Mike Cameron Suspended

San Diego Padres centerfielder Mike Cameron was suspended 25 games after testing positive for a banned stimulant. It was the second time he has tested positive for a banned stimulant. Cameron, who was expected to file for free agency next month, stressed that the banned substance was not a steroid. He believes the banned stimulant came from a tainted nutritional supplement that he had already finished out. This inability for Cameron to identify (or produce for testing) any tainted supplements, and the fact that this was his second positive, make it difficult to believe that this was accidental.

It is currently MLB's policy to withhold which specific substances a player has tested positive for. In Cameron's case, it is clear that the 25 game suspension is attributed to a substance that is not a steroid. As steroids carry a minimum 50 game suspension, it is likely Cameron was using a banned stimulant like amphetamine or ephedra.

According to former players like the late Ken Caminiti, and the currently suspended Jason Grimsley, amphetamine use was widespread prior to its ban. Green tablets containing the amphetamine Dexedrine (better known as greenies) were used to help players amp themselves up, providing engergy and mental clarity. However, chemical similarities to methamphetamines (crystal, speed) also made the amphetamines highly addictive.

As far as Cameron's role with the Padres, it was widely believed that he would sign with his hometown Atlanta Braves. In turn, Andruw Jones, who struggled horribly last year with the Braves, seemed to be on his way to San Diego. The suspension to start at the beginning of next season may scare other teams away, opening for a discounted contract to return to San Diego. If Cameron leaves, the talk is that Jones (or maybe Aaron Rowand or Torii Hunter) may find a new home at Petco Park.