Manfred Acknowledges Ortiz’ Point About Latino Players

Manfred Validates Ortiz’s (r) Language-Barrier Comments

MLB Exec VP/Labor Relations Rob Manfred “provided some credence to” Red Sox DH David Ortiz’ contention that a “language barrier has contributed to four” MLBers of Latino heritage being caught using performance-enhancing drugs, according to Karen Guregian of the BOSTON HERALD. Manfred pointed out that all documents applying to the basic CBA “are made available in both English and Spanish, [but] he did concede final drafts of the new policy ... weren’t available to the players right away.” MLBPA Dir of Communications Greg Bouris said that all of the union’s “correspondence is provided in two languages.” Also, MLBPA Special Assistant Bobby Bonilla “travelled to every spring training facility to provide translation and answer any questions for Spanish-speaking players.” Red Sox SS Ramon Vazquez: “Every time (the union) gives a document, they do give it in English and Spanish, but they still need someone to explain it really well and tell us what they’re going after so you don’t make a mistake” (BOSTON HERALD, 5/4).