Tag Archives: Roger Clemens

Jun 19 2012

Few Thoughts On Clemens Perjury Trial

Did Roger Clemens earn another win for the record book? (Photo Credit: New York Daily News)

By Matt Noonan 

Once Monday’s news was announced about Roger Clemens, it became quite easy to realize that government and sports don’t coincide.

Clemens, who was acquitted of charges toward lying about steroids and human growth hormones to Congress in 2008, was officially sent out of a Washington courtroom as a “free man” on Monday.

And while many are continuing to scratch their heads over this particular case, it certainly emphasizes the fact that an athlete is more powerful than a group of non-baseball fans, ahem…the jury.

Of course, he will certainly be remembered as one of the greatest pitchers to ever play the game.

The Rocket spent 24-years in the big leagues, and walked away with a record of 354-184 on the bump. He appeared in 11 All-Star Games, earned seven Cy Young Awards, paced the American League with the most wins by a flame-thrower in ’86, ’87, ’97, and ’98, and was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award in 1986.

Yet, excluding those various credentials, it’s unlikely that his name will ever be scratched from the so-called, “steroids era.”

Baseball has become a game of cheaters. Players seem more focused on their various accolades than winning a World Series, and the same could possibly be said for Clemens, right?

Clemens will certainly be remembered as a cheater, as well as someone who maneuvered his way forward with various performance enhancement drugs to extend his career, and one example could be seen when he joined the Toronto Blue Jays for a two-year stint in ’97-’98.

The right-hander hadn’t earned 20 wins or more since the 1980’s, and after a few up-and-down seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Clemens’ numbers skyrocketed in Canada, as he won 41 of 54 games. He also earned two back-to-back Cy Young Awards, too.

So, did the government strike out or did Clemens earn himself another win for the record books?

Well, according to the New York Times, this particular trial was a so-called, “waste of government time, and money.” Clemens became the second Major Leaguer to sneak through the cracks — the first was Barry Bonds, who was sentenced to one month of house arrest after a seven-year investigation in April of 2011. And while Bonds was convicted on one of four charges, (obstructing justice) he still managed to walk out of the courtroom.

Clemens avoided 10 years in federal prison, but will now be faced with the difficult task of convincing the baseball writers that he deserves a spot in the Cooperstown, (he’ll need 75 percent of the ballots to earn a spot).

All in all, I believe that he cheated. Clemens, Bonds and others turned America’s Pastime into a game that’s no longer linked to the days of Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and others.

Will baseball ever resort back to the “good ole days?”

I’m not sure, but once again, the government failed to send a message to all baseball fans and players that cheating is not allowed in a game and life.

Jul 15 2011

Congressional Comedy and Tragedy

Did the Rocket dodge a bullet or what?

By Dan Rubin 

It’s often said that reality makes the greatest theater. Nothing is more dramatic, intense, or captivating than a Hollywood script being played out in real life. The general feeling that what we’re watching is so real makes it surreal, and the story behind the bizarre and often times comical makes things that much better to watch on television.

It’s why so-called, “reality television” is so popular. We don’t want cartoonish or cleverly designed characters; we want the real thing. We want real heroes and villains. We want to watch real firefighters running into burning buildings, real blue-collar truckers driving on roads made of frozen lakes and streams, real relationships either flourishing or crashing and burning. We want to see what happens to a mother on trial for murder, a football star arrested for breaking federal laws regarding dog fighting or guns, or a storied program breaking rules.

In the true spirit of the comedy and tragedy faces of theater, we also love a good laugh. We love hearing about a baseball legend’s bowel movements (YouTube… “George Brett’s Spring Training story if you’re up for a crude laugh”), a basketball player changing his name to something absurd, (thank you Ron Artest) and a coach’s foot fetish video (a.k.a Rex Ryan).

We eat all of that up because the laughter of reality makes us all watch it a little bit longer, and it makes us all want to watch it for a little bit more.

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Jul 9 2011

Noonan: Few Thoughts on Jeter’s 3,000th Hit

Derek Jeter became the newest member of the 3,000 club on Saturday!

By Matt Noonan 

Move over Bernie Mac because we’ve officially witnessed the newest member of the 3,000 club, Derek Jeter.  

Jeter connected on his 3,000th hit on Saturday afternoon in the Bronx against Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price. Yet, this particular “hit” was certainly special, since it didn’t land in the outfield or infield grass, but instead, the bleachers.

Fans pushed and shoved one another to get their paws on a piece of history, while the Yankees players and coaches rushed the field to meet their captain at the plate with high-fives, hugs and smiles.

As a casual baseball fan, I was overjoyed to see Jeter become the newest member of the 3,000 club. He joins guys like Roberto Clemente, Wade Boggs, Ricky Henderson andCal Ripken Jr., just to name a few.

Yet, what exactly does this accomplishment mean, especially in the wacky world of the MLB?

Well, I guess it’s fair to say that despite all the cheating or doping, as well as franchises going under due to economic woes, (thank you, Frank McCourt), it’s a special moment that allows even the more relaxed fan to say, “wow, I just witnessed history!”

Hey, this is Derek Jeter we’re talking about, the true poster boy for the New York Yankees, so of course, it’s special and important, right?

Although, does this particular at-bat remind anyone of Mark McGwire’s 70th home run?

Could Jeter’s 3,000th hit have any parallels to Barry Bonds‘s 756th home run?

In all honesty, there’s so many moments that one could compare this particular event too, but seriously, I’m very happy to see that Jeter earned this glorious moment because he definitely deserved it.

In fact, it’s refreshing news, especially after spending the past week reading about Roger Clemens’s trial.

Jul 7 2011

Rubin: The People vs. Roger Clemens

He was once loved, but now, he's the poster boy for steroids in baseball!

By Dan Rubin 

I still remember the ovation.

It was August 31, 2003. The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees were in the rubber game of a three-game series towards the end of the season. The Sox were mathematically still in contention for the AL East crown, but the Yankees were starting to put a little bit of distance between the two squads. However, the teams split two marathon games to open up the season, and the difference in divisional momentum came down to two old workhorses going head-to-head for one last go time on Fenway’s grass.

In the hours leading up to the game, it began dawning on many that this particular game superseded the heated rivalry. Due to the rotation, Roger Clemens would take the hill at Fenway Park for New York, and, with the schedule ahead, it became more and more apparent that this was Clemens’ final start in the stadium he made himself famous.

With one out in the sixth, Clemens walked nemesis Trot Nixon before Dave McCarty lined a single to center. With runners at the corners and the Yankees up six, Clemens struck out Doug Mirabelli, who needed to catch since the Sox were throwing Tim Wakefield that day. But Clemens couldn’t get out of the inning, walking next batter Gabe Kapler before being pulled for Antonio Osuna.

Clemens strode off the mound, and, echoing his famous performance in 1997, as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, received a standing ovation. The “Fenway Faithful,” sensing the moment, honored the man who made history at the park. He wasn’t always the most likeable guy, but the fans took to his attitude and always respected him. The Rocket created more history in Boston during the ‘80s and ‘90s then they could fully fathom. He was a surefire Hall of Famer, one of the game’s greatest pitchers, and maybe, just maybe, the thawing between Clemens and the Red Sox would come to fruition if he wears a red “B” on his cap in Cooperstown, (Hall of Fame).

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Jul 7 2011

Daily Noontime – July 7, 2011

Jeter is three-hits away from 3,000, which is exciting, right?

Good Thursday to everyone and welcome into yet another, Daily Noontime! Yep, we have some news and headlines, so enjoy!

Headlines: 

* It’s yet another day of the Roger Clemens perjury trial and one has to wonder, what does the “Rocket” have to say on Thursday?

* The great John Mackey, who played tight end for the Baltimore Colts has passed away at the age of 69. Certainly, Mackey was a major contributor in the early days of the NFL.

* It’s official, the Boston Red Sox are mimicking themselves of 2010 because of numerous injuries. However, Carl Crawford is expected to return to the line-up after the All-Star Game.

* So, some believe that the NFL Lockout is really close to over, but as one blog states, they’re “at the 5-yard line.”

* If the NFL owners and players don’t reach an agreement soon, some believe the preseason won’t occur, which could be a good or bad thing, right?

* Well, apparently New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is poised to hit 3,000 hits and yes, he’s almost there.

Games to Watch: 

* Tampa Bay at New York Yankees (MLB) – 7:05pm eastern 

* Chicago Cubs at Washington (MLB) – 7:05pm eastern 

* Baltimore at Boston (MLB) – 7:10pm eastern 

* Arizona at St. Louis (MLB) – 8:15pm eastern 

Video of the Day: 

Who leaves their cellphone on during a tennis match? Who? 

Jul 6 2011

Daily Noontime – July 6, 2011

Remember when the "Rocket" was a member of the Red Sox?

Happy Hump Day from Noontime Sports and welcome into yet another, but wonderful Daily Noontime! Here’s the day’s headlines and news, so enjoy! 

Headlines: 

* The seven-time Cy Young Award winning pitcher, Roger Clemens will have plenty more to say on Wednesday in regards to if he did or did not use steroids.

* According to Dan Shaughnessy of the Boston Globe, he believes “Clemens [is] already in a jam.”

* Well, the NBA apparently has responded to “accusations of lying about finances.” Uh oh!

* So, all we hear these days in regards to the NFL Lockout is it’s close, but what exactly does that mean? Anyone have some answers?

* Good news for the Phoenix Coyotes, who officially locked up all-star defenseman Keith Yandle for five-years.

* So, it’s official, Tiger Woods won’t be playing in the British Open this summer, which makes us wonder, where is he?

Games to Watch: 

* Seattle at Oakland (MLB) – 3:35pm eastern 

* Toronto at Boston (MLB) – 7:10pm eastern 

* Cincinnati at St. Louis (MLB) – 8:15pm eastern 

Video of the Day: 

Remember when the New York Yankees welcomed back Roger Clemens? 

Apr 11 2011

Maloney: Yet Another Case of Manny Being Manny

Manny Ramirez never seems to disappoint!

By Brian Maloney

Manny Ramirez always finds a way to be in the news.  Last week he was informed that he failed a drug test that had been taken during Spring Training and the punishment would be a 100-game suspension.

At the age of 38, Manny probably realized that it would be too difficult to return after missing half a season from suspension, and therefore decided simply, and abruptly, to call his career.

It has not been made public which drug he tested positive for — with Manny’s reputation it may have been marijuana as opposed to a second steroid-related positive test — but the news of pending consequences has ended the career of arguably the best right-handed hitter of the last 20 years.

As Red Sox fans, we never wanted to believe that Manny was on anything.  He didn’t look like he was juicing; he looked like he could just as easily be on his couch watching baseball rather than playing it.  Manny had a smooth swing and everything just looked easy.  He was never a homerun hitter, but rather a pure gap hitter that could slap the ball so well that it went over the fence.

Someone so carefree couldn’t be on steroids, right?  As I mentioned, the only drugs that people expected he could be on would be those of the recreational variety. However, as “Manny being Manny” became more extreme and his production so drastically dropped off after his first suspension — minus that month or so immediately following — it became more believable that Manny’s skill could not all be natural.

So how will Manny be remembered?

As a top 10 all-time in Slugging and a top 15 all-time in Home Runs?

Most people, I’m assuming, would lean toward the latter, with Manny being a goofball.  Most wouldn’t dispute that he was a great hitter, but just that his ability is now tainted.

Manny’s antics are indisputable and will never be forgotten.  He certainly acted dumb at times and had poor judgment in his role, doing things that no one else could get away with. But he was just “Manny being Manny”.

People will look at his positive tests and crazy shenanigans before they even think about his actual playing ability. And that will cost him a spot in the Hall of Fame.  In a time that nobody accepts any tomfoolery on the part of professional athletes, two positive drug tests is a nothing short of a blow.

But this opens up another debate.

It is becoming more and more difficult to find Hall of Fame-worthy players from that last 25 years that can be proven to be absolutely clean? Where does this leave Major League Baseball?

MLB has two choices: either continue to shun everyone who is mentioned in the same sentence as steroids, or just understand that steroid use was just another era of baseball and it should be treated as such.

The main issue is that there is no way to go back and determine who was using performance enhancers and who wasn’t.  Testing was not as good 15 to 20 years ago and a lot of athletes who were using could have escaped a positive test.

This is why I take the other side.

MLB and the Baseball Writers of America need to get off their moral high horses and let players like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Roger Clemens, Rafael Palmeiro and future Hall of Famers like Manny and Alex Rodriguez have their rightful places in Cooperstown.

If MLB really had an issue with rampant steroid use then they would have punished people when they were playing and as they were using.  Instead, MLB took full advantage of the spectacle and took every cent that it produced.  Only when use started to die down and the public started caring about steroid use did they go back and shun those individuals that used steroids.

As things stand today, Manny Ramirez has forever tarnished his legacy and has no chance at Cooperstown.  But, that doesn’t change the fact that he was a great hitter, a great entertainer and a huge part of MLB teams that brought the World Series back to Boston.

Apr 5 2011

Daily Noontime – April 5, 2011

It is certainly hard to believe that the men’s college basketball season has come to a close and the women’s will end on Tuesday. Well, I guess that means winter is over! Any who, here is the Daily Noontime for Tuesday April 5, 2011, have a terrific day!

Headlines:

* The UConn Huskies have won another NCAA championship, as they knocked off the Butler Bulldogs, 53-41.

* It has been two years in a row that Butler has ended their season with a loss in the National Championship game and certainly, the second time around hurts a little more.

* The NFL is now a day away from walking into a court room and figuring out their fate of the 2011 season.

* University of North Carolina Tar Heels freshman basketball player Harrison Barnes is contemplating going to the NBA, but isn’t there a lockout looming?

* Dennis Rodman is one of the marque leaders to represent the 2011 NBA Hall of Fame class, but another name that was also included on this list was Chris Mullin.

* Former New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza has now forgiven Roger Clemens for throw the ball behind him during Game 2 of the World Series in 2000.

Games to Watch:

* San Antonio at Atlanta (NBA) – 7:00pm eastern

* Boston at Cleveland (MLB) – 7:05pm eastern

* New York Mets at Philadelphia (MLB) – 7:05pm eastern

* Philadelphia at Boston (NBA) – 7:30pm eastern

* Chicago at Montreal (NHL) – 7:30pm eastern

* Los Angles Dodgers at Colorado (MLB) – 8:40pm eastern

* Utah at Los Angles Lakers (NBA) – 10:30pm eastern

Video of the Day:

Yes, we had to do it! Here is the 2011 version of “One Shining Moment.”


 

Sep 8 2010

Daily Noontime – September 8, 2010

Happy Wednesday or should I say, “Hump Day?” It is the middle of the week and Noontime Sports says, we are almost at the weekend, so let’s get through these next few days! Here is your Daily Noontime, have a great day everyone!

Headlines:

* With the NFL season only a day away, ESPN has their power rankings available. Where does your favorite team rank? Also, WEEI has their Week 1 rankings too.

* Trouble brewing between Brian McNamee and Roger Clemens?

* Patriots fan was harassed last year by New York Jets fan.

* C.C. Sabathia was unable to earn his 20th win on Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles at home.

* Baltimore Ravens newly acquired wide out, T.J. Houshmandzadeh is happy to be on a team that has a chance to possibly win a Super Bowl.

* Who deserves Reggie Bush‘s Heisman Trophy? Yahoo! Sports has an idea!

* Trevor Hoffman earns his 600th save.

Games to Watch:

* Spain at Serbia (FIBA) (11:00am eastern)

* Chicago at Detroit (MLB) (7:05pm eastern)

* St. Louis at Milwaukee (MLB) (8:10pm eastern)

Video of the Day:

Enjoy this clip of a Russian goalie who not only launched a soccer ball, but also, scored a goal too!