his responsibility in the matter. So long as it doesn't happen again, I'm willing to let it go, after he serves the suspension he's going to get for using illegal equipment.
Jim Albright
Re: Ichiro Speaks Out on Sosa's Corked Bat
[ Author: torakichi | Posted: Jun 6, 2003 5:07 PM
| HT Fan
]
- For that reason, I doubt all of the NPB is absolutely pure in its adherence to the rules and to proper behavior as to drugs.
Good call. There's one veteran player, who may or may not play for a powerhouse team, which may or may not be based in Tokyo, who has bulked up suspiciously over the past few years. This player may or may not suffer from repeated muscle and ligament injuries, in what may or may not be an indication of steroid use.
Personally, I think he is pumped full of steriods, but that may or may not be because I'm jealous 'cos I think the guy, who may or may not hail from south Osaka, should have joined a certain team closer to home.
Good call. There's one veteran player, who may or may not play for a powerhouse team, which may or may not be based in Tokyo, who has bulked up suspiciously over the past few years. This player may or may not suffer from repeated muscle and ligament injuries, in what may or may not be an indication of steroid use.
Personally, I think he is pumped full of steriods, but that may or may not be because I'm jealous 'cos I think the guy, who may or may not hail from south Osaka, should have joined a certain team closer to home.
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Ichiro reacted by tapping his chest and said he felt "Hurt."
Ichiro stated that in Japan, "I've never heard of such a thing happening. The baseballs in Japan are wrapped tight enough. There's no need for anything else."