A-Rod issues hand-written apology letter to fans

Alex Rodriguez released an apology letter Tuesday addressed to fans, in which he says he takes “full responsibility for the mistakes” that led to his yearlong drug ban.
The humiliated slugger goes on to say he regrets his antagonistic stance toward Major League Baseball and his Yankees bosses, though he said he would decline their invitation to use Yankee Stadium for an apology press conference.
“I accept the fact that many of you will not believe my apology or anything that I say at this point,” he wrote. “I understand why and that’s on me.”

Straight from the horse’s mouth!

Commish: Don’t surmise PED use

Asked what he would tell the Hall of Fame about how it should handle the PED era, Manfred replied: “The only piece of advice that I’m comfortable giving is that I think that everyone should keep in mind the difference between players who tested positive and were disciplined on the one hand, and players where somebody has surmised that they did something on the other. And I think, based on what you read in the media, sometimes those lines get blurred. And I think it gets really important to keep that distinction in mind.

“I think it’s unfair,” Manfred said, in answer to a follow-up question, “for people to surmise that Player A did X, Y or Z, absent a positive test, or proof that we produced in an investigation, or whatever. I just think it runs contrary to a very fundamental notion in our society, that you’re innocent until somebody proves you’re guilty.”

The commissioner said he would not include players named in the Mitchell report among those he believes are unfairly accused.

“I think the Mitchell report produced evidence of use,” Manfred said.

For anyone who asked for guidance, I think this is the best we’re going to get. I’m very glad to see this out there, and it’s a sentiment I agree with.

Brandon McCarthy: PED users shouldn’t be kept out of Hall

The pitcher admits that he’s struggled with what side of the issue he falls on, calling it a “mess,” but writes that ultimately the Hall is better off creating a “comprehensive, all-encompassing look at the history of baseball,” one that includes PED users if they deserve to be enshrined on the merits of their play.

  From a historical perspective, both the good and the bad of the sport should be acknowledged. The rich tapestry of ups and downs, heroes and villains, scandals and rebirths gives baseball a depth unlike any other sport we have in this country. Because of this, writers should leave Hall of Fame voting to on-the-field accomplishments and let their words shape the stories and reputations we pass down to the next generation.

McCarthy also gave his picks for who should’ve been inducted to this year’s Hall of Fame class. In addition to those who were chosen (John Smoltz, Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson and Craig Biggio), McCarthy says he would’ve voted for Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mike Mussina, Curt Schilling, Tim Raines, Alan Trammell and Mike Piazza.

Rosecrans: Hall of Fame voting raises more questions than answers

Too sensible!

As for the steroid era, I believe performance-enhancing drugs work. I believe they were an unfair advantage used by many in the game — and continue to be used and abused in the game. What I don’t know is who used and who didn’t. We all have our suspicions and beliefs, but we don’t know for sure.

In the end, what I know for sure is what happened on the field. So that is the only thing I know for sure and the only basis of judgment I can make…

That means both Barry Bonds — the best player I’ve ever seen (before and after his alleged turn to steroids in 1999) — and Roger Clemens — one of the best pitchers I’ve ever seen — will get my vote.

The evidence against them is damning. I believe both used steroids and I have strong convictions that others I’ve deemed worthy, also used….

So, if you skipped everything above just to get here, go back up and read the rest before you call me dirty names and at least understand my thinking, but here’s my ballot (in order): Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Jeff Bagwell, Mike Piazza, Curt Schilling, Mike Mussina, Tim Raines, Larry Walker.

Anthony Bosch, Biogenesis Founder, to Plead Guilty

Meanwhile, all over south Florida billboards can be seen hawking testosterone as the fountain of youth.

Anthony Bosch, the founder of anti-aging clinic Biogenesis of America, has reached a deal with the government that will require him to fully cooperate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA, attorney Guy Lewis said.