Rumors. Roids. McCarthyism.

(I know I am a little late to the party on this one, but here is my Roids take).
I heard an interesting theory in our softball dugout last Thursday about Roger Clemens. Now I am not one to throw about unconfirmed stories, hypothesis’s, about anyone, but this one struck me so here we go.

Why does the greatest pitcher of our generation, and arguably the greatest pitcher of all-time, Roger Clemens follow around Andy Pettitte, a slightly better than average (188-106 career win-loss) pitcher?

The hypothesis I heard from this bitter, die-hard Astros fan was that Clemens and Pettitte had a special, performance enhancing relationship. He theorized that neither wanted a random ball player, like a Jason Grimsley, to get involved in their use of performaing enhancing drugs, and that each could trust each other, and only each other.

Now the basis for this talk, as stated above, is that our softball shortstop is from Houston, and through the MLB Extra Innings package watches every Astros game each year. If he is not near the TV, rest assured the game in on TiVo. I don’t think we would have ever heard this theory had Clemens and Pettitte kept their original allegiances to the Astros, but since they bolted for the big lights of the big city, this is what we are hearing.

This theory actually brings up an even bigger issue. Why can’t players have good years and pick teams of their liking without steroids becoming an issue? We are living in a world where any guy who hits over 40 HR must be on the juice. If a guy has a down year it is because he is off the juice. If a normally injured-proned guy stays healthy for an entire year, it must be with the help of steroids.

It is actually sad. There are some really good ball players out there having really great careers, but because of the actions of some (or many if you believe Jose Canseco) their careers will be grouped into the “Steroid Age” and the legitimacy of their stats will forever be questioned.

There are some big name players who have been accused publicly of steroid use. And some of these players either broke , or will break, very prominent baseball records. When all signs point to their steroid usage, it is hard to defend them, but in a land where you are innocent until proven guilty, this is not the American way.

As with Todd Helton three years ago, just mentioning a name in connection with steroid use is enough to convince the public that they are a user. Bonds is in the papers and on TV daily, and every mention of him either directly or indirectly comments on his alleged steroid use. Other fall into this category, and don’t get me wrong some are guilty, but there will be others who had their names thrown into the mix that will have just played the game right, worked hard and, coupled with natural ability, will amass great career statistics. Welcome to the McCarthyism, 2007 version.

Now, has Clemens’ name ever been thrown into the alleged mix? Not that I have heard. Am I saying Clemens, or Pettitte, are steroid users? Not at all. The purpose of this, and the reason for the lead in story, was to comment on the witch hunt, not to accuse anyone of anything.

==NBA Playoffs==
The Baby Bulls avoided a series sweep with a 15 point victory in game 4 last night over the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons, still lead the series 3-1 and will win.

The Jazz also went up 3-1 against reeling Golden State in Oakland. Combined Jason Richardson and Baron Davis had 22 points, whose tally would have been only the third leading scorer on their team. The Warriors cannot win like that, and now cannot win the series.

On Saturday the Spurs took a 2-1 series lead behind 3 points and 19 boards from Tim Duncan. Pivitol game 4 tonight in San Anton.

The home team has won all three games of the Cavs-Nets series, as New Jersey finally got a W while the Cavs lead the series 2-1.

==MLB Round Up==
Pink bats on Mother’s Day is a great idea. Those who didn’t use one should look in the mirror this morning.

In other new it is good to see new Oakland Athletic, Jack Cust finally get his. Cust was the talk of the Rockies organization in 2002 before being traded to Baltimore then San Diego, where he saw limited playing time in the majors. He has now hit more HR in 7 games for Oakland (6) than he had in 70 previous MLB games, including a walk-off 3-run blast yesterday.

The Royals bats came alive recording 14 hits and 11 runs vs Chi Sox.


Have a good week,
- SEO, TEO