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 Cycle Of Home Runs

Alex Rodriguez has never done it. Neither has Albert Pujols, Barry Bonds, Jim Thome, or anyone else that I am aware of. That is until now.

Toms River National little leaguer Kevin Blum did what all those (would be) future Hall of Famers haven't done. He hit for a cycle of home runs in this past Sunday's little league contest.

That's right- a solo shot, a 2-run home run, a 3-run blast, and the grand slammy of them all, the "ducks on the pond" home run.

The Capitol City, DC area team fell victim to Blum's10 RBI onslaught in New Jersey's 21-0 win in Little Little Baseball regional action in Bristol, CT. If Blum keeps this up, he'll be regularly featured on that little sports network down in the road in Bristol.

Blum followed up his weekend performance with two more home runs, both solo shots, on Tuesday when the NJ representatives handed Stony Brook, NY their first loss of the tournament.

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.

Can I Get Someone To Testify?

Subpoena is the word of the day as witnesses are being called to testify in cases/investigations against Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens.

Former big league catcher Bobby Estellela is expected to implicate Bonds when he takes the stand in Bonds' perjury trial in March. Mark Fainaru-Wada (who villified Bonds in "Game of Shadows") and T.J. Quinn have reported for ESPN that Estellela admitted to using the "clear" and "cream" provided by Greg Anderson, in BALCO testimony leaked backed in 2001. Estellela, who was also mentioned in the Mitchell report, was Bonds' teammate in San Francisco in 2000-2001 (and ironically had a short stint with Clemens and the Yankees in the latter part of '01).

Jason and Jeremy Giambi are also expected to be called to the stand.


The Clemens case continues as well with former Yankee and Met pitcher (and local product), C.J. Nitkowski being questioned. Nitkowski wasn't a teammate of Clemens, but did train with the Rocket and Andy Pettitte under the auspices of Brian McNamee.

Abreu Slams Yankees to 7th Straight

Bobby Abreu knows how important is too put up good numbers in a free agent season. Last night the right fielder hit a grand slam in the 10th inning to give the Yankees their seventh win in a row, 6-2 over the Toronto Blue Jays. The 4 RBI left Abreu one shy of the magic century mark, a feat has accomplished in each of the last six seasons, and the seventh time overall in his career.

The Yankees also saw the best of Phil Hughes this year. He'll still finish the season with no wins, but the second year right-hander had his most impressive outing of the season, allowing two earned runs over eight innings. He left the game after having allowed a solo home run to Scott Rolen in the eighth inning that tied the game at two apiece.

Abreu has produced impressive numbers since being acquired with the late Corey Lidle prior to the 2006 trade deadline. He had a poor first half in 2007 after straining an oblique muscle, but rebounded after the break to help the Yankees reach the playoffs for a 13th consecutive season. Abreu's play this season has left the Yankees decision makers in a quandary as to the possibility of re-signing him to a new deal.

While we agree that Abreu has put up consistently good numbers and he, along with Jason Giambi, are the only Yankees that consistently work the count, we think the Yankees would do better to let Abreu walk after this season.

While Abreu comes off as very likeable, and genuinely seems to be popular among his teammates, he's always had a reputation as a soft player, and it is clearly the case when he's playing defense. Will Rogers never met a man he didn't like and Bobby Abreu has never met a right field wall, period. Abreu doesn't go aggressively after any ball hit near the wall, and for that matter, he doesn't attack balls hit in front of him either.

The 34-yr old Abreu would most likely be seeking a three year or more deal. Letting Abreu go would also enable the Yankees to move Xavier Nady to his more natural position in right field.

It remains to be seen whether Hughes figures in next year's plans either. After not being dealt for Johan Santana in the off-season, Hughes was counted on to be a major part of the '08 season. But he struggled early and then suffered a stress fracture in his rib cage that kept him out of action for several months.

Last night he pitched like the prospect the Yankees have been counting on, and they hadn't seen since the 2007 ALDS. Hughes' fastball was clocked at 89-91 all night, and hit a high of 92 mph. He mixed his new cutter in well with his top notch curve ball. It was only one game, but it gives us some hope for next season.

A.J. Burnett, who will reportedly seek $15 million per year when he opts out of his Blue Jays contract after this season, allowed one earned run in eight innings and struck out 11. He finished 3-1, 1.64 in five starts against the Yankees with 43 strikeouts in 38.1 innings pitched.

Xavier Nady's 2-out, 2-run single in the third inning gave the Yankees a 2-1 lead before Rolen's 11th home run tied things up. Juan Miranda, who had earlier picked up his first major league hit, doubled off of Jesse Carlson to lead off the 10th and Chad Moeller followed with a walk. After Brett Gardner successfully sacrificed the runners over, Robinson Cano was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Abreu then delivered with his 20th home run of the season, giving him eight 20-20 (HR-RBI) seasons in his career. Only Bobby and Barry Bonds have achieved the feat more times than the Venezuelan native.


News and Notes

Jose Veras, who has struggled the last two months of the season, completed his third straight scoreless stint to earn his fifth win of the season. Sidney Ponson, scheduled to start Saturday in Boston, pitched the 10th inning to get some work in.

The Yankees have won 10 of 11...too little too late.

Abreu Slams Yankees to 7th Straight

Bobby Abreu knows how important is too put up good numbers in a free agent season. Last night the right fielder hit a grand slam in the 10th inning to give the Yankees their seventh win in a row, 6-2 over the Toronto Blue Jays. The 4 RBI left Abreu one shy of the magic century mark, a feat has accomplished in each of the last six seasons, and the seventh time overall in his career.

The Yankees also saw the best of Phil Hughes this year. He'll still finish the season with no wins, but the second year right-hander had his most impressive outing of the season, allowing two earned runs over eight innings. He left the game after having allowed a solo home run to Scott Rolen in the eighth inning that tied the game at two apiece.

Abreu has produced impressive numbers since being acquired with the late Corey Lidle prior to the 2006 trade deadline. He had a poor first half in 2007 after straining an oblique muscle, but rebounded after the break to help the Yankees reach the playoffs for a 13th consecutive season. Abreu's play this season has left the Yankees decision makers in a quandary as to the possibility of re-signing him to a new deal.

While we agree that Abreu has put up consistently good numbers and he, along with Jason Giambi, are the only Yankees that consistently work the count, we think the Yankees would do better to let Abreu walk after this season.

While Abreu comes off as very likeable, and genuinely seems to be popular among his teammates, he's always had a reputation as a soft player, and it is clearly the case when he's playing defense. Will Rogers never met a man he didn't like and Bobby Abreu has never met a right field wall, period. Abreu doesn't go aggressively after any ball hit near the wall, and for that matter, he doesn't attack balls hit in front of him either.

The 34-yr old Abreu would most likely be seeking a three year or more deal. Letting Abreu go would also enable the Yankees to move Xavier Nady to his more natural position in right field.

It remains to be seen whether Hughes figures in next year's plans either. After not being dealt for Johan Santana in the off-season, Hughes was counted on to be a major part of the '08 season. But he struggled early and then suffered a stress fracture in his rib cage that kept him out of action for several months.

Last night he pitched like the prospect the Yankees have been counting on, and they hadn't seen since the 2007 ALDS. Hughes' fastball was clocked at 89-91 all night, and hit a high of 92 mph. He mixed his new cutter in well with his top notch curve ball. It was only one game, but it gives us some hope for next season.

A.J. Burnett, who will reportedly seek $15 million per year when he opts out of his Blue Jays contract after this season, allowed one earned run in eight innings and struck out 11. He finished 3-1, 1.64 in five starts against the Yankees with 43 strikeouts in 38.1 innings pitched.

Xavier Nady's 2-out, 2-run single in the third inning gave the Yankees a 2-1 lead before Rolen's 11th home run tied things up. Juan Miranda, who had earlier picked up his first major league hit, doubled off of Jesse Carlson to lead off the 10th and Chad Moeller followed with a walk. After Brett Gardner successfully sacrificed the runners over, Robinson Cano was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Abreu then delivered with his 20th home run of the season, giving him eight 20-20 (HR-RBI) seasons in his career. Only Bobby and Barry Bonds have achieved the feat more times than the Venezuelan native.


News and Notes

Jose Veras, who has struggled the last two months of the season, completed his third straight scoreless stint to earn his fifth win of the season. Sidney Ponson, scheduled to start Saturday in Boston, pitched the 10th inning to get some work in.

The Yankees have won 10 of 11...too little too late.

The Daily Yankeeland - 7/25

The Boston Globe got Tim McCarver's take on the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry and how things have changed since the Sox finally brought home some championships. McCarver and Joe Buck will do their best to annoy us on Saturday's broadcast (what's the over under on how many minutes before Buck mentions payroll?).

Hank Steinbrenner said that he would bring up Barry Bonds name in Thursday's internal meetings. Whether it was Prince Hank or someone else, Bonds' name was brought up, and Anthony McCarron reports that one official stated "(we) aren't ready to jump on that. We're sure this will rile up all the idiots, you heard us, who think that a 44-yr old that hasn't faced major league pitching in 10 months can still be a viable hitter. We won't bother to regurgitate all the other names that were mentioned.

Ian Kennedy hasn't had the 2008 season that he, or the Yankees, expected. Last night, pitching for Triple-A Scranton, Kennedy was one out away from a 7 inning no-hitter against the Richmond Braves when Chris Basak made an error on a potential game ender. Scott Thorman then broke up the no-no with a double that tied the game at 1-1. The Yankees won an inning later on Ben Broussard's 3-run home run.

Kevin Cullen of the Boston Globe wrote an interesting piece in yesterday's paper. A lifelong, diehard Red Sox fan, Cullen is imploring the Fenway faithful to drop the "Yankees Suck" chant. Though he knows his words will fall on deaf ears (ok, deaf drunken ears), he makes some valid points.

UPDATE 12:07 PM EDT

From SI's Jon Heyman:

The Yankees are the most serious player for Jarrod Washburn and would take him as a salary dump (his 2009 pay will be $10.35 million). But Seattle is asking now for Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner, a non-starter for the Yankees.

The Daily Yankeeland - 7/25

The Boston Globe got Tim McCarver's take on the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry and how things have changed since the Sox finally brought home some championships. McCarver and Joe Buck will do their best to annoy us on Saturday's broadcast (what's the over under on how many minutes before Buck mentions payroll?).

Hank Steinbrenner said that he would bring up Barry Bonds name in Thursday's internal meetings. Whether it was Prince Hank or someone else, Bonds' name was brought up, and Anthony McCarron reports that one official stated "(we) aren't ready to jump on that. We're sure this will rile up all the idiots, you heard us, who think that a 44-yr old that hasn't faced major league pitching in 10 months can still be a viable hitter. We won't bother to regurgitate all the other names that were mentioned.

Ian Kennedy hasn't had the 2008 season that he, or the Yankees, expected. Last night, pitching for Triple-A Scranton, Kennedy was one out away from a 7 inning no-hitter against the Richmond Braves when Chris Basak made an error on a potential game ender. Scott Thorman then broke up the no-no with a double that tied the game at 1-1. The Yankees won an inning later on Ben Broussard's 3-run home run.

Kevin Cullen of the Boston Globe wrote an interesting piece in yesterday's paper. A lifelong, diehard Red Sox fan, Cullen is imploring the Fenway faithful to drop the "Yankees Suck" chant. Though he knows his words will fall on deaf ears (ok, deaf drunken ears), he makes some valid points.

UPDATE 12:07 PM EDT

From SI's Jon Heyman:

The Yankees are the most serious player for Jarrod Washburn and would take him as a salary dump (his 2009 pay will be $10.35 million). But Seattle is asking now for Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner, a non-starter for the Yankees.

The All B.B. Team

All this Boof Bonser, Brian Buscher talk during Tuesday night's Yankees-Twins game got us thinking (it happens occasionally). What would be baseball's all "B.B." team.

This is what we came up with:

1B Bill Buckner
2B Bret Boone
SS Buddy Biancalana
3B Buddy Bell
LF Barry Bonds
CF Bobby Bonds
C Bob Boone (and team manager)
P Bert Blyleven
DH Bobby Bonilla

Okay, we admit it. Buddy Biancalana stunk, but we couldn't think of anyone else.

And of course B.B. King would play the National Anthem before every home game.

The All B.B. Team

All this Boof Bonser, Brian Buscher talk during Tuesday night's Yankees-Twins game got us thinking (it happens occasionally). What would be baseball's all "B.B." team.

This is what we came up with:

1B Bill Buckner
2B Bret Boone
SS Buddy Biancalana
3B Buddy Bell
LF Barry Bonds
CF Bobby Bonds
C Bob Boone (and team manager)
P Bert Blyleven
DH Bobby Bonilla

Okay, we admit it. Buddy Biancalana stunk, but we couldn't think of anyone else.

And of course B.B. King would play the National Anthem before every home game.

Trade Winds Blow into Philly and Phoenix

The Philadelphia Phillies took a major step yesterday to help their chances in the NL East by acquiring Oakland A's right-hander Joe Blanton for 3 prospects. The trade occurred a little over a week after A's GM sent ace Rich Harden to the Chicago Cubs.

The Phillies get a 27-yr old pitcher who already has as many losses this season, 12, as his career worst. But he won 30 games the prior two seasons combined and threw 230 innings last season.

In return the A's get 2nd base prospect Adrian Cardenas, outfielder Matt Spencer, and pitcher Josh Outman.

The Arizona Diamondbacks hoped to boost their offense and their bench, by bring back switch-hitting 1st baseman Tony Clark. To acquire Clark from the San Diego, the Dbacks sent minor league pitcher Evan Scribner to the Padres.

The 36-yr old former Yankee, is hitting just .239-1-11 in 70 games.

There are many blogs out there, some good, some bad, some who just make shit up. We believe that's the case of one MLB rumor blog, who shall remain nameless, who claimed that the Yankees were close to bringing in Barry Bonds. The source was supposedly a clubhouse insider. Needless to say a Yankees official said yesterday that the Yankees had no intention of bringing in Bonds.

Trade Winds Blow into Philly and Phoenix

The Philadelphia Phillies took a major step yesterday to help their chances in the NL East by acquiring Oakland A's right-hander Joe Blanton for 3 prospects. The trade occurred a little over a week after A's GM sent ace Rich Harden to the Chicago Cubs.

The Phillies get a 27-yr old pitcher who already has as many losses this season, 12, as his career worst. But he won 30 games the prior two seasons combined and threw 230 innings last season.

In return the A's get 2nd base prospect Adrian Cardenas, outfielder Matt Spencer, and pitcher Josh Outman.

The Arizona Diamondbacks hoped to boost their offense and their bench, by bring back switch-hitting 1st baseman Tony Clark. To acquire Clark from the San Diego, the Dbacks sent minor league pitcher Evan Scribner to the Padres.

The 36-yr old former Yankee, is hitting just .239-1-11 in 70 games.

There are many blogs out there, some good, some bad, some who just make shit up. We believe that's the case of one MLB rumor blog, who shall remain nameless, who claimed that the Yankees were close to bringing in Barry Bonds. The source was supposedly a clubhouse insider. Needless to say a Yankees official said yesterday that the Yankees had no intention of bringing in Bonds.

Around the Horn - 7/11

The Diamondbacks are looking into the possibility of bringing back their former 1st baseman Tony Clark. The Arizona Republic reported that the Dbacks are one of several teams to have contacted the Padres about the 6'7" 1st baseman. We recommend they get a 3rd baseman too. Mark Reynold's lack of defense is killing them.

Dbacks GM Josh Byrnes and company have decided not to pursue Barry Bonds, and according to the East Valley Tribune, have denied having any interest in Milton Bradley, as had been reported on a radio broadcast.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Hank Blalock is set to start a rehab assignment and may soon finally return to the Rangers lineup.

Fausto Carmona threw a 50-pitch simulated game and, according to the Akron Beacon Journal, hopes to begin a rehab assignment soon.

Pitcher Josh Johnson made his return to the Florida Marlins after Tommy John surgery. He allowed 3 runs in 5 innings.

The Associated Press reported that the Mariners have acquired 1st baseman Craig Wilson from the Pirates for a player to be named.

Blue Jays outfielder Vernon Wells is out 4-6 weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

Around the Horn - 7/11

The Diamondbacks are looking into the possibility of bringing back their former 1st baseman Tony Clark. The Arizona Republic reported that the Dbacks are one of several teams to have contacted the Padres about the 6'7" 1st baseman. We recommend they get a 3rd baseman too. Mark Reynold's lack of defense is killing them.

Dbacks GM Josh Byrnes and company have decided not to pursue Barry Bonds, and according to the East Valley Tribune, have denied having any interest in Milton Bradley, as had been reported on a radio broadcast.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Hank Blalock is set to start a rehab assignment and may soon finally return to the Rangers lineup.

Fausto Carmona threw a 50-pitch simulated game and, according to the Akron Beacon Journal, hopes to begin a rehab assignment soon.

Pitcher Josh Johnson made his return to the Florida Marlins after Tommy John surgery. He allowed 3 runs in 5 innings.

The Associated Press reported that the Mariners have acquired 1st baseman Craig Wilson from the Pirates for a player to be named.

Blue Jays outfielder Vernon Wells is out 4-6 weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

Hump Day Rumors - 7/9 Edition

We've already been wowwed by the fact that two rumors, concerning CC Sabathia and Rich Harden, were very true. So what else is being heard through the grapevine?

The Arizona Republic reports that the Diamondbacks are seriously considering taking a look at Barry Bonds. GM Josh Byrnes didn't deny it either when asked. Funny how Peter Gammons didn't bring up the Red Sox interest until Joe Morgan asked him about it. Hmmm.

The LA Times reports that Dodgers hitting coach Mike Easler is to be let go in favor of the man who was originally hired for the job. That's right Donnie Baseball himself. Reports are he would take over on July 18.

The Miami Herald reports that the Marlins are seriously looking for a catcher. Cincinnati's David Ross, Kansas City's Miguel Olivo and Colorado's Yorvit Torrealba are tops on the list.

And the Daily News reported yesterday that the Yankees are taking a look into Victor Zambrano. Why not just get Britt Burns back.

Hump Day Rumors - 7/9 Edition

We've already been wowwed by the fact that two rumors, concerning CC Sabathia and Rich Harden, were very true. So what else is being heard through the grapevine?

The Arizona Republic reports that the Diamondbacks are seriously considering taking a look at Barry Bonds. GM Josh Byrnes didn't deny it either when asked. Funny how Peter Gammons didn't bring up the Red Sox interest until Joe Morgan asked him about it. Hmmm.

The LA Times reports that Dodgers hitting coach Mike Easler is to be let go in favor of the man who was originally hired for the job. That's right Donnie Baseball himself. Reports are he would take over on July 18.

The Miami Herald reports that the Marlins are seriously looking for a catcher. Cincinnati's David Ross, Kansas City's Miguel Olivo and Colorado's Yorvit Torrealba are tops on the list.

And the Daily News reported yesterday that the Yankees are taking a look into Victor Zambrano. Why not just get Britt Burns back.

Just Go Away

Radomski, Clemens, McNamee, Bonds, Canseco, and your lawyers, your agents, your book writers. We are getting incredibly sick of the daily onslaught of "he said/he said".

The "crazy" meter was pinging off the charts this week. Brian McNamee brought Mrs. Rocket, Debbie Clemens, into the mix by saying that he taught her how to inject HGH.

Meanwhile, Roger Clemens may have a future as a lobbyist in D.C.. He's met with several members of Congress this week to discuss his situation. Somehow autographs and photos have also been a part of it. We're not fans of Mike Lupica (the latest- the Lisa Olsen situation- just further proves with a dick the lip is), but his critical piece on Clemens in today's Post is a good one.

Clemens' lawyers are also out to prove McNamee is a liar by rebuking his claim that Clemens was at a Jose Canseco hosted party in 1998. Clemens' "team" obtained an affidavit from Jose Slime that stated Clemens was not there.

Kirk Radomski, who received 5 years probation on Friday for his part in the steroid scandal, is backing McNamee.

"I'm defending Brian, that is right,'' Radomski told ESPN.com. "I believe him over Clemens and his lawyers. I think he is very believable. He was a cop. He knows the consequences of lying. He has more to lose than to gain by lying.''

There's one little problem with that, Kirksleeze - anabolic steroids are also illegal when not prescribed/injected by a real doctor. The former cop didn't seem to have a problem with that one.

Darrell Issa (R-Calif), a member of the panel that deposed Roger Clemens, expects Congress to turn everything over to the Justice Department.

"I'm convinced that we will." Issa said when asked if the committee would hand up a criminal referral at the end of the explosive congressional investigation. "I'm predicting that now. I hope I'm wrong."

It would seem more appropriate for the Justice Dept. to handle this matter rather than Congress.

And in case you forgot, the Barry Bonds federal case is still in the works.

Bonds' lawyers have asked U.S. District Judge Susan Illston to throw the case out, (nice try), or to order the prosecution team to consolidate the charges. Illston is scheduled to hear from Bonds' legal team on Feb. 29 before proceeding further.