General Wiretap

Minor Leaguers To Be Tested For HGH

Major League Baseball implemented random blood testing for human growth hormone in the minor leagues on Thursday.

It marks the first time a professional sports league in the United States has taken the aggressive step against doping.

"The implementation of blood testing in the minor leagues represents a significant step in the detection of the illegal use of human growth hormone," Selig said in a statement. "HGH testing provides an example for all of our drug policies in the future."

Testing will be limited to players with minor-league contracts because they are not members of the players' association, which means blood testing is not subject to collective bargaining.

"Obviously, we make a separate decision with regard to the minor-league program, but the Major League Baseball Players Association has been proactively engaged in conversations with us on the scientific and logistical issues associated with blood testing at the major league level," said Rob Manfred, executive vice president labor relations for Major League Baseball.

Via ESPN


All-Star Game Earns Lowest TV Rating

Major League Baseball's All-Star Game has earned its lowest-ever television rating.

The National League's victory Tuesday night on Fox earned a 7.5 fast national rating and 13 share. That's down 16 percent from the 8.9/15 for last season's game.

Via ESPN


ASG Has Lowest-Ever TV Rating

Major League Baseball?s All-Star game has earned its lowest-ever television rating, according to an Associated Press report.

The NL?s 3-1 victory Tuesday night on Fox earned a 7.5 fast national rating and 13 share. That?s down 16 percent from the 8.9/15 for last season?s game, a 4-3 win by the AL.

The previous low was an 8.1/14 in 2005.

Via AP


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