MLB saw just one unidentified player test positive "for a banned stimulant in the year ending with the World Series," according to Ronald Blum of the AP. The league during the '17 season saw "two positive tests for banned stimulants that did not result in a suspension" (AP, 11/30). In Boston, Nick Cafardo noted MLB's joint drug prevention and treatment program report for '18 "indicates there were 101 therapeutic use exemptions for attention deficit disorder (ADD) but only one positive test for amphetamines." Cafardo: "This is amazing considering in the old days amphetamines were in a bowl for players as soon as they walked into the clubhouse." It was the "performance enhancer of choice back then, and most players partook" (BOSTON GLOBE, 12/2).
UNDER FURTHER REVIEW: In N.Y., Stephen Rex Brown reports umpire Angel Hernandez has "sued MLB for discrimination, claiming that he has not been promoted to crew chief because of his Latino descent." The suit was "recently moved to Manhattan Federal Court from Cincinnati." An MLB lawyer in a letter filed last week "revealed that Hernandez has requested 'several categories of highly sensitive documents' to prove his case." Attorney Neil Abramson wrote the categories "include 'employment documents concerning job history, performance and evaluation of other umpires,' confidential grievance and arbitration proceedings, umpire training methodology and instant replay protocol." Hernandez had three calls "overturned at first base" during Red Sox-Yankees ALDS Game 3 (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 12/3).
