THE ARBITER finds it sad that today's newsworthy writer is not Robert Frost (it's his birthday) but Jose Canseco, whose prose style is anything but lapidary. Canseco, however, must be praised for creating controversy, something any writer (even an obscure blogger) hopes for. So the new player snared in the steroid web is Alex Rodriguez, who - if you look at the pictures - has evolved from a skinny kid to a chiseled behemoth who reminds me of Frank Zane. Now then, THE ARBITER is not about to attack Canseco's credibility by saying things like he's just seeking revenge for ARod's supposed pursuit of his wife. Instead I (that whole third person thing is tiring) will defend ARod and indeed steroid users everywhere. Let's assume Alex used. Why is that so bad? Or Bonds or Sosa or Maguire or Clemens. Sure, steroid use hurts them physically and probably shortens their lives (look at poor Lyle Alzado) but how does it hurt the sacred game of baseball? Why do we continue to laud Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle and make romance of their carousing and alcoholism and denounce the modern player who only does whatever he can to become better and help his team win. Is it really worse to train hard and practice good nutrition than it is to stumble back to a hotel room in the small hours of the morning? THE ARBITER thinks not.
So to Clemens et. al. don't apologize. You've done nothing wrong. One final message to Roger - I hope you're listening - don't lie to Congress. And next time you need some legal advice, do not hesitate to contact THE ARBITER.
Step Up, Make Plays and Bury the Three
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