Steroid results

OK, 2 out of my 6 predicted previously unimplicated steroid guys (Clemens and Gagne) were on the list. I considered adding Pettitte, because he was such good buddies with Clemens, talked him out of retirement, etc., but I did not. So I guess Dan Duquette was vindicated after all -- Clemens really was in the twilight of his career after the 1996 season. He allegedly took steroids in at least two of his post-Red Sox Cy Young years (1998 and 2001). Mo Vaughn allegedly purchased HGH when he was down with an ankle injury. Mike (The Hypocrite) Stanton allegedly purchased HGH. I guess he learned to cheat in his little prayer group with Pettitte. Stanton makes me puke every time he opens his mouth, because he can't answer a question without praising his god. From one crutch to the next, eh Mike? I hope his wife divorces him. It will be interesting to see what Schilling has to say about Stanton. Schilling of course defended Lenny Dykstra through thick and thin. Curt, if you're going to be a senator, you're going to have to learn to throw people under the bus when necessary (you'll also have to leave Massachusetts.)

The fact that Theo Epstein apparently knew of the Dodgers' suspicions of steroid use makes the 2007 acquisition of Gagne even more of a bonehead move by Epstein:

When the Boston Red Sox were considering acquiring Gagné, a Red Sox official made specific inquiries about Gagné’s possible use of steroids. In a November 1, 2006 email to a Red Sox scout, general manager Theo Epstein asked, “Have you done any digging on Gagne? I know the Dodgers think he was a steroid guy. Maybe so. What do you hear on his medical?"

The scout, Mark Delpiano, responded,

Some digging on Gagne and steroids IS the issue. Has had a checkered medical past throughout career including minor leagues. Lacks the poise and commitment to stay healthy, maintain body and re invent self. What made him a tenacious closer was the max effort plus stuff . . . Mentality without the plus weapons and without steroid help probably creates a large risk in bounce back durability and ability to throw average while allowing the changeup to play as it once did . . . Personally, durability (or lack of) will follow Gagne . . .426

I guess they didn't give up a tremendous amount of talent (Kason Gabbard, David Murphy, Engel Beltre,) but still, they could have used those prospects in a deal this winter.

I wonder which hat Clemens WON'T be wearing into the Hall of Fame now?