If everyone else in the world was using, and it’s becoming more and more apparent that they were, it would be hard for any man to turn down the temptation. Especially in the situation baseball was in during that time.

but, still, I think he handled this in probably the best way he could have.

Apologizing, saying what he did was wrong (even if I don’t necessarily buy the “I did it because of the pressure” excuse) will, I think, go a long way in repairing his damaged rep. Will it make a difference in the long run? I think he’ll always carry something of a taint, but a lot will depend on how the next several years of his career go.

(wow! it hurts to say that…)

He was in a culture (not just the Rangers, but all of MLB) which said, in effect, “Do anything that will make you better. The fans want HRs, and we are paid to entertain the fans.” I appreciate the fact that he had a burning desire to do anything possible to live up to the covenant of his contract with the Rangers by being the best player in baseball. I contrast that with a guy like Kevin McReynolds who had HoF potential, but was just content to collect a big paycheck for a few years by simply being very good.

Everything I’ve read from the Rangers’ media says that A-Rod played very hard, ran out every grounder, played every day despite injuries, and played exceedingly well. I’d rather root for that than a guy like Daryle Ward, who can’t even bother getting into good enough shape to play the OF.

The past is the past, and he can’t change it. He also isn’t responsible for the fact that these results were supposed to be kept confidential and his privacy has been violated — thanks to Barry Bonds. His statement is the very best way he could handle the situation — would you rather be dealing with Roger Clemens, Part Deux?

there will be more threads about ARod and Steroids than Peavy or Roberts

I posted “Alex Rodriguez Comes Clean” right before I went to class and didn’t see a fanshot or fanpost prior. I’ll double check afterwards next time.

-EJ