Time to Talk Turkey

Congressional hearings on an issue that has plagued America for almost two decades. Congressional hearings shedding light on faulty systems in place. Congressional hearings where finger pointing and the blame game have done nothing other than prove what a corrupt system can do to an institution. Millions of American tax payers' money being spent, yet there is still no solution, no plan, no end in sight.

For those of you thinking this is an article about the shortcomings of Iraq, health care reform, the burden placed on social security, or the head "scratchingly" absurd approval of multiple oil companies being allowed to merge, please stop reading right now.

We're talking about Congress taking its time to determine whether or not Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, or Miguel Tejada have taken steroids, or, "gasp" weren't telling the truth.

Shame on the Government for making a "Dog and Pony" show out of baseball's current steroid problem. Shame on the Committee who drag baseball legends before television cameras, berate them in front of their countrymen, and then when ESPN and CNN leave, ask them to sign a baseball for their son. Evidence of said behavior,

Near the end of the more than four-hour hearing, Rep. Elijah Cummings, a Maryland Democrat, told Clemens: "You are one of my heroes. But it's hard to believe you."

We understand there is a problem with PEDs and Steroids in baseball. Congress will waive the anti-monopoly act in front of Selig's face to get him and his players to talk.

We ask, is this the same anti-monopoly act that failed to make an appearance when Exxon and Mobile merge? Where is the Congressional Outcry for hearings and cameras?

Where are the Congressional Debates on the Iraq War? Why does Congress insist on spending so much time on America's Pastime, while America's Boys (and Girls) are fighting a confusing and almost un-winnable war?

Let's be honest, guys like Buster Olney and Peter Gammons have every right to attack and prod and poke and point. It is their job.

Guys like Indiana Congressman Rep. Dan Burton have NO BUSINESS weighing in on this subject. This is a political tactic designed to garner votes from his constituents and brand himself as an anti-drug agent. During the Clemens hearings Burton has this to say to Clemens:

"You lie when it's just convenient for you. I don't know what to believe. I know one thing I don't believe, and that's you."

Hard hitting, poignant, controversial. Completely useless. A complete waste of time and a waste of taxpayer money.

While we understand that the Steroid Controversy has effected fans, ballplayers, owners, sponsors, and television networks, the Steroid Era should not be handled in this fashion. No amount of Congressional Hearings or finger pointing will correct what has happened in the past. It's time to let go and focus on more pressing issues, namely the Iraq War.

Baseball is a game. War is not. It is shameful that our government has spent more time handing out subpoenas than it has spent handing out armor for our troops. Shameful that Roger Clemens is getting more press time than the wounded soldiers who return home, depressed and out of touch with society.

Focus on the real issues. Baseball is just a game.

Valentine's Day on the Diamond

Since the majority of pitchers and catchers have been or will be reporting to their spring training camps, we figured that, lost in all the hub-bub of moving and packing, baseball players might have forgotten to send their sweetie a Valentine's Day poem.

No need to fret, we've got it covered.

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Sorry honey, I took HGH
and steroids, too.

Baseballs are white,
and our turf is quite green,
Johan is gone,
and all hope, so it seems.

Stitches are red,
Roger Clemens is sad,
His best friend says K-man lied,
and that makes him mad.

We got a new name,
and some cool new digs,
but five bucks says,
you can't name a single player on our team
who plays in the Bigs.

Tulips are yellow,
and Violets are purple,
here's to hoping that my first plate appearance
makes me look not like Steve Urkel.

Lilacs are purple,
and their stems are shinny green,
how many times do I have to tell you?
I swear that I'm clean!

One Tejada Lied While Another One Died

Tough day in the Tejada household. First, Houston Astro's shortstop learns that Congress has asked the Justice Department to investigate whether or not Tejada may have lied during a 2005 interview regarding Rafael Palmeiro's steroid case.

Next, he learns that his older brother Manuel Tejada died in a car crash.

According to Enrique Rojas, of ESPN Deportes;

"Freddy Manuel Tejada, 37, died Tuesday afternoon when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a sport utility vehicle in Bani, a city in the southern part of the Dominican Republic."

It was a rough day for the former American League MVP. If the Justice Department finds evidence that proves he lied, Tejada could be in a world of hurt. In an intial interview during the first Congressional Steroid Hearings, this encounter (according to a letter to the US General Attorney obtained by ESPN.com News Services) between Tejada and the panel took place:

"Has there been discussion among other players about steroids?" a committee staffer asked, according to the letter.

"No, I never heard," Tejada replied.

"You never knew of any other player using steroids?" Tejada was asked.

"No," he replied.

"Have you ever taken a steroid before?" he was asked at another point.

"No," he said.

Tejada also answered "No" when asked whether he had ever taken any illegal performance-enhancing drugs, andro or any other steroid precursor.

However, according to the Mitchell Report, ex-Athletic teammate Adam Piatt recalled conversations with Tejada regarding Performance Enhancing Drugs.
The report also contains two checks from Tejada to Piatt (for $3,100 and $3,200) as evidence that such encounter/transaction occured in the past.