Move over, Jason Giambi, Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte, there’s a new potential inductee to the Yankees’ Hall of Shame.
This member simply could have “A-Roid” inscribed on his plaque.
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According to a Sports Illustrated report released yesterday, Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroids in his 2003 MVP season with the Rangers, as part of tests that were conducted to determine if random drug testing was necessary for the following season.
So a Yankees offseason that was clear of sideshows as recently as 15 days ago has now become the Blizzard of 2009, with the release of Joe Torre’s controversial new book and the latest report targeting Rodriguez.
“It’s always a circus,” a Yankees official said. “If it’s not this, it’s something else. I’m not shocked about anything anymore.”
The SI report cited four independent sources who indicated Rodriguez – who denied ever using performance-enhancers during a 2007 interview on “60 Minutes,” – was among 104 players who tested positive during the 2003 season. The report said the two drugs Rodriguez tested positive for were testosterone and Primobalan.
“You’ll have to talk to the union,” Rodriguez told SI when asked about the alleged positive tests. “I’m not saying anything.”
Agent Scott Boras would not talk specifically about A-Rod, but said the story is not as cut and dry as it seems. But he would not elaborate.
Rodriguez, who is in the Bahamas, according to sources, will not face any discipline, according to a statement released by MLB.Last winter, Pettitte admitted he had used human growth hormone after his name was included in the Mitchell Report. Giambi is an admitted steroid cheat and Clemens has denied using steroids, despite testimony by his former trainer implicating The Rocket.
Unlike the other three, Rodriguez’s alleged use did not come while playing for the Yankees, but questions are now raised about the possible extent of A-Rod using banned substances since joining the organization in 2004.
“I swear on a bible the four years I was with him from 2004-2007 with the Yankees, I was with him constantly and I never saw any sign that he was doing anything illegal with drugs,” Rodriguez’s friend Mike Borzello, a former Yankees bullpen catcher, told The Post. “I would go into court and say that.”
Buck Showalter, who managed the Rangers in 2003, told The Post he had no knowledge of any test results from players on that team.
“But in the locker room there is a lot of down time and a lot of stuff gets talked about,” Showalter said. “It would not be completely honest to say you don’t ask questions about players, but mainly people you are playing against or guys you might acquire.” Showalter would not say specifically if he had suspicions about Rodriguez.
Neither Yankees president Randy Levine nor GM Brian Cashman had any comment on the matter.
Before yesterday’s bombshell report, questions already were certain to be awaiting Rodriguez upon his arrival to spring training later this month about his relationship with Torre, after an “A-Fraud” reference was made in the former Yankees manager’s new book, co-authored by Tom Verducci. The book also makes reference to Rodriguez’s “single, white female” fixation on Derek Jeter.
The fun begins Friday, when pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to the Yankees’ complex in Tampa. Position players will report the following week.
Johnny Damon told The Post that he doesn’t expect the events of the last two weeks to be a spring training distraction.
“We are grown men and we know how to deal with certain things,” Damon said. “Questions will be asked and Alex will answer them the best he can.”
– Additional reporting
byJoel Sherman and Kevin Kernan.
mpuma@nypost.com