Boo hoo

Why doesn't he just invest the 24 million he stole from the Orioles, live on that for the rest of his life, and go away? Or maybe he could make Goonies II or Mask II: R Dennis rises from the dead?

And where was that willingness to go to the minors when he was still in THIS organization? If he's so willing now, and because we're already paying him, why not send him to Frederick to see if he can get his swing back? If all else fails, he can make 7 mill per year to sell cotton candy at Joe Cannon. Or maybe they could put him in one of those dunking machines? I'd pay 50 bucks to dunk that freak.
---------------------------------------
Ricky,
Dunking machine is interesting suggestion.
-- Bill O.

The bottom line is that Gibbons was never a good player. His defense was very poor and his running ability below average. His career on base % was barely over .300 at .314. When it was suggested he should move to 1B or DH, he resisted it.

Guys like him are a dime a dozen. He had a chance to make a lot of money over the years he did play and now it is time for him to move on. Just because you admit to doing something wrong doesn't mean you should get a 2nd chance, especially with his constant denials prior to admitting it.

Most of us never get to play a game for a career and big money, he did and blew it. I have no sympathy for people who cheat.

Rich

He should send that letter to Brooks Robinson. It could benefit both parties. I live 1 mile from the stadium down here and I know more people would come to watch if Jay was playing. Plus he could help his career.

I feel bad for Gibby. As frustrating as it was watching him struggle, he seemed to be a great teammate and person. I've had the pleasure of speaking with him on a few occasions and I really hope things work out for him. He deserves a chance somewhere, and I wish him the best.

This is terribly sad and it's really unfair that Gibbons can't find a minor league spot. Other players were named in the report and yet they still play in the major leagues without repenting, or repenting only a little. I'd see no harm in allowing Gibbons a few months at AA or AAA to show what, if anything, he has left. It also sends the message that it's foolish to be honest -- belated, true -- about your actions. I wonder if he'll go to an independent league. In any case, I feel bad for the guy.

we dont want him on our over 30 softball team.
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You must have a pretty good team.
-- Bill O.

Ricky, Wow..your a forgiving soul. I hope I never sin in your eyes, I am sure your clean and have never done anything wrong.
Rich, well what your saying isn't all true. His defense wasn't bad and had a very good arm. You as well are not much for forgiving. Besides, he doesn't need your forgiveness to play again, your not an owner.
You both need to look in the mirror, I am sure if my wife which is an auditor checks your back taxes, you have cheated sometime in your life, ran a stop sign which could have killed someone, Much worse than Jay did, and I bet you both have been given second chances in your life. Those without sin,cast the first stone! Jay didn't do anything to you both, he did it to himself and the organization. The organization has dealt with it in their way. Also don't give me that I don't know you so I can't make this remark, you don't know Jay either other than what you read in the paper and see as a baseball player, I bet he is a very good man!

Man, you want to talk about kicking a guy while he's down. I, for one, feel like the sincerity of that letter should not be in doubt given that it must have taken a lot to suck up his pride and send that to every team. And for his trouble, ESPN airs it out to the world? That's just kind of cruel.

Not even a callback, a tryout, an interview? Is his name really so much kryptonite. Of course, there is that old saying about "fool me once..." but what comes to mind for me is from The Wire.

2nd season, Daniels talking to Carver (who'd been a mole in his unit the first season):

Carver: Why me, sir? I was the one who ratted you out before.

Daniels: Yeah, and so you're the last son-of-a-b**** I'd expect to try it again.

I won't be crying a river for Gibbons, who gets $12 mill to do nothing for 2 years, but you do have to feel for the guy a little. It's clear he wants to be a baseball player.

Other teams don't want him because of his past transgressions, it's because his baseball skills are extremely marginal. A rule 5 pick by the O's and he had a nice season which earned him a hefty payday. he's getting paid 12 million to sit on his rear and I won't make that in my lifetime. His offer to donate his salary proves that he's set for life and just wishes to play a game he loves.
I love this game too, but I also realize that my day has passed. In time Jay will realize that also. Jay did not like being a DH and didn't perform well in that role. It was thought he could play 1B but his footwork and range was pathetic.
He may have been a great team mate, but he was never much of a player. If teams are simply looking for great team mates and character guys, then I'd like to know where I can go to sign up.

Why not throw him in AA or A ball to get his swing back etc... as someone stated we are PAYING HIM FOR THIS CRAP. But I would rather see others getting a shot in the majors first.

M is for "moooook"

That letter is pitiful. Looks like the organizations are getting their payback after years of giving underserving monster contracts to steroid cheaters. Problem is, the teams knew all along what they were doing. If Gibby can help a team win he should be given another chance.

I agree with some of the other readers, in wondering why don't the O's sign him to a minor league deal? I imagine he could still crush it in single-A. And what a role model he'd be for his young teammates! OK, maybe not a great role model, but a most instructive object lesson.

Something, at any rate, for our $12M.

i feel bad for the guy, i would not want him back with the orioles but i would like to see him land on a new team. he is a nice guy he did alot for baltimore off the filed.
i think people need to relax and back off the guy he was not the only player who messed up and he is right. you should be able to have a job again. let him go to the minors and work his way up. i think he could do it i wish him luck.

Brian Roberts was in the report, we have not run him out of town! Teams want players that are playing well regardless of there steroid use.

If Jay was playing well he would still be an Oriole. The Orioles dropped him for baseball and skill reason, not character reasons.

If Jay had a monster spring, he would still be in an Oriole Uniform. I think he should get a chance from some team to play, but since he is not a Young Prospect, teams do not want to take that chance, He will get a Spring training invite next year.

Does his O's contract affect his signing? Even though we released him?

I think it is is lack of playing well and not the steroid issue, that keeps teams from taking a chance on him.

They may be dishonest and using the steroids as an excuse not to sign him to a minor leage deal,

Blasting him as a cheater who should not get second chances is weak. If you think the Mitchel report caught everybody, you are severly mislead. Baseball is tainted. Baseball let it happen. Give the guy a chance. Looks like he really misses the game. He does not need the money, he just wants to play. Maybe being released gave him the prospective he needed.

Second Chances are for everybody, rich and poor.

The steroids aren't the issue now. If Gibby had any talent left he'd be playing somewhere. But he's a poor hitter for average, a poor defensive player, and has little power left. I don't feel sorry for him at all. He used steroids to inflate his numbers and make millions. He should feel very lucky he got what he did and just go away now.

Absent knowledge of the depth of Gibbons' prior denials regarding his use of PEDs, it is a pretty compelling letter. However, his present mea culpa in no way excuses his prior repeated and near-Palmieroesque denials (he did everything but point a finger at Congress on TV.) By comparison, my 5 and 6 year olds already know how to and do own up to their misdoings much quicker than he did.

As for his willingness to sacrifice his minor league salary and a portion of any future major league salary, that, too, rings hollow. Gibbons is already guranteed receipt of $24M for his non-production over the period of a contract which was awarded to him in response to prior performance that was arguably influenced by his use of PEDs. Giving up any yet-to-be-earned future minor and/or major league salary is illusory. I would be more impressed and, perhaps, even influenced by his stated sincerity if he was willing to return this year's and next year's salary to the Os for contribution to charities, etc. without the reciprocal promise of a second chance. Such a gesture would still leave him a multi-millionaire, remove the much of the stench associated to this contract and, most of all, restore some of his allegedly sought after "lost" credibility/character.

Beyond that, my advice to him would be to simply go enjoy his millions or get a "real" job for a pittance of his former earnings (and, in doing so, maybe also learn the meaning of "work.") Either way, while I wish him no harm, as a lifetime Oriole fan and someone who has not received millions of dollars before the age of 30 to play a game, I'm pretty much tired of hearing from him.

Dear Bill,
Why not give him a chance at 1B at AAA. We will probably trade Millar before not too long & Salazar is with up here for the time being. If he gets his stroke back, he could be useful, especially as a trade throw-in. So what have we to lose. His apology sounds sincere. If he wasnt, he could just loaf with his (Angelos's) millions.

IF YOU CHEAT YOU LIE. IF YOU LIE YOU STEAL.WE CANT HAVE THAT.

The best response to Gibbons' letter is no response. He never seemed to be such a good teammate, as mentioned, or have any other redeeming quality to deserve a second chance. I'd rather see Jeffrey Mayer take his spot in Frederick.

Only in Bmore could someone like Gibbons still be appreciated - best fans in the world.

It is actually more sad than anything. I am sure Jay Gibbons is a quality human being, unfortunately MLB baseball and its developmental leagues are meritocracies. In my observations (and I am not a scout, just a fan) Jay currently doesn't have abilities that can serve an MLB organization. The age of 31 is fairly ancient to start at the bottom in baseball. That being said, I'd think that some organization would take a flyer on a quality guy. The fact that none has, has little to do with steroids. It has everything to do with a projection and judgement that Jay would not improve much and might block a 22 year-old who might.
If he is serious about playing try Japan, Australia, or Italy.
Sorry, Jay. Thanks for all you did and best wishes. I'll always cherish your on-screen presence in "The Wedding Crashers" and I think your offer is quite generous.

Gibbons' problem is simple. He was known as a Popeye-like potential power hitter but his physique and talent are suspected to be the result of steroids (which he can't take anymore). He has no versatility to grab on to a team needing a utility player. Why would another team want him if he can't bring them results? Bottom line, teams want to win and want to field the best team. It's just the way it is.

Bill, do you remember how vicious the fans were, everytime Jay's name came up in rumors? He had a strong fan base here. I really feel for the guy. Yes, he is suffering the consequences of his own chosing. Its not easy to watch them go through this.
-----------------------------------
Yep, I sure do.
-- Bill O.

Guys like Canseco and Rickey Henderson found work with independent teams. I think Gibbons should aim a little lower. His past performance and skills just don't rate a spot playing everyday for any team trying to grow it's talent base for future major league use.

He does deserve another chance, but as an Orioles fan I'm certainly glad that it won't be back here.

Doug and Rich,

Rocky Dennis Gibbons makes approx 135,000 a week.... to sit on his butt. Repeat, 135k per week to do absolutely NOTHING (Peter Gibbons eat your heart out).

That is about double what I make... for the entire year.

You can play the air violin for that freak if YOU want to, but I won't. The man cheated his way to a life hard working people in this city can only dream about. And now he wants to cry about not getting a second chance. Do us all a favor, Elephant Man. Cozy up to your attic atop the London Hospital, count your millions, and go away!

How about the Mexican League. Steroids are available OTC down there.

No much of a market for a deflated DH, he can't play the OF and I once saw him cut off a bunt to first.

Jay Gibbons' inability to find work has nothing to do with steroids. It does, however have everything to do with the fact that teams apparently don't think he can play. If a knucklehead like Sidney Ponson can find work, what does that tell you? Rightly or wrongly, if clubs think a player can help them, they will sign him...period.

I do not feel very sorry for Gibbons, he is a cheater, however, that being said, he should not be considered in the same classification as Bonds. Perhaps let him prove himself NEXT year??. Also, it's funny to see all of the hatred of Gibbons and people saying 'no second chances....'...these are probably the SAME people who want to give M. Vick and of course lest we remember the Raven's middle linebacker (who was involved in MURDER!!!) Ray Lewis types third chances. The press and fans alway cheer so hard for inner city thugs who beat up and rape and LOVE those sappy 'second chance stories' of redemption for THEM, but Gibbons??-I guess he needs an inner city background, and some violence before we cut him in on the great 'second chance' redemption story.

Why not sign him to a minor league deal? The O's could get him at the minimum and they are already paying him. Maybe he will get his swing back and they could actually get some production for their money. Why was it okay for Brian Roberts to have cheated, but not Jay Gibbons? He deserves a second chance. It's a low risk situation.

Jay Who?

I know this sounds crazy but maybe the Orioles should take him if no one wants him - but only if he can help one of our minor league teams. We're already paying him $12 million anyway so if no one else wants him - maybe we can put him to work. Maybe he can help guide some of our younger prospects if he is sincere. However, I do agree with everyone that he is so limited defensively that if he doesn't hit for high average or power - he can't benefit anyone at the major league level. He's also been on the injury list throughout his career. Those are the reasons why he was cut.

Hold on a second, how on earth can anyone feel bad or sorry for this guy. I'll start off by pointing out the flaws in his letter. He wrote "I have acknowledged and apologized for the mistake that I made and writing this letter should be proof enough that I have indeed suffered for my mistake.". You don't write a letter to someone asking for a job and in it say the fact that I am doing this is my proof. Let them decide what proof would be. Not to mention it's hard to see the word suffer and $24 million together and believe it. Next he says the reason he did steriods was to heal a nagging wrist injury. How stupid can you be? Don't say that. 99.9% of the people in this world think he did steriods to be a better player which also leads to more money. All that statement does is make the owner reading it say well he still won't admit the real reason thus making it very easy for them to say they aren't interested. The Orioles are rebuilding and have no room on any level for a 31 year old cheat who still feels the need to make excuses. The other thing is he talks about 2003, 2005 and 2006 when he hit 20+ homers a season. Hmm....I wonder if the fact that he was bigger during that time period then at any other time means he was on steriods and that is what allowed him to hit those homers. I'm sure it was just because that wrist was bothering him the whole time. The guy wasn't good enough to play in the majors unless he used steriods. That's why he isn't in the league anymore. In this day and age if a guy is talented enough to make a team better someone will take him. Lastly the guy made 24 million off of cheating. How can you feel bad for that? He could be the greatest guy in the world but I still wouldn't feel bad for him. He's doing just fine. If he loves the game that much then get into coaching. I'd love to hear him explain to high school kids how doing steriods is wrong even though he did them and got paid over 24 million.

Now I will say that if he dresses up as the Oriole bird for every home game and does a good job and sits in a dunk tank before and after every game until no one is left to throw. I might think about giving him a shot in single A ball. Even better they could have a poll on the Orioles website where fans can vote on wether he deserves a shot at single A ball.

After meeting Jay Gibbons personally I enjoyed the conversation I had with him! Having made a mistake doesn't make him a bad guy! We all have done things in the past that made us look a certain way! He should be forgiven for his mistake and given a chance! It wasn't that he didn't give us good years in baltimore so why can't we give him a chance to prove himself?It would have been easier if he did not take it knowingly! I just can not see using proformance enhancement drugs!

Gibbons is a reflection of what this franchise once was. As a fan, I don't want him back.

But if I were in his shoes, I'd work my butt off during this season and try to make a team as a Spring Training non-roster invitee in '09. He could come out with a minor league contract, or as a 4th outfielder if he's lucky.

Such self-righteousness! How can people post things like "IF YOU CHEAT YOU LIE. IF YOU LIE YOU STEAL.WE CANT HAVE THAT" without feeling the least bit self-conscious or ashamed. When a player stands in the basepath and blocks the runner without holding the ball, he is cheating. When a pitcher scuffs the ball, he is cheating. When a pitcher balks, he is cheating. All of this, including drug use, is just about arbitrary rules that make up the game. Breaking the rules doesn't characterize anyone as a person. It's third rate thinking straight out of the second grade to shout "cheater!" Rules are made for the game, and rules are broken every single day. Consequences for breaking those rules (baserunners advance, players are suspended) are enforced. And that's it. Nothing Gibbons ever did was as reckless as LaTroy Hawkins throwing at Luke Scott, and Hawkins got three games off and people even said he was a good guy, supporting his teammates.

Cry me a river, build a bridge and get over it...i like the comment about the Goonies, he has more potential in starring in that movie then playing in the Show again. Get his swing back? his swing was horrendous, without steriods he is a mediocre minor league player. period. see you at Joe Cannon.

There is forgiveness but it doesn't mean you get another chance in your chosen occupation, marriage, etc. If I did certain things (and I'm not referring to something extreme like murder) I would be fired and not allowed back into the same occupational field.
If a teacher or an officer did certain things that betrayed a trust they could not be employed in a similar job.
Jay lied about doing it, he wasn't much of a team player when it came to play other positions, and only now when his career may be over, he is apologetic about it.
Society needs to hold people to higher standards. His, and others, cheating may have prevented a number of other qualified "clean" players from ever reaching the major leagues.

Why is everyone so forgiving about cheaters like Jay and so forgetful about the others who never got a chance to fulfilled their dream because they were honest and played according to the rules?

Probably because the others are mostly anonymous and don't have a readily identifiable name and face.

Rich

Rich,
Again I will say you need to look in the mirror. People cheat and lie on their taxes every year. I am sure your not clean on alot of things. You never lie about anything. You have never needed forgiveness? This is a game. Its baseball.
Ricky Bobby...there are many people on welfare right now that are sitting on there so called butts costing you and I millions. Having more kids so they can get more. Trying to stay on welfare because they are lazy. Jay Gibbons was given a contract by the Baltimore Orioles oganization, if they feel cheated or lied to, then they should go to court and get it back like they are doing with Sydney Ponson. Very little of Jay's money came out of your pocket, unless you don't go to the games, then none came out of your pocket. To listen to your remarks, shows me that your nothing more than a self centered a**!
For those who say don't give Jay a second chance, thats your opinion, but remember that when you need a second chance!!!

Jay has a lot of money rolling in and I do not feel sorry for him. His history of not hitting in the clutch, missing many games because of one injury or another, and his unwillingness to be a handyman for the team is keeping him from playing for any other team. I do not begrudge him an opportunity but I would not hire him. The steroids are a non-issue.

Some of you people are heartless! I was disappointed with Jay's performance when he was with Baltimore, even said a few negative remarks when I'd watch him play... But, come on!...reading that letter tells me that he just WANTS to play baseball and that he must be a humble kinda guy! Now I'm hoping that he does get chosen to play and proves that he's got what it takes...! Best to you Jay, good luck!

Lets see, Brian Roberts Took steroids around the time he was fighting for a job as an Oriole. Jerry Harriston, may think that the CHEATER (Brian Roberts) stole his job. There is so much love for Brian it is sick. Why are we not slamming the O's for keeping him around!! Peter likes Cheaters? Is it OK to cheat if you already have skills? Brian is a great guy, clubhouse leader oh and a cheater.

What serious Crime did Jay Commit to not allow a second Chance in Baseball?

You all are pissed because he made millions and you did not. You all should have taken steroids and gotten the Orioles to give you big money. It was not against baseball rules. They did not even test for it untill forced by congress!

I think you all think if Jay did not get the big contract we would be winners by now.....

Jay haters, Brian your hero is a cheater also. Plus all the many people who got lucky or where smart and did not get caught. Being a baseball fan means accepting that steroids where a big part of the game. To think we will ever know the real extent of the cheating is not ever going to happen. Has the law tried to bust Jay? Did MLB do anything?

Second Chances are for human beings. I want one if I screw up.

All jay has done was take some drugs and not pan out as a top player.

Will he get his second change at baseball? Maybe or maybe not. If he does, will he be the hitter some team is looking for? It will be about his performance. Prior drug use will be a non issue if he has a monster spring next year as an non roster invite to a camp. He will never be an Oriole again. 12 million reasons why. It is the orioles who cut him loose. They could have kept him and he would on the team earning his money. He did not quit the team, they fired him.

if Dallas can give Pacman Jones and T Owens a deal then some one should be willing to give Gibbons a deal. Myself I would not sign any one that can not conduct themselves in a proper fashion there are a bunch of youngsters out there that look up to these guys

even Ponson got a deal with the Rangers but then could not keep the deal

All the above had a chance and threw it away then came back begging for another chance

OBVIOUSLY he needs to play in an independent league. All stars in their twilight years play there, and often get back to the bigs (Rickie Henderson @ 50 years old). I'm sure he'd play well enough there that a team would pick him up after a month or two and put him in triple A and then on to the bigs. Although he has to be better than oscar salazaar (no offense but 6 years between call ups tells you something).

Turn his picture to the wall.

Bill
He can't play for the Orioles in the minors for the same reason he would not go when he was on the team. MONEY! If he had agreed to go to the minors,
wouldn't it affected his contract?
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Lee,
Can't say if that would be the case now or couldn't be negotiated.
-- Bill O.

Realistically why would an organization want a 31 year old former ML player with declining production to take a spot away from a young minor leaguer? (It's not like Gibby is a catcher who could help school young pitchers.)

Why would an organization want someone with Gibby's past around its young players?

Why should an organization take a flyer on a Mitchell Report alumnus --with all the bad publicity--when chances are slim he'd make it to the major leagues anyway?

Maybe he should follow Larry Bigbee to Japan and show what he can do there. If he's a great success it might be worth it for a ML team to take the chance.

Sure would like you to show the Gibbons ProMo a few years ago showing him breaking a window in the warehouse. Even You Tube doesen't have that jem. It was surely burned. Shame on you Warehouse. Burn history.
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Storm,
Sorry for the edit ... but you made your point.
-- Bill O.

I always liked Gibbons..roids or not. He was the highlight of the team back in the post ripken years 02 and 03. I remember being at the game when he hit his first career Grand Slam. I thought wow this guy is going to have a great career here in bmore. Too bad injuries were a factor. I think another factor why he was released was that we had two guys on the team that are very similar to Gibbons playing style...Huff and Millar. I hope Gibbons catches on somewhere. Gibbons was also very cool with the fans. I think its pretty messed up how some people are still trashing him...it's time to move on.

How about this? The O's renegotiate his contract to $3 million for the remainder of his contract, allow him to play in our minors this year, and if he hits certain benchmarks (hits, runs, ab, etc), then incentives AND opportunity to advance kick in.

He cannot have it both ways. His numbers were not that good last year, the report was just too much to take. He is nowhere near worth $12 mill.

To the person who asked why he didnt accept minor league contract in March, he obviously thought then he would be picked up by someone else.

You people are missing the point. He's still lying! He showed up to the Orioles looking like Lou Ferrigno's stunt double. His whole career is based on steroid use. When he got off the juice last year he looked like a kid in his dad's pajamas. It had nothing to do with a wrist injury.

This guy was a one hit wonder for the Orioles. Got a big contract then went way south on everything. An injury liability. Enhancement user. Last thing I remembered about him is how far behind he was on major league pitching. I'm surprised he hasn't looked at Japan. Just goes to show you how tough it is to be the next BOOG POWELL.

Jay was an okay player on the Orioles. On most other teams he would have been dropped in 2003 when hitting 20 bombs. We stunk and so did most of our players.

It should be an honor and privilege for each and every professional athlete to play the game he/she loves and get paid for doing it. If Mr. Gibbons can't find employment in his former profession, then he needs to retool himself and get a "normal" job like the rest of us. You can't just say you're being accountable and ask others to move on. We've moved on, Mr. Gibbons, now it's your turn.

Jay , give back To Orioles some of that cash so they can pay Matkakis and Guthery , , then I say after that give Jay a chance if he is NOW willing to go to minors and work his way back .

I have no sympathy for anyone - Jay Gibbons OR Brian Roberts - who walk around with the "I'm a Christian" attitude and then lie about their drug use. My feeling about this whole situation is that, just like every other crook, he's not sorry he did it; he's sorry he got caught.

As someone who took a buyout after 36 years in a job and lasted eight weeks living a life of leisure, I can fully understand Gibbons' desire to stay active. Me, I went into another profession that challenges me every single day -- and is still better than the one I once loved though not when I left. All of the holier-than-thous on this page ought to try idleness for a while. Trust me, $24 million doesn't make the adjustment any easier. Gibbons at least is smart enough not to be dumbly satisfied with golf and barbecue. He is wise beyond his years in that respect. Coaching, though, on an amateur or high school level, looks like his future.

gibbons is the perfect example that steroids don't make you a better ballplayer.

If he was still good, he would be playing baseball right now.