Umpiring 101

With the release today of Senator Mitchells report on performance enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball, the longtime fans of MLB were given a dose of reality about the world we live in today. If there was any doubt before today that baseball was any different than the rest of the business world, those hopes were blown out of the water. While I was not surprised by the leaders of the industry's comments today, I am still totally disgusted by the " Corporate America " approach that was taken by all the parties involved. Lets look at each group:

The MLB Players Union

Listening to Donald Fehr today, I was reminded that, yes his job is to represent the players, advise them and protect  their rights. But by refusing to cooperate in this attempt to repair a situation that was no secret, and look out for his members health, instead of the truth coming out and the start of a real dialog to move forward, we were treated to the same rhetoric as usual. Stonewalling, trying to turn the blame game on MLB Mgt. Disgraceful.

Commissioner Selig

Now he's going to impose discipline on these players, whether it violates the CBA with the players. I think this is the only Management group in the country that  loses almost every labor dispute. But more importantly, finds a way to enrage the paying fans, look like complete buffoons, and end up making the MLBPU look good. He wasn't too worried about this issue as long as record TV ratings and contracts poured in. Or attendance skyrocketed the last decade. Now all of a sudden it's important. Typical Corporate America CEO. Look the other way as long as the money rolls in. But when held responsible for these results, make the players the villains, and plead ignorance .Appalling.

The Players

To continue to lie to the American public, categorically deny any use or involvement with PED's, groups them in with every other politician, scoundrel and exposed liar that has stood in front of a camera and professed their innocence. You lost something you can't get back by signing autographs, or going to Children's Hospitals. You lost the respect of the public. You have now been labeled as frauds, cheaters and blatant liars. Way to go boy's. Sickening.

Finally, by using the testimony of people who were nailed for their actions and offered deals to reveal names, you might as well put it next to The Star and The National Enquirer. The names of any player who was accused by the clubbies or trainers should have never been included unless there was evidence other than their word. Wait and see how many players  are wrongly accussed. They will always be looked at as cheaters.

This is truly a 3 ring circus with more than enough blame to go around.

Can't wait for Spring Training

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