PIAZZA BLAMES SCULLY FOR FANS TURNING THEIR BACK

Piazza blames Scully for fans turning their backs on him

• MLB
• February 15, 2013
• By: Shawn S. Lealos

Mike Piazza blames Scully

Credits:

Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Mike Piazza is one of the greatest players in Los Angeles Dodgers history. Vin Scully is a legend to all Dodgers’ fans. However, according to the L.A. Times on Feb. 14, Pizza blames Scully for the L.A. fans turning their backs on him.

The way Piazza describes it in his book “Long Shot,” Scully did an interview in 1998 where he called out Piazza for stalled contract talks and an ultimatum that the catcher delivered. In an interview that Piazza took part in with Scully, the catcher criticized the Dodgers and said the contract talks might affect his play.

He then said that Vin Scully turned those words around on him. Piazza said that Scully made it look like he set a deadline and insisted on untold riches from the Dodgers. He said that Scully used his announcer’s booth to make fans believe that Piazza had no loyalty to the team that drafted him with the final pick of the 1988 MLB Draft and nurtured him to greatness.

In the book Mike Piazza slams Scully, saying the announcer was “crushing him.” As a result the boos started to come down on Piazza before the Dodgers traded him away. As a result, he rarely visits Dodgers stadium and clearly still holds a grudge.

When contacted about the allegations, Vin Scully seemed shocked and said he would never talk about a player and their contract in that manner. When the Times pulled up the interview, Scully was correct and only asked Piazza about the ultimatum, giving him a chance to tell his side of the story.

“I’m very disappointed in that, I’m sorry he would even do that,” his godfather Tommy Lasorda said about the comments in the book. ”I don’t know what he said.

EDB

ANTHONY BOSCH INJECTED CHEAT-ROD

Alex Rodriguez PED allegations: Anthony Bosch reportedly injected 3B

Published Friday, Feb 1, 2013 at 1:04 pm EST

Staff report Sporting News

Alex Rodriguez was personally injected with performance-enhancing drugs by Biogenesis clinic chief Anthony Bosch, sources tell ESPN.com.

According to the report, Bosch would travel to Rodriguez’s home late at night every few weeks to administer the injections.

An ESPN report says Biogenesis clinic head Anthony Bosch personally injected Alex Rodriguez with PEDs. (AP Photo)

“Only Tony handled A-Rod,” one source told ESPN.com.

Another source told of one such visit during which Bosch had trouble locating Rodriguez’s vein, angering the slugger and resulting in Bosch being kicked out of A-Rod’s mansion.

Bosch has denied these allegations, referring to them as “all wrong.”

Rodriguez is one of six active major league players accused of buying PEDs from the now-closed clinic located in the Miami area. On Tuesday, the Miami New Times published the findings of a lengthy investigation into the clinic that turned up handwritten notes and records that supported the claims.

In addition to Rodriguez, Washington Nationals lefthander Gio Gonzalez and Texas Rangers right fielder Nelson Cruz were accused of using PEDs purchased from the Biogenesis clinic. All have issued statements denying those allegations.

Three other active players (Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Melky Cabrera, Oakland A’s righthander Bartolo Colon, San Diego Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal) also named in the investigation already had tested positive for PEDS and had been given 50-game suspensions.

A-ROID is the biggest stiff in all of sports.  EDB

YANKEE FAN’S FAVORITE STIFF-ROD AGAIN CONNECTED WITH BIOGENESIS

Name of Yankees’ A-Rod in more Biogenesis files

• By DON BURKE
• Last Updated: 12:14 PM, February 16, 2013
• Posted: 12:51 AM, February 16, 2013

 

 

Alex Rodriguez may still question the legitimacy of the records kept by Biogenesis of America founder Anthony Bosch even as a few of the other players named in the Miami New Times report, including teammate Francisco Cervelli, have admitted to dealings with the now shuttered Coral Gables, Fla., clinic.

But Rodriguez’s name, with a dollar amount next to it, has shown up in additional Biogenesis documents obtained by ESPN’s “Outside the Lines.”

One of the handwritten documents was a list of names and dollar amounts, presumably for services rendered. Cervelli, the Yankees catcher, Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun, and Melky Cabrera of the Blue Jays were also on the list.

A source said to be familiar with the documents told “Outside the Lines” the list was a listing of players who received performance-enhancing drugs, and there is “no other reason to be on that paper.”

One of the documents shows plus signs next to the players’ names, which are circled for players who paid their fees, a source said.

PHOTOS: YANKEES SPRING TRAINING

Rodriguez, the Yankees third baseman, currently rehabbing his left hip following surgery last month, is listed as having paid the clinic $4,500, and Cervelli having paid $2,500. According to the document, which was purportedly written last April, Braun owed the clinic $1,500. There was no dollar amount next to Cabrera’s name.

Asked for comment, Terry Fahn, Rodriguez’s spokesman, recycled the statement he issued when the Miami New Times story broke last month.

“The news report[s] about a purported relationship between Alex Rodriguez and Anthony Bosch are not true,” the statement read. “Alex Rodriguez was not Mr. Bosch’s patient, he was never treated by him and he was never advised by him. The purported documents referenced in the story — at least as they relate to Alex Rodriguez — are not legitimate.’’

While MLB continues its investigation, it has no subpoena power. As a result, sources told “Outside the Lines” baseball officials have tried to spark an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, but no investigations by either the DEA or FBI have been initiated.

I just love Stiff-Rod.  Don’t You?  EDB

RYAN “CHEATING DOG” BRAUN LISTED IN MORE BIOGENESIS MATERIAL

Ryan Braun Reportedly Appears in More Biogenisis Clinic Material

By

Matt Fitzgerald

(Featured Columnist) on February 15, 2013

Milwaukee Brewers superstar left fielder Ryan Braun may not be out of harm’s way in regards to allegations of his PED use.

A report by ESPN’s T.J. Quinn and Mike Fish reveals a list acquired from Biogenesis of America clinic founder Anthony Bosch, which names several Major League Baseball players and indicates they received performance-enhancing drugs.

Included on that list is Braun.

The report cited a source close to the television show Outside the Lines, which obtained the documents in this latest inquiry:

The list with Braun’s name, which also includes New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez and Francisco Cervelli and Toronto’s Melky Cabrera, was a list of players who received PEDs, and that there is “no other reason to be on that paper.”

The figure next to Braun’s name signifies $1,500, the amount of money that Braun allegedly owed Bosch for purchasing PEDs.

Braun’s stellar stats were called into question just over a year ago after testing positive for elevated levels of testosterone; however, Braun was the first player in MLB history to win his appeal, as reported by The New York Times’ Ken Belson and Michael S. Schmidt.

After dealing with that offseason controversy, Braun responded with a sensational 2012 campaign, swatting a National League-leading 41 home runs and driving in 112 runs, while maintaining a .319 batting average.

Quinn and Fish emphasize that this does not definitively prove that the 29-year-old did in fact take the drugs, but the link between Braun and Biogenesis is definitely getting stronger.

Bosch was also behind the positive HCG test that resulted in a 50-game suspension for Manny Ramirez during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, as alluded to in the report.

This latest information gives more legs to the story by Tim Brown and Jeff Passan of Yahoo! last Friday, in which Braun’s name was linked to the alleged PED clinic.

Braun explained that he had nothing to hide and would fully cooperate with investigators.

It remains unclear as to why Braun consulted with Bosch in the first place, and these documents unearthed by ESPN amplify that question.

 

EDB

RICKY DICKY HENDERSON NEVER USED STEROIDS..BUT DOES NOT BLAME THOSE WHO DID

Rickey Henderson says he didn’t use steroids, but doesn’t blame those who did

Comments 0

May 11, 2009 3:22 pm

By Mike McDermott

By Mark McGuire
Albany Times Union

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – Baseball Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson says the reactions among Hall of Famers to recent greats being ensnared by performance- enhancing drugs range from disappointment to confusion to anger.

“By and large they struggle with it a bit because it’s so foreign,” Idelson said last week. “It was not something that was available when they played. Guys are very protective of the game’s integrity.”

Perhaps you can put Rickey Henderson down in the disappointed and confused camp, even though steroids emerged as a force in the second half of his 25-year, first-ballot Hall of Fame career.

Actually, it’s kind of confusing trying to figure out what the greatest leadoff hitter of all time actually thinks about the Steroids Era, which had another chapter written Thursday with the 50-game suspension of Manny Ramirez.

“I don’t see that they did anything wrong,” the stolen-base king said of players using PEDs. “They took advantage of the game.”

And, as the Oakland A, New York Yankee and star for seven other franchises showed over the years dancing off of first, baseball is all about exploiting an advantage.

But then Henderson, who toured the Hall of Fame Friday in advance of his July induction, turned around and lamented the proliferation of PEDs, which he said he wasn’t fully aware of despite sharing a clubhouse with Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire. (That said, he added he was never tempted because bulking up would rob him of speed.)

“It’s troubling a little bit, but they are trying to correct it. They are trying to clean it up.”

So, are steroids and other PEDs an understandable outgrowth of athletes seeking an edge, or should the perps be banned from these hallowed halls that will admit him in a handful of weeks?

“It was the era and the time, but we don’t know what it really meant to the game,” Henderson said. “I can’t even ask ‘Do they deserve to be in the Hall of Fame?’

“I can understand that it was an era something was going on . . . and at that time I don’t think it was considered in baseball illegal.”

OK, there’s some modern-day Stengelese going on here. Nothing is easy when it comes to this issue and Cooperstown, even for a clean athlete merely asked about it.

But these are the issues we deal with instead of reliving Henderson’s greatness. And make no mistake: For a player who was so brash (“competitive,” Henderson corrects), Rickey might be one of the most underrated players from any era.

The 10-time All-Star is the career leader in stolen bases, runs and unintentional walks. His record 130 steals in 1982 is up there with DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak. Consider this: He had 84 steals at the ’82 All-Star break. The last player with 84 steals in a season? Henderson, who stole 93 in 1988.

Henderson led the league in steals 12 times, and led off games with homers 81 times. The Man of Steal had a flaky side – and, really, I still have no clue what he thinks about the Steroids Era – but he’s undoubtedly one of the best to have ever played.

At least this much is clear: Henderson, a sculpted left fielder who will go in with Jim Rice, should eventually see his long career viewed in an even greater light as a result of baseball’s ongoing mess.

“It makes me more proud that my accomplishments are clean.” Henderson said. “I did it the right way.”

 

 

EDB

CERVELLI BOWS OUT OF WORLD CLASSIC

Cervelli bows out of World Baseball Classic

Catcher plans to stay in camp to compete for starting job

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 2/16/2013 11:45 A.M. ET

• C

Francisco Cervelli is passing on playing in the World Baseball Classic in order to focus on winning the Yankees’ catching job. (AP)

TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli is passing on a chance to play in the World Baseball Classic so he can stay in camp to compete for a starting job.

Cervelli was listed on the provisional roster for Italy’s Classic squad, but said that he recently told Italy manager Marco Mazzieri that he would have to decline the invitation.

“I talked to the manager two days ago, and he understood everything,” Cervelli said. “I think I’m going to have more [chances] in the future.”

Cervelli, who is of both Italian and Venezuelan descent, previously played for Italy in the 2009 Classic.

The 26-year-old is viewed as an early frontrunner to serve as the Yankees’ Opening Day catcher this season, with Chris Stewart and Austin Romine also in competition for the job.

“This is what I’ve been looking for,” Cervelli said. “I think it’s a smart thing to stay here [in camp].”

Cervelli said that the Yankees did not discourage him from playing in the Classic. New York projects to have two participants, with first baseman Mark Teixeira playing for Team USA and second baseman Robinson Cano suiting up for the Dominican Republic.

“They told me I [could] do it, but it’s my own decision,” Cervelli said. “I just wanted to work out and come here and concentrate on my things.”

 

EDB

RESULTS WILL DETERMINE YOUK’S FATE

Results, not words will decide Yankees fate for Youkilis

• By JOEL SHERMAN
• Last Updated: 6:30 AM, February 16, 2013
• Posted: 12:55 AM, February 16, 2013
• Yankees Blog

Joel Sherman

Blog: Hardball

TAMPA — Can we move beyond the sideshow stories involving Kevin Youkilis now?

He has shaken Joba Chamberlain’s hand. Explained his heart still being in Boston. Professed his love for all things New York and Yankees.

So can we get to the only element that actually will matter in 2013: Can Youkilis replace Alex Rodriguez — and we don’t mean on the back pages with outrageous statements or actions?

Youkilis’ final grade in The Bronx will be computed the same as anyone’s: Can he still play? Not whether he was a member of the Red Sox. Not whether he and Chamberlain ever will stroll hand-in-hand whistling “Kumbaya.”

Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

Kevin Youkilis

If Youkilis helps the Yankees win big will any fan really give a darn where he spent the bulk of his career?

PHOTOS: YANKEES SPRING TRAINING

Did any Yankees fan care where Wade Boggs won his batting titles when he was riding that horse in the 1996 championship aftermath? Did anyone care that Roger Clemens was the all-time Red Sox victory leader when he was helping the Yankees three-peat? Did even the most fervent pinstriped loyalists give two hoots about Johnny Damon’s Idiot past when he was stealing two bases on one play in the 2009 World Series?

If Youkilis is staying healthy and holding his own at third and doing Greek God of Walk things at the plate, Yankees devotees will embrace him. If he doesn’t, the friendly fire that should concern him will not be coming from Joba’s right hand.

Still, Youkilis understood that even silly soap operas have a shelf life, so he wisely attempted to deactivate the drama around him.

He shook hands with Chamberlain in the clubhouse and the two once more declared no lingering bad blood. Will they actually like and respect each other? Who cares? No clubhouse has group love. Besides, neither Youkilis nor Chamberlain carries enough heft in the Yankees world to poison the environment, even if they were at odds. This isn’t like the cold war that existed in the first few years together between Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter that chilled a whole clubhouse.

Chamberlain is more child-like than Phineas or Ferb, so nobody in the clubhouse takes him too seriously anyway. Youkilis seems shrewd enough not to make what likely is a one-year pit stop in New York crumble because he does not get along with a teammate who will play about 70 innings.

As for the supposed tension in switching allegiances in The Rivalry, are we really still doing this? Youkilis will be the 220th player to wear the uniforms of both teams. At some point when we got beyond, say, 150, this should have expired as interesting.

Youkilis exhumed the storyline Thursday by telling reporters, “I’ll always be a Red Sock.” He realized in seeing those words on the Internet later that day that without context the sentence was going to create problems. He was ribbed in his own clubhouse yesterday morning upon his words surfacing on The Post’s back page. He handled it well, jokingly asking a few new teammates when A-Rod was going to show to take the heat off of him.

He then requested to meet reporters again to clarify that the Red Sox will always be part of his life, like being a Yankee now will, and anyone who knows his overt competitive nature will understand his passion now percolates on beating Boston and every other Yankees opponent. Of course, only folks dialed to be unreasonable would expect Youkilis not to cherish years in Boston in which he was a star, beloved and a champion.

Still, as popular and historic as Youkilis might have been in Boston, he was excised last June because he stopped being a good player.

Bobby Valentine, then the Red Sox’s skipper, noticed a lifelessness in Youkilis’ body quickly in spring, a departure of athleticism. Was that because Youkilis was not completely healed from a back injury? Was it because his head was messed up over a growing belief within the clubhouse that he was a source for the Boston Globe beer-and-fried-chicken expose? Or was it simply that his game was in freefall?

He played better with the White Sox, but not close to his 2008-10 stratosphere. The Yankees don’t need that high point. Until A-Rod comes back, and potentially the whole season if he does not, the Yankees need a healthy Youkilis translating his feisty at-bats into 15-20 homers and an on-base percentage north of .350, while making sure all the routine outs are made defensively.

Anything more would be a fringe benefit. Anything considerably less and it will not matter if Youkilis were nurtured in the Yankees farm system as Joba’s best friend. The rules of engagement ultimately will be the same for Youkilis as for any Yankee: Are you helping the team win or not?

joel.sherman@nypost.com

NELSON CRUZ SHOCKED HIS NAME IS LINKED TO PED’S

Cruz shocked name linked to Fla. clinic, PEDs

Published: February 15, 2013 Updated 16 hours ago

Texas Rangers players run during a spring training baseball workout, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, in Surprise, Ariz.

Charlie Riedel — AP Photo

The Associated Press

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Texas Rangers slugger Nelson Cruz said Friday it was “shocking” and “depressing” to see his name came up in connection with a Florida clinic now at the center of Major League Baseball’s latest drug investigation.

Cruz, however, said he could not shed any light on why his name is reportedly in the records of Biogenesis of America LLC, a now-closed anti-aging clinic in Coral Gables, Fla. The Miami New Times reported last month that it obtained records detailing banned substances purchases by several players, including Cruz, the 2011 AL championship series MVP.

“I want to speak and I want to talk, but my lawyer told me I cannot say anything right now,” Cruz said. “I want to be honest, but this is currently under investigation by Major League Baseball and I can’t really make any comment on it. As soon as it is done, I will talk. I want to comment, but I can’t, sorry.”

Cruz said he has not yet met with any MLB investigators, but would cooperate with them. Cruz, who is represented by Seth and Sam Levinson of ACEs, said he was contacted by his agents the day before the New Times article was published.

“It was shocking, really depressing,” Cruz said. “It can really hurt you.”

He acknowledged it could be difficult in spring training until there is a resolution of the investigation. He said he plans to play for the Dominican Republic next month in the World Baseball Classic; teammates Adrian Beltre and shortstop Elvis Andrus are among Rangers players expected to miss some of camp to participate in the tournament.

“I don’t worry at all,” Cruz said about the investigation. “I know it’s going to come good so hopefully it’s done right and quick as possible.”

Cruz hit .260 with 24 home runs, with career-highs 45 doubles and 90 RBIs in 159 games last season. He has hit at least 22 home runs the past four years.

“We’re just taking it day-by-day,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. “There’s nothing much we can do really. We expect he’s going to be our right fielder. If something comes up that impacts that, we’ll deal with that at that point.

“Hopefully, the process speeds up and we get it out of the way and we focus on the year. I’m not overly concerned from a club’s standpoint. It’s an open investigation at this point. We’re kind of in a wait-and-see mode, but we’re going to support Nelly in the process.”

Daniels met with Cruz before the team worked out Friday.

“I think he would generally like this to be a little further down the line,” Daniels said. “I don’t think he likes having a ‘no comment.’ I think he would like to be able address it a little bit more, but I understand why he can’t.”

The Rangers have had to address sticky issues the past few years. Late during the 2009 season, Washington offered to resign after admitting to using cocaine once and failing a drug test. Outfielder Josh Hamilton had a relapse with alcohol last year. Hamilton, the five-time All-Star and former AL MVP, is now with the Angels.

“We’ve been through a lot and we’ve dealt with some different things over the years,” Daniels said. “You don’t ever want to deal with these things, but they do come up. It’s a reality of the game, society and the industry. We just have to let it play out.”

EDB

TOO EARLY TO KNOW IF RETIREMENT IS FOR MARIANO

Too early for even Rivera to know if retirement is right

By Terence Moore | Archive 2/15/2013 2:56 P.M. ET

Rivera returns to the field00:02:51

Mariano Rivera is thrilled to be back on the field at Spring Training, and says he will announce his future plans before the regular season

Stop it. Just stop it. I’m referring to those who keep wanting Mariano Rivera to reveal — you know, right now — whether 2013 is his last season, and I’m also referring to the man himself.

For the record, Rivera announced Wednesday in Tampa during the opening of Spring Training for the Yankees that he would give his thoughts on retirement to the public before Opening Day.

Why? We don’t need to know.

Chances are, Rivera does not really know what he wishes to do. And no, it does not matter what he said after his first full workout when a bunch of nosey types with cameras and notebooks asked the 43-year-old reliever with the surgically repaired right knee the following: Have you determined if this 19th Major League season will be your last?

“Yes, I have, but I won’t give it up until I’m ready for that,” said Rivera, before he quickly added: “Don’t worry. The time will come. Another day or week won’t hurt.”

This also won’t hurt: Having Rivera remain silent about his intentions to play or not beyond 2013 until after the season.

What’s the hurry? This isn’t one of those Willie Mays things, when the legendary center fielder went from running forever to catch a drive over his head during the 1954 World Series to stumbling while chasing a sinking fly ball in vain during the 1973 World Series.

It was time for Mays to leave.

The same was true for Mickey Mantle at the end, with his crumbling knees, and Tom Seaver, when his fastball was no longer fast.

Then there were the examples of Johnny Bench and Carl Yastrzemski, both Hall of Famers and both letting the world know during the 1983 season that they were finished by the end of October.

Both were done by then, because both had spent the previous two or three seasons looking less than their Cooperstown selves.

Six years later, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar brought “The Farewell Tour” to a different level for all professional athletes of high regard. That’s when he announced he was ending his two decades in the NBA at the end of his 1988-89 season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

City after city, Abdul-Jabbar received stuff — a yacht, a rocking chair, an Afghan rug and things in between — but you know what?

He was also done by then.

As for Rivera, prior to his freak injury that occurred last May while he was shagging fly balls during batting practice for the Yankees in Kansas City, he was far from done. He was still resembling the guy who had become the greatest reliever ever.

He was still baffling hitters with his cut fastball.

He was still entering games and leaving with a bunch of zeros next to his name. (For instance: After blowing a save on Opening Day 2012, he pitched eight scoreless innings with five saves).

He was still showing no signs of decline.

No wonder that Rivera told the world, on the same day he dropped to the ground with his knee twisted and aching, “I’m not going down like this,” and he spoke the truth. He worked diligently after his ACL surgery to come into the Yankees camp this spring looking fit and trim.

Like the old Rivera.

Until proven otherwise, this is the old Rivera.

That’s “old,” as in the reliever whose 608 saves are the most in baseball history. Rivera also ranks among the primary reasons why the Yankees finished their most recent dynasty producing four world championships.

“I’m definitely expecting good things,” said Rivera, with a light weight-brace on his right knee while he contemplated his role with the Yankees this season. “That’s what I demand of myself. I’m looking for that, or else I wouldn’t be here.”

Doesn’t sound like a guy who is ready to retire.

You should not make these decisions too quickly. Otherwise, you’ll become Brett Favre. Remember?

One moment, Favre was a retired NFL icon for the Green Bay Packers, and the next, he was back, first with the New York Jets, and then with the Minnesota Vikings.

There is also the NFL’s Tony Gonzalez, considered the greatest tight end in history after 13 trips to the Pro Bowl out of his 16 seasons. He announced his pending retirement last summer, and he was hugged around the league, from training camp through the playoffs.

With much help from Gonzalez, the Atlanta Falcons even reached the National Football Conference title game.

Now Gonzalez may return.

Awkward.

Oh, and don’t let star NFL linebacker Ray Lewis change his mind about retiring from the Baltimore Ravens. Several of his teammates said their catalyst for winning the Super Bowl this year was Lewis’ announcement during the season that 2013 would be it.

You should announce your retirement as a professional athlete only if you really and truly know you can’t go anymore.

There is Chipper Jones, for instance. He mentioned in the spring of 2012 that he was beginning his Farewell Tour, and he got more than a few gifts around the Major Leagues along the way. Courtesy of creaky legs, feet and toes, he spent just three of his final nine years of a 19-season career in the Major Leagues playing at least 134 games.

He’s not coming back.

Then again, Jones ended last season hitting .287 with 14 home runs and a respectable .377 on-base percentage in 112 games. He remained as clutch as always. Plus, Hall of Famer Barry Larkin noted that Jones had lost zero bat speed, and that means that, even at nearly 41, Jones could DH a while in the American League.

So maybe Jones announced his retirement too soon. Which brings me back to my message to Rivera: Shhhhh.

EDB

REPORT LINKS BRAUN TO FLORIDA CLINIC

ESPN report links Milwaukee Brewers’ Ryan Braun to Florida clinic

Ryan Braun said he’s “happy to cooperate” with any MLB drug investigation.

ASSOCIATED PRESS / February 15, 2013

This story is from BostonGlobe.com, the only place for complete digital access to the Globe.

Ryan Braun had already let it be known he was not taking any questions about his reported link to a Florida anti-aging clinic when he faced reporters outside the Brewers’ spring training clubhouse in Phoenix on Friday.

Before anyone asked a question, the Brewers slugger repeated the restrictions he’d placed on his first spring meeting with the media.

‘‘I understand why a lot of you guys are probably here but I made a statement last week,’’ Braun said. ‘‘I stand behind that statement. I’m not going to address that issue any further. As I stated, I’m happy to cooperate fully into any investigation into this matter.’’

Braun’s name appears in records from the now-defunct Biogenesis of America LLC clinic that is alleged to have provided performance-enhancing substances to several players. Braun was not named in the original report on the clinic in an article in Miami New Times because his name did not have a specific substance next to it in clinic records. Braun’s ties first were reported by Yahoo Sports.

ESPN posted on its website Friday a list written by clinic founder Anthony Bosch that included Braun’s name, and next to it the figure of $1,500. Alex Rodriguez, Melky Cabrera, and Francisco Cervelli are also on the list.

That list, reported ESPN, citing a source familiar with the clinic, was for players who received performance-enhancing drugs from Bosch and owed him money. According to the source, there is “no other reason to be on that paper.”

After his name surfaced in the Yahoo report, Braun issued a statement saying he had used Bosch as a consultant during his appeal of his 2011 positive test. Major League Baseball’s 50-game suspension was overturned by an arbiter.

Braun did answer one drug-related question on Friday, regarding the recent announcement by MLB and the players’ union that players will be subject to in-season, unannounced testing for human growth hormone.

‘‘I’ve always been supportive of the system,’’ Braun said. ‘‘I’ve always been supportive of additional drug testing or whatever testing they have that’s available.’’

Speaking from Rangers camp in Surprise, Ariz., outfielder Neslon Cruz, another player connected to the Florida clinic, said it was ‘‘shocking’’ and ‘‘depressing’’ to be caught up in MLB’s latest drug investigation.

Cruz, however, said he could not shed any light on why his name is reportedly in the records of Biogenesis of America LLC. ‘‘I want to speak and I want to talk, but my lawyer told me I cannot say anything right now,’’ Cruz said.

Cabrera talks at Jays camp

Cabrera spent his day at Blue Jays camp in Dunedin, Fla., deflecting questions about last year’s 50-game drug suspension as a Giant. The outfielder signed a two-year, $16 million contract with Toronto.

With only slight variations, Cabrera repeatedly said through a translator: ‘‘I made a mistake. I paid the price for it. I’m looking forward to 2013.’’ The reason for his reticence to speak was a pending investigation, he said.

Youkilis: Heart with Yankees

One day after telling the media he will “always be a Red Sock,” Kevin Youkilis entered the Yankees clubhouse in Tampa to some razzing by his new teammates. ‘‘Trust me, there’s no way that was meant to say my heart is in Boston or anything like that. My heart is here with the Yankees,” he said Friday. Youkilis admitted the comment ‘‘by itself looks terrible.’’ Manager Joe Girardi said, “You just can’t erase eight years of anyone’s life, that’s the bottom line . . . I didn’t have a problem with what he said.’’ . . . The Nationals and righthander Jordan Zimmermann agreed to a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration. Terms of the deal were not immediately known. Zimmermann (12-8, 2.94 ERA in 2012) had asked for $5.8 million, while the Nationals submitted $4.6 million. He made $2.3 million last season . . . On the day the Indians made official their four-year contract with outfielder Michael Bourn, the team’s other big free agent pickup, first baseman Nick Swisher, left camp in Goodyear, Ariz., following the death of his mother. Swisher is expected back at camp soon . . . Veteran first baseman Casey Kotchman signed a minor league deal with the Marlins . . . Righthander Jair Jurrjens and the Orioles finalized a minor league contract.

© Copyright 2013 Globe Newspaper Company.

This story is from BostonGlobe.com, the only place for complete digital access to the Globe.

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