The Columnists: Isaacs: BEWARE THE BLOGS!

Least Chipmunk: Tamias minimus bloggerami.

John Gonzalez, who strayed from the wise-guy juvenile humor that is his stock in trade, lamented that such was the state of affairs today about tainted baseball druggies that an Ibanez would have to suffer such suspicion. That lame excuse mattered little in light of his having publicized the item in the first place. He was no better than the blogger who also gave legitimate factors that explained Ibanez’ improved play, but only after first casting suspicion on the Phillie stalwart.

The responsible journalist takes note of such a rumor and checks it out behind the scenes. If he can substantiate it with reliable sources, he then can print it. If not, he treats it for what it is, a worthless item that gets no checking by a blogger, one that even a gossip columnist shouldn’t touch.

In a sterling salvo of mealy-mouthed prose, Gonzalez concluded his exercise in hypocrisy by writing, “Until there’s proof to the contrary, shouldn’t all of us—from the traditional mainstream to bloggers—be judicious about calling people cheaters? It’s easier to sling mud than ever before, which is why we need to be careful when taking aim.”

And the powers that be at the Inquirer ought to be judicious by giving the license of a sports column only to adults.