Because the Astros and world know he's legit. This was a poor lapse in judgment but this occurrence will likely propel or derail his career based on how he responds. I have faith he will come back stronger and actually become one of the best pitchers in baseball. He's good. Maybe we get an extra arbitration year as well? Could work out well for everybody.
That's true from what Im seeing. On the bright side, I wont go with that line of thinking...he's a dumbass.
Stupid, stupid move on his part. No way to sugarcoat it. Shouldn't effect much in the long term, but it's a very disappointing lapse in judgement.
I could be missing something, but my understanding is this would have to have been his SECOND offense for a 50 game suspension. http://www.mlb.com/pa/pdf/jda.pdf - This provides the guidelines on baseballs drug testing & punishments. On Page 37 & 38, it states for a stimulant violation that the first offense is a warning and the second offense is a 50 game suspension. Since Whitley is not on the 40-man I'm not sure if this set of rules applies. I guess it could be possible there are different rules for a minor-leaguer in his position.
Whats worse? Making a racial gesture in front of a live audience that's offensive to Japanese/Asian Folk (Gurriel - 5 Games) or taking an unknown substance to keep you awake (Whitley - 50 Games)... I think we know the answer to this one... MLB's Drug Policy is flawed. Their criteria for handing out suspensions is flawed.
A Youthful mistake Vs Getting into Darvish head that allowed the Stros to win a WS. Both of these are very forgivable IMHO
Moral of this story: Take drugs, roids, weed, anything you can get your hands on. Make racial gestures. WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP! Texans are close. Cushing / McNair etc. Rockets need to step it up.
Then he should have crashed with a friend or at a hotel if he absolutely couldn't stay awake. Taking an unknown pill your friend gave you is a stupid thing to do under any circumstances, particularly if you are somebody subjected to drug tests.
Silly that it happened. I have no choice but to be optimistic. (1) Nothing in his past suggestions this is a pattern (as far as I know) (2) He's really young. Young people do dumb things sometimes. It's not an excuse, but it's more understandable now than it would be in 5 years (3) He's been so good that I need to believe this won't sidetrack what might be one of the greatest pitching prospects we've seen. I want to continue to enjoy his progress too badly.
Coming up with a I took an unknown pill someone gave me story is stupid-er. Welcome to professional sports.
