by the Iron_Throne

Cardinals minor leaguer Paul Salvatore Frisella was suspended today for fifteen games as a result of failing one off-season drug test as well as his test during minor league camp. Under Major League Baseball's Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment plan, first violations for use of steriods and steriod precursors results in an automatic fifteen game suspension, with a second violation punished by a thirty game suspension.

A hometown player, Frisella was born in Saint Louis in 1981 and attended Southern Illinois. He was drafted in the 37th round in 2003 after tearing it up his last two years as an outfielder posting a 924 OPS. He struggled last year in Peoria (A) after seeing a sharp power decline; his SLG dropping from .524 his last two years in college to .410. His season ended in August after a leg injury from a collision at home plate. Not seen as a top prospect given his struggles in A ball last season despite being 24, this suspension has little effect on the organization other than as a warning to other players. He is part of the Cardinals new A level Midwest League Swing of the Quad Cities team this season, and his suspension will last the first fifteen games of their season.

Frisella was one of 38 minor league players (out of 925 tested) suspended after failing two tests before the season started. Minor league players, who have no part in the MLBPA, have been tested irregularly over the years by their clubs and by Baseball. In 2002, the Commissioner formalized minor league drug testing and penalties without having to consult with the Players Union. Minor leaguers on a 40 man roster are subject to the new Major League Policy, with it's softer penalties of ten days rather than fifteen games for a first offense.

the Iron_Throne