Jonas McPhee with an exclusive for American Baseball Perspective

6/28/2009: New Orleans, LA – Late today ABP received word that Todd Hansen had indeed been caught attempting to make contact with and buy steroids from chemist Patrick Arnold.  Arnold is most famous for his connection with the BALCO scandal, which led to the eventual downfall of Major League Baseball and its affiliates.  Hansen, who has yet to be reached for comment, struggled mightily in the playoffs and had not gotten off to a good start due to injury and having to spend a majority of his time on the bench.  Speculation is that Hansen was looking for a faster recovery time and a way to add power to his swing, which produced a record number of singles last year but little else.  Hansen has been replaced by Córdova, who has socked nine homers.

The PEBA, wanting to distance itself from the fallen MLB, has a much stricter take on drug violations.  Arnold was on a list circulated among the clubhouse as a person who should not be contacted for any reason, and any contact would be investigated thoroughly.  A tip sent to the Commissioner’s Office – it is still unclear by whom – turned their eyes toward Hansen and Arnold.

The Trendsetters have announced that a full press conference would take place sometime in the near future as more information is discovered and the front office has gotten a good handle on what has happened.