Counterpoint: Shaughnessy Was Over The Top With Ortiz Article
By Paul Prims
Yesterday, my colleague, Steve Peterson, wrote an article saying that Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy’s latest rehash of unfounded steroid allegations against Red Sox slugger David Ortiz was fair but that the reactions to it were hysterical and over the top.
I respectfully disagree. I think the Globe article was uncalled for and unnecessary because there really isn’t a whole lot of new news value to it. It’s simply trying to sell newspapers.
Consider the source here. Shaughnessy has a history as a negative hack in the Boston media who doesn’t put a whole lot of imagination into his columns. Go back and look at his Globe archive about the Red Sox or any of the Boston sports teams. I think you will find an overall theme of negativity in his writing. In my opinion, this latest escapade is classic Shaughnessy and both Ortiz and the fans have a right to be annoyed.
May 5, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) follows through on his home run swing against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
The question that I think gives them that right centers on what evidence is there that Ortiz is enhancing his performance during his hot start since coming off the DL? Is there a particular source saying this? I believe the answer is no because Shaughnessy didn’t name anyone in the piece, not even an anonymous. And how about Ortiz’ 0-14 that followed the hot start? Is he now cycling off?
Shaughnessy simply rehashes the ol’ PED accusation column and then claims he’s just doing his job by asking the questions fans and media everywhere are supposedly asking about Ortiz.
Look, I know bad news sells newspapers more than good news. I get that. But for Shaughnessy to back Ortiz into a corner and start asking him about supposed rumors that are going around baseball about his PED use is a joke. Show me where these rumors are and attribute them to somebody.
And don’t give me the alleged Ortiz positive test in 2003 and the steroid list with 103 names on it. That has already been dealt with and reported on. It’s ancient history. We all know Ortiz has probably done something in the past. I’m not trying to defend him. After all, I’m not blind to the ugliness of baseball’s steroid era.
But, if you want a good story go find the list, release it, find Ortiz on it and then you have a reason to bring all of this up in the present day. Until then, give it a rest, please.
Ortiz is right about one thing: with the Boston media you really are damned if you do and damned if you don’t produce the numbers on the field.
Shaughnessy has the First Amendment right to publish anything he’d like as long as he is prepared to deal with any consequences that may come along. But that’s not the issue here.
My problem is that there’s nothing new here to discuss. Again, we’ve been down the PED road for years with Ortiz and it’s time to move on to another topic unless and until this one becomes relevant again.
Throwing out baseless accusations in Ortiz’ face is unprofessional and lazy on Shaughnessy’s part. He should know better.