There we are ... all of us, back in 1998. Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa continue to hit home run after home run, day after day. Could any of us ever have imagined what baseball would come to here in 2005? A colossal black cloud that continues to spread day after day. While a Barry Bonds may say that the media must move past the talk of steroids, it seems that each week something new happens that prevents us from doing so.
With BALCO and grand jury testimony leaks, to Jose Conseco's new book and now the federal government aggressively stepping in, the topic of steroids continues to get more juiced up.
The more that the authorities and public find out, the more it becomes self-evident that MLB owners and managers have been quite aware that the use of steroids has been a problem for quite a while. Having said that, I am quite comfortable in believing that the responsibility of this falls right on the lap of MLB Commission Bud Selig.
Why is this becoming such a big deal?
A hearing has been established for Thursday, March 17 on the steroids issue in baseball. Several prominent names have been invited, including Canseco, McGwire, Sosa, Jason Giambi, Selig, and union head Donald Fehr. Canseco has already committed to attending. Why not? He can sell more books.
According to an Associated Press story, the House Government Reform Committee is willing to subpoena any individual who is unwilling to attend the hearing on the 17th. "We'll use the subpoena to get them there if that's what we have to do," says Tom Davis, the committee chairman.
Meanwhile, baseball's new steroid testing policy went into effect this past Thursday. With how serious the issue of steroids has become, it's a no-brainer that this past Thursday is far too late. While a "better late than never" would be partially accepted, you almost get the feeling that MLB is doing everything right, if you listen to Selig. "I'm comfortable in telling you that we've not only dealt with our problem, but we will finish what we started," Selig said. "There always will be some exceptions, but I'm very comfortable with what we've done."
Glad to see you padding yourself on the back, Bud-dy. While it seems apparent that club owners and managers were turning their heads the other way while aware that players were using steroids, you as commissioner had no idea what was going on, right?
"The people who suggest that everybody should have known about [steroids usage] in the '90s, it's just wrong,'' said Selig. "I've heard from a number of baseball people who are offended, and they're right.'' Give me a break.
It's easy to fight against the use of steroids, now. Baseball has already received the full benefits of them. If owners and mangers easily can turn the other way on players using them, why not the commissioner? A player using them may help his team win. Why would a coach stop that? Ball players using them gives more potential to hit home runs, and make business better. Why would a commissioner stop that?
Allow me to propose this idea, though. If the media and now government would have never gotten all over steroids, do you believe in your right mind that Selig would be all inclined to rid the game of them today?
You most certainly know my answer.
Below is the debut of a new addition I plan to add to my articles for now on. I generally have takes to other topics going on in sports that I would like to react to. I will do in in a quick sort of fashion, which is why I properly name this section, Run & Shoot. Credit for the name idea goes to ESPN 1000's (WMVP-AM) midday show, which has a segment by that name. Enjoy.
Run & Shoot
* I remain appalled that baseball's veteran committee once again failed to elect someone to the Hall of Fame this past Thursday. This is the second time in a row that this has happened. This system obviously is not working. What is the point of having a committee such as this, if no one is being elected? The committee members once again prove to be a bunch of snobs, who wish not to add anyone else to "their" exclusive club. It's time that these old farts get over themselves and get real.
* Sammy Sosa got ejected from an exhibition game on Saturday after arguing with the umpires over balls and strikes. This is great. The Cubs ought to be thrilled that Sosa is not their problem any longer. While I believe that Sosa's best days are behind him, I don't doubt that he can still be a productive player as long as he stays healthy. I think a new setting is good for him, yet having said that, the Cubs are better without him. Sosa can all he wants on how no one can replace him, but the fact that he is gone says it all. While Sosa produced a lot of good for the organization, the negatives he imprinted cannot be ignored.
* Illinois is still ranked number one, despite losing to Ohio State on Sunday. Illinois is a fun team to watch and have real potential to win it all. Despite that, Illinois still falls victim to bias, mainly from the East Coast guys who don't always have a clue. That's not a problem for me, though. The best way to win the respect of the people is to win, win, win. It's up to them.
* Anyone disappointed that FOX Sports Net cancelled I, Max? Despite that, I feel bad for Max Kellerman, who apparently is still not over the death of his brother, who was tragically murdered last fall. I wish Kellerman the best, and hope he lands on his feet. You know he will.
* Speaking of FSN, I have also heard that if ratings for The Best Damn Sports Show Period fail to increase, then it will be cancelled, as well. Borrowing the line from Jay-Z's song "Encore," what the hell have they been waiting for? The show was good in its first year, but quickly went down hill after it went to two hours and John Kruk left.
* FSN really has fallen into the toilet. Despite how big ESPN is, I don't see any reason why FSN shouldn't make another attempt to compete against them. Sure, FSN failed back in 1998 through 2001, but that's because they attempted to compete while being cheap. Hire some big names, put on some decent games that people want to watch, improve the picture quality, and showcase programs that people want to watch. I think people are getting sick of ESPN's act and now is the perfect time for another attempt to compete. If not FSN, then I have the feeling that the emerging Comcast SportsNet may not be too far away.
* Anyone ever listen to Dan Patrick on ESPN Radio? What do you think of his show since he let Rob Dibble go? Surely ... enough said.
Feedback may be e-mailed to [email protected]. For more about Martin, visit his personal blog.
March 10, 2005
Tyson Wirth:
Martin,
First, a well-written and to the point article. Good job. I must admit, however, I disagree with and am confounded by the constant criticism on commissioner Bud Selig not just by you, but throughout baseball. Under his reign, baseball’s popularity has skyrocketed, the widely successful wildcard (pun intended) has been introduced, the game is making huge progress across seas, and attendance is through the roof. Plus, the All-Star game is exciting and has meaning again, and revenue sharing, while it has its imperfections, has helped even the playing field for budget-concscious teams.
I understand your comments about Selig pertained only to steriods and not to all of the issues above - I am curious, however, if you disconsidered his knowledge or lack thereof of steriod use before the scandal (Aside: I’m not so convinced Bud knew what was going on with ‘roids before it became a big deal… it would seem like he would do everything in his power to keep the stuff OUT of baseball just to prevent an eye-blackening scandal such as this, don’t you think?), on which my hunch tells us we’ll have to agree to disagree, do you dislike Buddy Boy as much as most of the media seems to , and if so, why?
Thanks for your thoughts, and again congratulations on a well-written article, even if I disagree with some of your conclusions.
Tyson
March 17, 2005
patrick j. cichocki:
what a jerk!the commish has some job!iwish i got paid to do nothing!other than keeping the ban on pete rose what have you done lately! i feel bad for players like shoeless joe jackson more now tan ever.cause he only got banned for knowing!