(Anthony Bosch – a cautionary tale for those who don’t get enough sleep and might someday have the same jpg in mass circulation)
While the digging of Miami New Times’ Tim Elfrink has caused no small headache for Alex Rodriguez (and subsequently, Ryan Braun), Elfrink’s paper claims Major League Baseball had previously visited their offices requesting evidence be turned over. While New Times’ Chuck Strouse admits, “we haven’t yet decided what do with the records from Tony Bosch’s clinic”, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney hopes said decision doesn’t include acquiescence to MLB.
The New Times deserves a ton of credit for breaking this story. But it’s really surprising they would even consider turning over any information to Major League Baseball. They aren’t an investigative service for private companies; they work for their readers. Can you imagine if David Halberstam, one of the great legends in journalism, got a call from Gen. William Westmoreland after one of Halberstam’s Vietnam stories and the general asked, “David, can I see the notes and examine the documents you used?” Halberstam would’ve slammed down the phone before the end of that sentence, because there’s no way that sort of transaction would be appropriate.
I hope the New Times offers one of three rhetorical responses:
1. “No, and don’t bother asking again.”
2. “Sure — if you let us examine all of your records on baseball’s drug-testing past, including the results of the 2003 survey testing.” (Which Major League Baseball would never provide.)
3. “Sure — if you let us examine all of your financial records.” (Which Major League Baseball would never allow, as a private company.)