Few Orioles are commenting on the team?s latest late-season slide and even fewer have anything to say regarding outfielder Jay Gibbons link to an alleged illegal Internet drug distribution network, where he received steroids, testosterone and human growth hormone.
Gibbons, whose name became publicly linked to the Signature Pharmacy case following reports by Sports Illustrated, is the latest distraction for the Orioles as they spiral toward their 10th straight losing season.
Baltimore entered Tuesday night?s game against the Los Angeles Angels 61-81 after losing 16 its past 19 games. Also, four-fifths of its planned Opening Day starting rotation is now on the 60-day disabled list.
“I don?t know what exactly happened with Jay and I?m sure he?ll get back and take care of that,” Orioles outfielder Corey Patterson said. “If you play this game long enough you?ll see everything from the highs to all the lows. But, that?s life in general. It?s not just in baseball. Everyday people deal with their struggles all the time and when you overcome them it makes life that much more enjoyable. As a team that?s what we have to do.”
Orioles spokesman Bill Stetka said the team has not heard anything official from Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig?s office. Both Stetka and manager Dave Trembley refused comment on Gibbons.
However, Trembley said he understands fans are frustrated with the Orioles? woes and understands they want the franchise?s reputation improve both on and off the field.
“I think about everything,” Trembley said. “It?s all come at one time and it?s been unfortunate. It?s a test and it?s easy to see it?s been a disappointment. But what the heck can you do about it? You still have to play. We?re going to get the guys out there and do the best we can. There?s no reason to make excuses or feel sorry for ourselves. It is what it is. What more can be said about it?”
Gibbons has now been linked to illegal performance-enhancing drugs for the second straight season after he was allegedly mentioned in the affidavit given by former Oriole reliever Jason Grimsley, who admitted using human growth hormone.
Former first baseman Rafael Palmeiro who tested positive for banned substances in 2005 and has not played since.
Orioles reliever Jamie Walker said he doesn?t know anything about Gibbons, but said something has to change in how the club handles its daily business.
“I just know what goes on today,” Walker said. “Something?s got to change. That?s the bottom line. I signed here to be with a contender. I wouldn?t have left Detroit [Tigers] if I thought we?d be in this situation. I thought we legitimately had a chance to contend and win and I still do, but they have to do some revamping and tweaking.”
