MLB Steroid Probe Turns Attention To Grimsley’s Peers

Gonzalez Upset With Name Being Mentioned In Steroids Story

The MLB steroid investigation headed by George Mitchell “has turned its attention to anyone connected” to former D’Backs P Jason Grimsley, including members of the Yankees, for whom Grimsley played from ’99-’00, according to sources cited by T.J. Quinn of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. Attorneys working for Mitchell’s investigation have been “talking to players, team officials, clubhouse workers, trainers — anyone who spent time around Grimsley.” Meanwhile, Quinn reports D’Backs LF Luis Gonzalez “reacted angrily” to his name being mentioned by Kendrick in an Arizona Republic story in which D’Backs Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick said that the team had parted ways with several players suspected of using steroids. Gonzalez called a press conference Thursday and said, “I don’t want to be in this situation. I don’t think any of my teammates do. ... It’s unfortunate that I almost have to sit here today to defend myself for no reason” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/16). D’Backs SS and MLBPA Exec Committee member Craig Counsell said of Kendrick’s comments, “I’m surprised how careless (Kendrick) was with Luis Gonzalez’s name. If you’re an owner, Luis Gonzalez is your dream superstar. The way he plays, the way he handles himself in the community, treats other people. To associate his name with such a sensitive topic is very careless” (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 6/16).

CONDUCT: While Kendrick also said in the story he would like to establish conduct guidelines for his team that “go beyond those of MLB,” in Phoenix, Reaves & Piecoro write "there is almost certainly no way in the world [Kendrick] is going to be able to impose a stricter code of conduct on the Diamondbacks than any other team.” Counsell: “A code of conduct will not happen. Our rules in this game are through the [CBA]. If it’s through the [CBA], if it’s something that’s bargained, fine. But for me, doing things individually, team by team, is a dangerous precedent, and I don’t think it’s something we should get into.” MLB Senior VP/PR Rich Levin said that MLB Commissioner Bud Selig was “aware of Kendrick’s remarks but was ‘not prepared to comment at this time’” (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 6/16).

OPEN LETTER: The DAILY NEWS’ Quinn reports Selig released a letter to the public Thursday “intended to reframe the national conversation about Grimsley, [HGH] and doping in general.” The letter argues that MLB is “doing everything it can to stop the use of performance enhancers” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/16). The letter runs as a full-page ad in today’s L.A. Times, N.Y. Times, USA Today, Chicago Tribune and Arizona Republic (THE DAILY).