Lammycat

Spitballs and steroids are not treated as equal infractions for a reason. They are two very different examples of rule breaking. Just like a corked bat and betting on the game are not the same. "Cheating is cheating" is a weak argument.

I think it's a very valid debate as it hinges on what some folks deem acceptable in evaluating a players career. It's also become a tire to some folks around here and, as much as i enjoy the debate, apologize to those who are tired of the argument. It's an argument that's not about to go away (in the larger sense) any time soon, though.

Steroids/HGH/etc. were banned from the game beginning in '93 (maybe it was '94, I forget). I agree that MLB is culpable in that they did turn a blind eye. No one was investigated during the beginning and middle stages of it's boom. They should have been, but they weren't. I still don't think that this negates the fact that it's a not petty offense. I also don't think it does justice to the players that played on the level during the same period/era. Just different viewpoints on it. I just don't agree with players getting busted for something they did and pointing fingers at everyone else wh

There's cheating and there's "cheating," in my eyes. Gaylord Perry using a spitball (or Whitey Ford doctoring balls) is on the low end of cheating. Some might even say there is a certain art/skill to doing it and getting away with it. It's almost and accepted part of the game. The penalty for being caught with a spitball is relevant to it's "crime." It's a slap on the wrist. Compare that with the penalties for using illegal/banned substances. Or betting on the game. Ty Cobb spiking guys was crummy and there have been allegations of him betting on and throwing games. If the betting/throwing g

Todd Snider: "All My Life"

Try switching "Steroid User" with "Large Scale Cheater" and maybe it'll make more sense. Probably not, though. Before. After. Who gives a shit? They cheated on a large scale during their career. That merits quetions about their natural abilities and overall career.

It's pretty simple (to me): Players that are considered HoF material from "that era" who were caught or heavily presumed to have used steroids are getting little consideration from the BBWA. Not every player used from that era and the HoF candidates deemed HoF material who were not caught/suspected will get in. Presuming that every player used is not fair to those who didn't. Turning a blind eye does not make it okay, either, and particularly is an insult to those who didn't use. Thus, penalizing players who cheated is completely fair.

McGwire will never get in, though. Neither will Bonds.

True. I bought a twelve pack a year ago, had one, and gave the crap away. It's only redeeming quality is it can make a good mixer (if dluted with a little water or seltzer/tonic) in mixed drinks, particularly with vodka.

The box set is excellent. The albums have always been solid, for the most part, but the bonus material is where it's at. I listen to that stuff way more than the albums.

Short answer on Kent from me: yes, as well.

Hmm. I do both every year as well (for the past 7-8 years) and have never seen much swing in roto. Sure, there are standings shifts throughout the season but once people settle in to their tiers I don't see them change much. It's not just in a particular league, either. Maybe I need to join your league....

Ryan Howard seeks $18 M/per in arbitration: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3847195

Jeff Kent to retire: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3849334

Which reminds me: Tweedy doing "I'm Always in Love" on the compilation deal solo acoustic. A different cadence/tuning. Superb.

"Goodbye," Steve Earle. ed. Doesn't count: harmonica plus a little backround guitar/mandolin I believe. Still a great tune.

Yeah. Start a thread.

H/H is the route to go. The roto is pretty much set in stone after the firt 5-6 weeks.

Papelbon inks 1 year/$6.25 M deal: http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/reds...papelbons_deal/ Today reports say he's open to a multi-year contract....

I actually feel there aren some decent qualities to it but that it most definitely needs to be curbed quite a bit.

O.k. I thought the article near the beginning of the thread said An Other Cuo was going to be the new one. A bit confused here is all. He has another coming out, I guess. Got it. ed. Now I see that this thread was created in 2006. Ah.

I thought this thing came out a year or so ago. He released something a year or so ago that I listened to a few times and thought was pretty good. It was a black album cover with a cup featured on it. I like the Cat. Some great tunes in his repertoire.

From the Education section of "the Agenda" on the above new site: "Reform No Child Left Behind: Obama and Biden will reform NCLB, which starts by funding the law. Obama and Biden believe teachers should not be forced to spend the academic year preparing students to fill in bubbles on standardized tests. They will improve the assessments used to track student progress to measure readiness for college and the workplace and improve student learning in a timely, individualized manner. Obama and Biden will also improve NCLB's accountability system so that we are supporting schools that need impro

New White House web site is up. Looks pretty sharp: http://www.whitehouse.gov/

This. Post. Is. Like. That. Poem. Was. Read.