Rox Talk

Today I was just going to briefly mention that the purple cat, Andres Gallaraga did not receive the minimum of 5% of votes last week and will be removed from future consideration. I don't think we thought he would receive a whole lot of support and in some respects I think a player first loves to play the game, second would love Hall of Fame consideration, and finally is incredible lucky to make it into the Hall. Two out of three marks a great career, thanks for the memories. He was an outstanding player and a great Rox! To see how he fit with other nominees this website shows a great graphic. Next year might finally show some insight on the Coors Field effect and how future Rox might fare to the rest of the baseball world. Larry Walker will be on the ballot and I would think he definitely has a chance.

In other Rox news, Jerry Schemmel was announced as the next voice of the Rox. An exciting voice who will fit in well with the team. Can't wait to hear his home run call!

And finally the story of the day (or non-story perhaps) was the announcement from Mark McGwire that he knowingly took steroids during his career. From the storyline that will never die, we once again will hear from sport's world the impact of steroids on the game. From a fan's perspective what can one say? When Manny tested this year you had to shake your head because a policy was in place. Back in McGwire's time there was no policy...was it cheating? Every generation will have its baseball era. I will be saddled with the knowledge of my heroes probably being steroid users. It saddens me to think that a game would cause players to abuse their body just for the ego stroking but then again I don't have the opportunity to make millions of dollars. Given the temptation of setting up my family for generations to come perhaps justifying steroid use might become simpler. In time others will come out and history will be finally written on the era. Some questions will remain, records will be scorned, and a new generation will come along. I think we should respect McGwire's desire to set the record straight. Perhaps it will gain him some support, perhaps it will backfire on him. But he did have the courage to make things right. I will still remember the night he hit the line drive over left field to claim the record. It was a good time to be a baseball fan. Too bad it will always be tainted with steroids...