Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Hall Vote

So today we should learn of the Hal of Fame vote. It is drawing a ton of attention because this the first big ballot with players that would other wise be sure fire first ballot Hall of Famers if it were not for steroids and performance enhancing drugs. In total 37 players are the ballot, but the big names, accompanied by big stats: Bary Bonds, Roger Clemens, Rafael Palmeirio, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Mike Piazza, and Jeff Bagwell. Others include Jack Morris, Craig Biggio, Mattingly (still there), Dale Murphy, and Curt Schilling.

I am with the opinion that unless there is a direct link to PEDs in someway, the guy should be voted in. For instance very well documented that Bonds, Clemens, Palmeiro, Sosa, and McGwire all have ties in some way to PEDs. If you want to keep the "cheaters" out then don't vote for them. If you want to accept that it was part of baseball (a very big part of baseball) that was fostered by owners, GMs, the players and the media then vote them in. What I don't get is holding off on guys like Piazza and Bagwell. Both of these guys have no ties what so ever to PEDs yet the writers "suspect" they "may" have used. That is unacceptable. The writers are crying they don't know how to vote, there's no rules for this, it's unfair to be judge and jury, etc. They brought this on themselves. They were in the clubhouse after every game they knew what was going on. They are as much to blame as baseball itself.

My ballot would include: Piazza, Biggio, and Raines.

I don't like the argument for Morris. Trammell shouldn't be getting as much support as he is getting, guys like Bagwell, McGriff, Mattingly, Lee Smith, and Dale Murphy are just under HOF level for me...great players, but not Hall of Fame level.

I don't think I would vote for Bonds or Clemens.

56 comments:

Crash said...

"Exit Polls" are indicating no new members elected to Hall of Fame. Indications have Biggio the closest at 71%, Bonds and Clemens just over 40% each.

old professor said...

The problem I have with holding PEDs against the players that have been named there was nothing to prohibit their use and as you have pointed out, the owners and probably medical staff turned an eye to it because it put people in the seats. With the millions of dollars bewing thrown around players will always look for and advantage. In the past, corked bats, spit balls, etc. Yogi Berra was known to cut the baseball on his shinguard (specifically when Ford pitched) that is giving an advantage yet he is in the hall. Ultimately the only person hurt by PEDs is the user.

Crash said...

What do you mean there wasn't anything prohibiting the use of PEDs??? THEY WERE ILLEGAL!!! Steroids were added to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act in the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990. Last time I checked the MLBPA Collective Bargaining Agreement does not supersede federal law. Here's the test...all of these players lied and did it in secret. If it was okay and allowed why lie and hide?

Fergie Jenkins was on MLB Network and said there is talk amongst the older players that a current member of Cooperstown from the '80s & 90s was a PED user.

My guess...and that's all this is...is Rickie Henderson. He played in Oakland a couple times. Toronto, NY, all at times when use was going on in those clubhouses. He was always in incredible shape even into his 40s. He goes back to Oakland after leaving the Yankees in '89. That's when the "Bash Brothers" were in full swing...the next season Rickie wins the MVP having his career year.

old professor said...

Not all of the substances that players were being accused of using were of the anobolic steroid version. McGuire admitted using Andro-gel but not steroids. Is Andro-gel considered an illegal steroid? I do know that Melky was suspended due to increased levels of testosterone. Not necessarily sure that would improve a person's baseball performance. It may help elsewhere.

Because of his physical development Sammy Sosa was linked to steroid use, yet never tested positive.

It is now beginning to surface that "some" pitchers in the late 1950s were injecting themselves with "something" to get an edge - what it was and how effective it was has not been made clear.

The other question that has to be asked is if a player was injected or used anabolic steroids by travelling to Canada, our federal regulations do not apply there. So if they were not breaking Canadian law, and by being out of the US thus not violating US law, why should they be held accountable for something the collective bargaining agreement did not address at the time - teaching law has really caused me to go off the deepend occassionally.

Crash said...

Yes Andro-gel is an illegal steroid, unless it was prescribed by a doctor (which is the case with most steroids and HGH...some steroids are actually intended for veterinary use). The gel is just another way, transdermal delivery, to get the testosterone into your system. Doesn't matter if it was a gel, a pill, or needle. He did have a legal supplement in his locker called androstenedione. This was legal for a short time, but has since been added to the list.

I would agree with your Canada assessment. If they were able to obtain it and use it in Canada. The problem there is you need to administer steroids in 6-8 week cycles to see results. A one time shot wouldn't do anything. So the only players that would see sustainable results are Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Expos players. The HOF is filled with them right?

Crash said...

On to more positive Yankee news...CC had surgery on his left elbow and says he is ready to start spring training. He's lost 20 pounds (again).

I still think Cashman has to make a big move, and Michael Morse is the answer. Boone Logan and a prospect or 2 (maybe someone like Phelps or Adam Warren) could get that deal done.

Crash said...

Justin Upton invoke his no trade rights and says no to a deal with Mariners.

Crash said...

So the D-backs, had a great offer for Justin Upton...it's a 4-1 trade from the Mariners. D-backs would have received Nick Franklin, Charlie Furbush, Stephen Pryor and one of Taijuan Walker, Danny Hultzen or James Paxton. That is a great deal. The D-backs would have received 2 of the Mariners Top 5 prospects. Mariners Top 5 prospects: 1. Mike Zunino (C), 2. Taijuan Walker (RHP), 3.Danny Hultzen (LHP), 4. James Paxton (LHP), 5. Nick Franklin (ss/2b).

The Mariners are on Upton's no trade list. And Kevin Towers says Yes to the deal before checking with his player to see if he will waive it. Wouldn't you ask the player first if he would be willing to waive it then work on a deal??? This isn't a blanket no trade clause or a 5-10 rights thing...Upton has 4 teams on his no trade list (Boston, Cubs, Seattle, and Toronto). Why even attempt to make a deal with those teams when he just gave you the list? It's not like he's handcuffing you, you have 25 other teams to work with. How are people in top management spots who are getting paid good money always doing things backwards?

The Rangers, Braves, Mets, Orioles, and Padres have also had talks for Upton. None of those teams are on the no-trade list why not deal with them? Upton in Baltimore would be a good fit. Adam Jones and Upton in the same OF would be very good for the O's, and Camden Yards would be great for Upton's stats.

Given what the D-backs offered do the Yankees have a comparable package...NOPE! If Banuelos and Betances and Campos were all healthy and had great years last season then maybe. But now the Yankees top 5 are as follows: 1. Mason Williams (OF), 2. Slade Heathcott (OF), 3. Gary Sanchez (C), 4. Tyler Austin (OF), and 5. Jose Campos (RHP).

Banuelos is #8. If he wasn't hurt and had a great season had a call up at the end of the year he probably is #1. Betances isn't in the Top 10. Austin is their best bat, Sanchez offers the most power, and Williams is just flat out the most athletic and best defensive OF, Heathcott has the best OF arm. Cito Culver didn't make the list and he's their best infielder defensively and arm strength wise. If he's that good defensively and didn't make the Top 10, I guess that tells you something about his bat (and maybe attitude)...

old professor said...

Your review of the Yankees top prospects indicates the problem with the farm system: Sanchez has had attitude problems, Bettances seriously regressed and the question will be whether he can even survive at AAA ball, Banuelos is coming of surgery and will take a year to get right, Campos had the more serious surgery and even though he may be able to throw later, he still won't be above A ball and then there is Pineda who had really serious surgery on the shoulder that could be difficult to come back from. Williams had a torn Pectorial muscle that slowed his progress. The only healthy one on the list is Heathcott and he has flamed out.

Yankees are facing serious personnel and financial problems that are going to take long-term solutions.

Crash said...

Actually Heathcott has not flamed out, his stock is on the rise. I just think as Yankee fans we start hearing about these guys when they're first drafted and all the promise they have and if we don't see them in the Majors in a couple years then they flamed out...not the case...well sometimes it is, other times in Yankee land the prospects are traded before they sniff the majors. Heathcott may be get a call up this season if he does well.

old professor said...

Heathcott will not be called up for two reasons: (a) he has not played above AA Ball and (b) he is not on the 40 man roster.

Check out Heathcott's stats. They are less than impressive.

Crash said...

Stats don't mean everything...and that's coming from someone who loves the stats. If Heathcott starts at AA and shows progression, he will, at the very least, get a September call up. You put too much weight behind the 40 man roster issue. It really doesn't mean a whole lot in the grand scheme of things.

Bleacher report saying the Yankees won't deal for Upton because they're out of money...this guy is an idiot. They're not dealing for Upton because they don't have, or want to give up, the young talent it will take to get him. Upton is owed $38MM over the next 3 years. That is very reasonable for a guy who has already shown to be an All-Star and he hasn't even reached his prime yet. This kid is going to be an MVP caliber type player like Matt Kemp. The salary limit is next year not this year. When they shed Granderson's contract the Yankees would be saving $$ by having Upton there.

I still think the bat they need is Morse.

Crash said...

Rumor floating out there that Bill Cowher is waiting for the NY Giants Head Coach spot to open up to make his return...ummm...if that's the case he may be waiting quite a while. Giants owner and GM are very loyal to Coughlin. 2 Super Bowl wins doesn't hurt either even if they did miss the playoffs 2 of the last 3 and 4 of last 5 years. 2 of those were with 10 and 9 wins...not exactly terrible seasons. The only way Coughlin gets fired is if the team totally tanks next season and finishes under .500 by a couple games (or more).

old professor said...

Don't blow off the concept about the Yankees being out of money. Attendance is down and they have sold a significant portion of their network. They didn't even try to be players for Hamilton, Grenke, Jackson or any other of the significant free agents. They were content to offer and sign their aging veterans keeping the trend of an older team being on the field.

Hal's statement that he is committed to building a competitive team is a load of crap. What is he supposed to say when he is asked about competitive teams and the $189 budget figure. Yeah I can here him say: screw the fans we need to take money so we still expect to fill the seats with a non-competitive team. RIGHT!!.

Crash said...

They got over $500MM for that stake in YES...so no they are not out of $$.

I do agree with Hal on this point...You shouldn't have to spend $200+ million to be competitive. $189 million is still a lot and at the top end of baseball. If the Yankees want to compete at a lower payroll, like the Rays, they need to reassess their scouting and farm development because they're producing the talent that other teams are doing, Tampa, Atlanta, KC, Oakland, etc.

Crash said...

Soriano signs with the Nats...gets a 2 year deal. Yankees never made contact after qualifying offer was declined. Don't really care about losing this guy. He had a very good year last year, but to be honest I think he was still over paid and not good for the club house or bullpen.

Crash said...

Joba, Hughes, Robertson, and Boone Logan all file for arbitration. All coming off of decent years, all will get a pretty good raise.

I wonder if a team can trade a player before the arbitration process or if they must sign them to a 1 year deal...for instance hypothetically if the Yankees and Nats agree to trade Michael Morse for Boone Logan, since Logan filed for arb, does that have to be resolved prior to the trade or can the new team work it out?

old professor said...

Crash, I agree with your assessment of Soriano. He has a track record of not being good in the club house. Think about the number of teams he has been on ini the last five years. He wore out his welcome in Atlanta, Tampa Bay and NY. Yankees pick up another supplemental pick in the draft. They now have #27, 31, and 32. It would be nice if they actually use the picks to draft players that will help the team within a period of one or two years.

Crash said...

Harriston has 1 year $2MM offer from the Mets...if the Yankees want this guy they need to increase the $$ or go another year. I would suspect they can't just match the offer seeing how they will offer much less playing time than the Mets.

old professor said...

If the Yankees have been serious about Hairston, then two years and five million should get it done. So should a one year three million. If they let him get away, read previous posts regarding financial issues.

Crash said...

I don't think Harriston is worth $2MM...let him go to the Mets. #MORSE

old professor said...

Just read the particulars regardin the Morse trade. What a crock. The Nats get two minor league pitchers from the Athletics, the Mariners get Morse and the Athletics get John Jaso. Jaso was an average catcher in Tampa, spent last year with the Mariners and now goes to the Athletics. If the Yankees could not match this trade something is wrong.

Speaking of wrong, Hughes for his mediocre season get an almost $4 million raise.

old professor said...

Here is a thought - if the Yankees need a right handed hitting DH, why not Delmon Young. The guy is only 27 and was the MVP in the American League playoffs and had a decent World Series. I do not believe he was tendered a qualifying offer by the Tigers.

Crash said...

Delmon Young has A LOT of baggage. He has recently avoided jail time, has been benched numerous times for lack of effort, and the anti-Semitic comments would go over real well in NYC.

Yeah the Morse deal is a head scratcher...prospects are not elite. In general this was a weak package. The Yankees actually could have made a better offer. It can't be salary related. Boone Logan by himself is a better offer than what the Nats got in that deal.

Crash said...

Napoli goes from 3 years $39MM, to 1 year $5MM. YIKES. At that price the Yankees weren't interested? #Poweroutage

old professor said...

I agree Young had a lot of baggage which may to some degree be linked to alcohol - the anti-semetic remarks were made very early in the morning outside of a bar and he was intoxicated. However at his age and ability they could take a flyer on him. Realistically they were contemplating (just fleetingly) moving on Upton who has a lot of baggage as well. My guess is they are not going to do anything in the near future until they see what arbitration is going to cost them.

Crash said...

I am so puzzled by the lack of moves to address the obvious lack of power in this lineup.

Yankees hit 245 HR and scored 804 runs last year. It will be interesting to see how many runs they score this year in comparison.

There has to be a stat out there that looks at runs scored, runs allowed, run differential and the correlation to # of wins and win %. Pitching/fielding gave up 668 runs. Need to score more than you give up.

old professor said...

As the Yankees found out in the playoffs, good pitching beats good hitting. The Yankee pitchers have to bring their A-game everytime out or it will be a long season. The thing that bothers me is when you look at the history of this rotation when it needs to pitch lights out, it normally doesn't.

If the Yankees do nothing to address the lack of power being projected by this lineup, they will score under 650 runs in 2013. Then Steinbrenner will really be able to count empty seats.

Crash said...

I've been looking at this for a little bit...Yankees lose 94 HRs from last years team. Swisher 24, Martin 21, Ibanez 19, Chavez 16, and Jones 14. ARod only hit 18 last year, maybe Yukilis gets to that but not likely...what are you adding? A full season of Brett Gardner (5 HR?), Ichiro (maybe 10?), and Cervelli (5). The easy part is just saying they lose about 90 runs over the course of the season...but what about the runs Ichiro and Gardner will add with speed and base running? That I need to see I still can't see them coming anywhere near the 800 runs they scored last year.

Crash said...

Here's a name I'm seeing more and more now...right handed power bat DH...Carlos Lee. Several sites saying he could fill need for Yankees. Possible low cost 1 year deal type of player. Though I think he blocked a trade to NY lats year.

Crash said...

Texas and Baltimore won the WC last year with 93 wins. IF the Yankee pitching remains consistent to last year and they should given that everyone is coming back and has a pretty proven track record at this point...the offense will need to score about 784 runs to get to 93 wins. I can't see that happening with this team right now. I have them at 89-91 wins.

old professor said...

If they end up with that number of wins, they miss the playoffs

Crash said...

I agree if the Yankees only have 89-91 wins they miss the playoffs.

I really thought New England was going to win last night...not that i was rooting for them, I cannot root for a Boston team in any sport. I was surprised at how quickly the Patriot offense disappeared in the second half. Doesn't really matter a whole lot....Super Bowl should be a good game. The 49ers are the early line favorite at -4.5.

At this point I think I would like Ray Lewis to go out on a win. Not really fond of Ray, can do without all the theatrics, but he was a beast on the field and I always like to see a HOF player go out on top.

Just noticed that next season Eli Manning will become the Giants franchise all time leading passing. Phil Simms has 33,462 passing yards, Eli is at 31,527. Phil took 14 seasons to get there (though several were cut short by injury), Eli will have done it in 10. Eli also has more TDs and a better completion % than Simms.

Crash said...

Just read that Chris Snee is having hip surgery AFTER the participating in the Pro Bowl. If I'm the Giants why would I let my All-Pro guard play in a game knowing he requires surgery? Get the surgery now and rehab it so he's completely ready for camp. Maybe the couple extra weeks won't impact his ability to be ready for the season...but if I'm the Giants I don't take any chances.

old professor said...

Ray Lewis should be in jail due to his connection to a murder in Atlanta. I have no use for him. I also have no use for most of the players in the NFL. They are thugs pulled off of the street to play at a major college, never graduate, and then sign rather large contracts that will allow them to maintain a posse. Oh and when they are asked to speak it sounds like some kind of special ed classroom.

Still cannot find any information on the individual (Thomas Neal) the Yankees signed.

old professor said...

Okay, here is the scoop on Thomas Neal. He was released by the Indians. Plays the outfield and hits righthanded. Played in nine games for the Indians last year (the only 9 games in his major league career) and hit a blistering .217.

Crash said...

Delmon Young goes from making $6.75MM last season to signing a 1 year deal at $750K because of his off-field issues. Maybe MLB teams are waking up a little.

Crash said...

So this whole time we keep hearing about the Yankees lowering payroll because of luxury tax and revenue sharing. Now Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the financial break won't be as significant for the Yankees as initial anticipated because of the "market disqualification" plan. And now "Yankees officials say the team’s offseason strategy has been influenced by available players rather than maneuverings based on the sport’s collective bargaining agreement."

What a load of crap. Is it to save money, or is it because players aren't there. It seems the Yankees are playing a shell game with their fans and baseball, when the truth is they are at the edge of their own financial cliff.

old professor said...

The whole thing this off-season has been about the money. The team has reached a point where it is tired of paying the luxury tax, they have decreasing attendance and some very difficult long-term contracts to contend with.

Crash said...

Yankees only have 4 players under contract after this season...A-Rod $25, Teixeira $22.5, CC $23, and Ichiro $6.5. Total player commitment $77MM. that leaves $112 for 21 other players.

Jeter has a player option that's currently at $9.5, but could increase. Many think he will not exercise the option.

Crash said...

I heard this morning that Scott Hairston has agreed to terms with the Cubs...he turned down the Mets offer and went to the Cubs on a 2 year deal, deal could worth up to $6MM with incentives.

So the Yankees still need a right handed DH type hitter with some power on the cheap...let's see who's left on the FA market that would fit that bill...

Carlos Lee, Juan Rivera, Brandon Inge...that's some slim pickings. I think Inge is the best player, even coming off shoulder surgery he can DH, play any OF spot, 3B, 1B, or even C. He should be fine by spring training. Carlos Lee lost all power last season. He was always a 30 HR guy, he hit 9 last year, in a full season. Rivera also lost power last year, he averages 20 HR but didn't reach double digits either. Both Lee and Rivera would have to take a cheap 1 year deal. But I'm not sure either of those guys are even worth it at this point. Bring back Dickerson, he's probably better than any option out there right now.

Crash said...

So Justin Upton is traded to the Braves...Braves send over Martin Prado, Randall Delgado, Zeke Spruill, and Nick Ahmed...in return Braves get Upton and Chris Johnson.

Earlier I didn't think the Yankees had enough talent to pull off an Upton trade. Seeing that package I am absolutely stunned the Yankees didn't make a better offer.

Prado is in his last year of arbitration (probably looking at $7MM), Delgado is young RH SP who has struggled at the MLB level, but has promise. Spruill is a starting pitcher at AA ball and the Braves #9 prospect, Ahmed is a A-ball level IF that is plus defender.

Looking over the Yankees roster, Nova is a better pitcher than Delgado. Culver is the equivalent to Ahmed. Warren, Turley, or Montgomery would be equivalent to the pitching prospect they gave up. Prado and Johnson are a wash in the trade. So Nova, Culver, and one of the pitchers listed could have been good enough. Add Brett Gardner and it would have been done. Well worth it to get Justin Upton. Disappointed in Cashman this offseason.

Crash said...

Another wasted signing...Yankees announce they signed LH 1B/DH Dan Johnson...you may remember him as the guy that hit the tying HR in the bottom of 9th with 2 outs against the Yankees a couple years ago, that saved the Rays season and ended the Red Sox season. I don't think the guy has hit above .200 in like 5 years. So he can't hit, he can't field...seems like a good fit for the Yankees.

old professor said...

And for all of the hoopla about needing a righthanded bat they sign a lefthanded first baseman/OF

Crash said...

It is maddening.

old professor said...

Upton Joins his brother in Atlanta. Not impressed with Atlanta's package. Once again Yankees on the sidelines.

old professor said...

Here is a surprise - Just as some teams are looking at Carl Pavano as a piece of a rotation, he falls at his house and ruptures his spleen - out six to eight weeks.

Crash said...

I did see someone post that Upton sometimes "appears" to be not overly aggressive. The thought in Yankee camp may have been, the fans get on Cano for appearing nonchalant, what would they do to Upton? Upton had a hard time dealing with the pressure of being "the guy" in Phoenix...if he couldn't handle pressure in AZ, the pressure in NY would have crumbled this kid.

Love his talent, but he may not have been a fit for NY if all that is accurate. At least that's what I'm telling myself this morning is the reason the Yankees didn't make an offer.

Crash said...

Cashman kind of saying what we all thought...A-Rod may miss the entire season...given the Yankees uncertain financial situation, we had to know that was a possibility if the Yankees were willing to drop $12M on a one year rental player like Yukillis.

old professor said...

I am not sure that A-Rod missing the entire season (which I doubt because of doctors indicating the area of concern was not as bad as originally thought). he could take a full year get healthy and come back for the remainder of his contract or he could really help out the salary crunch by not coming back and then retiring.

Crash said...

Stop thinking that A-Rod is going to retire...no player is going to leave $114MM on the table just to help the team. Not going to happen. A-Rod is younger than Jeter, and if he can comeback from this surgery and next season put up .280 25-30 90 the Yankees will take that. I think where the Yankees are in the standings come the AllStar Break will determine if A-Rod stays out or comes back. If the Yankees are within a game or 2 of the division and/or Wild Card then he comes back. If the Yankees are either some how in first by a wide margin or they are out of the race by a wide margin then there is no need to rush A-Rod back.

Yankees still need a right handed bat for the DH/OF/1B position and I'm not sure that player is out there...at least at the price the Yankees want to pay.

Crash said...

So Juan Rivera is signed to a minor league deal. that's low risk, with quite possibly a good return. Rivera can still hit left-handed hitters and still has some pop. I wouldn't be surprised if he makes the big club and puts together something like .260/15/60. Jeter has taken grounders and hit in a cage. The process begins for a slow spring training for him but he'll be ready opening day.

Pineda has thrown off of flat ground and his next session will be throwing from a half-mound.

And now A-Rod is back in the news for his PED use. Many MLB players have been visiting Dr. Anthony Bosch at a Youth and Wellness clinic in south Florida. Dr Bosch's ledgers show A-Rod paying thousands of dollars for HGH and Testosterone Creams from 2009 through last year. 2009 of course was the "rejuvenated" A-Rod, the clutch post-season A-Rod as the Yankees win the World Series.

HGH testing is only starting this season. So not sure if MLB can punish him or not.

Other players that have been going to Dr Bosch...Mleky Cabrera, Gio Gonzalez, and Nelson Cruz. I believe this is the same guy that also supplied Manny Ramirez with his masking drugs when Manny got busted. Maybe now would be a great time for A-Rod to step down and retire after all...

Crash said...

They're saying this is the East Coast version of BALCO. Not just the MLB players listed above, but a Cuban boxer, a tennis player a former college player, a coach, etc. More than a dozen other baseball pros.

Crash said...

I know Old Prof you will be crying out for the Yankees to void A-Rod's contract...they can't, this is all part of the CBA. I don't even think MLB can suspend A-Rod for this mess unless he has a positive test. Yankees are stuck with a bad contract for a bad player who has cheated for the majority of his career.

My question is should A-Rod get out in front of this and admit it now or deny or it, or more than likely "no comment". If MLB can't suspend him I'd own up to it now and put it to rest. He's going to have a time to let it cool off since he's not playing. Also this "investigation" has been going on for some time with MLBs help. So the Yankees and A-Rod for that matter can't be surprised by this.

old professor said...

Just a small legal point - while testing may begin this year, I believe HGH was banned last year or the year before (remember Andy Pettitte's big admission). If the substance was banned, as I believe it was, and the records show A-Rod purchased and used the substance, he can have his contract voided. Apparently, the use did not help him last year, but may have allowed him to play somewhat through the hip injury. Now with the testing for HGH, he knew he had to be clean thus the sudden need for hip surgery.

I am tired of the issues being raised. The owners and MLB both benefitted from the offensive production and player productivity. Players are adults they take the stuff at their own risk. While some of the substances to increase performance it may not necessarily be on the ballfield.

Crash said...

He cannot have his contract voided. Testing and punishment is part of the CBA and as such the players contract is protected from being void.

A-Rod is denying he was treated by Bosch or received any PEDs from Bosch.

While I do not believe A-Rod...he just lacks credibility here...but if another player is denying it, I supposed it at the least casts doubt on any other player named in that guys files. So here is Gio Gonzalez's statement: "I've never used performance enhancing drugs...& I never will. I've never met or spoken w/tony Bosch."

This Bosch guy is a real creep and a jerk. It would not surprise me at all if he made up fake ledgers with pro athletes in them to boost his "credibility " in the industry.

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