As of 6:33 a.m. today . . . I just have an uneasy feeling about this season. Not so much about the Redbirds -- it is the general state of baseball matters that feels awry. The general focus seems to be directed toward the past and things that no longer matter and/or are even applicable now. Steroids were abused by some, but are no longer a significant part of the game. Steroids may help players recover from injuries quicker and may enhance power, but I feel they have had a very highly exaggerated impact on MLB. Regardless, Jose Canseco is a disgrace. I gave him a chance, but after his Howard Stern appearance last week - and his highly selective memory - I cannot lend him a hint of validity.
I wish Mark McGwire would have had more substantial things to say last Thursday. But I also saw him hit 49 HRs as a skinny rookie. I’m confident that he only used training aids that he thought were somewhat natural/safe and, regardless, he likely never violated MLB rules. I refuse to dig deeper at this point, but I honestly believe that steroid use does not make a player that much better - perhaps for a season or two at most . . .
The Cardinals announced last week that Mike Shannon has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in their broadcast booth through the 2006 season. Yes!!!
Fantasy baseball rocks. I do not dispute that. But I just spent 38 minutes attempting to access the annual ESPN league that I play in with Brad and other heady baseball folks. Yes, it is my bad for having too many accounts and various passwords related to the ages of my cats. But, as a self-professed organizational addict, I was very frustrated to encounter such obstacles given that I had my print out listing my current log-ins and passwords etc. Must’ve been the Newcastle’s fault . . . I persevered and figured it out and will be present and kicking at our live online draft today.
Larry Walker got a knock this weekend, his first in 20-plus PAs this spring.
Reggie Sanders, who underwent an appendectomy on Thursday, is out of the hospital. He is not expected to resume workouts for a few days. His return is up in the air, so someone may get an early chance to make an impression. Rick Ankiel? . . . oh, how I wish he was not an OF - but I want him to get some legit chances.