FINAL WORD ON STEROIDS

Like most baseball fans, I was a novice when it came to the subject of "Steroids". But then Jose Canseco came out with his first book and shined a light on what steroids really do . It suggested that most players who took them did so not for obscene muscle gain but for it's accelerated healing power. From that point on all bets were off as far as predicting who was on them and who was not. An often hurt relief pitcher, now, was just as likely to be "Juicing" as a bloated HR machine. This is where they so-called un-even playing field becomes much more even.

I was on the fence on whether or not the likes of Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire should be allowed into the Hall of Fame. It was when A-rod got caught is when I figured it out. It seems ALL the Big Names were guilty. Just look around at all the .250 averages this year from lifetime .290 hitters. They may only be a handful of 40 HR guys this year and probably no 50 HR hitters, when a short time ago, batters were hitting 40 in their sleep. Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not.

So there's 2 choices: 1. Shut down the Hall of Fame for 20 years and let no one in. 2. Let them all in. Who's to say every time Big Papi hit a clutch HR he wasn't facing a pitcher who was on PED's as well? We don't know. But it's getting more an more likely that is the case. What if every big strikeout Clemens threw was blown by a batter who was juicing? The un-even playing field seems to be a lot more even then we thought. The Steroids Era is what it is. Sadly it is a snapshot of our current society where artificial stimulants is believed to cure all.

SWINDLER'S LIST

Just who is the person (or persons) who has slowly been leaking out names? Conspiracy theorist would have us believe it is MLB. But why would they risk hurting the game and it's gate receipts during these economic times? Contrary to public belief the Teams have and know who is on that list. Theo and Co. knew Papi was on it and any other name we haven't heard yet. As long as the leaks keep coming from NY I have to believe it in Fact is some MLB officials looking to make waves or a quick buck.

So What do you think Red Sox nation, Would you vote any player found to having taken PED's into the Hall of Fame? Do you believe the Red Sox knew Papi was on the list and they have a copy of it themselves?