Dan Haren Traded

Dan Haren is now an Arizona Diamondback. Valverde also got dealt today (to the Astros). Those are two big names. Arizona has got to be happy with the front of their rotation right now (Webb, Haren).

The big question now, I think, rests within the Mets organization. What are they going to do to acquire an ace? At this point, they’ll probably go all out for Bedard.

The Aftershock

What’s up everyone. I made my way back to New Jersey today (finally) and as I sat in the airport, I was able to watch countless Mitchell Report references. One of the more interesting things was a comment said by Mitchell to a CNN reporter. He basically stated (paraphrase) that the “most shocking” revelation he encountered was that so many “young people, teenagers” were using steroids on a regular basis (thousands and thousands). He did go on to say that these young people emulate sports icons and this can explain (in part) the steroid boom, along with wanting to be “bigger, stronger and better looking.”

This immediately got me thinking. Where does this all stem from? Kids don’t take steriods, simply because their favorite athletes are doing it (it is not imitation). Teens and adolescents are a much more cynical and savy group. Role models are not adopted as often as they were in the past (especially sports figures). Of course, there are some athletes who are regularly using steriods to get an edge (in all levels of sport), however, most kids taking steroids are taking them for other reasons. Essentially, kids (and everyone else) take steroids to turn into what Mitchell spoke of, “bigger, stronger, better looking” people.

Now, if this is what people use steroids for, then what is this all about? For male steroid users (the larger gender group that abuses them more often) it seems directly related to being a man, here in American society. America is all about the tough, strong, confrontational male. Look at our heroes in the movies, the boxing or UFC matches we all watch, the rap stars that we listen to or the war veterans we praise on a regular basis. Men are built up to be strong, tough, physical and aggressive. The guy who pulls this off the best reaps the all of the social benefits (e.g. women, money, respect). If men don’t live up this notion, then they’re called gay, fag, pussy, and labeled as “feminine” (you know the deal).

Essentially, (for most males who use them) steroids appear to give you an edge on being a better male or fulfilling the male archetype better. This is why young men are taking steroids on a regular basis. Most of them are not doing it to break home run records or throw 100 mph fastballs. They’re doing it, simply to be better (physically) than the next guy. They’re doing it so they can show how much they bench at the gym, as it demonstrates their strength and power. This is the true steroid culture for you, so while Congress attempts to place baseball on a pedestal, as if they are the creators of the steroid epidemic. You can’t help but to laugh.

Why not hold the UFC accountable for glorifying strength and violence, or the NFL for the same thing, or Crocodile Dundee, Rambo, Rocky, or rap music even (oh wait, that’s sort of been done). All of these contribute to steroid use by males, more so than any Roger Clemens strikeout. I’m not trying to paint a picture that leaves baseball out the steroid circle, again, all I’m trying to do is say that this is a much larger cultural problem (there’s a lot of context that’s not delineated) that will not be addressed by any single study or list of names.

Mitchell Report Recap

Okay, so the report was released and I’m sure you all got your fix.  However, if you haven’t and love hearing about the misfortune of others, or simply missed out on the events that transpired today, here is a brief rundown of some Mitchell Bits.

• Missed the report?  If you’re simply searching for names you can check out other online lists, but how bout this snazzy NY Times chart that not only gives you every player implicated, but also their performance during their alleged steroid use.
• If you’re wondering about the larger questions which have created this report or are thinking about its future consequences, the Times also offers this very brief question text related to the sources used, who’s to blame, etc., etc.
• Next up, many people feel as though this is one of the saddest days in baseball history, forever tarnishing the sport’s legacy and nullifying its validity.  However, Mike Lupica apparently thinks differently from normal folks, claiming that this is one of the better days for baseball.
• Now, for Roger Clemens who was by far the most famous and historical figure featured in the report, Roger is fighting the allegations (he’s got a lawyer) but Bill Madden seems to believe in the guilty until proven innocent method, as he insists that Roger Clemens’ future in the HOF is in doubt.  Let’s be real here, Clemens will be a shoe in, it’ll just be funny to see how the media treats Clemens in relation to Barry Bonds.  Both are 2 of the biggest stars at their respective positions and iconic baseball figures.  I think the media bias for Barry will really shine through though, giving Clemens a pass after a mere few days.

And, finally, about the Yankees and the report.  A lot of the papers are going to try and paint this as if it is a Yankees-steroid thing.  This is completely ridiculous and totally unwarranted.  Yes, the Yankees had a lot of the players on the listat one time or another.  But you also have to consider that the Yankees dont attempt to sign roid heads.  They sign the best players available, and, in this situation, it makes sense that the best of the best were steroid users.  Also, you cannot blame the Yankees for all of these players or hold their titles up high while you cry foul (which the article above does).

Look at Kevin Brown or Jason Giambi.  Were the Yankees helped by these 2 players at all?  Kevin Brown was a terrible force on the team while Jason Giambi (after stopping steroid use in 2003) has been the biggest waste of money and roster space.  Having him on the team, to this day, has hurt the Yankees for a variety of reasons.  How are you going to look at this and place blame on the Yankees.  In fact, some these Yankee-steroid guys were users before their tenure with the Yankees (Clemens, Villone, etc.), so let’s halt a moment before we indict an entire organization as if they peddle PED’s on their players.

Steroids are NOT a Yankee problem, a New York problem, a Mets problem, a Red Sox problem and so on and so forth.  Steroids are, instead, a BASEBALL problem, plain and simple, and should not be framed any other way.