Ortiz, Ramirez PEDs?

Now that two more of the 100+ names on the “confidential” 2003 performance enhancing drug (PED) test conducted by Major League Baseball have been released, does it shock you that David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez were on that list?

What gets me is that the holy grail of MLBs steroid information – the Mitchell Report – failed to include either player in its contents…even as possible suspects as it did for some players.  Do you think that it may have something to do with the fact that Sen. Mitchell was a minority partner/owner of the Red Sox?  I do.

The questions are now if this tarnishes the Red Sox dramatic World Series run and the answer has to be … no.  Steroids and PEDs have been free-flowing throughout baseball for years prior and you would have to go back to before the Oakland “Bash Bros” days to find a truly clean team.  If we really want to clean up baseball…get rid of Bud Selig.

So, once again, give it up … with PEDs … and put it in the past.  Get back to baseball.

Perfect Game: Mark Buehrle

Chicago White Sox Mark Buehrle throws the Sox’s first perfect game since the 1920s.  And, a big thanks goes to Dewayne Wise, who saved the day pulling a Gabe Kapler’s sure home run ball back from the other side of the fence for the second out in the ninth inning…

Video: Perfect Mark

Randy Johnson joins 300 Club

Randy Johnson became the 24 member of the 300 win club on his first try as he pitched six innings, giving up one run (unearned) on two hits.  He had two strikeouts and two walks in the historical outing.

Johnson became the first pitcher to win #300 on his first try since Tom Seaver did it in 1985.  He is also the second oldest at 45-years-old to reach the milestone.  Phil Niekro won #300 at 46-years in 1985 with the New York Yankees.

With Randy Johnson achieving pitching royalty with his 300th win on Thursday, the question becomes …

Will he be the last?

There are only a handful that could be considered possibilities to reach the 300 mark.  The best prospect is 32-year-old Roy Halladay at 140 wins.  He would have to pitch consistently over the next 10 years or so to get there.  The closest right now is Jamie Moyer at 250 wins, and 46-years-old.  Others with fleeting chances include Andy Pettitte (36, 220 wins), Pedro Martiniz (37, 214 wins) and John Smoltz (42, 210 wins).

Play Ball!!!

The New York Yankees get ready to toss out the first pitch of the 2009 spring training season for a game in the Grapefruit League tomorrow against the Blue Jays in Florida.

So long Marbury

Stephon Marbury and the New York Knicks agreed to a buyout ending the five year stint from the Brooklyn-born guard.  It is rumored that Marbury will join the Celtics as a back up.  Marbury did not play at all this year as new coach Mike D’Antoni wanted to focus on the players that were going to be part of the NY future.

So long Star-bury!

End of an era: Harrison cut by Colts

This is where the NFL is tough…a dynamic duo, probably the best quarterback-receiver combo ever, is now history as the Indianapolis Colts cut Marvin Harrison.  It was a cap move as Harrison was to count for $13.4 million against the 2009 cap.  There were talks of restructuring his deal but the two sides couldn’t come to terms.

Harrison is rumored to be targeted by the Eagles…which would pit him with former Syracuse teammate Donovan McNabb.

MBL: Selig says A-rod shamed the game?

I love how Bud Selig takes the high road as he claims A-rod “shamed the game.”  Selig is, and was, part of the problem.  The commissioner did not step in and take control of a growing problem in the game as he was reaping the benefits of a captivating home run chase between Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa.

Looking back, those great moments of two last place teams on ESPN only because the two biggest names in the game were chasing the biggest record in the game.  Once saviors, McGuire and Sosa are after thoughts.

As with baseball’s history, statistics fluctuate by era.  Unfortunately, the most sacred record was shattered by steroids, HGH and short fences in new ball parks.
Oh, still waiting for Selig to take a little responsibility for the Steroid Era.

NFL: Farve retires…again

Brett Farve decided to hang up the cleats once again claiming to not want to keep the Jets hostage.  This retirement is probably legit so here is the post from last year’s official retirement…

MLB: A-rod bursts the steroid bubble

There was hope.  Not everyone did ‘roids.  Look at A-rod…

He was to be the savior of the Steroid Era and possibly the greatest baseball player ever.  That all changed when Sports Illustrated reported that he was one of 104 players who tested positive for performance enhancing drugs in 2003. Of course, those tests were confidential and before full testing.  MLB and the Player’s Union are not speaking on the matter but the damage is already done.

It is time to pull the focus back to the player.  The one who amazes every night, every season.  The one you an look at and want to be like.  They are there many are summed up in one name…Jeter, Manny, Papi…let’s get back to baseball.

Pitchers and catchers in two weeks!

MLB: Where will Manny go?

It is getting tough to watch the trials and tribulations of Manny Ramirez, who just turned down the latest offer from the Dodgers – 1 year at $25 million.  The market seems to be missing for the games best hitter.  Surely, his antics last season in Boston isn’t helping the cause.

Two teams look to be in the running for his services…the Dodgers and Giants.  It seems the Dodgers are running out of offers as they are being smart and not outbidding themselves.  There is always a surprise ending with negotiations like this…like the Mets.  A team in need of a great bat who happens to be opening a new stadium that is being out-covered by their crosstown rivals new stadium and free agent spending.

Why not the Mets?