Skip to main content

Boo...

By
This week, we've all been pounded (not in a Matt Stairs kind of way) with news about Alex Rodriguez and his positive test for performance enhancing drugs. Rodriguez came clean, in an interview with ESPN's Peter Gammons, admitting that he took steroids for at least 3 seasons while playing for Texas, and admitting that he lied in previous interviews when asked about it.

The test results were to remain anonymous, thus MLB is unable to punish Rodriguez over the maliciously released news. Instead, Commission Bud Selig can only chastise Rodriguez, saying that he has shamed the game.

Rodriguez's confession has also drawn concern from the management of the Yankees. General Manager Brian Cashman stated, "I'm not confident about anything, about anybody." And manager Joe Girardi expressed his desire to keep a closer eye on players that he has concerns about.

Alex Rodriguez is a cheater. Much like a cheater in school or in a relationship. Is the cheater sorry when he/she is getting A grades on exams? No. Is the cheater sorry when he/she is enjoying that side action? Not a bit. Is the cheater sorry when he's winning American League MVP awards? Also no. That considered, he is not the only cheater in baseball these days. Remember Jason Giambi and Gary Sheffield were named in the BALCO scandal as having used illegal steroids. And while steroids are the most prevalent drugs of this baseball era, players of yester-year, like Willie Stargell and Phillies Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt are long rumored to have dabbled with methamphetamine.

The cheater, in this case, is not to blame. Schools have rules and punishments for cheaters. Husbands, wives and the law have rules and penalties for cheaters. Major League Baseball has only recently began with more strict rules and impactful punishments for players who cheat. Blame baseball for this. Don't hold Albatross Rodriguez fully responsible for how he has tainted the game. It's this organization of MLB, that wants its hitters to hit and hit big, that needs to be held accountable for the disappointing state of stats, players, records, and this era of the game we love.

Can it be fixed? I truly don't think fans will be confident that Major League Baseball is really on the road to improving itself until a new commissioner is in place. Can a true fan trust that the Selig regime can, and will, do what's in the best interest of the integrity of baseball? Commissioner Selig said, this week, "We are fully committed to ridding our game of steroids and other performance-enhancing substances. These drugs and those who use them and facilitate their use threaten the integrity of our sport." Prove it or get out.
Labels:

Comments

Jay Floyd said…
Don't miss the Wednesday post from PhilliesFlow.com.

http://www.philliesflow.com/2009/02/11/some-problems-run-so-deep-they-cant-even-be-solved-by-replacing-the-guy-with-the-089-ratio/

The writer there really get in depth with numbers.
February 13, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Chris said…
Phillies Flow is probably the top Phils blog out there. They're pretty much unrivaled, IMO.

Since you're not pure Phillies, of course. :)


As for this post, I just wonder why we value records so much.
February 14, 2009 at 1:59 PM
Anonymous said…
it'll be a tough road ahead for A-Roid as he seeks to become A-Rod once again
February 14, 2009 at 2:16 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sunday School: Phillies History Lesson 73

By
Danny Ozark was the Phillies' manager from 1973-1979. During his tenure as the team's general, Ozark led Philadelphia to three straight division titles. In his playing days, Ozark was a first baseman, who was a career minor leaguer in the Dodgers system. When Ozark took over the team in 1973, the Phillies were fresh off 5 consecutive losing seasons and 3 straight last place finishes. During his first season in charge, the Phillies would again finish in last place, 20 games under .500, but as his core of young talent, like Mike Schmidt and Larry Bowa, developed, the Phillies' win totals rose. Within 2 years, the Phillies were above .500 and in the playoff hunt until late in the season and the most successful era of Phillies history was about to begin. By 1976, the Phillies were headed to the post-season for the first time since 1950. The Phils would enjoy a 10-game lead over their nearest division rival at the midway point of the season. Despite a lul, which saw their lead d...
2 comments
Read more

PhoulBallz Interview: First round pick Bryson Stott

By
Bryson Stott, image- Jay Floyd Shortstop Bryson Stott , the Phillies' first round draft selection this year, has enjoyed a successful initial pro campaign.  En route to being recognized as an All-Star for the Class A short-season Williamsport Crosscutters the 21-year-old UNLV product has tallied a .295 average with six home runs and 25 RBI in 45 minor league contests. Last week I spoke with the lefty hitting Stott to discuss his transition to professional baseball, joining the Phillies organization and plenty more.  Read ahead for that interview.  -Obviously, your performance and the production on the field is going well, but how do you feel you have adapted to the pro life? It feels good.  You hear about the everyday grind, but you don't really believe it till you feel it. I would say that's the difference between college and the pros, is you're not practicing, you're playing games every day.  I would say that's the biggest difference.  But I...
Post a Comment
Read more

Velasquez shut down, Eflin on deck?

By
Eflin with Reading in 2015, image- Jay Floyd Following Vincent Velasquez leaving his start after just two pitches for the Phillies on Wednesday, righty prospect Zach Eflin was pulled from his start for Triple-A Lehigh Valley at Gwinnett. The 22-year-old sports a 5-1 record with a 3.14 ERA and a .210 batting average against in 10 starts for the IronPigs this season. He could take the place of Velasquez if he is required to miss any additional time. Initial word on Velasquez after he threw two fastballs that clocked in the 86-87 MPH range (considerably slower than the 94 MPH he averages) and was swiftly pulled from his outing, is that he has a biceps strain. He'll be further evaluated in the coming days. Prior to the regular season, Eflin got a taste of competing against big leaguers when he was charged with 12 runs (nine earned) on 11 hits while striking out two and walking one with a wild pitch in three innings of work in an intrasquad exhibition that pitted the Phils...
Post a Comment
Read more