Did Alex Rodriguez test positive for steroids in 2003?

Sports Illustrated is reporting today that four sources have told the magazine that Alex Rodriguez, reportedly dubbed “A-fraud” by Yankee teammates, tested positive for two anabolic steroids in 2003.

From SI.com:

The results of the 2003 testing were supposed to remain anonymous under an agreement between Bud Selig’s office and the MLB Players Association. But the results were seized by warrant-wielding federal agents in 2004 as part of the BALCO investigation, according the article. Two of the SI sources have “knowledge of the testing results.”

Rodriguez was named the American League MVP in 2003, a year in which he netted his third-straight home run title. He is currently the highest-paid player in the league with a 10-year contract he signed in 2007 worth up to $305 million.

The first accusation of Rodriguez’ steroid use came from — of all places — Jose Canseco. Deadspin reminds us in their post today of Canseco’s steroid tell-all Vindicated, in which he claims he introduced the Yankees slugger to a known steroid dealer.

Red Sox fans aside, does a report like this really surprise anyone? Can it really be considered a “bombshell” story anymore when we find out that a Major League baseball player — no matter how prolific — is alleged to have used steroids? After all, a positive steroid test in 2003 — when A-Rod is said to have tested positive for them — didn’t exactly warrant punishment from the MLB. So I guess the better question is: Does anyone out there believe that any shred of “sanctity” still exists when it comes to professional baseball?

Sources tell SI Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroids in 2003 [SI.com]