Projo Sox Blog

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- David Ortiz' name has been linked to Angel Presinal, the trainer who has been banned from major league clubhouses since 2001 for his association with steroids, but the Red Sox slugger said he only works out in a facilty where Presinal works and that Presinal has never approached him about using performance-enhancing drugs.

"I've known him for a long time," Ortiz said. "All I know from him is he teaches us how to keep our bodies ready, working out and teaches us the right exercises. He doesn't only teach baseball players, he also works with guys who run marathons, volleyball players and basketball players. He's been doing that for years . . . [We] all work with him as a group of guys to get ready for spring training."

Ortiz was asked if Presinal ever pushed him towards using steroids.

"No," answered Ortiz. "Not at all."

Ortiz said the facility where he works out with Presinal is five minutes from his house in the center of town. It's an Olympic complex, where many athletes train.

Ortiz said the only time he sees Presinal is when he's back in the Dominican Republican, and added the facility is not owned by Presinal.

"He knows how to train people and teach exercises," Ortiz said. "You are the owner of your own decision. It's sad he's involved in things like this. You have to be careful."

Ortiz said he's very careful with the people he associates with.

"Of course," he said. "Especially these days with all this stuff going on . . . You definitely have to be careful with anybody who is involved in that kind of stuff . . . I'm not the type of person who creates relationships with strangers."

Earlier in the week Ortiz met with the media and gave his opinion about A-Rod's situation and the state of steroids in the game. Ortiz called for a one-year ban on any player who tests positive for a banned substance.

Ortiz said baseball needs to get past this issue as soon as possible and move on. He was asked Saturday morning if he hopes this would all go away.

"Of course," he said.

 Tags  David Ortiz Red Sox steroids

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