Guillen and Gibbons given reprieves from guilt

Newsday reports that MLB players Jay Gibbons and Jose Guillen, both linked to HGH and PEDs will not begin 15 suspensions as previously planned.  So much for Bug Selig saying what he means and meaning what he says.

Major League Baseball put the suspensions of the Orioles' Jay Gibbons and the Royals' Jose Guillen on hold for 10 days, giving lawyers more time to reach an agreement toughening baseball's drug rules.

The outfielders were suspended for 15 days each by commissioner Bud Selig on Dec. 6 after media reports linking them to performance-enhancing drugs. The penalties were to start Sunday. "Pretty surprising," Gibbons said. "Put it this way: I'm cautiously optimistic. At least they're talking."

Negotiators are close to an agreement that would call for more frequent testing and would strengthen the authority of the independent program administrator. If there is an agreement, the suspensions most likely will be eliminated as part of an overall amnesty for players implicated in the Mitchell Report. If an agreement isn't reached, the suspensions will start April 9.

Players and owners would be strengthening drug rules for the third time since their initial agreement in 2002. The sides also made changes in January 2005, when sanctions for first offenders began, and in November 2005, when the penalty for an initial positive test was increased from 10 days to 50 games.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported in November that Guillen bought HGH, two kinds of testosterone and steroids from 2002-05, allegations he wouldn't address. Gibbons admitted receiving an HGH shipment in January 2005. He apologized and didn't contest the penalty. "I was fully prepared to serve my suspension," he said. "If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen."