When a player's performance jumps suddenly, especially in a power category, from their track record, I think that warrants drug testing. Now, the case that brings this to mind especially is Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays. In 2006, his first full season, he hit 16 home runs. 2007, 15 homers. 2008, also 15 homers. Last year, he hit 13 home runs. This year, he's hit 43 so far - as much as his last three seasons put together and leading the majors after not making the top 50 his previous years. In addition, his average has climbed from the .230's (2006, 2008, 2009; in 2007 it was .254) to around .260 so far this season. Last year he had 54 runs scored, this year he's at 90 so far - 15 over his previous best year in 2007, and double his 2008 total. He's also been very argumentative with the umpires, barking after a lot of strike calls he didn't approve of. In fact, as I'm writing this, he just got thrown out for shouting at home plate umpire over a (bad) strike three call. (It was definitely a ball thrown by Joba Chamberlain - but antagonizing the ump isn't going to help your case).
When a player's offensive output nearly TRIPLES, I think that's grounds for testing. He was a load when he was on the pirates, and now all of a sudden he's one of the most dangerous batters in the AL East, a division loaded with great hitters?
What do you guys think? Whose numbers have jumped enough to warrant testing?
When a player's offensive output nearly TRIPLES, I think that's grounds for testing. He was a load when he was on the pirates, and now all of a sudden he's one of the most dangerous batters in the AL East, a division loaded with great hitters?
What do you guys think? Whose numbers have jumped enough to warrant testing?