Red Sox duo ‘tested positive for doping’

BASEBALL stars David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez, who powered the Boston Red Sox to World Series titles in 2004 and 2007, tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003, it was reported yesterday.

The New York Times, citing unnamed attorneys with knowledge of the test results, said Boston star Ortiz and Ramirez, who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers, were among 100 Major League Baseball players to test positive in 2003.

Doping by Ramirez and Ortiz would cast a stain upon the historic 2004 World Series triumph by the Red Sox, which ended the team’s 86-year title drought.