Slamming Sammy tested Positive in 2003

Of all the big-name sluggers bandied about in baseball’s sordid steroids mess, there has never been any tangible proof or reports that Sammy Sosa used PEDs. There’s been plenty of speculation — which, but save for a corked bat, Sosa’s curious rise in homers have escaped any real damning evidence.

Until now, according to lawyers familiar with the infamous 2003 list of players who tested positive, Sosa is on there. Now, these are just sources familiar with the list, and since the list is not in the public domain, there is at least reason to think there might be a hint of doubt.

But, I’m probably being a bit too cautious here: couple this with his insane jump in homers and muscle mass, and the way he was able to keep it up somewhat into his late 30s (he hit 21 homers in 2007 with the Rangers), and you have a classic case of PED use for guys of this era high up on the all-time home run list. (Bonds, Palmerio.) You knew this was coming; it was just a matter of time.

Whether he deserved it or not, Sosa was already guilty in the court of public opinion. As such, this is far less shocking than A-Rod or Manny Ramirez, who are still currently in the game and have never received much speculation, if at all. The spotlight left Sosa years ago.

In the coming days — or maybe today — we’ll see how Sosa responds. It will be pretty hard for him to deny this seeing how it’s a reported confirmation of a postitive test, but seeing how Sosa has escaped the glare before, I’m betting a denial is already in the works.