This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

New York • Baseball and its players' union defended their drug testing program Friday and promised to tighten collection procedures following criticism by anti-doping agencies of an arbitrator's decision to overturn NL MVP Ryan Braun's 50-game suspension.

At a news conference in Phoenix, where he reported to the Milwaukee Brewers for spring training, Braun criticized drug testing by baseball as "fatally flawed," citing the roughly 44-hour lag between when his urine was collected and when it was given to Federal Express for transport to a laboratory in Montreal.

The drug agreement between management and the Major League Baseball Players Association calls for the sample to be sent the same day "absent unusual circumstances."

While Braun left open the possibility that the delay could have led to his sample being altered, Major League Baseball Executive Vice President Rob Manfred said "neither Mr. Braun nor the MLBPA contended in the grievance that his sample had been tampered with or produced any evidence of tampering."

Braun learned Oct. 19 his sample was positive for elevated testosterone, which he said was at a ratio that was the highest ever recorded in baseball's testing program. The positive test, had it stood up, would have caused him to be suspended for the first 50 games of the season.

David Howman, director general of the World Anti-Doping Agency, called the delay a "technical breach" and was disappointed arbitrator Shyam Das ignored the substance of the case.

"The very experienced laboratory director in Montreal gave evidence that the sample had not been compromised nor tampered with," Howman said. "Accordingly, no damage occurred to the sample before analysis."

What is clear is that both sides will tell Comprehensive Drug Testing Inc., the collection agency, to adhere to the drug agreement.

"This case has focused the parties' attention on an aspect of our program that can be improved," union head Michael Weiner said. "We are confident that all collections going forward will follow the parties' agreed-upon rules."

"Our program is not 'fatally flawed,'" added Manfred. "Changes will be made promptly to clarify the instructions."

Around the horn

Indians • Cleveland outfielder Grady Sizemore has a strained lower back and will miss opening day, yet another setback for the former All-Star. Sizemore injured his back a few weeks ago while working his way back from knee surgery. Trainer Lonnie Soloff says there is no timetable on his return. Sizemore has been shut off from all baseball activities as the Indians wait to see how he responds to treatment.

Nationals • Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman says he hopes to have the framework of a new contract in place before Washington's first official full-squad workout of spring training. He also repeated what he's said since being drafted by Washington in 2005: He wants to stay with the Nationals for the long term. He has two seasons left on a $45 million, five-year contract.

Athletics • Manny Ramirez arrived at Oakland's training facility Friday in Phoenix to begin his return to baseball and said he was intent on demonstrating "I can still play." The 12-time All-Star must serve a 50-game suspension for his second positive drug test before he can play in the regular season for Oakland.