That Sosa you gotta love him, he's a real " corker ". Cork: transitive verb - to furnish or fit with cork or a cork. I wonder what his batting average or home runs would be sans cork? What a freakin shame! JonR

I hope he is telling the truth.

... I don't, nor would I ever, believe that one could not know the difference between a corked bat or legal bat - especially a professional baseball player!!!!

- funny how not too long ago I read an article to the effect of how "Sam" was the baseball version of Tiger Woods and how "Black America" indicated that if "Sam" had been "other than Black" he would have received much more media coverage - let's see how much media he gets now after this scandal....

... it's pretty sad where the media creates such a hostile environment by virtually promoting segregation and always 'insinuating' that there is more to the story than what there really is. Hopefully if “Sam” (name changed to protect the innocent) is guilty – he’ll come clean and stand up like a man and take the consequences in stride. Otherwise, he’s no better than “OJ” or “JJ” in my book. Also – when (if) convicted/charged (whatever) … what group is going to take credit for his existence now? This’ll be interesting to see …

If cork makes the bat lighter, then why don't they just use a lighter bat to begin with?

I am curious as to how long he has been using a corked bat. Will his batting record be followed by an * to denote used a corked bat?

I'm sure he's broken a bat or two before sans cork.
The cork not only makes a bat lighter, but provides an added ability of the bat to transfer energy to the ball on impact. Sort of like the rubber core in a golf ball. He could use a lighter bat, but that would make it a smaller bat with a reduced sweet spot. Corking gives the same dimensions as a heavier bat but without the weight.

I think, of course, he needs to be punished for his cheat. They shouldn't fine him though. That has no effect on a player of his income level. Hold him out for a dozen or so games and that'll send a stronger message than a few $$.

So do they run cork up the entire length of the bat?

With as many people that have been caught, you'd think by now they'd figure out a way to keep the end on.
I have seen in games past where that is what happened and not a broken bat.

I say give him an Asterisk!

It's said that the good hitters know where their corked bats are at all times ...

'fraid it IS so

Many do it,he just got caught. X

Heres the skinny on corked bats...

A 3/8 inch diameter hole, or bigger if desired, is drilled from the barrel end down thru the sweet spot, roughly 10 inches. Cork, pieces of rubber balls, or whatever is packed into the hole, sealed with wood putty and sanded down as to not show. This is to presumably make the bat lighter and add a substance that allows the ball to come off the bat quicker and travel farther

In truth it does neither!

Studies have been done on corked bats and it was concluded that the process does not alter the speed and distance of a struck ball. In fact, it weakens the bat and makes it prone to shatter as did Sammy's.

Bat corking is psychological. Baseball palyers are the most superstitions athletes around. Hell, some rub chicken bones on thier bats, a process called, yes, "BONEING". Some will wear the same skivies for a week if they think its what got them out of a slump.

Peace out
BD

He cheated. Give him an asterisk and hold him out for 15-20 games. Fining has no effect because it's not substantial. Yeah, a lot of people in professional sports cheat so if they get caught they should get raked over the coals for it. You or I would so what's the difference? I have about as much respect for him now as I do for Pete Rose. Zilch. People make mistakes and use bad judgements, so if they really are sincere about turning a new leaf, then asterisk their records and make sure the asterisk is in bold print as in the case of Pete Rose. As for Sammy do the same AND hold him out for 15-20 games.

I agree with 7 to 10 game....if no other corked bats are found. If there are more (they confiscated 76) His reputation, accomplishments, and respect are gone.

Pete was a different deal altogether. He was a great player caught betting and got a LIFETIME BAN!! That will not happen to "Samual" for a number of reasons. I argue that using a loaded bat is a similar offense at the professional level (IE someone was making money on each at bat for this guy).

As for the corking not making a difference BS! Head or tip speed is the name of that game. Same with golf and hockey. Heck even the foot of a field goal kicker.

On an added note; professional atheletes are role models for our youth. Punishment should be severe but usually never is (hello Daryl Strawberry).
MY opinion - BUD

I think they should suspend him for 15 to 30 games, this is the only way to make it effective, as the money only hurts if it is big!

His home run marks will always be tainted by this little indescretion. Do not buy that line, "They all do it", because they all do not! This is a bad situation that must be dealt with in a stern manner.

Charlie

Years from now people will forget he corked his bat and Sammy's reputation will shine forever.

The only ballplayer still getting screwed is Pete Rose.

I don't believe Sosa's excuse, or his excuse on why he had a corked bat in the first place. You know the difference because you reach for the bat you always use.

Also, I do believe many players use steroids too. Just my opinion.

Baseball is one of the most statistic driven sport and these guys will do alot to pad their statistics.

choner

I'm not an expert on this by any means as it applies to corking bats but if the cavity created when bored out creates the ability for the bat to "flex" a bit in the impact area than it does seem like increased ball velocity is a distinct probability. That is the core of the current hot topic regarding golf clubs (specifically metal driver heads) and has created a whole new industry focused on trying to optimize designs yet stay in conformance with the "coefficient of restitution" limits. In other words spring-face or trampoline effect. And absolutely no question that lighter means a faster bat speed.

I miss Maris, sadly never got to watch Ruth.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/news/2003/06/04/cork_physics_ap/ 

He lied. Sorry. He knew exactly which bat he was using. I think his rep may be shot. With our 24hr news society, his story will be well played.

I think that they should check the bats used in the "historic home-run" season with Mark McGwuire, that are sitting in the Hall-of-Fame!

You or I could grab the wrong bat by accident, not him. He's a freeking professional. He knew EXACTLY which bat he was grabbing...