Steroid test snares Seattle pitcher

By wire services
Published August 3, 2005

DETROIT - Mariners right-hander Ryan Franklin was suspended 10 days for violating the sport's policy against performance-enhancing substances, the eighth major-leaguer caught under tougher drug rules enacted this year.

The announcement Tuesday came one day after Orioles slugger Rafael Palmeiro was suspended after testing positive.

Franklin said he has "no idea" how he tested positive.

"There's got to be a flaw in the system," he said Tuesday. "I have no clue. I tested in (early) May and again three weeks later. The first was positive, the second was negative."

Franklin said he was told of his positive test in May and "thought it was a joke," then appealed and appeared before two arbitration committees.

"I'm one of the guys who was supportive of strong testing," Franklin said. "I believe I got to the big leagues on God-given talent, and that's how I've stayed here. It's hard to swallow.

"I know deep in my heart that I have never done anything like that."

Franklin would not discuss what he tested positive for but did say he took supplements he bought at a nutrition store. Franklin said he gave up all supplements after the positive test. After that, he said he tested negative.

"I'll never take (supplements) again. ... I won't even take a vitamin until I'm done with baseball," he said. "I hate what's happened for the organization, for me, and my family. I'm done with taking anything."

To replace Franklin and right-hander Jeff Nelson, on the bereavement list after the death of his father-in-law, the Mariners called up right-handers Masao Kida and Jeff Harris from Triple-A Tacoma.

END OF AN ERA?: The Yankees decided not to pick up their $15-million 2006 option on Bernie Williams, centerfielder on four world championship teams.

The club had until Monday to exercise its option on Williams, 36, who signed with the Yankees in 1985.

Williams wasn't surprised by the move, and he didn't rule out returning to the only club he has ever played for.

"It's something they felt they had to do," Williams said. "I'm still playing for this team and I'm going to do all I can to help this team win."

PITCHER ARRESTED: Reds left-hander Jung Keun Bong was arrested in Sarasota and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery after a fight with his wife, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Bong, 24, who has been on rehabilitation assignment with Class-A Sarasota, was arrested Friday night at the Sarasota Cay Club hotel.

BRAVES: Third baseman Chipper Jones is day to day after leaving the game against the Reds in the fourth with a right shoulder injury.

DODGERS: Former Devil Rays left-hander Wilson Alvarez didn't travel with the team to Washington, and the club isn't sure when or if he'll return. "Wilson has got a lot on his mind, and he's trying to sort through a lot of difficult things," manager Jim Tracy said.

GIANTS: Outfielder Marquis Grissom was designated for assignment the day the club introduced new outfielder Randy Winn, the former Devil Ray acquired from the Mariners.

INDIANS: DH Travis Hafner, expected to be activated from the 15-day disabled list, hasn't recovered enough from a concussion sustained when he was beaned by White Sox left-hander Mark Buehrle on July 16.

ORIOLES: Outfielder Midre Cummings, who played 22 games for the Devil Rays last season, was recalled from Triple-A Ottawa to take Palmeiro's roster spot.

TIGERS: Infielder Placido Polanco, acquired from the Phillies on June 8, agreed to an $18.4-million, four-year extension through the 2009 season.

[Last modified August 3, 2005, 00:36:17]