Sitting here listening to the pre-game show for the Royal's opening Spring Training game, I noticed a common question popping up in most of the interviews I'm hearing: "Does Alex Rodriguez belong in the Hall of Fame?"
My answer: Duh.
This shouldn't even be considered a serious question. The guys talent is off the charts. His numbers don't say he's a first-ballot Hall of Famer, they shout it. I looked up "no-brainer" today, and the definition was Alex Rodriguez is a future member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The hangup for many people is his recent confession to having used performing enhancing substances from 2001 to 2003, while a member of the Texas Rangers. It is very easy to forget that at that time in Major League Baseball, there was no rule against that practice. According to the rules of the day, he did nothing wrong. How can you punish him for that?
I heard that there was a mixed reaction in the crowd today when he came to bat for the first time. Some cheers, some boos. I suppose that this is to be expected. You can boo if you want. But let's try to keep this whole situation in its proper context.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
First Day of Spring Training Games
I have recently noticed a few signs of Spring: the weather has been warming up; the trees in my yard are budding; and birds have begun their migration back to their summer homes (as evident by the increased amounts of white globs streaking down various surfaces of our car). But for me, today marks Spring's most powerful promise: the first day of Spring Training games.
If you have been following your team in the off-season, today is a very big day. Teams have made trades, signed free agents, released and promoted ball players, and today we finally get to see the new version of the Royals, Cubs, Red Sox, Yankees, Angels, or whomever else on display. For my team, the Royals, I'm excited to see if Mark Teahen can actually handle second base. I'm excited to see how the additions of Mike Jacobs and Coco Crisp can bolster the lineup. I'm excited to learn if Alex Gordon and Billy Butler finally break out and become the Major League hitters the experts have always said they will be.
Another exciting aspect of this season's Spring Training is the second installment of the World Baseball Classic (baseball's version of the World Cup). Many stars will soon be leaving their respective training camps to represent their countries in this international baseball tournament. I cannot understand why I hear so many "baseball fans" disparage the WBC. I love the idea, and the drama that played out on the field in 2006 was incredible.
I just saw that all WBC games will be streamed on ESPN360.com, for those of you fortunate enough to have it (having access depends entirely on who your internet provider is; my provider, at&t, does participate, which means I'll be able to watch). Play begins March 5 when Japan and China meet in round one. Team USA's first contest is against our neighbors to the north on March 7, at 2:00pm EST.
So between Spring Training and the World Baseball Classic, it looks like their will be plenty of baseball to keep us occupied.
If you have been following your team in the off-season, today is a very big day. Teams have made trades, signed free agents, released and promoted ball players, and today we finally get to see the new version of the Royals, Cubs, Red Sox, Yankees, Angels, or whomever else on display. For my team, the Royals, I'm excited to see if Mark Teahen can actually handle second base. I'm excited to see how the additions of Mike Jacobs and Coco Crisp can bolster the lineup. I'm excited to learn if Alex Gordon and Billy Butler finally break out and become the Major League hitters the experts have always said they will be.
Another exciting aspect of this season's Spring Training is the second installment of the World Baseball Classic (baseball's version of the World Cup). Many stars will soon be leaving their respective training camps to represent their countries in this international baseball tournament. I cannot understand why I hear so many "baseball fans" disparage the WBC. I love the idea, and the drama that played out on the field in 2006 was incredible.
I just saw that all WBC games will be streamed on ESPN360.com, for those of you fortunate enough to have it (having access depends entirely on who your internet provider is; my provider, at&t, does participate, which means I'll be able to watch). Play begins March 5 when Japan and China meet in round one. Team USA's first contest is against our neighbors to the north on March 7, at 2:00pm EST.
So between Spring Training and the World Baseball Classic, it looks like their will be plenty of baseball to keep us occupied.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Here's to Hope
Well, my buddy Todd asked me to contribute to The Perfect Game. And, although that is exciting, you should know something first... I never played baseball! But, before you pass judgment, I have taken my share of pitches from Todd's sidearm. And when I say taken pitches, I don't always mean in my glove.
If there were a scale of baseball genius (and there is somewhere I'm sure), then Todd would be on the level of future GM for the Royals or analyst for ESPN and I would be the guy who just enjoys a sunny day at Wrigley Field with a soda and brat by my side, being up in the 9th, and listening to the Harry Caray impersonator sing during the 7th inning stretch. So, your average Cubs fan: hopeful, but not holding my breath, well, unless they go to the playoffs. Then maybe for a game or two. At which point I start thinking about next year.
Last year was a great year for me, until October 4th. That is when the Dodgers swept the Cubs in the first round of the playoffs. It was supposed to be our year, 100 years since the last World Series Ring, the second best record in MLB for 2008, great power hitters and finally a pretty darn good (more importantly healthy) bullpen.
Todd had even given some encouragement on the phone. As my baseball psychologist, every northsider needs one, he had assured me that they were a good team. He did however have his doubts which ultimately proved true.
So, this year brings fresh hope. And, after spring training I'm sure Todd will look into his crystal ball and give me more hope. But if he won't, than someone else will. After all, you thought last year was a great story, 100 years since a World Series Title. How about this year?
If there were a scale of baseball genius (and there is somewhere I'm sure), then Todd would be on the level of future GM for the Royals or analyst for ESPN and I would be the guy who just enjoys a sunny day at Wrigley Field with a soda and brat by my side, being up in the 9th, and listening to the Harry Caray impersonator sing during the 7th inning stretch. So, your average Cubs fan: hopeful, but not holding my breath, well, unless they go to the playoffs. Then maybe for a game or two. At which point I start thinking about next year.
Last year was a great year for me, until October 4th. That is when the Dodgers swept the Cubs in the first round of the playoffs. It was supposed to be our year, 100 years since the last World Series Ring, the second best record in MLB for 2008, great power hitters and finally a pretty darn good (more importantly healthy) bullpen.
Todd had even given some encouragement on the phone. As my baseball psychologist, every northsider needs one, he had assured me that they were a good team. He did however have his doubts which ultimately proved true.
So, this year brings fresh hope. And, after spring training I'm sure Todd will look into his crystal ball and give me more hope. But if he won't, than someone else will. After all, you thought last year was a great story, 100 years since a World Series Title. How about this year?
101
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Breaking Down the Interview, Part 2
Picking up where we left off...
PG: How do you go about making people believe you?
AR: (to sum it up, he says look at what I did before Texas, look at what I've done since then, and watch and see what I do in the future)
Me: The proof is always in the pudding. Problem here is, people have become inherently skeptical of great players. And when you fail a drug test, it only add to that skepticism. So what else have you got for me?
AR: ...you realize that honesty is the only way...
Me: So Mom was right?
AR: ...I'm pretty tired of being stupid, and selfish...
Me: And we're tired of stupid, selfish athletes acting stupidly selfish.
PG: (asks if he was worried when everyone was looking forward to the time when he passes Barry Bonds as the all-time homeruns leader; worried about all of this coming out)
AR: (after talking again about "that era" when everyone was doing it, and not really knowing what they were taking) Yeah, it worried me. Absolutely.
Me: I can't believe that he didn't know what he was putting into his system. And, I'm starting to believe him when he says he's not sure. Surely there was more than one substance he was experimenting with.
(PG is asking another question and I'm watching some of the strange facial expressions A-Rod is making, wondering how much fun it would be to watch the main character from that new show on FOX, Lie to Me, tell us if he's telling the truth or lying. I haven't seen that show, but I've seen a lot of ads for it)
PG: Are you bitter at all that the [Players] Union didn't get those tests destroyed?
AR: (shaking his head) No. God is doing this for a reason... I could care less about the union... I could care less about Salina Roberts [the SI reporter]... This had to come out. It was very important...
Me: Would this have been as big a 'scandal' if he would have come out with this himself? I doubt it. I believe that he is sincere when he says that he's glad it's public now. Not needing to worry about every day has got to be a relief.
PG: Over the years, have you ever talked to anyone about this?
AR: No.
PG: You haven't talked to Scott Boras?
AR: Not one word.
PG: Your teammates?
AR: Not one word.
Me: Really? Not one word to anyone? Ever? Wow.
PG: How much did you learn from Andy Pettite, coming forward and essentially admitting what he did last year?
AR: It was very commendable. I mean, I love Andy like a brother...
Me: ...and you wish you would have thought of that...
AR: ...the truth will set you free...
Me: Preach on, Brother A-Rod!
AR: ...It's my fault. I'm responsible for this...
Me: Personal responsibility is a good thing that isn't exactly en vogue these days. It's nice to hear that he takes responsibility for his actions.
AR: ...and I'm deeply sorry for that.
Me: Another apology. I wonder if anyone has kept a tally of the number of times he apologizes in this interview?
PG: Given the opportunity, would you like to go to Major League Baseball and say, 'Okay. What can I do?' to help kids across the country?
AR: One-hundred percent...
Me: Good answer.
AR: (talking about helping kids and serving in the community [hopefully not court-mandated community service]...I have nine years, and the rest of my career to devote myself to children and their future, and bring awareness to where we need to head as a game...
Me: Is it just me, or does it seem like A-Rod has been around forever. Hard to believe he's got a contract with the Yankees for nine more seasons. Even harder to imagine the kind of dough he'll be making: The deal he signed was $275 million over ten years. Um... That sounds like a lot of money. It sounds like even more when I say it's over a quarter of a billion dollars. Geez. Yeah, I'd say this guy has a great opportunity to do some good off the field.
AR: (in response to a question about what his 'message' will be; talking about good things like hard work, believing in yourself, what you have is enough, and then talking about the consistency over the course of his career)
Me: Whoa. It kind of sounds like he transitioned from his message to America's Youth to a message to the Sportwriters of America and potential Hall of Fame voters.
AR: Yeah, I've talked to our front office...They're supporting me...I think overall they want me to be truthful and be honest...
Me: Huh. So does my employer. How ironic.
AR: ...what happened six years ago happened...six, seven, eight years ago...
Me: Yeah. Let's keep in mind that this didn't happen recently. Given the pace of today's society, this is practically ancient history.
PG: (talking about what other people think quoting an unnamed Yankee official – and might I add too, a very courageous one, having withheld his or her name)...his legacy is now gone...
Me: I disagree entirely. After nine more years of incredible baseball, probably at least a pair of MVPs, those three years in Texas will be seen as a bump in the road to the Hall.
AR: ...I think New Yorkers like honesty...
Me: Dude. Everyone likes honesty. Which is why this would have been easier for you if you would have scooped this reporter and come out yourself a few years ago.
AR: ...winning is the ultimate medicine. If we can win a championship...
Me: That's about the only thing you've never been able to do. The Yankees could be on the verge of another championship run, but I don't know. There hasn't been a player as good for as long that hadn't won a championship since Micheal Jordan back in the day. I think it's just a matter of time before you get a ring or too. And you're right. When you're on the float in the championship parade, nobody is going to care about what you did in Texas. But if I'm building a team, I still pick Puhols over you.
AR: (talking about the 'forgiving' nature of New Yorkers)
Me: LOL. What the heck was that? Hey dude! What in the heck are you doing? You're in the shot, moron! ...oops.(23:21)
PG: Do you think that a player who has tested positive, or admitted to taking illegal substances is disqualified from Cooperstown?
AR: I hope not...
Me: That didn't sound very confident.
AR: (responding to a Jose Canseco-spun allegation)... It's kind of funny how SportsCenter and EPSN still quotes this guy...
Me: Amen! (this, of course, coming from a guy, me, who thought Canseco was the bomb when I was little; thanks for bringing that illusion crashing to the floor, Jose)
PG: The drugs you took from 2001 to 2003, what do you think it did to your performance?
AR: ...I'm not sure...
Me: Nobody is. You can't quantify the effects of steroids. I know one thing for sure: I if had juiced, I still would have only ever hit one homerun in my life.
AR: ...I've always enjoyed hitting it Texas...it's a great place to hit...
Me: That is a really good point. Texas has always been seen as having a hitter-friendly ballpark. It's possible that playing 81 games a season there could be a bigger factor in his slightly larger offensive numbers during that time. Yeah. So many factors involved here.
PG: (asking another question; camera still focused on A-Rod)
Me: I wonder if A-Rod is wondering if this interview will ever end. I know am.
PG: Do you start to get tired of celebrity? Of being a celebrity?
Me: Do you, Peter?
AR: It comes with the territory...
Me: Yeah, but I still feel bad for you because of it. I wouldn't like it. All I need is the adoration of family and friends.
PG: When they get a little bit older, what will you tell your daughters?
AR: I was stupid for three years. Very, very stupid.
Me: That's would be really hard. Admitting you screwed up to people you love always is. The bigger the mistake, the harder it is.
PG: What will you tell kids around the country?
Me: C'mon Peter. This interview is heck-a-long. You already asked this and he already gave you a good answer.
AR: Work hard. What you have is enough...
Me: See?
PG: (asks if this has been more difficult to deal with than what came out of Joe Torre's book)
Me: What came out of Joe Torre's book?
PG: Did you feel betrayed by Joe Torre?
AR: No. I haven't read the book, Peter...
Me: Me neither. Can we move on please? I'm starting to think that at this point Peter Gammons is taking advantage of an exclusive interview with Alex Rodriguez. We've just about covered every angle of this substance issue.
PG: Did you hear people can you A-Fraud?
Me: Sticks and stones... Although, you have to admit, that one is clever. A-Roid is another good one. I'm sure there will be plenty of creative sign-makers in the stands this year.
PG: Are you worried now about how often you'll have to answer questions about those three years?
Me: Do you mean, now that he's been in this interview for so long, or just now that this information is out there?
AR: Well, I'm answering them here today...I hope we can move forward.
Me: Do you mean, move forward in this interview, or just in general?
AR: ...I can't wait for Spring Training...
Me: Neither can I. It will be interesting to see fans reaction and your on-the-field response this season.
...
(My eyes are beginning to glaze...)
...
PG: For the good of the game, would you like to see all of those 104 names released from the positive tests in 2003?
AR: I don't have any interest in any of that...
Me: Peter. You're interviewing Alex Rodriguez, not the forenamed Jose Canseco. He's not interested in naming names and subjecting others to the negative reaction he's received. Alex. Good answer.
PG: How do you think this got leaked out?
AR: Peter, it's not really that important. I don't know. I don't know.
Me: Yeah. Not that important. This interview's is almost over. Hallelujah...
PG: Are you concerned that over the next couple months this will hurt baseball?
AR: Maybe over the next couple of months it will hurt baseball, but in the long run I think it will help...Anytime you put the truth out there...it's very painful at the beginning, but at the end of the tunnel there will be light...
Me: Well said. But, I don't think this 'news' will hurt baseball. People are used to this by now. This happened six, seven, eight years ago, and everyone knows that it was an epidemic back then. It might be different if he was caught for doping last season.
PG: ...What do you regret most?
Me: That's a dumb question. Don't answer that unless you say, "Agreeing to an endless interview with you."
PG: What do you think the headline will be tomorrow in New York?
AR: I have no idea...
Me: Wrong. "I have no idea?" That headline writer deserves an automatic pink-slip.
AR: (closes out the interview with this) ...the truth will set you free.
Me: I wonder who said that first?
PG: How do you go about making people believe you?
AR: (to sum it up, he says look at what I did before Texas, look at what I've done since then, and watch and see what I do in the future)
Me: The proof is always in the pudding. Problem here is, people have become inherently skeptical of great players. And when you fail a drug test, it only add to that skepticism. So what else have you got for me?
AR: ...you realize that honesty is the only way...
Me: So Mom was right?
AR: ...I'm pretty tired of being stupid, and selfish...
Me: And we're tired of stupid, selfish athletes acting stupidly selfish.
PG: (asks if he was worried when everyone was looking forward to the time when he passes Barry Bonds as the all-time homeruns leader; worried about all of this coming out)
AR: (after talking again about "that era" when everyone was doing it, and not really knowing what they were taking) Yeah, it worried me. Absolutely.
Me: I can't believe that he didn't know what he was putting into his system. And, I'm starting to believe him when he says he's not sure. Surely there was more than one substance he was experimenting with.
(PG is asking another question and I'm watching some of the strange facial expressions A-Rod is making, wondering how much fun it would be to watch the main character from that new show on FOX, Lie to Me, tell us if he's telling the truth or lying. I haven't seen that show, but I've seen a lot of ads for it)
PG: Are you bitter at all that the [Players] Union didn't get those tests destroyed?
AR: (shaking his head) No. God is doing this for a reason... I could care less about the union... I could care less about Salina Roberts [the SI reporter]... This had to come out. It was very important...
Me: Would this have been as big a 'scandal' if he would have come out with this himself? I doubt it. I believe that he is sincere when he says that he's glad it's public now. Not needing to worry about every day has got to be a relief.
PG: Over the years, have you ever talked to anyone about this?
AR: No.
PG: You haven't talked to Scott Boras?
AR: Not one word.
PG: Your teammates?
AR: Not one word.
Me: Really? Not one word to anyone? Ever? Wow.
PG: How much did you learn from Andy Pettite, coming forward and essentially admitting what he did last year?
AR: It was very commendable. I mean, I love Andy like a brother...
Me: ...and you wish you would have thought of that...
AR: ...the truth will set you free...
Me: Preach on, Brother A-Rod!
AR: ...It's my fault. I'm responsible for this...
Me: Personal responsibility is a good thing that isn't exactly en vogue these days. It's nice to hear that he takes responsibility for his actions.
AR: ...and I'm deeply sorry for that.
Me: Another apology. I wonder if anyone has kept a tally of the number of times he apologizes in this interview?
PG: Given the opportunity, would you like to go to Major League Baseball and say, 'Okay. What can I do?' to help kids across the country?
AR: One-hundred percent...
Me: Good answer.
AR: (talking about helping kids and serving in the community [hopefully not court-mandated community service]...I have nine years, and the rest of my career to devote myself to children and their future, and bring awareness to where we need to head as a game...
Me: Is it just me, or does it seem like A-Rod has been around forever. Hard to believe he's got a contract with the Yankees for nine more seasons. Even harder to imagine the kind of dough he'll be making: The deal he signed was $275 million over ten years. Um... That sounds like a lot of money. It sounds like even more when I say it's over a quarter of a billion dollars. Geez. Yeah, I'd say this guy has a great opportunity to do some good off the field.
AR: (in response to a question about what his 'message' will be; talking about good things like hard work, believing in yourself, what you have is enough, and then talking about the consistency over the course of his career)
Me: Whoa. It kind of sounds like he transitioned from his message to America's Youth to a message to the Sportwriters of America and potential Hall of Fame voters.
AR: Yeah, I've talked to our front office...They're supporting me...I think overall they want me to be truthful and be honest...
Me: Huh. So does my employer. How ironic.
AR: ...what happened six years ago happened...six, seven, eight years ago...
Me: Yeah. Let's keep in mind that this didn't happen recently. Given the pace of today's society, this is practically ancient history.
PG: (talking about what other people think quoting an unnamed Yankee official – and might I add too, a very courageous one, having withheld his or her name)...his legacy is now gone...
Me: I disagree entirely. After nine more years of incredible baseball, probably at least a pair of MVPs, those three years in Texas will be seen as a bump in the road to the Hall.
AR: ...I think New Yorkers like honesty...
Me: Dude. Everyone likes honesty. Which is why this would have been easier for you if you would have scooped this reporter and come out yourself a few years ago.
AR: ...winning is the ultimate medicine. If we can win a championship...
Me: That's about the only thing you've never been able to do. The Yankees could be on the verge of another championship run, but I don't know. There hasn't been a player as good for as long that hadn't won a championship since Micheal Jordan back in the day. I think it's just a matter of time before you get a ring or too. And you're right. When you're on the float in the championship parade, nobody is going to care about what you did in Texas. But if I'm building a team, I still pick Puhols over you.
AR: (talking about the 'forgiving' nature of New Yorkers)
Me: LOL. What the heck was that? Hey dude! What in the heck are you doing? You're in the shot, moron! ...oops.(23:21)
PG: Do you think that a player who has tested positive, or admitted to taking illegal substances is disqualified from Cooperstown?
AR: I hope not...
Me: That didn't sound very confident.
AR: (responding to a Jose Canseco-spun allegation)... It's kind of funny how SportsCenter and EPSN still quotes this guy...
Me: Amen! (this, of course, coming from a guy, me, who thought Canseco was the bomb when I was little; thanks for bringing that illusion crashing to the floor, Jose)
PG: The drugs you took from 2001 to 2003, what do you think it did to your performance?
AR: ...I'm not sure...
Me: Nobody is. You can't quantify the effects of steroids. I know one thing for sure: I if had juiced, I still would have only ever hit one homerun in my life.
AR: ...I've always enjoyed hitting it Texas...it's a great place to hit...
Me: That is a really good point. Texas has always been seen as having a hitter-friendly ballpark. It's possible that playing 81 games a season there could be a bigger factor in his slightly larger offensive numbers during that time. Yeah. So many factors involved here.
PG: (asking another question; camera still focused on A-Rod)
Me: I wonder if A-Rod is wondering if this interview will ever end. I know am.
PG: Do you start to get tired of celebrity? Of being a celebrity?
Me: Do you, Peter?
AR: It comes with the territory...
Me: Yeah, but I still feel bad for you because of it. I wouldn't like it. All I need is the adoration of family and friends.
PG: When they get a little bit older, what will you tell your daughters?
AR: I was stupid for three years. Very, very stupid.
Me: That's would be really hard. Admitting you screwed up to people you love always is. The bigger the mistake, the harder it is.
PG: What will you tell kids around the country?
Me: C'mon Peter. This interview is heck-a-long. You already asked this and he already gave you a good answer.
AR: Work hard. What you have is enough...
Me: See?
PG: (asks if this has been more difficult to deal with than what came out of Joe Torre's book)
Me: What came out of Joe Torre's book?
PG: Did you feel betrayed by Joe Torre?
AR: No. I haven't read the book, Peter...
Me: Me neither. Can we move on please? I'm starting to think that at this point Peter Gammons is taking advantage of an exclusive interview with Alex Rodriguez. We've just about covered every angle of this substance issue.
PG: Did you hear people can you A-Fraud?
Me: Sticks and stones... Although, you have to admit, that one is clever. A-Roid is another good one. I'm sure there will be plenty of creative sign-makers in the stands this year.
PG: Are you worried now about how often you'll have to answer questions about those three years?
Me: Do you mean, now that he's been in this interview for so long, or just now that this information is out there?
AR: Well, I'm answering them here today...I hope we can move forward.
Me: Do you mean, move forward in this interview, or just in general?
AR: ...I can't wait for Spring Training...
Me: Neither can I. It will be interesting to see fans reaction and your on-the-field response this season.
...
(My eyes are beginning to glaze...)
...
PG: For the good of the game, would you like to see all of those 104 names released from the positive tests in 2003?
AR: I don't have any interest in any of that...
Me: Peter. You're interviewing Alex Rodriguez, not the forenamed Jose Canseco. He's not interested in naming names and subjecting others to the negative reaction he's received. Alex. Good answer.
PG: How do you think this got leaked out?
AR: Peter, it's not really that important. I don't know. I don't know.
Me: Yeah. Not that important. This interview's is almost over. Hallelujah...
PG: Are you concerned that over the next couple months this will hurt baseball?
AR: Maybe over the next couple of months it will hurt baseball, but in the long run I think it will help...Anytime you put the truth out there...it's very painful at the beginning, but at the end of the tunnel there will be light...
Me: Well said. But, I don't think this 'news' will hurt baseball. People are used to this by now. This happened six, seven, eight years ago, and everyone knows that it was an epidemic back then. It might be different if he was caught for doping last season.
PG: ...What do you regret most?
Me: That's a dumb question. Don't answer that unless you say, "Agreeing to an endless interview with you."
PG: What do you think the headline will be tomorrow in New York?
AR: I have no idea...
Me: Wrong. "I have no idea?" That headline writer deserves an automatic pink-slip.
AR: (closes out the interview with this) ...the truth will set you free.
Me: I wonder who said that first?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Breaking Down the Interview, Part 1
This post is composed of the thoughts that crossed my mind as I watched Peter Gammons' exclusive interview with Alex Rodriguez, who recently admitted to using a banned substance earlier this decade. I wrote this as I watched and paused the interview, so the result is my stream of consciousness during the conversation.
AR: ...I did take a banned substance, and for that I am very sorry and deeply regretful.
Me: Is he really sorry, or is he just sorry and 'deeply regretful' because this went public? Am I too cynical? Have multi-millionaire super-star athletes earned a healthy dose of cynicism?
AR: ...and although is was the culture back then in Major League Baseball overall...
Me: Please say that you still knew that what you were doing was wrong; that you knew you were cheating...
AR: (struggling to find the words; not looking at Gammons)
Me: C'mon, man. Please say you knew it was wrong, even back then. Is he tearing up? Again, are those tears sincere, or are you just upset that you got caught and because you hoped you would never need to do this interview?
AR: ...I'm just sorry. I'm sorry for that time. I'm sorry to my fans. I'm sorry to my fans in Texas.
Me: I still don't know if that apology is sincere. It's very likely that someone coached him; possibly his agent Scott Boras. It almost seems like he was about to say something from the heart as he was searching for words just now, but then it seems he went back to his talking points. He's sorry to everybody.
AR: ...It wasn't until then [in Texas] that I thought about a substance of any kind...
Me: That's because you were already the best. You didn't need it. If there was anyone that didn't need that junk it was you. Maybe that's why this sucks. As a baseball fan you thought that A-Rod, whether you liked him or not, was clean; a pure talent. Is it possible to be simultaneously naïve and cynical?
AR: ...and since then I've proved to myself and to everyone that I don't need any of that...
Me: No kidding? You proved to everyone that you didn't need any of that long before you signed your big deal with the Rangers. Why didn't you believe what was obvious to everyone else? By the way... For your sake, I really hope you're telling the truth that you haven't used anything suspicious since then. If you think this fallout is bad...
PG: What kind of substances were you taking?
AR: Peter, that's the thing... blah, blah, blah...
Me: Hmm. That seemed like a straightforward question that probably receives more of a direct answer.
AR: I'm guilty for a lot of things. I'm guilty for being negligent, naïve, not asking all the right questions...
Me: Like maybe, "Hey Bruno (names have been changed), what's the name of that banned substance you're injecting me with this time?" or how about, "So, are there any side effects I should be aware of? You know, besides hitting huge homeruns and signing huger contracts (wink-wink)?"
AR: To be quite honest...
Me: ...Uh huh...
AR: ...I don't know exactly what substance I was guilty of using.
Me: Not just a cheat, but a dumb cheat?
PG: Where did you originally get the substance?
Me: I wish "the substance" had a name.
AR: Again, at the time, you have nutritionists, you have doctors, you have trainers; that's the right question today: Where did you get it?
Me: Seems like a pretty good question for back then too. Maybe that is one of the 'right questions' you forgot to ask.
AR: ...Back then, it was just about what.
Me: What? Hold on. If it was just about 'what,' why do you seem to have no idea what it is you took. I'm starting to think that he knows exactly what he took, but because there might be more than just 'the substance' that was leaked by Sports Illustrated, and he's not sure what 'the substance' is, he doesn't want to add to it. Does that make sense, or am I just rambling? Here's an example: Say I sneak three Girl Scout cookies; one Thin Mint, one Samoa, and one Lemonade. My wife catches me and calls me out: "Did you sneak a cookie?" Now, I'm not sure if she knows that I sneaked one of each, so instead of admitting, "Yeah. I had one of each," (which would be completely truthful) I confess to having sneaked a cookie (which is the truth, but still deceitful).
AR: (After explaining that there are many substances that could trigger a positive test) ...I'm not sure exactly which substance I used [you mean, you were caught using], but whatever it is, I feel terribly about it.
Me: Is it just me, or does each apology seem less and less sincere? Besides, I know from experience, if you're not sure exactly what it is you're sorry about, you're not really very sorry.
PG: When did you get the wake up call?
Me: Uh...When guys started getting busted for that stuff?
AR: It wasn't til 2003. I was laying in my bed in Surprise, Arizona. We were doing a team conditioning down by the pool down in Arizona, and I suffered a very serious neck injury that went all the down to my spine. I missed about two and a half weeks of Spring Training. And I was afraid I was going to miss time... It was at that point in bed that I realized, "What am I doing?" Not only am I going to hurt my baseball career, but I'm going to hurt my post-career. It was time to grow up, stop being selfish, stop being stupid, and take control of whatever you're ingesting. And for that I couldn't feel more regret, and feel more sorry...
Me: See. It looks like he's about to tell us of his turning point, then goes back to I-was-coached-for-this-interview mode with more apologies. So, is he saying that he's sorry he was lying in bed and had this epiphany? That was a poor apology transition.
Also, did you catch any contradiction there? He says he worried about his career, and his post-career, and in the same breath, says it was time to stop being selfish. I'm just not buying the apology.
AR: ...'cause I have so much respect for this game...
Me: Really?
AR: ...and the people that follow us, and respect me...
Me: Your respect meter is on a down-slide right now.
AR: I have millions of fans out there that will never look at me the same.
Me: That's true. Is that what you're sorry about? That your image has been tarnished? That you've been brought down from Mount Olympus to commune with the other mortal athletes?
PG: Let's go back. How were you introduced to these substances? Was it at the gym? Was it from other players?
Me: Nice. Peter's rephrasing the "Where did you get it" question. Also, notice that he used the plural 'substances' in this question. He's no dummy. He might be a homer (Go Sox!), but not a dummy.
AR: (explaining that it was everywhere, and there was no monumental moment when he met Mr. Steroid) ...the point of the matter was that I started experimenting with things that today are not legal or today are not accepted, and today you would get in a lot of trouble for.
Me: That's true too. I believe there was a different culture in baseball at that time. And, as Sam Mellinger pointed out, it was a culture that we helped create. But that still doesn't abdicate his personal responsibility.
AR: (talking again about that time in bed at Spring Training)
Me: I do think that this type of a turning point happened in his life. Like I said, up until this week, we believed that he didn't need performance enhancing drugs. There had to come a point when he finally realized it too.
AR: I am sorry for my Texas years. I apologize to the fans of Texas...
Me: This again is one reason I think he's actually just sorry he got caught. Sure, you can argue that he let the fans down that believed he was other-worldly. But you're sorry for your Texas years? You averaged over 50 homeruns a season. You gave them something to cheer about in Arlington for those three seasons. Besides, I'm guessing you lost most of your Texas fans when you moved to New York.
AR: ...there's absolutely no excuse and I really feel bad about it.
Me: Coaching Tip #1: Say you're sorry and how terrible you feel as often as you can. If you don't know what to say, say you're sorry and you really feel bad about it.
...
AR: (talking about people who will likely try to discount his entire career because of this)
Me: Yeah. I'm pretty sure that is going to happen. It's a shame. I really do think that he's a tremendous player. It's impossible to quantify the effects of the substance or substances he took, especially because many pitchers were also juicing – one man's artificially enhanced best against another's.
AR: It feels good coming out and being completely honest...
Me: Makes you wish you had done it before someone tattled, huh?
AR: (confirms that he was clean as a 21 year-old phenom) ...100%...
Me: I hope so. America can forgive you for messing up. She has a harder time forgiving the cover up. But I believe him. There is a sparkle in his eyes when he talks about young, clean, amazing A-Rod. I bet he wishes he could go back and start fresh and never 'experiment' with stuff he doesn't even know what it is.
AR: (talking about the consistency of his career numbers)
Me: True. I'll take this guy's off-year statistics any day.
...
PG: How long was it before you found out that what you were doing was actually illegal?
AR: Again, at the time of that culture, there was no illegal or legal...
Me: That maybe true. But there was always right and wrong. Here's a guideline: If you're even worried about getting caught doing something, just don't do it.
AR: (still explaining about the culture of that time)
Me: I bet GNC loves all the press they're getting.
AR: (says that he didn't even know he had failed a test for sure until the SI reported told him recently)
Me: Seems like more evidence that he's just sorry he got caught.
AR: (talking about believing that what he'd experimented with in Texas)
Me: He must be an optimist.
AR: (in response to a question about a specific substance) First of all, I want to see these tests. I haven't seen these tests, in fairness to me.
Me: Totally. I think he has a right to see his own tests, especially before being grilled in front of a world-wide audience.
PG: (asks about his interview with Katie Couric when he denied having used steroids, human growth hormone, etc.) In your mind, that wasn't a lie?
Me: Peter, didn't you hear him say that he has no idea what he took? He was very naïve, remember?
AR: At the time Peter, I wasn't even being truthful with myself. How am I going to be truthful with Katie, or CBS?
Me: Translation: No, I lied.
AR: (talking about his Boy-Scout-like cleanliness and the number of tests he's taking since 2004)
Me: I really, really want him to be telling the truth here. I think he is. I think he has been clean in New York. I'm not laying down any bets, but I want to believe him. If he's telling the truth then he went through a steroid blip along with the rest of the league. If he's still lying, well...
AR: (talking about his Sports Illustrated stalker)
Me: I think I am cynical. This type of behavior to get a story (or even fabricate a story, I don't even know) is despicable. But not surprising. It's this kind of stuff that makes me glad I'm not a mega-super-star. On this issue, I really feel sorry for him and his family.
AR: (still talking about the reporter, and other reporters following her lead)
Me: You can tell he's angry about it. I would be upset with her too.
...
Wow. This is a really long interview. I'll call this the end of the post, and break down the second half later.
My impressions so far are that he was caught, and hoped that he never would be. I believe him when he says he turned the page and had moved on. But rather than face his past and own up to it, he hoped that it would stay hidden. Maybe if he forgot about the whole thing, everyone else would too. Unfortunately, that's not usually how things work.
AR: ...I did take a banned substance, and for that I am very sorry and deeply regretful.
Me: Is he really sorry, or is he just sorry and 'deeply regretful' because this went public? Am I too cynical? Have multi-millionaire super-star athletes earned a healthy dose of cynicism?
AR: ...and although is was the culture back then in Major League Baseball overall...
Me: Please say that you still knew that what you were doing was wrong; that you knew you were cheating...
AR: (struggling to find the words; not looking at Gammons)
Me: C'mon, man. Please say you knew it was wrong, even back then. Is he tearing up? Again, are those tears sincere, or are you just upset that you got caught and because you hoped you would never need to do this interview?
AR: ...I'm just sorry. I'm sorry for that time. I'm sorry to my fans. I'm sorry to my fans in Texas.
Me: I still don't know if that apology is sincere. It's very likely that someone coached him; possibly his agent Scott Boras. It almost seems like he was about to say something from the heart as he was searching for words just now, but then it seems he went back to his talking points. He's sorry to everybody.
AR: ...It wasn't until then [in Texas] that I thought about a substance of any kind...
Me: That's because you were already the best. You didn't need it. If there was anyone that didn't need that junk it was you. Maybe that's why this sucks. As a baseball fan you thought that A-Rod, whether you liked him or not, was clean; a pure talent. Is it possible to be simultaneously naïve and cynical?
AR: ...and since then I've proved to myself and to everyone that I don't need any of that...
Me: No kidding? You proved to everyone that you didn't need any of that long before you signed your big deal with the Rangers. Why didn't you believe what was obvious to everyone else? By the way... For your sake, I really hope you're telling the truth that you haven't used anything suspicious since then. If you think this fallout is bad...
PG: What kind of substances were you taking?
AR: Peter, that's the thing... blah, blah, blah...
Me: Hmm. That seemed like a straightforward question that probably receives more of a direct answer.
AR: I'm guilty for a lot of things. I'm guilty for being negligent, naïve, not asking all the right questions...
Me: Like maybe, "Hey Bruno (names have been changed), what's the name of that banned substance you're injecting me with this time?" or how about, "So, are there any side effects I should be aware of? You know, besides hitting huge homeruns and signing huger contracts (wink-wink)?"
AR: To be quite honest...
Me: ...Uh huh...
AR: ...I don't know exactly what substance I was guilty of using.
Me: Not just a cheat, but a dumb cheat?
PG: Where did you originally get the substance?
Me: I wish "the substance" had a name.
AR: Again, at the time, you have nutritionists, you have doctors, you have trainers; that's the right question today: Where did you get it?
Me: Seems like a pretty good question for back then too. Maybe that is one of the 'right questions' you forgot to ask.
AR: ...Back then, it was just about what.
Me: What? Hold on. If it was just about 'what,' why do you seem to have no idea what it is you took. I'm starting to think that he knows exactly what he took, but because there might be more than just 'the substance' that was leaked by Sports Illustrated, and he's not sure what 'the substance' is, he doesn't want to add to it. Does that make sense, or am I just rambling? Here's an example: Say I sneak three Girl Scout cookies; one Thin Mint, one Samoa, and one Lemonade. My wife catches me and calls me out: "Did you sneak a cookie?" Now, I'm not sure if she knows that I sneaked one of each, so instead of admitting, "Yeah. I had one of each," (which would be completely truthful) I confess to having sneaked a cookie (which is the truth, but still deceitful).
AR: (After explaining that there are many substances that could trigger a positive test) ...I'm not sure exactly which substance I used [you mean, you were caught using], but whatever it is, I feel terribly about it.
Me: Is it just me, or does each apology seem less and less sincere? Besides, I know from experience, if you're not sure exactly what it is you're sorry about, you're not really very sorry.
PG: When did you get the wake up call?
Me: Uh...When guys started getting busted for that stuff?
AR: It wasn't til 2003. I was laying in my bed in Surprise, Arizona. We were doing a team conditioning down by the pool down in Arizona, and I suffered a very serious neck injury that went all the down to my spine. I missed about two and a half weeks of Spring Training. And I was afraid I was going to miss time... It was at that point in bed that I realized, "What am I doing?" Not only am I going to hurt my baseball career, but I'm going to hurt my post-career. It was time to grow up, stop being selfish, stop being stupid, and take control of whatever you're ingesting. And for that I couldn't feel more regret, and feel more sorry...
Me: See. It looks like he's about to tell us of his turning point, then goes back to I-was-coached-for-this-interview mode with more apologies. So, is he saying that he's sorry he was lying in bed and had this epiphany? That was a poor apology transition.
Also, did you catch any contradiction there? He says he worried about his career, and his post-career, and in the same breath, says it was time to stop being selfish. I'm just not buying the apology.
AR: ...'cause I have so much respect for this game...
Me: Really?
AR: ...and the people that follow us, and respect me...
Me: Your respect meter is on a down-slide right now.
AR: I have millions of fans out there that will never look at me the same.
Me: That's true. Is that what you're sorry about? That your image has been tarnished? That you've been brought down from Mount Olympus to commune with the other mortal athletes?
PG: Let's go back. How were you introduced to these substances? Was it at the gym? Was it from other players?
Me: Nice. Peter's rephrasing the "Where did you get it" question. Also, notice that he used the plural 'substances' in this question. He's no dummy. He might be a homer (Go Sox!), but not a dummy.
AR: (explaining that it was everywhere, and there was no monumental moment when he met Mr. Steroid) ...the point of the matter was that I started experimenting with things that today are not legal or today are not accepted, and today you would get in a lot of trouble for.
Me: That's true too. I believe there was a different culture in baseball at that time. And, as Sam Mellinger pointed out, it was a culture that we helped create. But that still doesn't abdicate his personal responsibility.
AR: (talking again about that time in bed at Spring Training)
Me: I do think that this type of a turning point happened in his life. Like I said, up until this week, we believed that he didn't need performance enhancing drugs. There had to come a point when he finally realized it too.
AR: I am sorry for my Texas years. I apologize to the fans of Texas...
Me: This again is one reason I think he's actually just sorry he got caught. Sure, you can argue that he let the fans down that believed he was other-worldly. But you're sorry for your Texas years? You averaged over 50 homeruns a season. You gave them something to cheer about in Arlington for those three seasons. Besides, I'm guessing you lost most of your Texas fans when you moved to New York.
AR: ...there's absolutely no excuse and I really feel bad about it.
Me: Coaching Tip #1: Say you're sorry and how terrible you feel as often as you can. If you don't know what to say, say you're sorry and you really feel bad about it.
...
AR: (talking about people who will likely try to discount his entire career because of this)
Me: Yeah. I'm pretty sure that is going to happen. It's a shame. I really do think that he's a tremendous player. It's impossible to quantify the effects of the substance or substances he took, especially because many pitchers were also juicing – one man's artificially enhanced best against another's.
AR: It feels good coming out and being completely honest...
Me: Makes you wish you had done it before someone tattled, huh?
AR: (confirms that he was clean as a 21 year-old phenom) ...100%...
Me: I hope so. America can forgive you for messing up. She has a harder time forgiving the cover up. But I believe him. There is a sparkle in his eyes when he talks about young, clean, amazing A-Rod. I bet he wishes he could go back and start fresh and never 'experiment' with stuff he doesn't even know what it is.
AR: (talking about the consistency of his career numbers)
Me: True. I'll take this guy's off-year statistics any day.
...
PG: How long was it before you found out that what you were doing was actually illegal?
AR: Again, at the time of that culture, there was no illegal or legal...
Me: That maybe true. But there was always right and wrong. Here's a guideline: If you're even worried about getting caught doing something, just don't do it.
AR: (still explaining about the culture of that time)
Me: I bet GNC loves all the press they're getting.
AR: (says that he didn't even know he had failed a test for sure until the SI reported told him recently)
Me: Seems like more evidence that he's just sorry he got caught.
AR: (talking about believing that what he'd experimented with in Texas)
Me: He must be an optimist.
AR: (in response to a question about a specific substance) First of all, I want to see these tests. I haven't seen these tests, in fairness to me.
Me: Totally. I think he has a right to see his own tests, especially before being grilled in front of a world-wide audience.
PG: (asks about his interview with Katie Couric when he denied having used steroids, human growth hormone, etc.) In your mind, that wasn't a lie?
Me: Peter, didn't you hear him say that he has no idea what he took? He was very naïve, remember?
AR: At the time Peter, I wasn't even being truthful with myself. How am I going to be truthful with Katie, or CBS?
Me: Translation: No, I lied.
AR: (talking about his Boy-Scout-like cleanliness and the number of tests he's taking since 2004)
Me: I really, really want him to be telling the truth here. I think he is. I think he has been clean in New York. I'm not laying down any bets, but I want to believe him. If he's telling the truth then he went through a steroid blip along with the rest of the league. If he's still lying, well...
AR: (talking about his Sports Illustrated stalker)
Me: I think I am cynical. This type of behavior to get a story (or even fabricate a story, I don't even know) is despicable. But not surprising. It's this kind of stuff that makes me glad I'm not a mega-super-star. On this issue, I really feel sorry for him and his family.
AR: (still talking about the reporter, and other reporters following her lead)
Me: You can tell he's angry about it. I would be upset with her too.
...
Wow. This is a really long interview. I'll call this the end of the post, and break down the second half later.
My impressions so far are that he was caught, and hoped that he never would be. I believe him when he says he turned the page and had moved on. But rather than face his past and own up to it, he hoped that it would stay hidden. Maybe if he forgot about the whole thing, everyone else would too. Unfortunately, that's not usually how things work.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
EqA: Offensive Statistic or Sugar Substitute?
Some housekeeping first: sorry about the break. I actually had one friend call me on it, noting my goal of weekly posts during the offseason (only thing is that it took him a few months before he read the last post).
It's about time to get back into the swing of things. The 2009 season is just around the corner. Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training next week, with the position players soon to follow. Despite the lack of recent posts, I am really excited for the upcoming season (not to mention this Spring's World Baseball Classic, which I love and I hope will be simulcast on ESPN360.com; I must be the only sports blogger without cable or satellite TV, but that's another story).
I received the daily quasi-spam email from the folks at Baseball Prospectus today, and it reminded me about my not-so-regular series of new and obscure baseball stats. They always have a Stat of the Day section that is interesting. But most days, like today, they involve a statistic that I am totally unfamiliar with. Today's Stat of the Day was a list of the Best Available Free-Agent Hitters.
The statistic they used to rank their top five was EqA.
I looked it up in the Baseball Prospectus statistic glossary, and learned that is stands for Equivalent Average. Here's the rest of the explanation:
"A measure of total offensive value per out, with corrections for league offensive level, home park, and team pitching. EQA considers batting as well as baserunning, but not the value of a position player's defense. The EqA adjusted for all-time also has a correction for league difficulty. The scale is deliberately set to approximate that of batting average. League average EqA is always equal to .260. EqA is derived from Raw EqA, which is (H + TB + 1.5*(BB + HBP + SB) + SH + SF) divided by (AB + BB + HBP + SH + SF + CS + SB). REqA is then normalized to account for league difficulty and scale to create EqA." -Baseball Prospectus | Glossary
So breaking down the math, and decompressing the abbreviations, this is the formula just explained: Add walks (BB), beanballs (HBP), and stolen bases (SB). Multiply the sum by 1.5, then add hits (H) and total bases (TB). Then you divide that number by the sum of at bats (AB), walks (BB), beanballs (HBP), sacrifice hits (SH), sacrifice flys (SF), times caught stealing (CS), and stolen bases (SB). That will give you a players "Raw EqA," or REqA. Then it's normalized (what ever that means), and the result is EqA.
So, here's their list:
1. Manny Ramirez, .344
2. Adam Dunn, .300
3. Bobby Abreu, .290
4. Ray Durham, .285
5. Orlando Hudson, .276
Seems like a lot of work to show that Manny Ramirez is the best hitter still on the free-agent market. I could have told you that – without all of the algebra.
It's about time to get back into the swing of things. The 2009 season is just around the corner. Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training next week, with the position players soon to follow. Despite the lack of recent posts, I am really excited for the upcoming season (not to mention this Spring's World Baseball Classic, which I love and I hope will be simulcast on ESPN360.com; I must be the only sports blogger without cable or satellite TV, but that's another story).
I received the daily quasi-spam email from the folks at Baseball Prospectus today, and it reminded me about my not-so-regular series of new and obscure baseball stats. They always have a Stat of the Day section that is interesting. But most days, like today, they involve a statistic that I am totally unfamiliar with. Today's Stat of the Day was a list of the Best Available Free-Agent Hitters.
The statistic they used to rank their top five was EqA.
I looked it up in the Baseball Prospectus statistic glossary, and learned that is stands for Equivalent Average. Here's the rest of the explanation:
"A measure of total offensive value per out, with corrections for league offensive level, home park, and team pitching. EQA considers batting as well as baserunning, but not the value of a position player's defense. The EqA adjusted for all-time also has a correction for league difficulty. The scale is deliberately set to approximate that of batting average. League average EqA is always equal to .260. EqA is derived from Raw EqA, which is (H + TB + 1.5*(BB + HBP + SB) + SH + SF) divided by (AB + BB + HBP + SH + SF + CS + SB). REqA is then normalized to account for league difficulty and scale to create EqA." -Baseball Prospectus | Glossary
So breaking down the math, and decompressing the abbreviations, this is the formula just explained: Add walks (BB), beanballs (HBP), and stolen bases (SB). Multiply the sum by 1.5, then add hits (H) and total bases (TB). Then you divide that number by the sum of at bats (AB), walks (BB), beanballs (HBP), sacrifice hits (SH), sacrifice flys (SF), times caught stealing (CS), and stolen bases (SB). That will give you a players "Raw EqA," or REqA. Then it's normalized (what ever that means), and the result is EqA.
So, here's their list:
1. Manny Ramirez, .344
2. Adam Dunn, .300
3. Bobby Abreu, .290
4. Ray Durham, .285
5. Orlando Hudson, .276
Seems like a lot of work to show that Manny Ramirez is the best hitter still on the free-agent market. I could have told you that – without all of the algebra.
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