As far as Ortiz....it doesn't matter to me if he is crucified or given a pass. The fans can decide, and I believe they are split. Just like the fans are split with ARod.

Supposedly, ARod hasn't disputed any of the accusations that he was a habitual offender of the drug policies. His defense is mostly based around that he is being picked on by the commissioner's office. ARod's 211 games were not simply from being a first time offender. The games he received weren't simply from a dirty test because he never tested dirty. In fact, I don't believe Braun, Peralta, Nelson, Cabrera, etc... tested dirty, either.

Based on what I have read, MLB has very damaging evidence and the choice in front of Selig was 211 games or a lifetime suspension. I read in a NYC tabloid that ARod offered a negotiated figure of 100 games and then retiring....but he either withdrew it or it was declined.

Is an extra 161 games excessive for ARod? I can't answer that until they release the evidence that has been obtained- and I don't think anyone else can, either.