Swarzak Suspended

By Ken Lipshez
New Britain Herald Press

NEW BRITAIN - New Britain Rock Cats pitcher Anthony Swarzak was suspended 50 games Friday for violating Major League Baseball's substance abuse policy.

The Rock Cats reported that their parent club, the Minnesota Twins, were informed that a "drug of abuse" was discovered in Swarzak's system rather than one that enhances performance.

Swarzak, 21, was repentant before Friday night's game against the Connecticut Defenders.

"I apologize to the Twins, my family and friends for what I'm putting them through," said Swarzak, who Baseball America rates as the Twins' fifth best prospect overall and third-best minor league pitching prospect. "I'm going to try and get this stretch out of the way and do the best I can to try and better myself every day."

Swarzak intends to stay with the Rock Cats on an unpaid basis while serving the suspension.

"I'll be here with the team working out every day and when the game starts I'll be in the stands," he said. "It's definitely a good lesson in life. What I've been going through the last 24 hours is the biggest life-changing experience that I've ever had to go through.

"I've definitely learned my lesson. I'm just going to try and get back out there, get in the game and try to get this team a win."

Swarzak declined to reveal the drug that the Minor League Drug Treatment and Prevention Program discovered in his test. The program generally tests minor league players up to four times a year, but the Minor League Healthy Policy Advisory Committee can react to information received regarding a player using or possessing a prohibited substance.

Rock Cats manager Riccardo Ingram said, "I'm just saddened by it. We want him to stay here, stay in shape and continue on with his progress. It just puts a little bump in the road for him development-wise. Hopefully he gets through this and gets back on the field."

Swarzak is the second New Britain player to be suspended under the minor league program. A mandatory first-offense 15-day penalty was handed down to former first baseman Luis Jimenez on opening day 2005 for alleged use of a performance-enhancing substance.