Is Cespedes a roider?

[docjj]

I must admit, from what I've seen of the guy (pictures and video) he looks the part to me. He has a full round face, and unnatural looking bulk to his neck/shoulders/arms. I doubt they test for PED's in Cuba. Some team might invest $60 million in the guy, only to have him stop using steroids, shrink away, and be left with nothing....

[ofahn]

Wouldn't that be something they test for in the contract physical?

[docjj]

I don't know if blood tests are considered part of the "physical". The physical typically means a physical examination. I don't think they are allowed to do labs/imaging. Besides, he can stop a few weeks before testing anyway to achieve the negative result.

[Zach]

Since the commissioners office has started to seriously cracked down on steriods it would make sense for a club to include blood work in the physical before investing heavily in a prospect like this.

[ofahn]

Yoenis Cespedes Granted Free Agency
By Ben Nicholson-Smith [January 25 at 3:33pm CST]

MLB has informed teams that Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is now a free agent, Ben Badler of Baseball America tweets. Cespedes, who has drawn interest from many MLB teams this offseason, recently gained residency in the Dominican Republic. Adam Katz of Wasserman Media Group represents Cespedes.

Let the frenzy begin.

[Matt P]

I just hope the O's don't even waste their time attempting to sign him.

[ofahn]

I just hope the O's don't even waste their time attempting to sign him.

Because............?

[birdwatcher55]

I wouldn't spend the $$ on him but that aside, he's going to have to pass a drug physical before he signs a MLB contract.

[jwmann2]

So what if he is? Steroids don't add 5 miles an hour to your fastball. They help your muscles recover quickly. It's a supplement. An illegal supplement, but just something to give your body that little extra boost.