All World All Sports Blog

by Digger

New England Coach Bill Belicheck has made history by guiding the Patriots to a perfect NFL regular season filled with record setting achievements. QB Tom Brady had the greatest season at his position in league history. Brady threw his record setting 49th & 50th touchdown passes among his 4806 yards & 117.2 rating (only 8 int's). WR Randy Moss set a new mark with his 23rd receiving touchdown. As a team. New England set the leagues new scoring record with 589 points on a record 75 touchdowns.

Belicheck's hard nose style has earned his players respect a long time ago. He has become one of the greatest coaches this sport has produced. His results have produced NFL standards: 16-0 regular season, 21 straight overall wins (2003-04, including playoffs), 18 consecutive regular season wins (2003-04), 10 playoff victories in a row. Super Bowl Champions in 2001, 2003, 2004. Nobody has done it better.

New England's next challenge is to join the 1972 Miami Dolphins as the only teams to complete perfect seasons (including playoffs). Miami was guided into history by one of the games most recognized and celebrated coaches, Don Shula.

The Patriots are a true sports dynasty enjoying the greatest run in league history.

by Digger

Happy Holidays! And soon to be Happy New Year 2008! Make those resolution lists and accomplish them one by one.

Let's get right to the main attraction. All World All Sports Naughty and Nice List.

The Good:

Our top slot belongs to the Colorado Rockies who were sports feel good story of 2007. Major League Baseball's Rockies won 14 of 15 games down the stretch, including 11 in a row, to erase a six game deficit. Their 90-73 record was best in team history. When the regular season ended Colorado and San Diego were tied and played one final game to determine which team would win Wild Card honors. In perhaps the most exciting MLB game of 2007, the Rockies Cinderella season continued before an electricfied crowd as they scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 13th inning against baseball's all time saves leader Trevor Hoffman. Colorado's incredible run continued with playoff sweeps vs Philadephia and Arizona to earn a franchise first trip to the 2007 World Series. They entered the Series on a 21-1 streak before being swept by the Boston Red Sox. It was a season no fan will forget anytime soon.

Brett Favre's record setting season has been special to watch. He's been playing some of his career best football guiding Green Bay (12-3) into the playoffs. His Packers are back on the map. Favre set many NFL records this year including most career yards, most touchdowns, most interceptions, most completions, attempts, most career games with at least 3 td's, most consecutive starts by a QB. More records could follow. Favre found the fountain of youth. He's certain to be back for more in '08.

World Series Champion Boston Red Sox (96-66) division titles will be a mainstay for the next few seasons. The curse has long died. Boston's first dynasty is alive and adding armor. Red Sox Nation will be sure to show off their new bragging rights for many years to follow. Yankees fans see the writing on the wall. Get used to it NY.

New England Patriots currently 15-0 marching towards history. They've defeated early season controversy and 15 straight opponents. Only the NY Giants remain as the last hurdle. A total team effort led by Coach Belichick and odds-on MVP favorite, QB Tom Brady.

(Many others from across the planet deserve recognition in addition to those listed above. Perhaps they'll be featured in future tributes).

Lumps of Coal:

Florida State Seminoles Football team will be without 36 suspended players for December 31 Music City Bowl vs Kentucky. 36 suspensions arise from academic fraud committed by unnamed players and by inner team violations. This should be a complete embarassment to the players, athletic department (assisted in players cheating). alumni, coaches and fans. This scandal could be felt for years to come. FSU's program has been on a slow decline and this latest episode at holiday season earns them our top slot lump of coal award.

OJ Simpson??? This freak of nature made headlines again when arrested in Las Vegas. He currently awaits trial on multiple felony charges. Perhaps he can revive his acting career in jail by way of a Longest Yard sequel?

Dog fighting led to multiple felony counts against Falcons star QB Michael Vick. Currently serving 23 months in jail stemming from dog fighting, abuse and gambling related activities. Vick's NFL future could be in peril. He'll have much to prove when another team gives him a second chance.

NBA referee scandal involving Tom Donaghy has had the fortune of remaining relatively quiet from public scrutiny thanks to baseball's steroid controversy receiving media focus for months. Donaghy was impicated by the FBI in a betting scheme for fixing games by way of foul calls effecting game scores during the past two seasons. NBA Commissioner David Stern quickly spun damage control stating Donaghy is an isolated incident and not wide spread among players and refs. It's alleged Donaghy was approached by low level organized crime figures after accumulating gambling related debts. It has been speculated this is a far bigger problem which might implicate many others. FBI continues their investigation.

Major League Baseball, MLBPA, Commissioner Selig, owners, Mitchell Report and all those who participated or impeded baseball's latest scandal - steroids/human growth hormones. Baseball put on quite a sideshow in recent years capped off by what was supposed to be a comprehensive independent investigation into reports of steroid and/or human growth hormone abuse. Baseball called on one of its' cronies from within, Boston Red Sox Executive and former Senate Majority Leader Mitchell. Mitchell's career history and credentials were announced and paraded on full display during preceding moments leading up to his official press conference (as if to substantiate public trust or misdirection) revealing the long awated results. His report offered little beyond testimony from two people who had previously been under indictment and well reported. Mitchell faced many road blocks and current players refuesed to cooperate. A few names were implicated and displayed for public feasting... somewhat parallel to watching alligator feeding time at Lion Country Safari. On the heels of this report which damned mlb and selected players, Commissioner Selig issued a statement revealing baseball revenues are at an all time high. Shortly thereafter, a couple of clubs announced intentions to raise individual game ticket prices... including 20% boast by NY Mets. Say it ain't so!

Many others will be receiving lumps of coal this year.... the list is too long to post.

Santa remembers who has been naughty and nice. Will the fans in days and years to come? Holiday spirit and forgiveness or Scrooge 'em?

Happy Holidays. Happy New Year.

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by Digger

Florida State University (7-5) has suspended up to 25 football players from participating in the Music City Bowl vs Kentucky (7-5) on New Years Eve.

The suspensions were handed out after a six month investigation into allegations of player academic cheating. Players names have been withheld and many will speculate when FSU takes the field 20-25 men short. Some players suspensions are rumored to carry over into 2008.

Excerpts of FSU's report state a part time tutor helped athletes with exams and an athletic department employee typed papers, filled in answers to quiz questions (often times without the player being present). Yet to be reported is the extent of academic fraud. Rumored reports claim as many as 900 FSU students are under investigation.

Legendary Head Coach Bobby Bowden's once feared teams have fallen on hard times in recent years. Bowden guided FSU to 11 consecutive Bowl victories from 1985-1995 and 10 or victories 14 straight years (1987-2000). Since 2001, FSU has won 10 games only once and haven't won a conference title since 2005.

FSU may also face official sanctions from the NCAA... especially when considering athletic department employees conspired with players.

2007 has been a scandal filled year in sports. NFL, MLB, Soccer, Biking, Nascar, Tennis, NCAA right down to reports of suspected referee misconduct at youth football games in Richardson Texas.

by Digger

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Unless the British Baseball Federation can collect $50,000(UK) to cover travel related expenses the National Team will be forced to withdraw from next months Olympic qualifying tournament in Taiwan.

The International Olympic Committee has declared 2012 will be the final year baseball will be presented as an official competition. After recent success Britain's team has been highly optimistic of representing their country in baseball for the very first time (2nd place finish in Barcelona).

UK Sport, Britain's agency which finances the countries Olympic athletic participants, recently declined to sponsor the team a second time (sponsored Barcelona qualifier). Britain and their national team now seek an outside sponsor so they may play in Taiwan's Olympic qualifying baseball tournament.

It will be interesting to see who steps up to the plate and helps these lads fulfill their dream of becoming their countries historical first Olympic baseball team. Britain has many proud countrymen & women, perhaps willing to contribute? Big corporations? Successful entertainers?

All are waiting to see which British hero steps forward.

by Digger

Future Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre, starting his 251st consecutive game (271 including playoffs), shattering legendary Dan Marino's all time passing mark on a 7 yard slant play to Donald Driver in Sunday's game vs St. Louis.

After the game Favre showed his humble praise for the man who's record he broke: "I've said this all along: I've never considered myself to be in the same league as Dan Marino. What a great passer, maybe the greatest passer ever... The way he did it is maybe the way you'd coach another guy to do it."

Favre now stands alone with 61,405 yards passing with many more on the way. 2007 has been a record setting year for Brett. He's conquered most wins, touchdowns, passing attempts and interceptions.

His play has been exceptional this season leading the Green Bay Packers to an NFC best 12-2 record (tied with Dallas). Two games remain and Favre currently ranks 2nd in passing yards behind New England's Tom Brady with 3905.

Favre's ultimate goal is to lead the Pack back to the Super Bowl. Beating St. Louis clinched a first round Playoff bye. If Green Bay finishes with the best conference record then they'll own home field advantage which is a tremendous advantage to the men playing December/January football on the frozen tundra. Dallas and Green Bay own the NFC's best records, 12-2 (Dallas has tiebreaker advantage).

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by Digger

The highly publicized and much anticipated "Mitchell Report" (.pdf) (read it on MLB.com) became baseball's latest sideshow this afternoon as Boston Red Sox employee and former Senator George Mitchell, tapped by ex Milwaukee Brewers owner turned Commissioner Bud Selig to lead an extensive investigation into steroid/human growth hormone abuse by Major League players, stood in front the world and told us what we already knew.

Many issues need to be examined before anyone sits down to read this report. Baseball has been in a state of disarray since Fay Vincent served as the games last true Commissioner. Vincent exited in 1992... is there any coincidence baseball's steroid problem began to spread rapidly soon thereafter? Why was Vincent not interviewed at great length?

The biggest red flag one must recognize is this: Senator Mitchell... Attourney Mitchell... Judge Mitchell.. former United States Majority Leader was said to be without subpeona power to formally demand testimony from key individuals. Are we to believe one of the most powerful men in America had no probable cause by rule of law, or political fortitude to persuade potential witnesses to testify (formally or informally). He certainly could have afforded key testimonials immunity.

When a man of such stature and powerful credentials, charged with operating an "impartial" investigation into one of the biggest conspiracies in the history of sports, cannot successfully execute subpeona's for witnesses or produce key testomony by way of immunity.... then what is wrong with this picture? This is a glaring flaw in baseball's latest sideshow. Sometimes the simplest answer is the correct answer. This has been a sham and baseball is devoid of leadership and accountability.

No one within the game from MLB, MLBPA, Commissioners Office, owners, agents, physicians, advertisers wanted a truly deep and thorough investigation. As previously published by this writer, GREED rules the day in baseball from top to bottom.

"The Politics of Baseball" = After a public spectacle of Congressional Hearings involving active and former major leaguers, MLBPA Leader Fehr and MLB Commissioner Selig, no one should buy into this report being anything more than propoganda to sway public opinion. Mitchell had the most influential people in America at his disposal, therefore this report is a complete failure as an investigative tool. It is nothing more than a mere synopsis of knowledge previously reported and by way of individuals being prosecuted by authorities outside of baseball.

Mitchell also faced strong opposition and total non-cooperation from MLBPA. As a Director of the Boston Red Sox one should question his impartiality or biases. How does one conduct a thorough investigation free of influences when such a person is an inner circle member within a system clearly flawed? Or, by relying heavily on information provided by an employee of his fiercest competitor (which happens to be one of the greatest rivalries in all of sports - Red Sox vs Yankees).

While these statements are not in anyway meant to be an accusation vs Senator Mitchell... it does raise serious questions of how an individual could possibly have been free of bias' or personal knowledge (as a baseball insider) of players under suspicion before being called upon as lead investigator. Difficult to do.

Mitchell's investigation completely failed to reach beyond what has been public knowledge for many years. Persons already under indictment by Federal authorities were main informants used to reach conclusions and promote accusations publicly. Very few individuals were pursued who had direct knowledge of doped players. Team physicians, trainers and conditioning coaches all were/are "in the know" and in many cases accomplices in commiting illegal acts. At the very least he could have created a coordinated effort to have physicians under suspicion investigated by proper medial authorities. FBI tips/cases certainly include suppliers/manufacturers of HGH (customer lists). Quite frankly, ineptitude of unearthing potential leads is mind boggling and has gone completely unnoticed by media outlets. For the coming days Roger Clemens will probably receive much of the media's attention. Once star bashingwears off, perhaps one will examine extreme flaws within the report.

Mitchell did fire a shot at the Commissioners Office by reporting they "did" have knowledge of suspected abuse for years, and in at least one instance, tipped off a player to an impending test. The first thing which MLB "must" acknowledge is the Commissioners Office needs to be held accountable. The very first thing which must happen right now if baseball "truly" wants to clean up it's act... FIRE BUD SELIG and bring in a man from outside the game to take control. "Absolute Power" as Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis once said when he stepped in to clean up the sport after the Black Sox Scandal of 1919.

In fairness, Mitchell's report has many positive aspects too. He has detailed a fine plan for future testing and agreements between MLB & MLBPA, addressing urgent concerns regarding America's youth also partcipating in steroids/HGH and a few other instructions including using outside "independent" testing agencies (baseball currently tests from within).

Many baseball fans nationwide have been calling for players to be exposed and in some cases penalized. The who's who list of users had been largely left up to one's imagination with the exception of a few players who have spoken openly. Part of today's show was to produce sacrificial lambs for the pack of angry wolves to devour (public, media & bloggers). Mitchell threw raw meat to the public. Every great politician knows exactly when to divert attention away from the real issues at hand.

I believe, for the good of the game, ALL players who used performing enhancing substances should be exposed. However, this short list creates more problems than it solves which is why this is nothing more than a diversionary tactic. Mitchell clearly stated these players are just the tips of the iceburg and true violators come in large numbers and are unknown.

Troubling is the lack of proof presented by Mitchell's investigation. This was a lengthy process which produced few interviews and not enough first hand answers. Mitchell stated he does not believe players in his report should be penalized but leaves this up to the Commissioner's Office.

Bud Selig soon followed providing his spin. One of the most telling signs was his opening statement boasting of baseball's record revenues. Sometimes the guilty inadvertently tip their hands. MONEY. GREED. As previously blogged on All World All Sports, money was always the driving factor behind letting the players bulk up to put more runs on the board, break records and ultimately fill the stands. Money was the driving factor in covering up this scandal. Players earned more money, union collected more dues, owners pocketed more revenues, record television and marketing contracts etc. Baseball's Commissioners opening statement this afternoon confirmed it's all about money. Very telling and always the underbelly of baseball scandals. Not one of his better poker faces.

Selig stated his intention of evaluating named players one by one to decide if formal action is necessary. His first case should be vs Bud Selig. He testified before the nation clearly stating he was "unaware" of baseball's growing problem before the BALCO case was exposed (perjury?). He lied and should resign. Plain and simple baseball will continue to be viewed with skepticism until simple steps are taken... including cleaning house from within and not tipping off players of impending drug tests.

Selig's intention to discipline players brings us back to raw meat for the public. Sacrificial lambs... only a few names on this list and plenty who have been left off. This is a disservice not only to the game, the fans, and also the accused. Some of these men could very well be innocent. Roger Clemens was quick to have his representative issue a strong denial on his behalf. Where will Selig draw the line? Most players have been implicated by way of hearsay without any evidence. Fire away when direct evidence is in hand. Mitchell, a highly educated scholar of law, knows hearsay goes nowhere in a courtroom ... and also knows it does carry very heavy weight in the public eye which could have been a biased shot at MLBPA's refusal to cooperate. Not enough witnesses interviewed and a host of other problems persist which only create more questions and invalidate conclusions confirmed or omitted by Mitchell's investigative committee.

In typical fashion MLBPA Executive Director Don Fehr responded strongly with his dissatification of how this process was conducted including not having adequate time to evaluate Mitchell's findings before they were made public. One can anticipate another heavyweight slugfest in the making between MLBPA vs MLB Owners. Expect each and every disciplinary action to be hotly contested and a full scale battle when new collective bargaining agreements are negotiated.

As fans and individuals, we should look beyond and see thru smokescreens created by all involved. In today's finger pointing society, plenty of fingers can be rightfully pointed towards each character associated in this fine mess. Players, owners, Union, Commissioner, Doctors, trainers, General Managers, coaches, agents, suppliers, equipment personnel and even lockerroom reporters make up a good portion of the list.

However, it's time to stop finger pointing. Obviously and unquestionably baseball is experiencing a problem in how everyone handled this situation from the beginning. There really is a simple solution or initial corrective step to be put into place. Clean house. Start at the top with Bud Selig and then enhance and implement many of Mitchell's recommendations. Fine team owners with obscene fines for complying or turning a blind eye. Then strengthen and enforce Mitchell's doping policies. Federal intervention might finally be necessary since the fat cats are unable to control their insatiable appetites for greed at the sacrifice of human lives. Suggestions will come from far and wide across our great nation. First stop must come from the top. Everything else will soon fall into place.

"No one is above the game" has been one of baseball's mantra's for a long time. Now is time to prove it!

Another soon to be sideshow will be how baseball's historic records be treated or how hall of fame credentials are viewed? In this "Decade of Steroids", as named by Mitchell, suggestions have already arisen proposing each and every record during this era be labelled as steroids era. Look out stat fans, the asterik could rear its' ugly head once again.

Speculation, accusations, denials and spectacular quotations will soon grace headlines from coast to coast for days to come. This story has been over analyzed, scrutinized and debated for many years.

Baseball will survive this scandal. Not many will be held accountable beyond a select few big name players sent out to pasture. Accountability may escape most, however, now is clearly an opportunity to clean up the sport. Baseball always survives and this era can quickly be put to rest.

In one of baseball's greatest movies, Field of Dreams, Terrance Mann (played by James Earl Jones, explains to Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner): ..."The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again. Oh... people will come Ray. People will most definitely come."

It's time to stop with lip service and restore our fine game. Baseball has survived racism, survived Wars, survived previous scandals, survived work stoppages.... baseball will survive now too. Our game is not ruined, only needing to recover from another tarnished image. Fan enthusiasm is at an all time high. Most will be forgiven if this drama can be brought to swift resolution. Right now, all sides presenting their side of diversionary tactics, bold statements and warnings of future quarrels on the horizon.

Baseball - Shut Up and Step Up. Step up to the plate and get this problem under control. It is not hard to do.

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by Digger

2008 PGA Men's Tour tees off January 3rd at the Mercedes-Benz Championships in Hawaii. 2007 Player of the Year, Tiger Woods, earned his fourth straight POY and will be shooting for his tenth career award. Tiger is lightyears ahead of his competition as he continues to mystify the world with his domination.

Every once in a long while an athlete appears who changes their sport forever. Many names decorate this short list of legends, trend setters, innovators, game changers and dream makers.

Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson forever changed baseball. Wayne Gretzky shattered nearly every NHL scoring record and could very well be one player in all of sports never to be duplicated. Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell and Shaquille O'Neal redefined how big men play Center in the NBA. Dr. J (Julius Erving) soared above the paint, Magic Johnson dazzled with spectacular no-look passes, Larry Bird amazed the amazing... then Michael Jordan entered the scene and defied logic. MJ did it all and was arguably the games most celebrated athlete. Vince Lombardi, Don Shula, Tom Landry and Bill Walsh changed how NFL games were scripted. Johnny Unitas, Lawrence Taylor, Joe Montana, John Elway, Brett Favre, Tom Brady, Jim Brown, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders and Jerry Rice are some of the household names which excelled above the rest at their respective positions in the NFL.

Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus are some of golfs legends who defined their sport... then........ along came Tiger Woods.

Tiger may go down as the most dominant Champion in the history of professional sports. He has completely taken over golf and was an instant celebrity sensation even before turning pro. His energy has been inspiring and motivational to divot makers of all ages. His play is admired and envied by fellow professionals who are left in his dust. Tiger not only wins tournaments, he often leaves the field multiple strokes behind. He's taken aim at Nicklaus' record 18 Majors titles and is on pace to leave Jack a distant second when his magical career concludes.

Many great players are enjoying fine careers on the links. Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh, Steve Stricker and KJ Choi round out 2-5 on 2007 PGA Tour Money Leaders (Tiger nearly doubled 2nd best). Many names not mentioned in this ever growing and popular sport make up the most competitive links field in its' history. And yet, even the best of the best find themselves a distant second by tourneys end most often ... watching Tiger standing alone raising his newest trophy cup, crystal or Green Jacket.

As a fan, watching Tiger play is a privilege as history unfolds. Stay tuned... he's only just begun.

by Digger

Boston is a city rich with magical sports memories and legendary teams. Some of yesteryears biggest names include NHL's Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, Terry O'Reilly... and MLB's Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, David Ortiz and NBA's Larry Bird, Bill Russell and Red Auerbach.

The Boston Celtics (17-2) are one of sports most storied franchises. The Boston Garden rafters used to shake when fan favorites nailed clutch shot after clutch shot. Those days had long since faded. New coaches, underperforming players, no more "Garden". Recent seasons had disappointed life long devoted fans longing for a return to their teams glory days.

The wait is over. The newest chapter to this proud organization is in progress and everyone is noticing. Boston is currently undefeated at home (TD Banknorth Garden) and sporting the leagues best record.

The 2007-08 Boston Celtics have fans wondering if this team is for real. All indicators point to YES. Head Coach Doc Rivers has all the ingredients to lead this crew to winning campaigns for years to come. The new big three - Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen have all gelled excellently while dazzling fans and foes. It's the trio's first season playing together and one quickly notices resembling features between them and other Championship calibur big 3 units.

Everyone has been chipping in. Rivers has made all the right moves. His reserve players have played major roles and provided big sparks in close games. Team defense has played a big role as opponents struggle vs Boston's league best low 87.7 points/game average.

Many games remain in a still young season and Boston Celtics fans have good reason for optimism once again. They've quickly established themselves as early season legitimate contenders. Only one thing left for Doc's Celtics.... prove it vs upper echelon opponents.

by Digger

New England's (13-0) 2007 season has been the best team performance in NFL history. Head Coach Bill Belichik has created a Patriots dynasty winning three Super Bowl Championships since 2001. NFL fans are now being treated to perfection. The Patriots have dominated opponents and all sides of the field. After thirteen games, New England has already outscored foes by nearly 300 points. Field General Tom Brady has cemented his place as one of the games greatest players. He?s playing on a level far above his piers, completing 70% of his passes while throwing 45 touchdowns against only 5 int?s.

In 1972, legendary Hall of Fame coach Don Shula, guided his Miami Dolphins to the NFL?s first and only perfect season. Miami finished the regular season 14-0 on their way to becoming Super Bowl Champions. Over the years, as other teams threatened Miami?s historic record, former ?72 players gather at key games in a effort to preserve their place in NFL history.

Move over fish? here come the Patriots.

What makes this such a special season to watch is all of New England?s players and personnel have contributed each week. Near perfect play calling by coaches and flawless execution by players has been the secret to this teams complete domination.

This is a team playing with complete confidence. New England has been tested. In game 9 they visited arch rival Indianapolis and won 24-20 in the closing moments. Game 11 they were nearly stunned by a spirited Eagles squad (31-28). Than came game 12 vs. Baltimore when the Pats needed a stunning 27-24 come from behind win to keep their streak in tact. The Ravens had the game in hand but self destructed by penalties and poor clock management which paved the way for Brady & Co. to work their magic.

Life is filled with many ironies. After years of challenges to Miami?s perfect season? and New England seemingly ready to etch their name in history? the Miami Dolphins (0-13) are on a collision course to set the NFL?s futility record by going winless 0-16. Miami is no match for any team in the league, often look lost on the field, and are severely outclassed player for player.

Nothing is for certain. Any given Sunday, one team wins and one loses. Even if the Pats finish the regular season undefeated a huge challenge awaits in the post season. Tremendous teams in each league are all looking for their own glory. Indianapolis, Dallas and Green Bay round out the powerhouse squads. However, as they and the rest of NFL teams already know, New England is currently in a league of their own.

Go PATS!

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by Digger

The New York Yankees recent run of baseball dominance has come to an end. Joe Torre will either resign or be fired by Boss George within days. Cleveland's dismantling of the Yanks in four games is New York's third consecutive first round playoff defeat. Boss George, NY media and fans had all hoped and expected MLB's highest salaried team to win another World Series Championship. Once again, it was not to be as the Yankees were outplayed from beginning to end.

Many factors signal the end of this current run. A handful of key veterans can become free agents (Pettitte, Rivera, Posada, Abreu, Clemens) and Alex Rodriguez has can opt out of his contract which would probably please the Yanks front office. Yanks could get stuck paying Giambi $21M and Mussina $11M and neither figure to be big contributors. Expect the Yanks to move both and pay a hefty portion of their contracts.

The Yankees run under the expert guidance of manager Joe Torre took the baseball world by storm. Torre led his Yankees to World Series Championships in 4 of is first 5 seasons beginning in 1996... Derek Jeter & Mariono Rivera' first full seasons. '96 roster stars were Tino Martinez, Wade Boggs, Bernie Williams, Jimmy Key, John Wetteland, Kenny Rogers, Pettitte, Paul O'Neill, Tim Raines and Cecil Fielder.

1998 was spectacular as the Yankees defined perfection winning 114 games on their way to a Championship sweep over the San Diego Padres. Many faces had changed from the previous two seasons and Torre (and his veteran coaches, Stottlemyre & Zimmer) never let up out of the gate.

The real end to this dynasty all began in one playoff game. The year: 2004 (October 17). A day Yankees and Red Sox fans will never forget. The Yankees held a 3 games to none lead over Boston in the American League Championship Series. Yanks had blasted the Sox in Game 3, 19-8. In game 4, the Yanks lead was 4-3 when Torre called on baseball's most dominent closer to deliver. With 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th inning the Red Sox did the unthinkable... they got to Rivera, tied the game and eventually won in 12 innings. Game 5 featured another late inning Yankees blown lead and extra inning loss. The Yanks would lose the final two games as the Red Sox made history winning four straight games as they faced elimination. The Red Sox curse was soon lifted forever as they won the '04 World Series. Since then, the Yankees have remained regular season heroes while being complete playoff failures.

2008 season will see sweeping changes from players to personnel. Dynasty over. Stay tuned... it will return soon behind the new faces of Joba Chamberlain. Ian Kennedy and Philip Hughes.

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by Digger

The New York Yankees recent run of baseball dominance has come to an end. Joe Torre will either resign or be fired by Boss George within days. Cleveland's dismantling of the Yanks in four games is New York's third consecutive first round playoff defeat. Boss George, NY media and fans had all hoped and expected MLB's highest salaried team to win another World Series Championship. Once again, it was not to be as the Yankees were outplayed from beginning to end.

Many factors signal the end of this current run. A handful of key veterans can become free agents (Pettitte, Rivera, Posada, Abreu, Clemens) and Alex Rodriguez has can opt out of his contract which would probably please the Yanks front office. Yanks could get stuck paying Giambi $21M and Mussina $11M and neither figure to be big contributors. Expect the Yanks to move both and pay a hefty portion of their contracts.

The Yankees run under the expert guidance of manager Joe Torre took the baseball world by storm. Torre led his Yankees to World Series Championships in 4 of is first 5 seasons beginning in 1996... Derek Jeter & Mariono Rivera' first full seasons. '96 roster stars were Tino Martinez, Wade Boggs, Bernie Williams, Jimmy Key, John Wetteland, Kenny Rogers, Pettitte, Paul O'Neill, Tim Raines and Cecil Fielder.

1998 was spectacular as the Yankees defined perfection winning 114 games on their way to a Championship sweep over the San Diego Padres. Many faces had changed from the previous two seasons and Torre (and his veteran coaches, Stottlemyre & Zimmer) never let up out of the gate.

The real end to this dynasty all began in one playoff game. The year: 2004 (October 17). A day Yankees and Red Sox fans will never forget. The Yankees held a 3 games to none lead over Boston in the American League Championship Series. Yanks had blasted the Sox in Game 3, 19-8. In game 4, the Yanks lead was 4-3 when Torre called on baseball's most dominent closer to deliver. With 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th inning the Red Sox did the unthinkable... they got to Rivera, tied the game and eventually won in 12 innings. Game 5 featured another late inning Yankees blown lead and extra inning loss. The Yanks would lose the final two games as the Red Sox made history winning four straight games as they faced elimination. The Red Sox curse was soon lifted forever as they won the '04 World Series. Since then, the Yankees have remained regular season heroes while being complete playoff failures.

2008 season will see sweeping changes from players to personnel. Dynasty over. Stay tuned... it will return soon behind the new faces of Joba Chamberlain. Ian Kennedy and Philip Hughes.

by Digger

The Miracle Mets, Amazin? Mets, You Gotta Believe, The Magic is Back? and now Mets Tragic Magic.

In 2006, the New York Mets came within one strike of advancing to the World Series. 2007 was billed as the year the Mets would win it all. Instead, they?ll be forever remembered for blowing the division title in record fashion.

New York enjoyed a 74-60 record at the end of August. The Mets began September on fire winning their first four games of the month and eight of nine to open up a commanding (or so it seemed) six game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies. Chants of MVP sang from Shea?s crowd for David Wright and Jose Reyes. Manager Willie Randolph?s moves were working? the Mets were marching towards the post season. By September 12th the Mets owned a 7 game lead?. And then?? POOF? New York won only one home game for the rest of the season starting with a Phillies sweep. The Mets managed to find themselves one game behind Philly after game 160, tied on 161... Only to implode on the final day of the season. Veteran and future Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine produced his worst major league start charged with 7 first inning runs. Season over.

Never before has the baseball world witnessed a ball club lose a seven game lead with seventeen to go.

New York fans were searching for answers, culprits and scapegoats. Truth of the matter is it was an entire organizational collapse from top to bottom.

Lets break it down from the top. The Mets brass failed at the trading deadline to acquire another starting pitcher for their beleaguered staff. Failed to land any bench players other than Jeff Conine who struggled. Any solid experienced veteran pitchers would have sufficed and was needed. Instead the Mets were content, after all they were on a roll and did not want to give up future talent. They did land Luis Castillo who was needed to play 2B after season ending injury to Valentin.

Next in line is Willie Randolph. Willie has proven he?s a good game manager. However, he failed to teach is immature younger players when to put up and shut up. Discipline was sorely lacking down the stretch as Reyes, Beltran, Gomez and Chavez were all thrown out attempting to steal third base with two outs killing rallies. Randolph could be seen visibly upset in the dugout each time and never successfully corrected the situation. During their record breaking chokathon Randolph was completely solemn during press interviews. He failed to pick his team up off of the mat by way of a positive attitude. He seemed lost in his teams failures dwelling on losing instead of motivating his players for the next game. They were all hanging their heads and sometimes turning on each other during interviews.

The pitchers. Much of the early finger pointing was geared towards the failures of relievers to secure games. The once reliable Wagner, Feliciano, Sosa, Mota, Schoeneweis, and Smith started tiring and blowing large leads. Fielders frustrations were evident with every pitching change. Randolph and his posse were not happy in the dugout. There was no stopping the bleeding. Randolph eventually turned to El Duque to solidify his bullpen but it didn?t work. The oft injured Hernandez couldn?t save the sinking Mets. While the bullpen was busy taking heat for the teams failures? their starting pitchers flew under the radar.

Tom Glavine was at his career worst down the stretch when they needed a solid game from a veteran leader and Hall of Famer. He imploded by never winning a game after September 8th. In his final 11.1 innings pitched he was responsible for 17 runs on 25 hits.

John Maine was 12-5 heading into August and won only 3 of his last 11 starts. He was winless for the month until beating Florida in must win game #161 to put the Mets back in a tie with Philly. Other than his last game he was horrific often looking bewildered on the mound during his struggles.

Orlando Hernandez was enjoying a fine season until August 25th and never started a game in September as this oft injured vet hit the DL after Atlanta thumped the Mets 13-5.

Pedro Martinez didn?t make an appearance until September. If it wasn?t for him the Mets season would have ended earlier. However, his signing has been a tremendous bust as he started only 5 games in ?07.

Oliver Perez was outstanding for most of ?07 setting a career high of 15 victories. However, when the Mets needed him most he was at his worst vs. the Florida Marlins on game 160. In a must win game he lasted only 3 2/3 innings, gave up 6 hits, 6 runs, hit 3 batters including 2 with the bases loaded. It was one of the worst implosions in Mets big game history until Glavine bombed on the seasons final game.

Too many big games were started by fill-in pitchers and this hurt in September. Pelfrey (3-8, 5.57), Humber (7.71) couldn?t fill the gaps. Management needed to find a veteran at the dead line and this cost them dearly.

As for the lineup? they did manage to score runs but were inconsistent and non-clutch down the stretch. Losers when scoring 6, 8, 7, 9 & 6 had them barking at their pitchers failures. When the pitching was on, the bats were silent scoring 4 or fewer runs in 6 of final 12 losses.

One of the very few shining stars was Moises Alou who kept on hitting and hitting to the tune of a 30 game streak. Base running was sloppy as runners were thrown out at third base on ill advised steal attempts. Fielding became sloppy, clutch hitting disappeared, fans were stunned and silent. The team seemed to forget one major thing during their downfall. Just play ball. Instead they tightened and flat out choked when games were on the line by way of called strikeouts, weak grounders and feable pops.

2007 was a complete collapse by this organization during the final month. How long its? effects are felt is anyone?s guess but to rid themselves of the surviving stench of failure changes must be made. It?s time to cut loose failed and aging starting pitching. Glavine has never lived up to his Atlanta days in a Mets uniform. He was completely ineffective when the Mets needed a veteran to shut down opponents. Pedro is next. Why spend so much money on a player who can?t pitch a full season. He was clearly bought for the playoffs but if you can?t make it to the promised land?. ??? Orlando Hernandez. This crafty vet is injured way too often creating rotation gaps.

The Mets history has been filled with great success stories and fan favorite moments. 1962?s inaugural season. 1969 Amazin?s, 1973 You Gotta Believe, 1986 Magic?. And now?. 2007 Tragic.

by Digger

Tennessee Titans (2-1) electrifying quarterback, Vince Young, almost became the latest victim added to the Madden box cover curse. He landed awkwardly on his wrist late in their 31-14 trouncing of New Orleans.

Will the Madden Curse strike again?

Madden NFL box covers have doomed several players over the years. Is this myth? A jinx? Coincidence? One will never know but here?s a short list of players doomed shortly after making their appearances:

2001 - Eddie George has a productive regular season. However his bobbled reception turned interception for a TD was pivotal in Titans divisional playoff loss to Baltimore
2002 - Dante Culpepper suffers knee injury while Vikings were stumbling at 4-7, one year after reaching the NFC Championship Game.
2003 - Marshall Faulk, after four straight 1300+ yard seasons leading his Rams to two Super Bowl appearances in three seasons, plays with an injured ankle, fails to gain 1000 yards and Rams miss playoffs.
2004 - Falcons well publicized QB Michael Vick fractured his leg one day after Madden game went on sale during the pre-season.
2005 - Ray Lewis only season not recording an int as Ravens miss playoffs. In '06, he suffers a torn right hamstring in game 6 effectively ending his season.
2006 - Donovan McNabb refuted any ?Madden Jinx? claims after his selection to ?06 cover. In his first regular season game he was injured with a sports hernia which effected his play thru the next few games before finally opting for surgery. Eagles finish last.
2007 - Fantasy football favorite and NFL touchdown machine (27 in ?05) Shaun Alexander had just led his team to the Super Bowl the previous season. He breaks his ankle.
2008 - Vince Young, Tennessee. Young exploded on the scene as a rookie and has quickly transformed the Titans from a rebuilding team into a contender. All fans will be holding their collective breaths each time he gets tackled. This kid is a rising NFL star and hard nose QB who isn?t afraid to scramble down field head first. Titans fans keep your fingers crossed.

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by Digger

The Texas Holdem Poker phenomenon momentum sweeping the country is in full gear. Players of all ages are coalescing around poker tables nationwide. From friendly pickup games to casino?s, Texas Holdem?s popularity is seemingly endless.

Casino?s fill their poker rooms with various events and tournaments offering large cash rewards to winners. Players of all ages have been filling seats. Television stations have been carrying various events from championship matches, World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour, to celebrity matches and even re-runs of past tourneys. Audiences can?t seem to get enough action.

Gambling has been expanding across the USA. From Las Vegas to Atlantic City to various Indian Casino?s, race tracks and resorts? people keep coming in record numbers from far away places. Most card rooms have waiting lists. Most private games have people begging their friends to sit in on the action. Water cooler talk has picked up steam as many winners bend ears with tales of their winning hands.

Casino sponsored daily Texas Holdem events offer winners large cash prizes as new players are born everyday. Skill, strategy and cards determine each players fate. Most importantly is knowing how and when to bet while keeping a careful watch on your opponents tendencies. Many casino?s and online gaming sites offer ?satellite? tournaments where winners receive vouchers (pre-paid entries) to higher tournaments leading up to Championship games. Currently there is a $10,000 cash entry fee required to join WSOP or WTP Championship events.

Thousands of books and millions of websites illustrate competing philosophies offering wide ranging suggestions for optimal game play. The quick version of how each rounds works is as follows. Texas Holdem is a seven card poker game. Each player receives two face down cards (?hole? or ?pocket cards?). A ?pre-flop? betting round begins where players can either bet their hands or fold. The player left of the ?big blind? has first option of betting or folding (matching or raising the big blind). The big blind is a predetermined amount which increases by timed rounds. The pre-flop round continues until each player has decided. Next comes ?the flop? when the dealer reveals three face up community cards. A similar round of betting ensues. Next is the ?turn? (a.k.a. fourth street) and third betting round. The firth and final community card is called ?the river?.

The river card can make or break a hand quickly snatching the thrill of victory from an unsuspecting player who is ?all in? (bet everything). All eyes watch as the dealer gets ready to turn over this final card. Players place their hands together praying to make their flush, full house, straight? some can?t take the suspense and stand up? some hold their lucky chip? audiences grow silent?here comes the river card? players either sweep in their winnings or head home. One of the most fascinating aspects of playing is each individuals strategy while perfecting knowing (or not) how and when to bet.

Want to play a quick game from your computer? Your choices will be limitless. Online Holdem sites are rapidly growing as well. Many players sit and play for hours either for free by way of internet providers, software games or internet casino?s. Internet casino?s have raked in over $100,000,000 during 24 hour periods. Individual states have laws regulating or preventing online gambling. There is a great debate in State and Federal government branches on how to regulate online gambling and what determines games of skill or gambling.

What is behind this prolonged Holdem boom? Thrill of gambling? Searching for the perfect hand? Being a part of the ?in? game? Winning an ?all in? hand on the river? Competitive natures? Strategic prowess? Gambling addictions? No one knows for certain? or how long it will last. Texas Holdem has yet to peak as river cards continue to flow and grow.

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by Digger

Temporary insanity? Alcohol/drug abuse? Non-existent self control? Pure rage? Crossing the line at youth sporting events. Exactly what triggers grown adult parents to leave their seats and attack umpires while children, friends, fans and family members watch in stunned disbelief and utter embarrassment?

Just imagine how a your son or daughter would feel. Standing at home plate, 20 yard line, free throw line or blue line, surrounded by their friends and team mates. Suddenly, here comes dear ?ol dad, drunk as a skunk, stumbling out of the stands onto the field screaming obscene profanities before proceeding to wrestle an unsuspecting umpire to the ground all because of a disputed game ruling. Not quite a Kodak moment as pop gets handcuffed, booked and broadcast on the local six o?clock news. Certainly a story to be repeated countless times throughout a kids lifetime. Heck, the child might forever be remembered by some only for this type of event. Nice job pop. Get a grip.

At what point in a parents lifetime do they forget they are always parents? Perhaps teaching their kids to overcome difficult obstacles such as an umpire who can?t get anything right is appropriate instead of looking to crack open a few skulls. Showing their kids how to get arrested certainly will not be a fun experience for anyone involved. Do kids have to remind adults how to ?behave? at the next game time and time again?

This event has slowly become the norm in recent times. From state to state news reports often flash the latest parental mishap. Patent wielding baseball bats, throwing pizza at umps, assaulting refs, profanity laced tirades etc. Even coaches have joined the ruckus by following officials into locker rooms after games to lash out verbal tirades.

There?s no justification for such actions. In most cases, local judges only give violators a slap on the wrist. Soon enough these creatures of habit return to the field waiting for another close call just so they can get back into nose to nose arguments. In a few cases leagues have banned unruly coaches and parents from future events. In remote circumstances, kids have been removed from their teams.

So who will be parenting parents who refuse to parent themselves?

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by Digger

Barry Bonds will soon shatter Major League Baseball?s most immortal and magical record, 755 career home runs. When this day arrives two of the games greatest records will be owned by players tarnished by their unscrupulous choices. Pete Rose (All Time Hits Leader) was banned by baseball for gambling while managing the Cincinnati Reds. Barry Bonds (All Time Home Run Leader) will always be remembered by his involvement in the BALCO steroid scandal.

For many years America heard Pete Rose plead his innocence until he decided to promote his tell all book when he finally broke down and admitted betting on his teams. How long will the public wait for Mr. Bonds to acknowledge what most of us already suspect? He is currently under investigation for perjury by a Federal grand jury for his 2003 testimony in which he denied using performance enhancing drugs. Regardless of jury verdicts, we man never hear the truth and this record will forever be tainted by turmoil and inquiring minds.

In what should have been a moment filled with glory, international fame and an elite star studded celebration to be remembered for years to come?. will now be reflected upon with intense scrutiny by players and fans, past and present, for many years to come.

Will the baseball world grind to a halt when Bonds steps up to home plate looking for round trippers 755 & 756? Will the record books see a return of the * (asterisk)? Who from MLB will be on hand to crown the new King? Bud Selig has been all so quiet and careful to sidestep these questions. This raises another question: Should Bonds be found guilty of perjury or one day admit to using performance enhancing drugs? will MLB strip him of his crown? Current Home Run King and Baseball Legend Henry Aaron has already made his decision known he will not be in attendance.

Who will crown the King?

Certainly, the media will not. Bonds off field relationship with the media soured many years ago. In our current age of media scrutiny and lack of accountability Barry Bonds is an easy target. His remains will be sacrificed on news channels around the globe taking away from what should have been any players shining and defining moment.. Fans looking to take cheap pre-steroid day shots at one of the games greatest talents still point to his playoff failings. Now it?s all about calling him a cheater and second guessing his character.

Babe Ruth was bigger than life. He was a trend setter and public hero. Henry Aaron was the victim of relentless racism as he marched towards the record and it deservedly earned him respect and admiration as a fellow human being. Both are still heroes today and true legends of the game who gave their hearts and souls to baseball on and off the field. Bonds is no hero.

Make no mistake, love him or hate him, Barry Bonds has been one of the greatest players ever to step onto a Major League diamond. His 22 year career statistics are legendary. A seven time MVP five tool player who excelled as a Gold Glove (8) fielder, base stealing demon, prolific power hitter and one of the greatest batting eyes ever. Unfortunately, all of his accomplishments could easily be over looked in public opinion.

MLB?s Commissioners Office and current ownership clan deserve all of the blame for failing to address a well publicized issue a long time ago. Rumors of performing enhancing drugs swirled around the baseball world for years. Baseball looked the other way instead of correcting a growing problem. MLBPA will always argue, incorrectly, steroids and performance drugs were not written into a collective bargaining agreement until recently. Funny thing? since when do illegal substances require special wording? Illegal is illegal. In the coming years there should be no surprise when we learn of tragic health issues surrounding those players suffering the long term side effects or broken down bodies.

As the record setting day approaches it is this writers opinion baseball cannot overlook recognition of f a lifetime achievement no matter what controversies remain. Baseball did not act, did not suspend, fine or conduct precise investigations into suspected users. Commissioner Selig must be present to recognize the games new home run champion.

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by Digger

There used to be an old baseball adage stating “no one player is above the game.” However, it seems those in control of America’s favorite past-time are pulling all the strings when turning a blind eye to much of what happens between the lines.

Suspected MLB players steroid abuses made hundreds of headlines world wide. Congressional hearings were on full display for world viewing as some of baseball’s one time biggest stars refused to answer direct questions or categorically denied their usage or knowledge of fellow participants. No one can forget Mark McGwire hiding behind sheepish statements of “I’m not here to talk about my past” or Rafael Palmeiro’s finger waving denials. Only Jose Canseco appeared to be somewhat forthright, based largely on promoting his book “Juiced.” MLB players, management and unions all squirmed to cover up the games latest black eye.

Conspicuously absent from Congressional hearings, news interviews and spotlights have been MLB owners. Exactly who knew what will always remain a mystery until one of these cowards, players/owners, comes forward by way of admitting some sort of knowledge. Baseball conspiracy? Certainly. Ignorance is no substitute for silence when handfuls of players suddenly show up at spring training facilities twice the size of only a few months earlier. After all, offense sells in baseball. Fans flock to fill stadiums in virtually every hard ball city.

Steroids abuses should have sent up a red flag many years ago. Baseball owners, team physicians, coaches, club house attendants, steroids suppliers, players & their significant others should all be considered suspects of a vast not so silent conspiracy. Former major league players such as 1996 NL MVP Ken Camiti (admitted user) had made wide ranging statements claiming as many as 40% of ballplayers were using performance enhancing drugs. This should have send shock waves throughout the league… it did not. Instead it spurred denials and half hearted inquiries.

Perhaps the lack of a true Commissioner since Fay Vincent resigned in 1992 led to many of baseball’s recent allegations, scandals and abuses. Six years went by with ownership self rule until cronyism won the day and handed one of their long time pals Bud Selig (former Milwaukee Brewers owner) the helm.

Why did baseball owners and MLB Commissioners Office turn a blind eye away from various reports of ramped steroid accusations? Was it all about selling tickets? Record television contracts? Municipalities financing new baseball venues? Lack of moral integrity for players health? Lack of respect for sacred records? Fear of yet another scandal (after cocaine dominated the 1980’s, Pete Rose gambling, owners bargaining collusion, juiced baseballs of the 90‘s)?

It is unfathomable for one to honestly believe such accusations could remain so secretive that MLB investigators were unable to ascertain truths behind these well published reports. Newspapers from around the globe had hinted of suspected abusers. MLB and MLBPA were slow to enact strict testing guidelines even years after Congressional hearings.

Esteem records have fallen by way of suspected juicers. One of baseballs greatest seasons showcased Mark McGwire vs. Sammy Sosa in pursuit of the games most heralded records… Roger Maris 61 home run season. Fans flocked to their television sets, jammed stadiums, purchased jerseys, marveled at office water coolers, children imitating their heroes, fans fighting and suing over record breaking baseballs. Was this all for naught in light of apparent cheating?

Granted, many argue MLB lacked a true steroid policy. However, steroids are considered illegal substances so MLB’s lack of drug testing excuses are all part of misdirection of the obvious. These are illegal substances! Why did so many in the American public fall for this abnormal excuse? And why did MLB react ever so slowly to legislate such rules into collective bargaining agreements. Only one answer comes to mind… GREED. Greed on all levels. Higher batting averages and power production equals heftier contracts for players. Increased attendance revenues at the box office. Tremendous record breaking television contracts , advertising, endorsements, funds for new stadiums right on down the line to licensing for once affordable collectibles such as America’s youth purchasing baseball cards.

Senator Mitchell has been tapped to lead a tell all investigation to determine just how far steroid abuses reached. To date, no names have come forth. Is this just a theatrical appeasement ploy ? Jose Canseco’s 2005 tell all book “Juiced” named names. He claims to have personally injected mega stars just as Mark McGwire, Jason Giambi, Rafael Palmeiro, Ivan Rodriguez and Juan Gonzalez. These are the most obvious players to begin questioning. Palmeiro was suspended 10 days by MLB baseball after a positive test (which he has denied) and Giambi recently admitted his wrong doing.

Jason Giambi has been ordered by Selig to present himself for inquiry by Mitchell. USA Today (5/18/07) quoted Giambi stating “I was wrong for doing that stuff. What we should have done a long time ago was stand up -- players, ownership, everybody -- and said ‘We made a mistake.”

Giambi, one of the very few who stands out by his own courage and words, is now being offered up as a sacrificial lamb by Selig who has seemingly threatened to suspend him if he does not cooperate with Mitchell’s crew. Senator Mitchell’s investigation has been stonewalled as no players have come forth voluntarily. So why is Selig signaling out Giambi when so many other names have also been mentioned as suspects? Misdirection is ruling the day once again as other suspects continue to thrive in their careers.

Has the Senator interviewed each and every owner, team trainer/physician, club house attendants, managers, former and current “suspects“? Or is this so called investigation all just a circus act for misdirecting the public? Quite clearly, Giambi cannot be considered the only supporting character in this wide ranging theatrical Houdini act. Mitchell needs to start handing out subpoenas for “official” interviews beyond the players.

Baseball has learned one very strong lesson regarding scandals. The fans will always come. Black Sox, drugs, fights, civil rights violations, gambling, umpires, juiced balls, collusion, strikes … have all been scrutinized over the years and one fact remains… America loves baseball. So why fear cutting loose those who cheat the game? Fans will always fill the stands… perhaps this is precisely why owners do not care if the game is cleaned up? Get rid of cheaters once and for all or risk continuing to send the wrong message to youths of the world. These men are not heroes, nor are their employers.

One of the most recognized household names reaches beyond the players. BALCO (Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative). The following excerpt has been reported and posted on “Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia”:
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(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BALCO)

“The BALCO affair was a drug sports scandal uncovered in 2003 by journalists Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada. BALCO, which is the brief form of Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative, was an American company led by founder and owner Victor Conte. Conte, BALCO vice president James Valente, weight trainer Greg Anderson and coach Remi Korchemny had supplied a number of high-profile sports stars from the United States and Europe with the designer steroid Tetrahydrogestrinone and growth hormones for several years.”

“In 2003, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of California began investigating BALCO. U.S. sprint coach Trevor Graham had given an anonymous phone call to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency in June 2003 accusing a number of athletes being involved in doping with a steroid that was not detectable at the time. He also named Victor Conte as the source of the steroid. To prove his accusations Graham delivered a syringe containing traces of the steroid. Shortly thereafter, Don H. Catlin, director of the Olympic Analytical Laboratory in Los Angeles, succeeded in developing a testing procedure for tetrahydrogestrinone (THG). Now able to detect the new substance, he tested 550 existing samples from athletes, of which 20 proved to be positive for THG“
.
“On September 3, 2003 agents of the Internal Revenue Service, Food and Drug Administration, San Mateo Narcotics Task Force, and USADA conducted a house search at the BALCO facilities. Beside lists of BALCO customers in a BALCO field warehouse they found container whose labels indicated steroids and growth hormones. In a house search at Anderson's place two days later, steroids, $60,000 in cash, names lists and dosage plans were found. On June 6, 2006 the house of baseball player Jason Grimsley (Arizona Diamondbacks) was searched as part of the ongoing BALCO probe. Grimsley later said that federal investigators wanted him to wear a wire in order to obtain information against Barry Bonds. He told people which players used performance-enhancing drugs. When the dust cleared, Grimsley was released by the Diamondbacks and was given a 50-game suspension by Major League Baseball.
Among the athletes listed in the record of BALCO customers were MLB players Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield, Benito Santiago, Jeremy Giambi, Bobby Estalella, Armando Rios, hammer thrower John McEwen, shot putters Kevin Toth and C.J. Hunter, sprinters Marion Jones and Tim Montgomery, the medium-distance runner Regina Jacobs, and several members of the National Football League's Oakland Raiders, including Bill Romanowski, Tyrone Wheatley, Barrett Robbins, Chris Cooper and Dana Stubblefield. Conte was also connected with supplying "vitamin supplements" to the U.S. Olympic Judo team coached by Willy Cahill of San Bruno, California.”

“On July 15, 2005, Conte and Anderson cut plea bargains, pled guilty to illegal steroid distribution and money laundering and avoided an embarrassing trial. They will spend approximately four months in jail and four months on probation.”

“In April 2005, Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada were honored with the journalist prize of the White House Correspondents' Association. In 2006, they published the book Game of Shadows, which consists of a summary of about 200 interviews and 1,000 documents they collected for their research.
In October 2006, investigations against Fainaru-Wada and Williams were started. In their case the reporters used a protocol of a secret testimony of Barry Bonds in front of a grand jury but refused to name their informer. Both then faced coercive detention penalties of up to 18 months.[2] However, in February 2007, federal prosecutors dropped charges against the reporters after a Colorado attorney, Troy Ellerman, who once represented Conte and another executive of the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative, admitted to leaking the testimony and pleaded guilty to federal charges of unauthorized disclosure of grand jury testimony.[3]”

References:
1 ^ Mark Fainaru-Wada, Lance Williams: Barry Bonds: Anatomy of a scandal. San Francisco Chronicle, 25. December 2003
2 ^ Maik Grossekathöfer: Leck im System., Der Spiegel, 40/2006, S. 140, (German)
3 ^ Egelko, Bob (February 14, 2007). Attorney pleads guilty to leaking BALCO testimony. The San Francisco Chronicle.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_Area_Laboratory_Co-operative"
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Quite obviously, Mitchell’s crawling inquiry will drag on for great lengths of time. Will fans ever get to hear truths or be subject to unconfirmed accusations? Will these culprits be expelled or protected? Another potential effect to this controversy of MLB refusing to come clean will be knocking once again on baseball fans doors for hundreds of years.

Barry Bonds is soon to eclipse Henry “Hammering Hank” Aaron as baseball’s All Time Home Run King. What separates Bonds’ scandal from baseball’s All Time Hit King Peter Edward Rose dubious dishonor? Rose was banned from Hall of Fame consideration due to his betting on baseball games while “managing” the Cincinnati Reds. But, is Bonds the ultimate “players” cheater?

Until MLB owners get tough and act seriously… namely by replacing their “friend” Bud Selig with a respectable true Commissioner… one free of cronyism, free of favoritism, free of being a former owner, free of appeasement, free of greed… when will America’s favorite past time finally rid themselves of scrupulous scandals and cover ups?

Perhaps it’s high time for the likes of a Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis type of no nonsense Commissioner to finally re-emerge and return respectability and dignity to the great game of baseball. Until this day arrives, the saga will continue.

Only time will tell how this era of baseball ultimately is judged.