The Muscle Men

Meanwhile, Signature and PBRC are both still open for business. Though the office prosecutors say was the call center on Indiantown Road is now empty, the clinic on Military Trail in Palm Beach Gardens is still bustling, and the parking lot is full of luxury cars. The PBRC website, www.pbrcenter.com, is also still up and still implores visitors to call for a free consultation to learn more about human growth hormone.

Rick Ankiel declined New Times interview requests. In an email response, Ankiel wrote, "I would rather look forward to the upcoming season then[sic] look back. I appreciate your email and support. Rick."

At Roger Dean Stadium, as Ankiel neared the batting practice field, the calls began. "Hey, Ricky!" "Good luck this year, Rick." Ankiel gave a quick wave of acknowledgment. He stepped into the batter's box. He took four or five pitches batting lefty, then five more from the other side of the plate. Then Ankiel switched back to batting left-handed. He connected on his first pitch and zapped a line drive deep into right field. The kids gripping the fence gave him a smattering of applause.

On January 18, Ankiel signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals that will pay him $900,000. With performance-based incentives, it could be worth $1 million (still less than half of his first pitching contract). He is projected to be the starting center fielder.

By late February, J was still at his apartment — and not at spring training. He wasn't invited this year, he says, though he believes he still has some options to continue playing, "possibly outside the U.S." In the meantime, he says, he will keep working out on his own.

Asked if he still uses steroids, he said, "I'd like to say I don't."