Bob Sheppard Honored By NY Congresswoman

NY congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy honored Mr. Sheppard on the floor of the House of Representatives yesterday and asked that her colleagues do the same.

From Politicalnews.me:

- Nov 17,2010 - WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (NY-04) issued the following statement in support H. Res. 1529, commending Bob Sheppard for his respected career as the public-address announcer for the New York Yankees and the New York Giants: “Today I ask my colleagues to support H. Res. 1529, commending Bob Sheppard for his long and respected career as the public-address announcer for the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. On July 11, 2010, Mr. Sheppard passed away at the age 99 in his home in Baldwin, New York, in my district. Mr. Sheppard was a constant in sports announcing for over fifty years. His distinctive voice was recognizable to both players and fans. Each game began with his trademark cadence- "Good afternoon ..ladies and gentlemen...and welcome...to Yankee Stadium". He performed the role as public address announcer at Yankee Stadium from opening day in 1951 through 2007. And as the public-address announcer for the New York Giants from 1956 through 2005. At the age of 62 he announced the World Series games, 2 All-Star Games, and has introduced more than 72 Hall of Famers throughout his career. He will always be remembered for his clear, concise, and correct announcements and pronunciations, taking pride in the name of every player he introduced. Bob Sheppard utilized his great oratory skills not only in the sports arena, but as the chairman of the speech department at John Adams High School in Queens and as a professor of speech at St. John’s University. Bob Sheppard was honored for his fifty memorable years of service as the announcer at Yankee Stadium with Bob Sheppard Day, celebrated on May 7, 2000, and with a permanent plaque in Monument Park in Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. His memorable voice will continue to live on as the recorded introduction of Yankees’ shortstop Derek Jeter. My resolution serves to recognize the legacy of Bob Sheppard and his distinctive announcing style as a revered tradition not only to the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. But also to the games of baseball and football, and the field of sports announcing. I want to thank the fifty two cosponsors of the resolution, including members who are fans of other teams. Additionally, the resolution commends Mr. Sheppard for his fifty-two years of service in the field of sports announcing and his dedication to spreading his knowledge and skill through teaching speech at both the high school and college levels. Today I salute Bob Sheppard. I ask my colleagues to support the resolution."

Pettitte Contradicts Clemens

We all knew this was a possibility, but now it has become fact. Andy Pettitte was excused from testifying before congress today, but in his deposition last week he made comments that contradicted statements made by Roger Clemens. Pettitte's statements lined up more with Brian McNamee's according to Tom Davis (R-Virginia), the co-chair of the congressional oversight committee investigating the use of P.E.D. in baseball.

Right off the bat, we are a little baffled by Davis' motives in making this information public prior to the hearing. It would have become public once the hearings were held, but the early dissemination of information just makes this look more and more like a witch hunt.

Clemens has already responded that Pettitte's information was incorrect and felt that Pettitte misunderstood conversations they had when discussing medications. It's interesting that Clemens didn't accuse Pettitte of lying- probably because he knew like everyone else, that Pettitte had no reason to lie and would have made himself look bad if he had done so.

Reports came out last night that Pettitte was excused due to too many inconsistencies in his deposition, but that seems to be an afterthought today. In addition to Pettitte, Chuck Knoblauch and Kirk Radomski were all excused from further testimony, which means that Clemens and McNamee are the only two left in this congressional clown car.

Source

Pettitte Contradicts Clemens

We all knew this was a possibility, but now it has become fact. Andy Pettitte was excused from testifying before congress today, but in his deposition last week he made comments that contradicted statements made by Roger Clemens. Pettitte's statements lined up more with Brian McNamee's according to Tom Davis (R-Virginia), the co-chair of the congressional oversight committee investigating the use of P.E.D. in baseball.

Right off the bat, we are a little baffled by Davis' motives in making this information public prior to the hearing. It would have become public once the hearings were held, but the early dissemination of information just makes this look more and more like a witch hunt.

Clemens has already responded that Pettitte's information was incorrect and felt that Pettitte misunderstood conversations they had when discussing medications. It's interesting that Clemens didn't accuse Pettitte of lying- probably because he knew like everyone else, that Pettitte had no reason to lie and would have made himself look bad if he had done so.

Reports came out last night that Pettitte was excused due to too many inconsistencies in his deposition, but that seems to be an afterthought today. In addition to Pettitte, Chuck Knoblauch and Kirk Radomski were all excused from further testimony, which means that Clemens and McNamee are the only two left in this congressional clown car.

Source

Lets Get Physical

The Roger Clemens-Brian McNamee tête-à-tête took a bit of a strange twist yesterday. McNamee reportedly turned over physical evidence last month that will show Clemens' use of P.E.D.

McNamee gave BALCO investigators vials that contained traces of steroids and HGH, as well as blood-stained syringes and gauze pads that may contain the Rocket's DNA. We're not sure which is more disturbing- Clemens using the stuff and lying, or McNamee keeping this stuff.

The evidence was turned over to the Justice Department on December 10 and was sent for testing. McNamee will discuss the evidence when he meets with congressional lawyers tomorrow for his deposition.

Clemens, obviously, could be in big trouble if the tests show his DNA. But his lawyers will most certainly question the validity of the evidence, as it easily could have been tampered with by McNamee.

Just like Clemens' haircut, this gets uglier every day.

NY Daily News

Lets Get Physical

The Roger Clemens-Brian McNamee tête-à-tête took a bit of a strange twist yesterday. McNamee reportedly turned over physical evidence last month that will show Clemens' use of P.E.D.

McNamee gave BALCO investigators vials that contained traces of steroids and HGH, as well as blood-stained syringes and gauze pads that may contain the Rocket's DNA. We're not sure which is more disturbing- Clemens using the stuff and lying, or McNamee keeping this stuff.

The evidence was turned over to the Justice Department on December 10 and was sent for testing. McNamee will discuss the evidence when he meets with congressional lawyers tomorrow for his deposition.

Clemens, obviously, could be in big trouble if the tests show his DNA. But his lawyers will most certainly question the validity of the evidence, as it easily could have been tampered with by McNamee.

Just like Clemens' haircut, this gets uglier every day.

NY Daily News

The Daily Yankeeland

It's hard to get the focus back on baseball today; we're still too filled with glee. But here goes.

Andy Pettitte took his turn in Washington, D.C. yesterday, being deposed in preparation for his February 13 appearance before congress.

Pettitte refused to speak with reporters before or after his 2- 1/2 hr appearance. Pettitte's lawyer re-iterated his client's stance.

“Out of respect for the sensitive nature of these proceedings, and out of deference to the committee’s request for confidentiality, we, on behalf of Mr. Pettitte, will not comment on the nature or specifics of his testimony,” the lawyers Jay K. Reisinger and Thomas J. Farrell said.

Needless to say, Roger Clemens must be sweating right about now, concerned about what Pettitte said in his deposition. Brian McNamee's counsel has been making it known that Pettitte would testify that he discussed HGH with Clemens, contradicting Clemens' statements on 60 Minutes. The Rocket has his turn to be deposed today. NY Times

* * *

On the brighter side, Shelley Duncan has pronounced himself fit and ready to go for spring training. Duncan was treated in the off-season for blood clots.

* * *

MLB.com's Harold Reynolds recently sat down with Derek Jeter for some one-to-one time.

* * *

The Yankees are exploring the possibility of having Kevin Mench as an addition outfielder/right-hander bat for this up-coming season. The downside is listening to Michael Kay talk about how big Mench's head is over a 162 game schedule.

* * *

The final touches on Robinson Cano's new deal will be complete as soon as the Yankees get the results of the physical Cano took last week.

The Daily Yankeeland

It's hard to get the focus back on baseball today; we're still too filled with glee. But here goes.

Andy Pettitte took his turn in Washington, D.C. yesterday, being deposed in preparation for his February 13 appearance before congress.

Pettitte refused to speak with reporters before or after his 2- 1/2 hr appearance. Pettitte's lawyer re-iterated his client's stance.

“Out of respect for the sensitive nature of these proceedings, and out of deference to the committee’s request for confidentiality, we, on behalf of Mr. Pettitte, will not comment on the nature or specifics of his testimony,” the lawyers Jay K. Reisinger and Thomas J. Farrell said.

Needless to say, Roger Clemens must be sweating right about now, concerned about what Pettitte said in his deposition. Brian McNamee's counsel has been making it known that Pettitte would testify that he discussed HGH with Clemens, contradicting Clemens' statements on 60 Minutes. The Rocket has his turn to be deposed today. NY Times

* * *

On the brighter side, Shelley Duncan has pronounced himself fit and ready to go for spring training. Duncan was treated in the off-season for blood clots.

* * *

MLB.com's Harold Reynolds recently sat down with Derek Jeter for some one-to-one time.

* * *

The Yankees are exploring the possibility of having Kevin Mench as an addition outfielder/right-hander bat for this up-coming season. The downside is listening to Michael Kay talk about how big Mench's head is over a 162 game schedule.

* * *

The final touches on Robinson Cano's new deal will be complete as soon as the Yankees get the results of the physical Cano took last week.

Pettitte Could Contradict Clemens

If we are to believe Brian McNamee's lawyer, Earl Ward, Andy Pettitte may contradict Roger Clemens' claim that the Rocket knew nothing of Pettitte's HGH use when its the left-hander's time to meet with Congress. Ward believes Pettitte will testify that he discussed HGH with Clemens some time between the 2001 and 2002 seasons. That conversation reportedly lead to Pettitte's talk with McNamee on the subject.

"We're hopeful based on Andy's reputation that he will corroborate Brian's statements with regard to Roger," Ward said in a telephone interview.

"Based on what we know, there was a situation where Andy was speaking to Roger in Brian's presence, then Andy came over to Brian and essentially said, 'Why didn't you tell me about this stuff?' He referred to HGH," Ward said. "Brian discouraged him and then several months later, when he (Pettitte) got injured, he came back and asked Brian about it, and that's when Brian injected him. We believe that based on the fact that Andy came to Brian and asked him about HGH, it was Roger who told Andy about HGH and that's why he asked Brian about it."

Pettitte was originally slated to be deposed yesterday, but it was pushed back until February 4. Pettitte's lawyer, Jay Reisinger, would not elaborate on what his client will discuss with Congress.

Pettitte Could Contradict Clemens

If we are to believe Brian McNamee's lawyer, Earl Ward, Andy Pettitte may contradict Roger Clemens' claim that the Rocket knew nothing of Pettitte's HGH use when its the left-hander's time to meet with Congress. Ward believes Pettitte will testify that he discussed HGH with Clemens some time between the 2001 and 2002 seasons. That conversation reportedly lead to Pettitte's talk with McNamee on the subject.

"We're hopeful based on Andy's reputation that he will corroborate Brian's statements with regard to Roger," Ward said in a telephone interview.

"Based on what we know, there was a situation where Andy was speaking to Roger in Brian's presence, then Andy came over to Brian and essentially said, 'Why didn't you tell me about this stuff?' He referred to HGH," Ward said. "Brian discouraged him and then several months later, when he (Pettitte) got injured, he came back and asked Brian about it, and that's when Brian injected him. We believe that based on the fact that Andy came to Brian and asked him about HGH, it was Roger who told Andy about HGH and that's why he asked Brian about it."

Pettitte was originally slated to be deposed yesterday, but it was pushed back until February 4. Pettitte's lawyer, Jay Reisinger, would not elaborate on what his client will discuss with Congress.

Breaking News: New Kid on the Knoblauch

Apparently Chuck Knoblauch was not hiding out in Mexico, with or without Jessica Simpson. Knobby had not returned calls from congressional contacts and was nowhere to be found when they tried to subpoena him. Knobby was probably just getting all his ducks in a row- translation: talking to some lawyers first.

Earlier today, the former Yankees 2nd Baseman agreed to talk to the House committee, investigating steroid use, this Friday. A deposition will be taken in preparation for formal hearings on February 13.

"We are pleased that Mr. Knoblauch has agreed to voluntarily participate in a transcribed interview or deposition with the committee. As a result, the Committee is withdrawing the subpoena," House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman Henry Waxman and ranking Republican Tom Davis said in a statement.

Good luck Knobby...if you have to hit one of their mothers in the head with a glass of water.

Breaking News: New Kid on the Knoblauch

Apparently Chuck Knoblauch was not hiding out in Mexico, with or without Jessica Simpson. Knobby had not returned calls from congressional contacts and was nowhere to be found when they tried to subpoena him. Knobby was probably just getting all his ducks in a row- translation: talking to some lawyers first.

Earlier today, the former Yankees 2nd Baseman agreed to talk to the House committee, investigating steroid use, this Friday. A deposition will be taken in preparation for formal hearings on February 13.

"We are pleased that Mr. Knoblauch has agreed to voluntarily participate in a transcribed interview or deposition with the committee. As a result, the Committee is withdrawing the subpoena," House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman Henry Waxman and ranking Republican Tom Davis said in a statement.

Good luck Knobby...if you have to hit one of their mothers in the head with a glass of water.

Tejada Under the Microscope

Miguel Tejada is coming under scrutiny as the congressional committee prepares to meet next month to discuss performance enhancing drugs in baseball. With investigators already checking into claims by Roger Clemens that he did not use steroids, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman Henry A. Waxman (D-Calif.) has asked investigators to look into whether or not Tejada lied under oath when he testified before congress.

The Mitchell Report , Waxman noted, "directly contradicts key elements of Mr. Tejada's testimony."

Wasting no time, Waxman and Davis dispatched a letter to Attorney General Michael Mukasey urging a criminal probe of the one-time American League MVP.

You can bet the Houston Astros are sweating right now- in addition to Tejada.

Tejada Under the Microscope

Miguel Tejada is coming under scrutiny as the congressional committee prepares to meet next month to discuss performance enhancing drugs in baseball. With investigators already checking into claims by Roger Clemens that he did not use steroids, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman Henry A. Waxman (D-Calif.) has asked investigators to look into whether or not Tejada lied under oath when he testified before congress.

The Mitchell Report , Waxman noted, "directly contradicts key elements of Mr. Tejada's testimony."

Wasting no time, Waxman and Davis dispatched a letter to Attorney General Michael Mukasey urging a criminal probe of the one-time American League MVP.

You can bet the Houston Astros are sweating right now- in addition to Tejada.

McNamee Turning Up the Heat

With temperatures dropping back to freezing, it's only appropriate that Brian McNamee is turning up the heat on Roger Clemens. McNamee is said to be helping congressional investigators as they prepare for February hearings on performance enhancing drugs.

McNamee had previously only answered questions from federal authorities as well as the Mitchell investigators. He did not volunteer information. Whether or not it's because of Roger Clemens claims that McNamee lied, the personal trainer is starting to volunteer information to authorities, going into much deeper detail than before.

McNamee's attorney Earl Ward got right to the point...

"Brian knows a lot about Roger's moral character and knows a lot about his extracurricular activities. ... There's a lot that he could say to damage Roger's reputation, but we plan on taking the high road. ... If some of this stuff were to come out, Roger Clemens would look very, very, very bad."

Congressional investigators are asking more probing questions as well as they try to determine the validity of both McNamee's and Clemens' claims.

Clemens' attorney Rusty Hardin is also backing away from his earlier statement that Clemens would definitely testify under oath before Congress.




The needle was this big...





Source - NY Daily News

McNamee Turning Up the Heat

With temperatures dropping back to freezing, it's only appropriate that Brian McNamee is turning up the heat on Roger Clemens. McNamee is said to be helping congressional investigators as they prepare for February hearings on performance enhancing drugs.

McNamee had previously only answered questions from federal authorities as well as the Mitchell investigators. He did not volunteer information. Whether or not it's because of Roger Clemens claims that McNamee lied, the personal trainer is starting to volunteer information to authorities, going into much deeper detail than before.

McNamee's attorney Earl Ward got right to the point...

"Brian knows a lot about Roger's moral character and knows a lot about his extracurricular activities. ... There's a lot that he could say to damage Roger's reputation, but we plan on taking the high road. ... If some of this stuff were to come out, Roger Clemens would look very, very, very bad."

Congressional investigators are asking more probing questions as well as they try to determine the validity of both McNamee's and Clemens' claims.

Clemens' attorney Rusty Hardin is also backing away from his earlier statement that Clemens would definitely testify under oath before Congress.




The needle was this big...





Source - NY Daily News

Do You Swear?

Roger Clemens did plenty of plenty of swearing in his press conference the other day, but he'll soon be swearing on a Bible in front of congress. That according to Henry Waxman (D-Calif), the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Since the committee's time for questioning is limited, they can go more in-depth with those testifying under oath. Typical congress though. Tobacco manufacturers testified WITHOUT being under oath, but a bunch of baseball players MUST be under oath.

Before then Brian McNamee will be meeting next Thursday with Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Parrella and IRS special agent Jeff Novitzky (whose name isn't as cool as say, "007"). Though no meeting agenda has been set, its expected that the three are meeting to discuss Clemens' allegations that McNamee lied to the Mitchell commission.

Bud Selig and George Mitchell may have wanted to just "move on" after the release of the Mitchell Report, but this stuff is just going to drag on indefinitely.




On another note, is Henry Waxman's head on upside down?

Do You Swear?

Roger Clemens did plenty of plenty of swearing in his press conference the other day, but he'll soon be swearing on a Bible in front of congress. That according to Henry Waxman (D-Calif), the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Since the committee's time for questioning is limited, they can go more in-depth with those testifying under oath. Typical congress though. Tobacco manufacturers testified WITHOUT being under oath, but a bunch of baseball players MUST be under oath.

Before then Brian McNamee will be meeting next Thursday with Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Parrella and IRS special agent Jeff Novitzky (whose name isn't as cool as say, "007"). Though no meeting agenda has been set, its expected that the three are meeting to discuss Clemens' allegations that McNamee lied to the Mitchell commission.

Bud Selig and George Mitchell may have wanted to just "move on" after the release of the Mitchell Report, but this stuff is just going to drag on indefinitely.




On another note, is Henry Waxman's head on upside down?

Knobby Speaks Up

For the first time since being named in the Mitchell Report, former Yankee Chuck Knoblauch has publicly commented on his inclusion in the "festivities". While he doesn't deny any wrong doing, he doesn't admit either. He does sound a little bitter though towards the game that brought him fame, and in some cases, infamy.

“I have nothing to defend,” Knoblauch said. “I have nothing to hide at the same time.”

Oddly, what bothered him most about being in the report is that he no longer has anything to do with baseball, and he wants to keep it that way.

“I’ve got nothing to do with any of that, I mean, any baseball.”

“And I don’t want anything to do with baseball,” he added.

Knoblauch plans to be at the congressional hearing on February 13, but has not been told any specifics.

“I read my name in the paper and see it on the news, but I haven’t heard a word,” Knoblauch said. “I’m supposed to be somewhere, but I haven’t been told where to be.”

Asked if he will talk to the committee, Knoblauch said: “Yeah, if I have to do that, then what are you going to do?”

Philip M. Schiliro, the chief of staff for the committee holding the hearing, said he left several messages for Knoblauch, but has not heard back from him.

Perhaps this was the saddest statement of all from the once beloved 2nd Baseman. “I love baseball,” he said, “but I’m not trying to get a job in baseball. I don’t have any friends from baseball. Baseball doesn’t control my life anymore.”

Knoblauch, for now, is content to fill his time playing with his 3-yr old son. And he asked reporters not to tell anyone where he lives.

Knobby Speaks Up

For the first time since being named in the Mitchell Report, former Yankee Chuck Knoblauch has publicly commented on his inclusion in the "festivities". While he doesn't deny any wrong doing, he doesn't admit either. He does sound a little bitter though towards the game that brought him fame, and in some cases, infamy.

“I have nothing to defend,” Knoblauch said. “I have nothing to hide at the same time.”

Oddly, what bothered him most about being in the report is that he no longer has anything to do with baseball, and he wants to keep it that way.

“I’ve got nothing to do with any of that, I mean, any baseball.”

“And I don’t want anything to do with baseball,” he added.

Knoblauch plans to be at the congressional hearing on February 13, but has not been told any specifics.

“I read my name in the paper and see it on the news, but I haven’t heard a word,” Knoblauch said. “I’m supposed to be somewhere, but I haven’t been told where to be.”

Asked if he will talk to the committee, Knoblauch said: “Yeah, if I have to do that, then what are you going to do?”

Philip M. Schiliro, the chief of staff for the committee holding the hearing, said he left several messages for Knoblauch, but has not heard back from him.

Perhaps this was the saddest statement of all from the once beloved 2nd Baseman. “I love baseball,” he said, “but I’m not trying to get a job in baseball. I don’t have any friends from baseball. Baseball doesn’t control my life anymore.”

Knoblauch, for now, is content to fill his time playing with his 3-yr old son. And he asked reporters not to tell anyone where he lives.

Clemensy

Main Entry: clem·en·cy

Pronunciation:

\ˈkle-mən(t)-sē\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural clem·en·cies

Date:

15th century

1 a: disposition to be merciful and especially to moderate the severity of punishment due
b: an act or instance of leniency

Roger Clemens is looking for exoneration, but clemency may take on a new spelling in the future. Clemens has now become a target, just as Barry Bonds had before him. The Rocket better be telling the truth when he says he never took anabolic steroids, or he could meet a fate that has befallen Pete Rose and may yet hit Barry Bonds.

So far, Clemens is behind in the court of public opinion. His tirade in front of reporters on Monday didn't help his cause any either. His lawyer tried to tell us its because he's so impassioned. It looked more like someone cracking under the weight of what is going on around him.

The pundits of course are not holding back their opinion. Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle says, "move over Barry, Roger now baseball's biggest jerk". You went a little crazy there Scott. While Clemens may or may not be telling the truth, he is revered by fans in more than just his home ball park. He is revered by his teammates, many of whom look at him with awe. Barry Bonds is universally hated outside of San Francisco, and inside his own locker room.

Clemens best be prepared when he sits before Congress in February. The Feds are using the extra month to dig deeper into Clemens' past. If any of Clemens' past teammates witnessed him taking steroid injections, it could prove fatal to Clemens' legacy. Then again if there are no other witnesses other than McNamee, Clemens has a good chance for the exoneration he seeks.

No failed blood tests, no witnesses, no money trail vs. the words of one man with his back against the wall. You decide.

photo courtesy of SI.com