After having been to Mexico this summer,
and having trouble with Spanish speakers and signs, I can somewhat understand difficulties, but I still think it is the player's responsibilities to learn what is and isn't exceptable.
Ortiz said many of the Latin players don't fully understand what substances are now banned, in part, because players association meetings aren't translated into Spanish.
``Let me tell you something. My English is not the best, but I can understand everything. I can read, I can write. And sometimes, I misunderstand things. Think about a guy who can't really talk or read?'' Ortiz said prior to last night's 8-3 loss to the Tigers. ``I'm not making excuses for those guys. But I think they would prefer if someone talked to them (in Spanish) . . . the system is all (expletive). You might think everyone's got the message, but they don't.''
Ortiz spoke passionately about the subject, and how he believes Latino players easily walk into danger.
He said it's not unusual for a Latino ballplayer to go into a GNC store looking for some kind of all-encompassing vitamin to help boost energy, and unwittingly come back with a product on the banned list. Why? Because they don't read the labels, or can't read the labels.
Not all of his countrymen are apt to do what he does to protect himself: have everything he takes checked by the Sox training staff.
``I take vitamins from the trainers,'' Ortiz, who went 1-for-5 with an RBI last night, said. ``I make sure what I use, I let them know.''
Ortiz suggested the union get the Latino players together in the offseason with a translator present so they can fully comprehend the new steroid policy.
``Get together in Puerto Rico, or in the Dominican or Venezuela, call a day, whatever,'' Ortiz said. ``Have a dinner and say what's going on.''
