The recent problems of Jack Ryan in Illinois don't seem to have much to do with baseball injuries, but surprisingly, there's a major issue common to both. In this article at the always-quotable Pandagon, the response to off-the-record quotes is definitely something near and dear to me (and other baseball journalists, like Gammons.)

Most of my work is done not "off-record" but "on background." I use anonymous sources regularly, due to need and regulation. If I were to say "Joe Smith, the doctor for the KC Monarchs ..", Smith would have HIPAA problems as well as being out of a job. If I say "a source with the Monarchs ...", then everyone gets what they need.

Yes, I've had sources give me bad information. Usually, they simply make a mistake or misinterpret something. I try to avoid this by having more than one source. A player recently denied having a cortisone shot, despite several reports to the contrary. While I couldn't find a source that had actually seen the event to confirm or deny, I was able to talk to someone in the clubhouse that knew the player hadn't been in the training room long enough to have the shot performed.

Over the past three years, I've built up a great network of sources. With that and with my ability to interpret the information they give me, I think I give as accurate a picture as is possible. Without off-record and background sources, the information flow would be near zero. It could certainly be better. If beat reporters would learn the right questions to ask trainers, we'd have better and more timely information. (And if they'd like lessons or help framing questions, you have my contact info.)

Would I out sources if they knowingly lied to me? I'm not sure. I'd have to know they were malicious and I'd have to be willing to accept the consequences as well. Depending on the info, I'd certainly keep others from being as open with me in the future. I agree that sources that lie or use off-record quotes to manipulate the press should be punished by public declaration.

I hope I never have to make that hard decision.