# Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroids in 2003 **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [February 7, 2009, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808 "2009-02-07T15:48:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![DudleyGarrett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d9b06d/32.png) [@DudleyGarrett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DudleyGarrett)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/61 "2009-02-09T21:06:49Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > These are the ones he specifically mentioned: > Mark McGwire, Jason Giambi, Rafael Palmeiro, Iván Rodríguez, and Juan González > > In the new book that will probably now get printed: Alex Rodriguez and Albert Belle (I still can’t believe Rafael Palmeiro – that’s the sad one for me). So when do Pudge and Juan-Gone admit it? Albert Belle was a scary dude… did he admit juicing? ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/62 "2009-02-09T21:09:54Z")
> [@DudleyGarrett](#): > > (I still can’t believe Rafael Palmeiro – that’s the sad one for me). > > So when do Pudge and Juan-Gone admit it? > > Albert Belle was a scary dude… did he admit juicing? Not that I recall. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/63 "2009-02-09T21:11:16Z")
Those guys don’t have any particular reason to come clean. Gonzalez hasn’t played in years and Rodriguez is at the end of his career. He lost a bunch of weight a few offseasons ago, which some people found very suspicious - after steroid testing began for real, I think. ---
**Author:** ![MOIDALIZE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@MOIDALIZE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MOIDALIZE)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/64 "2009-02-09T21:17:01Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Despite the picked-and-chosen numbers, Rodriguez did not actually hit any better in 2001-2003 than he usually does; he had his two big homer years but in a ballpark that inflates home run totals, and he otherwise wasn’t any better than usual. His best (hitting) season so far was actually 2007. They were “picked and chosen” on the basis of when he admitted to using PEDs. I agree that 2007 was his best year, with 1996 (his first full season with Seattle) a close second. In my opinion, it’s not his homerun numbers and slugging percentage that stand out from 01-03, it’s the fact that he only missed a single game in all three of those years. He missed significant time in Seattle in every season except for 1998. I would never argue that A-Rod, Bonds, or any of those guys weren’t naturally gifted hitters, but I do think they got attained an injury recovery advantage through the use of PEDs. That’s why Ken Griffey Jr.'s reputation is rock solid in my mind. I think the number of injuries he suffered is proof enough that he stayed clean. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/65 "2009-02-09T21:20:21Z")
> [@MOIDALIZE](#): > > That’s why Ken Griffey Jr.'s reputation is rock solid in my mind. I think the number of injuries he suffered is proof enough that he stayed clean. This is hopeless. Steroid users have a reputation for breaking down, if you notice what happened to McGwire at the end. And Bonds, and Canseco, and Sosa. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/66 "2009-02-09T21:23:16Z")
> [@MOIDALIZE](#): > > They were “picked and chosen” on the basis of when he admitted to using PEDs. I agree that 2007 was his best year, with 1996 (his first full season with Seattle) a close second. In my opinion, it’s not his homerun numbers and slugging percentage that stand out from 01-03, it’s the fact that he only missed a single game in all three of those years. He missed significant time in Seattle in every season except for 1998. I would never argue that A-Rod, Bonds, or any of those guys weren’t naturally gifted hitters, but I do think they got attained an injury recovery advantage through the use of PEDs. That’s why Ken Griffey Jr.'s reputation is rock solid in my mind. I think the number of injuries he suffered is proof enough that he stayed clean. I don’t know, I think Griffey is clean but Big Mac had plenty of injuries I thought. At least as many as A-Rod. ---
**Author:** ![MOIDALIZE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@MOIDALIZE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MOIDALIZE)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/67 "2009-02-09T21:39:40Z")
Yeah, they break down when they’re old. But during the prime of their careers, if they’re using PEDs they’re able to train more, get more out of training, and recover from training and injuries that much faster. How do you explain all the time A Rod missed in the early part of his career, followed up by him suddenly becoming an iron man after he signed with Texas? How do you explain Bonds averaging 143 games played from age 35-40? Mark McGwire missed most of the 1993 and 1994 seasons, and according to his brother started juicing in 1994, after which he was able to average about 140 games per year over the next 5 seasons (the first of which was strike shortened). ---
**Author:** ![Hawkeyeop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/958977/32.png) [@Hawkeyeop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hawkeyeop)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/68 "2009-02-09T21:41:35Z")
> [@MOIDALIZE](#): > > Yeah, they break down when they’re old. But during the prime of their careers, if they’re using PEDs they’re able to train more, get more out of training, and recover from training and injuries that much faster. > > How do you explain all the time A Rod missed in the early part of his career, followed up by him suddenly becoming an iron man after he signed with Texas? How do you explain Bonds averaging 143 games played from age 35-40? Man, Lou Gehrig must have been on some good stuff. ---
**Author:** ![MOIDALIZE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@MOIDALIZE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MOIDALIZE)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/69 "2009-02-09T21:46:00Z")
> [@Hawkeyeop](#): > > Man, Lou Gehrig must have been on some good stuff. Gehrig’s last full season was 1938, when he was 35. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/70 "2009-02-09T21:50:46Z")
> [@](#): > > That’s why Ken Griffey Jr.'s reputation is rock solid in my mind. I think the number of injuries he suffered is proof enough that he stayed clean. I am not an expert, but I have been hearing the opposite for years. That hamstring injuries are typical of heavy steroid use, and and getting the bodies musculature out of natural balance. I have heard lots of people say the Griffey’s constant hamstring problems constitute near proof of roid use. off to see if I can find any official stuides about 'roids and hamstrings. ---
**Author:** ![Hawkeyeop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/958977/32.png) [@Hawkeyeop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hawkeyeop)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/71 "2009-02-09T21:52:32Z")
> [@MOIDALIZE](#): > > Gehrig’s last full season was 1938, when he was 35. An age that Arod hasn’t hit. How bout Cal Ripken? ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/72 "2009-02-09T21:53:17Z")
> [@MOIDALIZE](#): > > ESPN had an interesting statistical graphic. The first column is A-Rod’s average stats from 2001-2003, the second column is his average for his other 10 seasons (which doesn’t include his first 2 seasons with Seattle): > > Games/season://///////161.7--------148.4 > Batting avg.:////////////.305----------.309 > Homers/season:///////52.0-----------39.2 > Slugging:////////////////.615-----------.574 These numbers are irrelevant. 2003 was his age 27 year - the point at which many players reach their peak. It also marks the last year in which he hit in the tiny confines of The Ballpark at Arlington for 81 games a year, and moved to a relatively less friendly venue. Regardless, here are Ken Griffey’s similar numbers for his year 25-28 seasons, compared to his 10 other best seasons (minus SLG, because I don’t want to input all those numbers): ```auto Games/season: 152.7 140.6 Batting average: .297 .299 HR/season: 53.7 33.1 RBI/season: 144 98.4 2nd column years: 1990-1994, 1999-2001, 2005, 2007 ``` Also irrelevant. Too many factors to account for. ---
**Author:** ![MOIDALIZE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@MOIDALIZE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MOIDALIZE)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/73 "2009-02-09T21:53:59Z")
Ripken was an average hitter with a decent glove who played a bunch of games to secure a legacy for himself. What’s your point? ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/74 "2009-02-09T21:55:42Z")
> [@MOIDALIZE](#): > > Gehrig’s last full season was 1938, when he was 35. And then his production really dropped off. Dude must have been juiced. ---
**Author:** ![MOIDALIZE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@MOIDALIZE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MOIDALIZE)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/75 "2009-02-09T21:59:44Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > And then his production really dropped off. Dude must have been juiced. No, if he had continued mashing the ball after the age of 35, I might believe he was juicing. Oh, and if not for a little thing called Lou Gehrig’s disease. ---
**Author:** ![Hawkeyeop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/958977/32.png) [@Hawkeyeop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hawkeyeop)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/76 "2009-02-09T22:07:59Z")
> [@MOIDALIZE](#): > > Ripken was an average hitter with a decent glove who played a bunch of games to secure a legacy for himself. What’s your point? Ripken was a fantastic hitter, and above average defender who played long enough for people to forget just how good a hitter he was in his prime. I don’t know the guy, but I’m guessing he played a lot of games because he liked playing baseball is. My point is if playing a lot games is a sign of steriod use, then Ripken must have been juicing. ---
**Author:** ![MOIDALIZE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@MOIDALIZE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MOIDALIZE)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/77 "2009-02-09T22:18:43Z")
> [@Hawkeyeop](#): > > Ripken was a fantastic hitter, and above average defender who played long enough for people to forget just how good a hitter he was in his prime. I don’t know the guy, but I’m guessing he played a lot of games because he liked playing baseball is. My point is if playing a lot games is a sign of steriod use, then Ripken must have been juicing. He was a .276 lifetime hitter. He was such a great fielder that he won 2 Gold Gloves his entire career. And I never said games played alone was the key factor, it’s the ability to suddenly stay healthy and produce at a high level after your assumed “prime” despite your prior history. ---
**Author:** ![Fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bc8723/32.png) [@Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fish)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/78 "2009-02-09T22:41:34Z")
> [@MOIDALIZE](#): > > Oh, and if not for a little thing called Lou Gehrig’s disease. Man, what’re the odds he’d get that? ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2009, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/79 "2009-02-10T03:25:10Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > This is hopeless. Steroid users have a reputation for breaking down, if you notice what happened to McGwire at the end. And Bonds, and Canseco, and Sosa. You’re kidding, right? Barry Bonds, the guy who won an MVP award when he was FORTY? The path the discussion has taken just goes to prove how “I think he’s on roids” is pointless. So far we have two distinct lines of thought: 1. If you’re durable, you’re on roids. 2. If you’re not durable, you’re on roids. I think it rather obvious, at least to my eye, that 'roids help recover from injury - I believe steroids probably SAVED Mark McGwire’s career, which was going down the tubes midway through due to injuries - but it’s obviously going to depend on the individual and their particular reaction and roid of choice. ---
**Author:** ![Yookeroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yookeroo/32/323_2.png) [@Yookeroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yookeroo)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2009, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808/80 "2009-02-10T05:35:52Z")
> [@MOIDALIZE](#): > > He was a .276 lifetime hitter. He was such a great fielder that he won 2 Gold Gloves his entire career. Talk about cherry picking stats. You’re using two not very useful ones. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alex-rodriguez-tested-positive-for-steroids-in-2003/484808.md?page=5)