Bonds and Clemens

What a crazy era we are in for baseball. You have to look back sometimes at the controversies that plagued other eras and recognize that baseball players seem to step into piles of dog doo on a regular basis throughout history.

In year's past it seemed that greed played a big part of it. Players were not really paid that big of a salary in comparison to the money generated by the sport, consequently they were easy targets for bribes and other tactics ala the Black Sox scandal. The character flaws in some of the players were brought to light, never mind their physical skills on a baseball field.

Today's ballplayer, even the lowly rookie, is paid handsomely. So, greed gives way to ego in the 21st century. With so many performance enhancement drugs being developed and the nature of the game, combined with the personalities of players like Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds... it's a mixture sure to blow up in your face.

Look, it's no secret that "man" has been swayed by a host of illicit things... drugs, sex, alcohol.. "man" in the spotlight.. ala famous ballplayer, is no exception. These guys that have character flaws (think lie, cheat, steal) are eventually exposed. They were exposed in the early 1900's and they were exposed in early 2000's and they will be exposed in every century that follows.

The shame of it is that throughout history baseball takes the beating for the individual sins of a few. Especially when those "few" have placed themselves in elite statistical company in the history of the game. The funny thing is .. had they been able to keep their ego in check and not found it necessary to illegally enhance their already blessed skills at the game, both Clemens and Bonds would have stood at the top in the end naturally. And... they would not have been placed in a position to lie through their yellow teeth to you, me, congress and themselves!

Ah, but... the nature of "man" and the nature of the game.. a volatile mix. Say it Ain't so.. Joe.

Chipper and Lance chase .400

What a start for Chipper Jones and Lance Berkman. Could this be the year we end up with a .400 hitter? Okay... sure, it's only 6 weeks into the season. Even so, these two are about 25% of their total at bats from 2007. It's not inconceivable that they could stay at or near this magical number for the entire year.

Perhaps Chipper was upset that in 2007 he barely missed gaining his first Batting Title. This guy has been a steady hitter since his high school days. In case you've forgotten... he was the high school player of the year for 3 straight seasons in the state of Florida! Think about that... so, as a sophomore in a baseball rich state like Florida.. he beat out the top Seniors in the state. Then, he did it two more years running. It's no surprise that he has had tremendous success. To see this type of a start is a testament to his Desire to place himself among the elite players to have stepped on the diamond... and to get that batting title he narrowly missed in '07.

With all that Chipper brings, he must be looking over his shoulder and thinking... damn, of all the years for Lance to put together these kinds of statistics... why this year? :)

Lance Berkman is leading or near leading in virtually every offensive category in 2008. His .393 average and power numbers are so impressive that you have to wonder if this career .303 hitter is making HIS statement to be placed among the elite hitters in the game. Lance should easily reach the 300/300 club of Home Runs and Doubles by the end of 2008. At only 32 years of age, he should easily put up solid numbers for the next 5 years which would place him in tall company with the legends of the game, like Chipper Jones.

So, all in all... sit back and enjoy the seasons these two fabulous entertainers are having. It's likely you won't see this type of performance for years to come.