Baseball and Steroids

What do I think of all of this congressional crap?

Well, I can see it. Major League Baseball thinks that they can just fine players' pocket change and suspend them for a short while. I think it was about time Congress stepped in.

I know a long time ago, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that MLB is not a monopoly and they can govern themselves. For years, they could. I think the tide turned with the advent of free agency in the 1970's and that led to money-hungry owners and players, which led to the whole Pete Rose-thing and the strike of '94.

I just cannot figure out how MLB was so blind to the use of performance enhancing substances. They cracked down so hard on cocaine use in the late '80's that they totally forgot about steroids. They should have perked up especially in 1988 when Ben Johnson of Canada was stripped of his gold medal in the 100 meter dash after he tested positive for steroids.

Now with Jose Canseco's book on bookstands, Congress has finally stepped in and basically taken control of MLB's steroid use policy. People say that Congress should not be involved. I say they should in one case-in-point: they are our representives. Not only they are politicians, they are fans and they represent us at Capitol Hill. MLB is not the players' league, it's the for the fan.

The testimony given by players like Mark McGwire, Curt Schilling, Sammy Sosa, and Raphael Palmeiro was ... eh, truthful? After McGwire's statement, everybody could see right through the guy. What did he constantly say on the stand: "I'm not going to discuss my past or implicate any other players." ... ??? McGwire pleaded the 5th Amendment. It's his right, but it basically implicates himself of some wrong-doing earlier in his career.

I cannot help to think that some of his injuries in his career are due to steroid use. A person can get so strong but there is always going to be a breaking point where a body just can no longer take the abuse. Steroids accelerates that and that's proven.

McGwire, if he has taken steroids, didn't need 'em! Look back at 1987, his first full year in majors with the Oakland A's. He hit a rookie-record 49 home runs -- and he looked like a twig! Now look at Sammy Sosa. For a few years, he toiled with the Chicago White Sox and the Texas Rangers, then all of a sudden -- BOOM. He's huge and swinging the big lumber with the Chicago Cubs. Hmm....

Now look at Palmeiro. I don't believe his a 'roid user. He's just got a natural, beautiful swing that produces home runs. He's been so consistent over the years that it's unbelievable.

What they should have done was subpeona Barry Bonds. It would have been interesting to get his input on the whole deal to Congress instead of lashing out at the press eariler in the month. Now reports are coming in that Bonds did use steroids, not that "cream" he applied to his joints.

For crying out loud!!!