Is this the infamous list of the failed steroid tests from 2003?

Didn't see this posted anywhere else, and maybe it shouldn't be, but The Big Lead has an item about a completely unconfirmed list of the 103 players who tested positive for steroids back in 2003. This list is floating around cyberspace -- TBL is the second place I've seen it in the last 24 hours. Apparently it first appeared a few days ago on a fantasy baseball site with no indication of where it came from. I won't post the names, but here's the link for those who want to see them.

http://rotoinfo.com/read_article.php?articleId=318

 

Deadspin has all but shot down the list as garbage.

http://deadspin.com/5304675/why-the-new-alleged-steroids-list-is-a-crock

Jason Grimsley, who's confirmed as one of the 104, doesn't appear on that list. And Jeromy Burnitz's name initially appeared twice, so now that list contains only 103 names.

Deadspin contacted RotoInfo, which stands by this list, "give or take a few." Solid reporting there.

 

Man, talk about running fast and loose. I hope the BLOGS! attorneys OKed running a "completely unconfirmed" list that might have innocent players on it.

 

That's one helluva list. Too bad it prolly isn't accurate.

On the less than 1 percent chance it is accurate.....wow.

Fun to look at the list and imagine the fallout, though.

 

I know it's unconfirmed, but the only thing that surprised me about that list is that Galarraga and Santiago were still in the bigs in 2003. And maybe that Pujols isn't on it.

 

One thing that argues against the validity of the list is that the players have generally been grouped by team. If someone made it up, you can definitely envision him going to the rosters of each team and picking out a few likely suspects.

 

Might not be winnable, but I'd wager a couple of those players (if clean) have deep enough pockets to put the hurt on a blogger.

And, if nothing else, a clean player could destroy what tiny shred of credibility any blogger might have. Assuming, of course, the blogger has any at all.

 

This list is supposed to be in the hands of a few lawyers connected to the BALCO case, as well as major league baseball and the player's union. You know, powerful, smart people.

And the first place that gets the full list is rotoinfo.com?

Sure.

 

Say it ain't so, Brent Abernathy!!!!

 

Tommy Craggs at Deadspin calls "Bullshit!" on RotoInfo.

http://deadspin.com/5304675/why-the-new-alleged-steroids-list-is-a-crock