One O Three

Or 103. However you like to look at it.
Lots of calls for the names (and heads) of the other 103 players who failed the 2003 MLB survey test. A-R*d is the 104th. I have little doubt that one day that the names will come out and some very sorry ballplayers (but not as in apologetic) will be branded with the Scarlet S - like some modern day Hester Prynne.

Back to the 103. So MLB gets the Players Assn. to consent to a survey test during the heated negotiations in 2002. This survey test had a stipulation that if over 5% of the players tested +, then MLB could institute full testing (albeit weak) in 2004. By all accounts, the fearsome twosome of Fehr and Orza actually snickered when they gave that one up, assuming the rank and file of the association (I refuse to call it a union) would never pass the threshold. Well here is a fact; a good lawyer knows all the answers to the questions being asked, so F&O should have figured the outcome, since they are "great lawyers". But sometimes absolute power and avarice clouds all but the outcome you wish for yourself, and the players tested at 8.8%. MLB prevails, but hold your applause, since they are complicit and late to the dance. So share the blame, Bud.

OK - now the waiting begins. The names will come out, mark the word of SoulSlam. And I'm sure we will scratch our heads at some of the names. Since we are six years past, some of these guys may be coming up for HOF consideration. They better hope they get in before the reveal.

Someone's knockin' at the door....