Manny Steroids Bombshell!

Breaking News:

From ESPN.com

"Major League Baseball is expected to announce Thursday that Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and will be suspended for 50 games, The Los Angeles Times is reporting."

[My Take: There have been whispers about this before. Jose Canseco took what looked like a shot in the dark and proclaimed that he was "90% sure that Manny Ramirez was on the juice."

As much as you hate the guy for blowing the whistle on the steroids era, more often than not, Jose Canseco is on the mark when it comes to who's using steriods and who is not.]

Canseco Calls Out Manny on Steroid Use

Jose Canseco is still at it. After achieving the ultimate "I told you so” moment on baseball in the wake of Alex Rodriguez’s admitted steroid use, Canseco is back to naming names. This time it is Dodger slugger Manny Ramirez who Canceso is grouping among the growing list of performance enhancers. Speaking at the Brovard Auditorium on the USC campus recently Canseco stated he was “ 90% sure “ Manny’s name was also on the list of 104. While Canseco admitted he had no real proof to back up his claim he cited the owners reluctance to sign him this winter as evidence to his allegations. When Manny Ramirez was asked about Canseco’s accusations he just laughed, saying “ I got no comment, nothing to say about that. What can I say? I don’t even know the guy.”

If you played in the MLB over the last 10 + years you are guilty by association of steroid use. Regardless if you are a career minor leaguer or a future Hall of Famer there is a cloud of suspicion over everyone’s head. Up to this point the master outer Jose Canseco has proven to be pretty accurate on the names he’s linked to steroid use. This time though I think he’s just trying to create a buzz for himself. We all know his current money troubles and this is a perfect way for him to get a few public appearance paychecks. He admittedly has no proof but there’s no better way to drum up attention for himself than to call out one of the biggest names in the game today. At this point I’m just tired of Jose. Yes he did blow open the door on steroid use, job well done Jose. I don’t need to hear him name a new name every month just so he can get some attention. Jose should be working on his celebrity boxing career and let the game of baseball try to move on.

A-Rod to see Hip Specialist in Colorado.

Surprise! Alex Rodriguez, is in the news again. Rodriguez was sent to see a hip specialist in Colorado after complaining of stiffness in the right hip (story here). Well, at least this time, Alex is in the news and it has nothing to do with his admitted use of steroids. Or, does it? Look, as a Yankee fan, you would like to give A-Rod the benefit of the doubt.

However, the cyst (which can form due to repeated injections in the same area) that has formed on his hip is definitely a head scratcher. Now, if you go along with Alex's story, then the cyst cannot be related to his usage of steroids in 2001-2003. That was 6 years ago; his current hip ailment certainly cannot be attributed to something that happened 6 years ago.

However, if you are like me, a cynic, who just cant take Rodriguez for his word, you might not be surprised if the cyst has formed because A-Rod has still been injecting something (HGH, maybe) in that same area of his body. I am in no way trying to make any type of allegations against Rodriguez, but due to his own sketchy stories, you can't help but wonder.

-Favad Ali

Body of Lies

Today marks the first day of Grapefruit League play. The Yankees will suit up to take on division rivals, the Toronto Blue Jays. But, this of course is not the story. As usual it’s all about Alex Rodriguez and how he will be received by the Blue Jays fans in Denedin, FL. You must be thinking to yourself, when will this story go away? I, myself have been thinking the same thing for about two weeks now. But the reality is its not going away. Many fans feel for the fallen star, but he only has himself to blame.

I’m not trying to take shots at A-Rod. I actually believe he has been unfairly targeted throughout all of this. His rights to anonymity were violated while 103 others got off scot free. He has been torn to shreads by the media even though he is the first big name user to come out and admit it and apologize for it as soon as they were caught. But the person who has done Alex Rodriguez the least amount of favors throughout all of this has been Alex Rodriguez.

This story is going to drag on and on as new revelations are made about the countless lies that have spewed from the mouth of A-Rod. He has lied about his age when he took it, and used it as an excuse, he has lied about not knowing what the drug was called, he lied about it being available over the counter in the DR, and the list goes on. Now, it has been revealed that during his (according to Alex) “best year”, 2008, he worked with banned trainer Angel Presinal throughout the length of the season.

His cloudy stories and explanations to the media have given them too much to work with when it comes to checking his stories and investigating him further. He now needs to simply shut his mouth and play the game. That is until Selena Roberts’ book, "A-Rod: The Many Lives of Alex Rodriguez" is released on April 14, when again I am sure, A-Rod will have some more explaining to do.

-Favad Ali

Go Away, Jose

Jose Canseco is calling out baseball once again. This time it’s for an apology. The man who blew the whistle on steroid use in baseball, says he’s been called a liar and treated as an outcast. Now he wants the MLB to apologize and restore his “good name”. He also says that he wants to assist baseball in moving past the steroid era. He’s proposing working with baseball to help educate youth on the dangers of steroid use.

Should anyone be surprised that we’re are hearing from Canseco a day after Alex Rodriguez’s press conference to clear the air about his steroid use? Absolutely not. While maybe Canseco has turned out to be truthful in his two books about steroid use in baseball, he was so in the least noble way. Regardless of his statements about writing the books to ‘help the game’ or ‘open people’s eyes to the problem’ it was pure and simple all about the money. If Canseco truly cared about the game, he could have gone to Bud Selig or gone to the media. He didn’t do this however, he opened the door on steroid use with a blatant cash grab. Now Canseco is calling for an apology and offering to help out baseball with his problems.

Actually, Canseco is looking to get his name in the papers and likely looking for a job. We all know the immense financial trouble he’s been in of late. These latest statements are just an attempt to sell more books or make more public appearances. I don’t think baseball owes anything to Mr. Canseco. He made his money in the game and now all he’s trying to do is bleed the game for more. While he has been honest about steroid use in baseball, he is a completely transparent person. When I hear him speak all I hear is someone desperately seeking the all mighty dollar.

-Robb Lennahan

A-Rod's Press Conference Leaves us With More Questions

If you were unable to see Alex Rodriguez’s press conference today I’m sure you’ve already seen countless clips on Sportscenter and/or read all about it online. A-Rod did go into more detail about his steroid use, where he got it, who supplied it, and how many times he did use from 2001-2003. Rodriguez states his cousin supplied him with an over the counter drug from the Domincan Republic known to him as ‘boli’. This drug was intended as an energy booster and Rodriguez states he injected it roughly twice a month for 3 years.

Rodriguez claims that he did feel more energy but its was “ hard to say” if the drug was actually effective. This was one statement where I feel Alex was not particularly honest about. Why inject something roughly 36 times in 3 years if its not having a positive effect on you? I definitely feel the drug had a positive effect on him, whether it gave him more energy or it helped him recover day-to-day from the grueling heat of a Texas summer is pure speculation but obviously the drug did something good for his body. I really don’t think this drug enhanced his performance on the field a great deal.

I don’t want to get into the debate of whether or not steroids truly enhance your on field play, but if Alex is being honest that his use was only confined to 2001-2003 then we’ve seen him put up 10 great clean seasons. You do see a slight decrease in his home run totals since 2004 from his 3 year average in Texas. But you could contribute that from leaving an excellent hitters park in Texas and moving to Yankee Stadium a bad place to hit for right handed batters.

One thing I’ve noticed is a lot of the media has been questioning A-Rod’s refusal to give his cousin’s name. In the press conference, when asked what his cousin’s name is Alex states he didn’t think it was necessary to reveal his name and that Alex made the mistake himself and he was there to take the blame. Media members, especially WFAN’s Mike Francesa was not pleased that Alex refused to name his cousin. He questioned Alex’s honesty for not giving the mans name. This is something I applaud Alex for. Why would Alex want to drag his cousin into this media circus and also possible legal trouble. Yes, Alex’s cousin did commit a crime and bring an illegal drug into this country but would anyone actually rat out a family member for something they were primarily involved in. This was not a violent crime and as far as we know they weren’t operating a drug ring, it was 6 years ago so this mans identity is not relevant.

Another thing I have heard people questioning Alex on is his statement that he never saw any other players using performance enhancers. Well, of course he is going to say that! Even if he did see others in the game use he is not going to essentially blacklist himself among other players. Alex as we know already struggles with his popularity in the clubhouse, naming names would basically destroy any respect from current and future teammates for the rest of his career. I also believe if he were to identity players who have used it could be potentially harmful to him on the field. He would almost assuredly face being thrown at or spikes up slides at third.

I do commend Alex for coming out with the information that he used the supplement Ripped Fuel while in Seattle. This is currently a banned substance but at the time was sold over the counter at GNC. He claims he has never used HGH.

Overall, I was as satisfied as I guess you can be with Alex’s press conference. I share the same sentiment as Alex where I just want to put this behind us and get to playing baseball. I do believe he was honest about his years of use to an extent. I don’t think at this point he would risk committing career suicide if it came to light that he used performance enhancers in any other seasons. All anyone can ask for in this situation is the truth, and I think we got as much of it as we are going to get. Although, sadly for Alex his omissions of the truth and holes in his story mean that this won't be going away anytime soon. Especially if Selena Roberts' book on A-Rod, which is due to be released in April has factually accurate information that conflicts with what A-Rod has or has not been telling us.

He won’t be penalized by the MLB, his numbers wont be taken away, there’s nothing that can be accomplished by dragging this issue out any further. I don’t think Alex was correct when, speaking to his teammates, he says “It will be the best season of our lives”. I do agree with him when he stated “ Baseball is bigger than Alex Rodriguez”. He’s absolutely right. Spring training is here, so lets leave this drama behind and play ball!

-Robb Lennahan

Exclusive Photo of Yankees Players at A-Rod Press Conference

Among those pictured: Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Joba Chamberlain, Mark Teixeira, Brian Bruney, Chien-Ming Wang...HEY who's that old dude seated to the left of Mariano Rivera ???

The Circus Has Arrived

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages. The New York Yankees proudly present to you the saddest drama in baseball, ALEX RODRIGUEZ! Although it is not the least bit likely, lets hope that after todays press conference, A-Rod and the Yanks can put this soap opera behind them and get down to business. A-Rod just needs to get through today without putting his foot in his mouth (like calling that "Selena Roberts Lady" a stalker).

However, I am very curious to find out if A-Rod will go a little deeper into what exactly he used and where he got it from, as will everyone else. He will be asked about these burning issues, whether he will address them or not is another story. In order for Rodriguez to put these questions to rest, he will have to do a better job of answering them. If he doesn't, they will surely follow him around all season long.

His manager and teammates have come to his aid and have proclaimed they will be behind him at the press conference and will be behind him all season long. The only way A-Rod can repay his mates for their support is to put this story to rest and produce on the field. Lets just hope A-Rod doesn't wilt under the Tampa sun, much the way he does under the October lights.

-Favad Ali

Papi Speaks out Against Users

The latest person to throw their two cents in to solve the problem of steroid use in baseball is non other than Red Sox slugger David Ortiz. Following the opinion of White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, Ortiz also believes players who test positive for steroid use should be suspended for one entire season. Within the current MLB drug policy players who test positive once are subject to a 50 day suspension, followed by a 100 day suspension for a 2nd positive, and a lifetime ban for a 3rd positive test.

Ortiz coming out and calling for a one year suspension for steroid users is not the real story here. We’ve heard things like this ever since steroid use became such a problem in the game. From former and current players, the media, and the government, everyone’s been suggesting a number of solutions. The real issue with Ortiz is what happens if his name is on the infamous ‘list of 104’? Would he actually admit to his mistake, or better yet, voluntarily sit out an entire season? Obviously, because he has been one of the best hitters in the game and because he only became consistently productive after 2002, there will always be suspicions of steroid use.

As long as his name remains clean, with maybe 5 more productive seasons, he should merit a place in the Hall of Fame. However, if it does come to light he did use steroids, or was even associated with a steroid supplier, his numbers on the field will mean nothing. Especially after his one year ban proposal, I’d be surprised if Ortiz even got 5% of the votes for the Hall. I hope for his sake he has been clean, because if his numbers are tainted, his image will never recover. One question remains though if it surfaces that he did use. Would Ortiz dare set foot on the field of New Yankee Stadium and face the wrath of 50,000+ Yankee faithful? I guess he wouldn’t have a choice, and it would be very interesting to see.

-Robb Lennahan

Poll

A-Rod Talks With Peter Gammons of ESPN

Full Transcript of Interview

BREAKING A-ROD NEWS!

A-Rod Comes Clean in Emotional Interview with Peter Gammons

A-Rod reads Jersey Hardball!!! According to ESPN.com, A-Rod in an interview with Peter Gammons will admit to using PED’s from 2001-2003 on Sportscenter tonight at 6pm EST. This is refreshing news indeed. Not only for the fact that A-Rod is the first of the Steroids accused stars, to actually tell what seems to be the truth, but also because apparently A-Rod took our advice. See article below, from this morning…

Who wouldn’t want to take advice from these guys!

Rodriguez Should Come Clean

With his legacy and place in the annals of the game hanging in the balance, Alex Rodriguez has a difficult decision to make. Sooner or later he will have to answer to the storm of media scrutiny regarding his alleged failed steroid test in 2003. Alex Rodriguez was supposed to be Major League Baseball’s shining and guiding light that would lead them out of the steroid era. He is on pace to hit over 800 home runs for his career, which would have passed Barry Bonds and once again legitimized the most important and recognized record in American sports.

Suddenly, all of that has changed and Rodriguez has been exposed as a possible cheat himself. Although, he will never be looked at the same again, he may be able to save face a bit, and convince writers of his Hall of Fame status once his career is over. While not impossible it will be extremely difficult for Arod to pull off. Take for example, Mark Mcgwire, a player who hit 583 home runs in his career, good for eighth all time, saw his HOF votes decrease from a year ago. And we all know about Barry Bonds (All time HR King) and Roger Clemens (9th most wins all time), who not only have been vilified for their steroids scandals, but may also go to jail for perjury. While these examples do not help Arod’s case, I believe how he handles the charges may save his HOF status.

In my mind Rodriguez is limited to three real options of how to react to the allegations. He can take the road that Bonds and Clemens have taken, which is to vehemently deny the charges. As you may know, this hasn’t worked out well for the two of them. Both face possible perjury charges and could see jail time in the near future. Option two is to not say much of anything at all (see Mark Mcgwire and Sammy Sosa). While not saying anything is not exactly considered lying, the silence that Mcgwire displayed on the stand in front of congress might as well have been an admission to cheating.

In the end Arod’s final and best option is to come clean. He needs to tell the truthl; fully and completely. He needs to say he did it to legitimize his enormous contract, that he felt he had to because just about everyone else was, and to solidify his place as an all time great. He needs to say that it hasn’t happened since then as he has not failed any other tests administered since then and that it will never happen again. He needs to apologize to the fans and to everyone who has ever supported him. While he will never be looked at the same again, this may allow him to finish his career to play out with some sort of normalcy and become the first of the true superstars who have been caught up in the steroids scandal to come clean.

-Favad Ali