Article: Jorge Polanco: I'm Really Sorry

[Seth Stohs]

FORT MYERS - On Monday morning, Twins shortstop Jorge Polanco met with Twins media following news that broke on Sunday night that he had been suspended by Major League Baseball for 80 games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.

 

Polanco did not address the specifics of his situation, but wanted the focus of his comments to be an apology to the organization, his teammates, fans and his home country of the Dominican Republic.Jorge Polanco began his comments by making an apology. "I’m here to say that I’m really sorry to be in this situation. I wanted to apologize to the entire Twins organization, my fans, my family and my country the Dominican Republic."

 

Polanco said that he learned about the failed drug test "a month ago." On Sunday, he reached out to Chief Baseball Officer Derek Falvey and manager Paul Molitor.

 

According to Falvey, it was completely ironic that the Twins signed veteran shortstop Erick Aybar on February 23rd, four days shy of a month ago. "Aybar was something that was in the mix already."

 

Only recently Polanco decided to drop his appeal, a decision that was not easy for him. "It was very difficult to drop the appeal, but out of respect to the organization, I did it. I just want to move forward."

 

Falvey noted that Polanco requested a meeting with him and manager Paul Molitor to own up to the situation.

 

"It's obviously disappointing. We all know Jorge. He's a good kid. He made a mistake. He owned it. He wanted to tell us. He wanted to be the person to break that news to us. He didn't want it to come from his agent or anything else. He asked for that."

 

He will not be able to rejoin the Twins on the field until the end of June, Polanco will stay in Ft. Myers throughout the suspension.

 

Polanco said, "I’m going to stay in Ft. Myers. I’m going to keep preparing for when I can come back this season and help the Minnesota Twins."

 

While he did not want to go into too many details, Polanco noted that he is fully aware of how the Stanozolol got into his system. (according to his statement, he requested a vitamin B12 and an iron supplement.)

 

"Yes, I know how everything happened. I won’t go into details. Today’s not the day to discuss those things. Today’s the day for me to be here in front of you guys and the Twins organization and my fans and just apologize."

 

Polanco was joined by his agent, Ulises Cabrera from Octagon agency. After Polanco spoke, Cabrera discussed his client.

 

"You guys know Jorge really well. I would imagine you would consider Jorge one of the better guys, and one of the more educated guys, and one of the most respectful guys."

He continued discussing how Polanco feels about this situation, "It's been difficult for him. He feels a tremendous responsibility to the organization. He loves the Twins organization. They're the team that has believed in him since Day 1, so it’s a very difficult situation to deal with For a 24-year-old to be able to handle himself as he has is impressive. I think it’s consistent with who he is as a person."

 

The specifics of his return are not known, but Cabrera said that Polanco will continue to work to be ready to help the Twins when he gets back. "The immediate plan is for (Jorge) to continue to work out and make sure he’s in baseball shape so when his opportunity comes, he’s ready to go and contribute to the greatest extent possible to the team in the back half of the season."

 

The hope is that when Polanco returns, he can take off right away the way he did over the final two months of the 2017 season. Unfortunately, along with the suspension, he will be ineligible for the Twins if they do make a playoff run.

 

Falvey provided some more detail to what Polanco can do while suspended. "When we break camp, he'll stay here in extended. He can play in those extended spring training games. He can work out, and then as we get closer, he'll go on a normal position player rehab assignment."

 

A "normal" position player rehab assignment is 20 games.

 

Falvey noted that the organization will continue to support him. "You think of a baseball team like a family. Family members make mistakes. Now it's the opportunity to support him going forward, and there's every expectation he'll work his tail of to be ready when that 81st game of the season comes."

 

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[Jerr]

Polanco knew exactly what he was doing, took that chance and was caught. No sympathy from me at all. The fact that he doesn't want to go into details, is all I need to figure that out. Just sad for him to throw it away.

 

[Vanimal46]

Like Jerr, he gets zero sympathy from me. You're a professional athlete in a league with a crystal clear list of banned substances. It's his responsibility to know exactly what he's taking.

 

Polanco was probably looking for an edge knowing Gordon, Lewis, and Javier are gunning for his spot on the team in the near future.

[laloesch]

 

Polanco knew exactly what he was doing, took that chance and was caught. No sympathy from me at all. The fact that he doesn't want to go into details, is all I need to figure that out. Just sad for him to throw it away.

 

 

FORT MYERS - On Monday morning, Twins shortstop Jorge Polanco met with Twins media following news that broke on Sunday night that he had been suspended by Major League Baseball for 80 games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.

Polanco did not address the specifics of his situation, but wanted the focus of his comments to be an apology to the organization, his teammates, fans and his home country of the Dominican Republic.Jorge Polanco began his comments by making an apology. "I’m here to say that I’m really sorry to be in this situation. I wanted to apologize to the entire Twins organization, my fans, my family and my country the Dominican Republic."

Polanco said that he learned about the failed drug test "a month ago." On Sunday, he reached out to Chief Baseball Officer Derek Falvey and manager Paul Molitor.

According to Falvey, it was completely ironic that the Twins signed veteran shortstop Erick Aybar on February 23rd, four days shy of a month ago. "Aybar was something that was in the mix already."

Only recently Polanco decided to drop his appeal, a decision that was not easy for him. "It was very difficult to drop the appeal, but out of respect to the organization, I did it. I just want to move forward."

Falvey noted that Polanco requested a meeting with him and manager Paul Molitor to own up to the situation.

"It's obviously disappointing. We all know Jorge. He's a good kid. He made a mistake. He owned it. He wanted to tell us. He wanted to be the person to break that news to us. He didn't want it to come from his agent or anything else. He asked for that."

He will not be able to rejoin the Twins on the field until the end of June, Polanco will stay in Ft. Myers throughout the suspension.

Polanco said, "I’m going to stay in Ft. Myers. I’m going to keep preparing for when I can come back this season and help the Minnesota Twins."

While he did not want to go into too many details, Polanco noted that he is fully aware of how the B-12 vitamin got into his system.

"Yes, I know how everything happened. I won’t go into details. Today’s not the day to discuss those things. Today’s the day for me to be here in front of you guys and the Twins organization and my fans and just apologize."

Polanco was joined by his agent, Ulises Cabrera from Octagon agency. After Polanco spoke, Cabrera discussed his client.

"You guys know Jorge really well. I would imagine you would consider Jorge one of the better guys, and one of the more educated guys, and one of the most respectful guys."
He continued discussing how Polanco feels about this situation, "It's been difficult for him. He feels a tremendous responsibility to the organization. He loves the Twins organization. They're the team that has believed in him since Day 1, so it’s a very difficult situation to deal with For a 24-year-old to be able to handle himself as he has is impressive. I think it’s consistent with who he is as a person."

The specifics of his return are not known, but Cabrera said that Polanco will continue to work to be ready to help the Twins when he gets back. "The immediate plan is for (Jorge) to continue to work out and make sure he’s in baseball shape so when his opportunity comes, he’s ready to go and contribute to the greatest extent possible to the team in the back half of the season."

The hope is that when Polanco returns, he can take off right away the way he did over the final two months of the 2017 season. Unfortunately, along with the suspension, he will be ineligible for the Twins if they do make a playoff run.

Falvey provided some more detail to what Polanco can do while suspended. "When we break camp, he'll stay here in Extended. He can play in those Extended spring training games. He can work out, and then as we get closer, he'll go on a normal position player rehab assignment."

A "normal" position player rehab assignment is 20 games.

Falvey noted that the organization will continue to support him. "You think of a baseball team like a family. Family members make mistakes. Now it's the opportunity to support him going forward, and there's every expectation he'll work his tail of to be ready when that 81st game of the season comes."

Click here to view the article

 

I wonder how this effects his career with the organization long term?  I mean he's losing half a season basically.  Does anyone know why vitamin B12 is illegal?  Is that considered performance enhancing?

Edited March 19, 2018 by laloesch

[spanman2]

 

 

I wonder how this effects his career with the organization long term?  I mean he's losing half a season basically.  Does anyone know why vitamin B12 is illegal?  Is that considered performance enhancing?

The 'banned' substance I believe was 'stanozolol'.  If that is incorrect I am certain someone will correct me.  Just don't understand why you would take something that is not given to you by someone not affiliated with the organization that employs you.  You just cant be 110% certain it is what the bottle says it is.  Not the best way to start the '18 season.  With that disappointment yields opportunity for someone to step up in his absence.  Hopefully that is what occurs.  WIN TWINS!

[mickeymental]

sorry not sorry.

[USAFChief]

"Polanco noted that he is fully aware of how the B-12 vitamin got into his system."

 

B-12 vitamin?

[Tommygun921]

May explain why he stuggled defensively if he knew about this for a month. His head wasn't in the game.

[Seth Stohs]

 

I wonder how this effects his career with the organization long term?  I mean he's losing half a season basically.  Does anyone know why vitamin B12 is illegal?  Is that considered performance enhancing?

 

It shouldn't effect his career at all. When he served his 80 game suspension, he'll be in good standing with the team and the league. They're going to support him in this.

[Seth Stohs]

 

The 'banned' substance I believe was 'stanozolol'.  If that is incorrect I am certain someone will correct me.  Just don't understand why you would take something that is not given to you by someone not affiliated with the organization that employs you.  You just cant be 110% certain it is what the bottle says it is.  Not the best way to start the '18 season.  With that disappointment yields opportunity for someone to step up in his absence.  Hopefully that is what occurs.  WIN TWINS!

 

I've corrected my wording. According to Polanco's statement, he requested B12 and an iron supplement. But yes, he tested positive for Stanozolol.

[bird]

Was Polanco a cheater who prospered during the second half last year when his performance seemed to be enhanced?

[Jerr]

 

"Polanco noted that he is fully aware of how the B-12 vitamin got into his system."

 

B-12 vitamin?

Sure, just B-12 and knows how and I'm sure what was in that cocktail.

 

[bustedstuff88]

After Ervin, now Jorge, perhaps the twins need to crack down and keep a closer watch on what their players are doing/taking while in the Wild West that is the DR.

 

Not to call out any specific country but 2 times now? Kinda getting old guys....

 

Someone please step up and dont let this destroy our season. 

[Craig Arko]

The Compassionate Buddha says you're okay, Jorge. 

[Loosey]

Even if he really had no idea Stanozolol was in his supplement that is still on him.  I'm not a professional athlete, and even I make sure any supplements I take are certified.  I know for sure I would not inject anything into myself, for multiple reasons.  Also, I don't understand why players take B-12 injections?  It is a vitamin and most of these guys have nutritionists on the team providing them a balanced diet.  If B-12 was lacking they have over the counter B-12 vitamins, I don't understand the injection of it.  Most of the time you pee it all out anyways because your body has enough from your diet unless you have a deficiency.   

[ashbury]

Even if he really had no idea Stanozolol was in his supplement that is still on him.  I'm not a professional athlete, and even I make sure any supplements I take are certified.  I know for sure I would not inject anything into myself, for multiple reasons.  Also, I don't understand why players take B-12 injections?  It is a vitamin and most of these guys have nutritionists on the team providing them a balanced diet.  If B-12 was lacking they have over the counter B-12 vitamins, I don't understand the injection of it.  Most of the time you pee it all out anyways because your body has enough from your diet unless you have a deficiency.   

Maybe one of the MDs who read this site will chime in, but my impression is that B-12 and Iron supplements are both commonly taken by injection, at least in the quantities needed to move the (ahem) needle. Oral supplements likely are just excreted.

[Han Joelo]

I appreciate Falvey's response.  Family members make mistakes.  Between how foolish he already feels and the 80 game suspension, I neither feel sorry for him, nor wish to pile on.  He made a mistake.  Move on.  It helps that I believe his agent--he does seem like a really good guy.

 

Its easy to cast stones, but considering my perhaps unfounded high opinion of Jorge, I am certainly rethinking my attitude about steroid users.  For now, I will believe that he (very) foolishly misplaced his trust in someone whom he believed would help make him a better athlete.

[Loops]

I do believe as Falvey stated that Polanco "made a mistake".  I do not believe that Polanco didn't know what he was doing.  It seems to me if an organization really cared about this, they would be the ones controlling supplements/etc that the players are taking.  There is no reason this could not be done.  Better control over what was really in the bottles could take place. 

That being said it does make you wonder if anyone really cares.  Players or organization.  The team wants to win. The players want to play.  Any edge they feel they can get a lot of them will take.  I do not believe the majority of people using are caught.  To me that is a sad.

[Danchat]

 

Like Jerr, he gets zero sympathy from me. You're a professional athlete in a league with a crystal clear list of banned substances. It's his responsibility to know exactly what he's taking.

Polanco was probably looking for an edge knowing Gordon, Lewis, and Javier are gunning for his spot on the team in the near future.

Do the players know much about the prospects in the minors? Maybe I'm not the right one to say this but I would think that Polanco wouldn't know much about that situation. Oh no, the Twins drafted a shortstop first overall who will arrive in 3-4 years and he might not even stick at that position... I highly doubt that's why Polanco was juicing. 

 

 

It shouldn't effect his career at all. When he served his 80 game suspension, he'll be in good standing with the team and the league. They're going to support him in this.

Though it might be worth mentioning that if he gets caught for using this drug (vitamin?) again he'll get a full season suspension. That's something to keep in the back of your head if or when a team is giving him an extension / new deal in the future.

[jimbo92107]

The solution is pretty simple: All prescriptions must be cleared through a Twins organization physician. 

 

Meanwhile, maybe now we know where Jorge Polanco's added bulk came from. Players are always looking for ways to get an edge, and one of the easiest is some kind of drug that allows more muscle growth. Looks to me like Polanco took the easy way, rather than more legal supplements and lots of iron pumping. 

[alexlegge]

I feel like this news is getting a lot of overreactions because it really stinks from a 'fan of Jorge Polanco' perspective and raises some questions about the position going forward. Realistically his ceiling this year was a 4ish-WAR player. So we're really only 'losing' max 2 wins over 80 games, and the team has enough depth to make up at least one win - so we really only lose one win, maybe even less....The bigger story to me is the continued suspensions among Dominican players especially given that many PEDs are legal there. If you were a young player and you thought you could be a lot more successful by doing something that's completely legal where you grew up, wouldn't you? MLB needs to address this better

[yarnivek1972]

One impactful side note: I’m pretty sure players don’t acrue service time while suspended. Polanco stands at 1 year, 105 days. A full season is 180 days I believe. So, Polanco will be at about 2 years, and 5-10 days or so following the 2018 season. It won’t impact which year he is eligible for arbitration or free agency, but he’ll have substantially less service time and he won’t have those numbers.

 

That could impact what he earns in his first arb year.

[Jerr]

 

I feel like this news is getting a lot of overreactions because it really stinks from a 'fan of Jorge Polanco' perspective and raises some questions about the position going forward. Realistically his ceiling this year was a 4ish-WAR player. So we're really only 'losing' max 2 wins over 80 games, and the team has enough depth to make up at least one win - so we really only lose one win, maybe even less....The bigger story to me is the continued suspensions among Dominican players especially given that many PEDs are legal there. If you were a young player and you thought you could be a lot more successful by doing something that's completely legal where you grew up, wouldn't you? MLB needs to address this better

What's legal there, is not legal where he is paid to play. These guys have to know that fact. And as to taking something, that could cost me me job? Nope, not me.

 

[Battle ur tail off]

 

I feel like this news is getting a lot of overreactions because it really stinks from a 'fan of Jorge Polanco' perspective and raises some questions about the position going forward. Realistically his ceiling this year was a 4ish-WAR player. So we're really only 'losing' max 2 wins over 80 games, and the team has enough depth to make up at least one win - so we really only lose one win, maybe even less....The bigger story to me is the continued suspensions among Dominican players especially given that many PEDs are legal there. If you were a young player and you thought you could be a lot more successful by doing something that's completely legal where you grew up, wouldn't you? MLB needs to address this better

He's your starting shortstop. Getting into WAR this and WAR that is foolish in this situation. The kid has/had an opportunity to lock down this position for the next few years at least. Besides catcher, THE most important position on the diamond. The Twins are not as good without him as they are with him. That's the bottom line IMO. Heck, he carried this team for a stretch with his bat last year also, remember?

 

 

Edited March 19, 2018 by Battle ur tail off

[adorduan]

 

I feel like this news is getting a lot of overreactions because it really stinks from a 'fan of Jorge Polanco' perspective and raises some questions about the position going forward. Realistically his ceiling this year was a 4ish-WAR player. So we're really only 'losing' max 2 wins over 80 games, and the team has enough depth to make up at least one win - so we really only lose one win, maybe even less....The bigger story to me is the continued suspensions among Dominican players especially given that many PEDs are legal there. If you were a young player and you thought you could be a lot more successful by doing something that's completely legal where you grew up, wouldn't you? MLB needs to address this better

So what if steroids are legal in the DR.  They aren't legal here, and they aren't allowed by his employer. He knew that and so do all of the other players.  How would you have MLB address this better?

[Loosey]

Has it been stated when he tested positive and when his last clean test was?  If he tested clean in, say, September and then now tested positive in January for example, that makes a difference to me for some stupid reason. It tells me he was clean last year and did something different this offseason.

 

Having that information would be nice if it is available.

[rdehring]

I will go with his explanation that he wasn't aware that the prohibited drug was in what he was given by his trainer.  But this points to a problem the Twins, and all of baseball, is having with players from the D.R.  Perhaps the Twins should become more pro-active.  Do they have a trainer at their academy in the D.R?  I would assume so.  If that is the case, perhaps they should suggest to all of their players (Twins and minor leagues) that they work with that trainer only when home in the winter.  Can't force them to do it, but perhaps many/most would.  Also recommend that they take nothing that hasn't been given them by that trainer, or at least reviewed by said trainer.

 

[alexlegge]

 

He's your starting shortstop. Getting into WAR this and WAR that is foolish in this situation. The kid has/had an opportunity to lock down this position for the next few years at least. Besides catcher, THE most important position on the diamond. The Twins are not as good without him as they are with him. That's the bottom line IMO. Heck, he carried this team for a stretch with his bat last year also, remember?

True, but at the same time Eduardo Escobar was raking at 3B while filling in for Sano. Sure they are worse without him, but it's a smaller difference than you'd think. Adrianza is a better fielder, and Escobar is arguably a better hitter (unless you're *really* buying into Polanco's hottest 6-week stretch, with or without PEDs). They'll make it work.

[alexlegge]

 

So what if steroids are legal in the DR.  They aren't legal here, and they aren't allowed by his employer. He knew that and so do all of the other players.  How would you have MLB address this better?

Of course, but it's easy to see how there might be different incentives for players and trainers coming from a country with a different set of values and laws regarding PEDs. I know MLB is already coordinating some "education" for young Dominican players regarding the adverse effects and career risks associated with use, but clearly there are still a lot of issues. First, they probably should focus on ways to improve cultural sensitivity. I'd also be interested in finding out if there were any particular trainers or 'hubs' of trainers in the DR that tend to distribute PEDs. There might even be trainers down there who administer PEDs to players unknowingly to advance their own careers. There are several angles that could be improved, because clearly something's wrong with the system at this point.

[Ryan Atkins]

 

Has it been stated when he tested positive and when his last clean test was?  If he tested clean in, say, September and then now tested positive in January for example, that makes a difference to me for some stupid reason. It tells me he was clean last year and did something different this offseason.

 

Having that information would be nice if it is available.

 

Has this been reported? Is this info released to the public? I'm curious as well simply because I have seen people assert that his strong 2nd half production was influenced by this drug use. How can one make this assertion without knowing when he tested positive?

 

Also, does all it take for 80-game suspension is a single isolated test or does it require at least two positives within some time period?

 

I feel bad for him, but also support these suspensions to ensure a clean game.