BBWAA Snubs MLB Eligibles For Hall

Everyone knew that this year's Baseball Hall of Fame vote would be an interesting one. Accused performance enhancing (PED) drug users Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Sammy Sosa were on the ballot for the first time, as were anti-PED self appointed spokesman Curt Schilling, and perennial All-Star Craig Biggio. Holdovers from past ballots, such as Jack Morris, were expected to have a greater chance to get in with players from the Steroid Era expected to be ignored by most of the voters. 

It turns out everyone was ignored to a point. The accumulated votes of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) did not elevate a single player to the 75% minimum tally necessary to gain entrance to Cooperstown. 

It's the first time since 1976 that the BBWAA did not elect at least one player. Biggio, who spent 20 years as a catcher and second baseman for the Houston Astros, came the closest with 68% of the vote.¹ Morris received 66.7% in 2012, but was only able to attain one more percentage point (67.7%) this time around. 

I can totally understand and respect any writer's opinion that players that fall into the Bonds/Clemens/Sosa category should not be allowed in the Hall, but voters who left deserving, "clean" players off their ballots did a poor job with the power that wield. 

Opinions differed among the writer's when it came to the handling of the Steroid Era group. Moss Klein, who covered the Yankees for the Star Ledger from 1976 - 1992, included Bonds, Clemens, and Sosa on his ballot because they were the best of the "tainted era".² Klein felt that cheating was widespread and so you either needed to eliminate the entire era or elect who was the best of that period. He chose the latter when he filled out his ballot. 

16 writers that work for MLB.com had votes this year and 87.5% of them felt Biggio should gain entry. But some did not include them on their ballots. Whether it is the usual bias of making sure no one gets a unanimous vote or the reluctancy to vote a player in on his first shot, it's ridiculous that Biggio was left off so many ballots. Two of the ballots belonged to MLB.com's Ken Gurnick and Marty Noble, who both only voted for Morris.³ 

Jeff Bagwell gained a few percentage points from last year's vote, but his ability to garner the necessary percentage is iffy due to the (unfounded thus far) suspicion that he was a cheater. Earlier today ESPN Radio reported that Mike Piazza, one the best offensive catchers in the game, could also be prevented from entrance due to whispers of PED use. He received 57.8% of the vote in his first year of eligibility and, to me, was deserving of induction his first time through the process. 

There still will be a Hall of Fame induction ceremony this summer, but will there really be an interest? Large crowds normally gather to cheer on their favorites as they are inducted. One would imagine the turn out on Sunday, July 28 at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, N.Y will not be a large one. The 2013 class is former umpire Hank O'Day, former New York Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert and 19th century player Deacon White, all of whom were elected by the Pre-Integration Committee.⁴ 

The Baseball Hall of Fame is not for everyone, - there are already players in there that many feel don't belong (Kirby Puckett's name is often mentioned) - it is for the very best of the best. But it's disappointing that no one was elected by the BBWAA. You will not convince the fans that not one of the players on the 2013 ballot deserved enshrinement, whether they are cheaters or not. 

My feeling is that eventually those with tarnished reputations will be inducted when the BBWAA is comprised of younger voters, ones that were not in their formative years during the Steroid Era. It would seem the average baseball fan doesn't care about steroids any more. They would just like to see their favorite players, warts and all, inducted. Guys like Craig Biggio. 

1 - ESPN.com 
2 - NJ.com 
3 - MLB.com 
⁴ - The Sporting News

YCN: PED Era Stars Led By Clemens, Bonds on Hall Ballot

This may be one of my last articles for Yahoo, since they have revamped much of the way they operate their contributor network. It especially hurts those of us who write sports articles, which have been moved to the Yahoo Voices.

It has resulted in little to no exposure, which translates to next to no views. Time to look for a new gig.

In the meantime though, here's my take on Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, and others of the PED era that are now on the Hall of Fame ballot.

Jack Morris, Craig Biggio, Mike Piazza, and Jeff Bagwell (don't judge a book by its bulk) would be on my ballot if I had a vote.

Roger Clemens Gets Job As Exterminator

Wait, what? It's not an exterminator company? I just saw Skeeter and assumed it meant he was going to be spraying mosquito killer down there in Texas. I hear they have skeeters the size of Dubya's ego.

The popular theory is that Roger Clemens wants to reset the clock on the five year waiting period to be added to the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot. If things stay as is, Clemens would be eligible this winter along with fellow "presumed" (yeah, I don't just presume) cheaters Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa.

Clemens final big league game was September 16, 2007 in his second stint with the Yankees. Next up will be this Saturday as a member of the Sugar Land Skeeters in the Independent Atlantic League. He won't be the only former big leaguer on the Skeeters. Former stand out Scott Kazmir landed there after his MLB career went kaput. Former Nats reliever Gary Majewski is there along with former Yankees Heath Phillips (DL) and Tim Redding. The team is managed by former Minnesota Twin Gary Gaetti.

Clemens will face the Bridgeport (CT) Bluefish and at least one Major League team will be scouting the 50-year old- no, not the Yankees, but another pne of his former teams, the Houston Astros.

Clemens has been quoted as saying he simply wants to have fun and hopes the fans do too. It should be interesting to say the least.

A-Rod's Accomplishments in the Air

It should be a time of great excitement. A time for baseball fans to rejoice, to mark another milestone. A time when Alex Rodriguez should join the next pantheon of great home run hitters. But as soon as ball meets bat and sails into the seats at Yankee Stadium or some other venue, I’ll have the feeling of “Now what?”.

Ever since Rodriguez admitted his steroid use during his time in Texas, the air has gone out of the home run balloon. Whatever was left of it. There was widespread hope that Rodriguez was clean. That he would eventually erase Barry Bonds from the record books. That he would make us forget about the tainted home run totals of Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Rafael Palmiero.

Read the rest of this article at Baseballdigest.com

We Hate Steroids, if it's Not Our Guy

Just read a feature by Yahoo! Sports' Steve Henson concerning his perception that fans are caring less and less if players use performance enhancing drugs. The article, in part, was spurred on by the huge standing ovation Manny Ramirez received upon his return to Dodger Stadium last night.

While Henson made many valid points, we beg to differ. Fans do care about PEDs...if it is not their player. Alex Rodriguez already received boos throughout baseball before his forced admonition that he cheated. But now he is vilified even louder by fans on the road. Do you think if it came out that David Ortiz was using PEDs during the Red Sox' World Series run in 2004 that anyone in Fenway Park would care? But they would still call A-Rod a cheater.

Just look at the way Barry Bonds was loved in the Bay area during his run at Hank Aaron's home run record, and the disdain that is still shown towards Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmiero and other big names that are no longer in the game.

The star players are also the true targets- no one cares that Sergio Mitre or J.C. Romero were suspended.

The player's personality obviously affects attitudes too. Yankees fan loved Jason Giambi, seeing him as a flawed individual, and generally, a nice guy. But he did have to win the fans back after his body broke down and he made his version of an apology (without openly admitting what it was for).

And finally, it all comes down to the player's success or failure. Do you think Mannywood will still be cheering Man-Ram if he's hitting .230 in September?

For me personally, it's a difficult situation. I don't want A-Rod to fail because I want the Yankees to win. But I do not have the same regard for him as a ball player (never had much regard for him as a person).

So just like with your friends or family, you accept baseball, warts and all. Unfortunately, no matter how things are perceived, baseball will never be the same.

Sosa Revelation a Stunner....NOT

The news that Sammy Sosa failed a drug test in 2003 was about as shocking as Clay Aiken coming out of the closet (not that there's anything wrong with that). All the news did do was further destroy that magical '98 home run race.

The supposedly anonymous testing named104 players in violation of MLB's drug policy. And as usual, only certain names ended up getting leaked out.

For sure, a wing in Cooperstown must be built for the "Hall of Shame". I still can't believe NYC actually gave him a parade in the Canyon of Heroes. Nice going Rudy.

A-Rod is Lawyerin' Up

Tom Petty sang, "The waiting is the hardest part", but that may be the easiest part for Alex Rodriguez. Expecting to be contacted by Bud Selig's office, and possibly federal authorities, A-Rod hired lawyer Jay Reissenger to represent him. Reissenger previously worked with Sammy Sosa and Andy Pettite.

A-Rod also hired James E. Sharp, who assisted with Sosa. (A-Rod won't be able to use the "I no longer can speak English" ploy that Sosa employed before Congress).

So far, A-Rod has heard nothing specific from Major League Baseball, which is frothing at the mouth to speak with him. A meeting this week or next is likely to occur.


photo courtesy of AP/Mary Altaffer

Clemens Clean...in '06

Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte came clean in one instance. Though they were named in a 2006 LA Times article, as being included in Jason Grimsley's affidavit, both Clemens and Pettitte were not included in the affidavit, which was made public yesterday. Brian Roberts and Jay Gibbons, also both in the Mitchell Report, were also erroneously mentioned by the paper. The newspaper is to run a retraction and apology in today's edition.

Sammy Sosa, Pete Incaviglia, Geronimo Berroa, and Allen Watson were not named in the Mitchell Report, but were included in Grimsley's tale of cheat.

In the case of Sosa, Miguel Tejada, and Rafael Palmeiro, their mention came from a conversation they had with Grimsley while all were with the Orioles in 2005. The four wondered how they were going to play the next season with the banning of amphetamines.

The affidavit also listed José Canseco, Lenny Dykstra, Glenallen Hill, and David Segui, all of whom were in the Mitchell Report.

Clemens Clean...in '06

Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte came clean in one instance. Though they were named in a 2006 LA Times article, as being included in Jason Grimsley's affidavit, both Clemens and Pettitte were not included in the affidavit, which was made public yesterday. Brian Roberts and Jay Gibbons, also both in the Mitchell Report, were also erroneously mentioned by the paper. The newspaper is to run a retraction and apology in today's edition.

Sammy Sosa, Pete Incaviglia, Geronimo Berroa, and Allen Watson were not named in the Mitchell Report, but were included in Grimsley's tale of cheat.

In the case of Sosa, Miguel Tejada, and Rafael Palmeiro, their mention came from a conversation they had with Grimsley while all were with the Orioles in 2005. The four wondered how they were going to play the next season with the banning of amphetamines.

The affidavit also listed José Canseco, Lenny Dykstra, Glenallen Hill, and David Segui, all of whom were in the Mitchell Report.

TGIF Rumors

Brad Lidge has been one of the relievers rumored to be on the move, but Astros' owner Drayton McLane says, "uh uh". "I see no reason we should even consider it," McLane told reporters in Washington. "He's been one of the best closers in baseball. He's had some health problems, but we feel that's behind him. We won't even consider it." Source

The Mets are considering dealing for Sammy Sosa. During the winter of 2004, GM Omar Minaya was considering sign Sosa to a big deal, but the Mets front office was not in agreement. This time it would be as a component rather than the prime time player. Source

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that the Pirates are ready to start having a fire sale. Jack Wilson, Salomon Torres, Damaso Garcia, and possibly Shawn Chacon are the names being most commonly mentioned. Source

The Nationals are contemplating dealing closer Chad Cordero, but only if the price is right. They're certainly will be plenty of bidders. Source

Eric Byrnes could be on his way out of Phoenix, either during or after the season, after contract talks broke down with the Diamonbacks front office. Source

TGIF Rumors

Brad Lidge has been one of the relievers rumored to be on the move, but Astros' owner Drayton McLane says, "uh uh". "I see no reason we should even consider it," McLane told reporters in Washington. "He's been one of the best closers in baseball. He's had some health problems, but we feel that's behind him. We won't even consider it." Source

The Mets are considering dealing for Sammy Sosa. During the winter of 2004, GM Omar Minaya was considering sign Sosa to a big deal, but the Mets front office was not in agreement. This time it would be as a component rather than the prime time player. Source

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that the Pirates are ready to start having a fire sale. Jack Wilson, Salomon Torres, Damaso Garcia, and possibly Shawn Chacon are the names being most commonly mentioned. Source

The Nationals are contemplating dealing closer Chad Cordero, but only if the price is right. They're certainly will be plenty of bidders. Source

Eric Byrnes could be on his way out of Phoenix, either during or after the season, after contract talks broke down with the Diamonbacks front office. Source

Roid Rage

Every day and every way I get angrier and angrier at how the likes of Barroid Bonds and Sammy Steroids have tainted the game. While legitimate HR records are being approached by Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Jim Thome, and A-Rod, we have the daily watch of this cheating piece of human filth in San Francisco. The only thing making it worse is how the fans out there are drinking up the Kool-Aid (the Kool-Aid mascot has a smaller head than Barroid).

"He never failed a test!"

"You guys are chicken for not pitching to him"

"He should be sainted" (ok, I made that one up, but that's how it feels)

Until someone else, who is a legitimate ballplayer, comes along to break Hank Aaron's record, he is the record holder. Barroid not only disgraces himself every day, but Hammerin' Hank as well. Aaron was, and is, one of the classiest individuals to ever grace a uniform. His pursuit of Ruth's record and the racially motivated garbage that he had to put up with along way, truly makes him the all-time home run king.

I've said it before, but again I applaud him for not attending Barroid's games. Why should he taint his reputation by association with such a piece of human garbage. And the Giants fans are part of that garbage too. As well as anyone, and I mean anyone, who has tried to make this a racial issue (for that matter Barroid is a disgrace to the African-American community too).

There's no question that the dog and pony show surrounding Jason Giambi is an effort to somehow try to knock down Barroid. Only time is running out. He's only 6 away from tying Aaron.

Getting back to Sammy Steroids, who last week hit his 600th tainted home run. What was remarkable is how Sammy's ability to speak English came back! Amazing. I wonder if he went to a healer? That could be the only explanation for how he completely forgot how to speak English while in front of Congress. And that poof- it's back. What an amazing story.

Barroid, Sammy Steroids, Big steroid-filled Mac, Rafael Palmliar. The only hall they should go into is the Hall of Shame. You all disgust me- now go rot in baseball hell (Kansas City?).

Roid Rage

Every day and every way I get angrier and angrier at how the likes of Barroid Bonds and Sammy Steroids have tainted the game. While legitimate HR records are being approached by Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas, Jim Thome, and A-Rod, we have the daily watch of this cheating piece of human filth in San Francisco. The only thing making it worse is how the fans out there are drinking up the Kool-Aid (the Kool-Aid mascot has a smaller head than Barroid).

"He never failed a test!"

"You guys are chicken for not pitching to him"

"He should be sainted" (ok, I made that one up, but that's how it feels)

Until someone else, who is a legitimate ballplayer, comes along to break Hank Aaron's record, he is the record holder. Barroid not only disgraces himself every day, but Hammerin' Hank as well. Aaron was, and is, one of the classiest individuals to ever grace a uniform. His pursuit of Ruth's record and the racially motivated garbage that he had to put up with along way, truly makes him the all-time home run king.

I've said it before, but again I applaud him for not attending Barroid's games. Why should he taint his reputation by association with such a piece of human garbage. And the Giants fans are part of that garbage too. As well as anyone, and I mean anyone, who has tried to make this a racial issue (for that matter Barroid is a disgrace to the African-American community too).

There's no question that the dog and pony show surrounding Jason Giambi is an effort to somehow try to knock down Barroid. Only time is running out. He's only 6 away from tying Aaron.

Getting back to Sammy Steroids, who last week hit his 600th tainted home run. What was remarkable is how Sammy's ability to speak English came back! Amazing. I wonder if he went to a healer? That could be the only explanation for how he completely forgot how to speak English while in front of Congress. And that poof- it's back. What an amazing story.

Barroid, Sammy Steroids, Big steroid-filled Mac, Rafael Palmliar. The only hall they should go into is the Hall of Shame. You all disgust me- now go rot in baseball hell (Kansas City?).