Yet another Steroids related suspension

[sahyder1]

Rincon is fifth player to test positive

Associated Press

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NEW YORK -- Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Juan Rincon was suspended for 10 days Monday, making him the fifth player disciplined under Major League Baseball's new policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Juan Rincon

Relief Pitcher

Minnesota Twins 

Profile

2005 SEASON STATISTICS

GM  W  L  Sv  K  ERA

12  2  1  0  15  2.25

Rincon's agent, Ed Setlik, said a grievance was planned. But unlike other penalties, suspensions under this policy take effect immediately and are not delayed pending a hearing.

"Suffice it to say, he was devastated and stunned by the result," Setlik said after speaking with Rincon.

The 26-year-old Rincon was a key contributor to the Twins' AL Central-winning team last season. He went 11-6 with two saves and a 2.63 ERA in 77 games. This year, he was 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA in 12 appearances.

Rincon has a $440,000 salary this year. The suspension will cost him $24,044.

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.

Four players had previously received 10-day bans, all with relatively low profiles: Tampa Bay outfielder Alex Sanchez, Colorado outfielder Jorge Piedra, Texas minor league pitcher Agustin Montero and Seattle minor league outfielder Jamal Strong.

Last week, commissioner Bud Selig proposed much tougher penalties for players caught using steroids. He sent a letter to the players' union calling for a 50-game suspension for first-time steroid offenders, a 100-game ban 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.

The Twins are off Monday. They play again at home Tuesday against Cleveland.

General manager Terry Ryan acknowledged that he was notified about Rincon's positive test and said right-hander Scott Baker, one of the organization's top prospects, would be recalled from Triple-A Rochester to fill the roster spot.

Ryan declined to comment further.

Under baseball's drug rules, the sport doesn't announce the specific substance a player tested positive for. Setlik declined to divulge details because of the planned grievance.

Setlik said he believed Rincon will be allowed to work out with the team during the suspension, but once the games start he's prohibited from being in uniform and cannot be in the clubhouse.

[Guest Bluesman]

This sucks, Rincon is our premier set up guy for Nathan. Maybe Crain will get a shot in that role. Baker has pitched quite well in AAA, who knows, by the end of these 10 days he could be looking at taking Lohse's job as the 5th starter.

[Farmer Reil]

Ten days? Isn't that like...one or two matches? I don't follow baseball at all, but 10 days doesn't sound much for drug abuse. Athletes get banned for entire years for that.

[Lowerdeck]

9 or 10 games out of 162. Not a whole lot.

[sahyder1]

Ten days? Isn't that like...one or two matches? I don't follow baseball at all, but 10 days doesn't sound much for drug abuse. Athletes get banned for entire years for that.

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