Grimsley released one day after search
Pitcher Jason Grimsley was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday, a day after his home was searched by federal agents following his admission he used human growth hormone, steroids and amphetamines.
The raid – and Grimsley’s implication of other major league ballplayers – was the latest sign that widespread investigations into drug use by athletes are still active, even in the era of tougher testing.
“Clearly,” U.S. Attorney Kevin Ryan said, “we’re not done.”
Grimsley’s agent told The Associated Press he thought this would mark the end of the 38-year-old reliever’s career.
According to court documents, Grimsley failed a baseball drug test in 2003.
Thirteen federal agents searched his home in Scottsdale, Ariz., for six hours Tuesday, but they would not reveal what they found. Investigators who cracked the BALCO steroid scandal in San Francisco said Grimsley initially cooperated in the probe but withdrew his assistance in April, prompting Tuesday’s search.
Authorities tracked a package containing two “kits” of human growth hormone – about a season’s supply – that was delivered at Grimsley’s house April 19, court documents released Tuesday showed.
Moments later, agents armed with a warrant offered him an option: Cooperate with their investigation into athletes using performance-enhancing drugs, or submit to an immediate search. Grimsley agreed to be interviewed.
He proceeded to detail his “receipt and use of anabolic steroids, amphetamines and human growth hormone over the last several years,” but said he went exclusively with HGH when baseball’s testing program began.
Grimsley also identified several other players who he said had used or supplied the drugs, though their names were blacked out from court documents. They included a handful of former teammates and one player he identified as one of his “better friends in baseball,” adding that it was common knowledge that “Latin players” were a major source for amphetamines.
He also identified a personal fitness trainer to several major league ballplayers who once referred him to someone that later supplied him with an array of drugs.
Papelbon twins drafted
The second day of the baseball draft provided a twin celebration for the younger brothers of Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon.
Josh Papelbon, a submarine-style righty from the University of North Florida, was selected by his older brother’s Red Sox in the 48th round. Papelbon had 24 career saves, including eight this season, and could join Jonathan in Boston’s bullpen someday.
Josh’s left-handed twin brother, Jeremy, celebrated earlier in the day, going to the Chicago Cubs in the 19th round. He was 5-4 with a team-leading 2.43 ERA for the Ospreys.
A number of other players with major league relatives were drafted on the second day: Northern Iowa second baseman Kurt Bradley, son of Phil (33rd round, Los Angeles Dodgers); Tennessee high school second baseman Zachary Helton, cousin of Todd (37th round, Colorado); Washington high school outfielder Trent Henderson, son of Dave (37th round, Houston); Arizona high school outfielder Riley Etchebarren, nephew of Andy (39th round, Arizona); University of Florida second baseman David Cash, son of Dave (40th round, Baltimore); and Porterville College outfielder Candy Maldonado, son of Candy (46th round, Tampa Bay).
Bonds tweaks left side
Barry Bonds tweaked his left side during last weekend’s series in New York, though the San Francisco slugger initially tried to play through it.
The injury has become worse in recent days, and Bonds grimaced after a swing during Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over the Florida Marlins.
He was already scheduled for a day off for the finale of a three-game series with the Marlins, but now his status for a four-game series against his former club – the Pittsburgh Pirates – starting tonight was in question.
Bonds has 716 career homers.
Nelson faces elbow surgery
Chicago White Sox reliever Jeff Nelson said he will have surgery on a nerve in his elbow next week, a procedure that will probably end the 39-year-old right-hander’s career.
Nelson ranks sixth among active pitchers with 798 career appearances.