Cameron suspended for failed drug test
Mike Cameron, San Diego’s Gold Glove center fielder, was suspended for the first 25 games of next season on Wednesday after testing positive a second time for a banned stimulant.
“The one thing I wanted to make sure was explained is, no steroids,” Cameron told AM-1090, the team’s flagship radio station. “I never took nothing like that before in my life. That would be 50 games, and that would affect me a whole lot more.”
He later issued a statement through his agent, saying doctors for the players’ association helped him narrow down what triggered the positive test.
“After all of the analysis and testing, I can only conclude that a nutritional supplement I was taking was tainted,” he said. “Unfortunately, the actual supplement is gone, and therefore cannot be tested. Without the actual supplement in hand, the rules are clear, and I must accept the suspension.”
No Dodgers deal yet for Torre
Joe Torre is clearly the leading candidate to become the Los Angeles Dodgers’ next manager, but general manager Ned Colletti said that contrary to published reports, a deal hadn’t been struck.
Also, the Dodgers received permission from Commissioner Bud Selig’s office Wednesday to bypass the mandatory interviews of minority candidates for the position.
Sox celebrate with the suits
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and other state officials joined hundreds of fans to again congratulate the Boston Red Sox for their championship.
The rally was the second in as many days for the Red Sox. But instead of closer Jonathan Papelbon wildly dancing through the streets, the Statehouse rally at Beacon Hill was a buttoned-down affair with short speeches from Patrick and other state officials.
Clearing the bases
The Seattle Mariners have added Lee Elia to John McLaren’s staff as an on-field consultant. … Boston designated hitter David Ortiz became the seventh player to earn a perfect 100 in the annual statistical compilation issued by the Elias Sports Bureau. … Along with Boston, pitcher Curt Schilling said on his blog he would consider a dozen other teams for a “last year.” … Adam Dunn became Cincinnati’s highest-paid player when the team picked up his contract option for $13 million. … Moises Alou (team option) and Damion Easley (re-signed) are staying with the New York Mets. … Kansas City DH Mike Sweeney filed for free agency. … St. Louis hired John Mozeliak as its new GM. … Pittsburgh will talk to Chicago White Sox bench coach Joey Cora about its manager’s job.