Redsox Fans and their Inferiority complex

http://waswatching.com/

For what it's worth, I spent a lot of time watching Rocket's eyes during his interview that that aired this evening on 60 Minutes. Some believe that "your eyes will position themselves according to the thoughts that are in your head."

When Clemens was not looking straight-on during the interview, his eyes were going either to the right, and up, or, to the left, and down. Most times, his eyes were moving down and to the left.

This suggests, that, during the interview, Roger was accessing the visual part of his memory and thinking about his feelings. And, his eyes didn't offer a "tell" that he was lying.

I was really expecting to see different results than these, coming into the interview. If Clemens goes to Washington, it will be interesting, if possible, to see his eye movements during testimony there too.

QUOTE
Q: Bernie from Cambridge, Mass. asks:
How does the Yankees' top 10 stack up against Boston ?

A: John Manuel: I've ranked the Yanks system for three or four books now and this is the best shape the system has been in in that span. The same is true for Boston, however. I'd take Joba over Clay Buchholz, though Jim Callis would not. I'm with Jim in that I really think highly of Ellsbury, Anderson, Masterson, Lowrie . . . I think Boston's top 10 is safer than New York's and Boston has more big bats and more strength in the infield (just by having Lowrie, who I like). New York has more pitching depth but less variety; I like Boston's top 10 by a hair and Boston's system by a little bit just because it has more hitters who have a chance to be big league regulars.

The future of the AL East
Steveringo Post #1: 10:40 am Quote | Report Violation
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We know Boston and New York will always be in contention with their owners that are willing to spend some money on their products.

Toronto has helped their team by signing great players and could contend for the title if everything goes well.

Baltimore has recently spent a ton of cash to try to compete. Even though they are on a down swing, you know they will eventually get the players they need to come back.

The Rays unfortunately haven't figured out how to develop a competitive major league team. It would be nice if all five teams could eventually compete for the division, but it looks like Tampa Bay has no desire.
EC_Bias Post #2: 10:45 am Quote | Report Violation
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I see absolutely no reason to throuw TB under the bus before Baltimore. The O's are horrid and fixing to get worse. I think it's a pretty safe bet to see TB finish atleast 4th.
Steveringo Post #3: 10:51 am Quote | Report Violation
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I see absolutely no reason to throuw TB under the bus before Baltimore. The O's are horrid and fixing to get worse. I think it's a pretty safe bet to see TB finish atleast 4th.



For now, yes. The sad thing is that The Rays only hope is 4th place. At least we know Baltimore will try to compete in the future. Tampa will probably never spend the necessary money.
Metphan317 Post #4: 11:29 am Quote | Report Violation
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We know Boston and New York will always be in contention with their owners that are willing to spend some money on their products.

Toronto has helped their team by signing great players and could contend for the title if everything goes well.

Baltimore has recently spent a ton of cash to try to compete. Even though they are on a down swing, you know they will eventually get the players they need to come back.

The Rays unfortunately haven't figured out how to develop a competitive major league team. It would be nice if all five teams could eventually compete for the division, but it looks like Tampa Bay has no desire.


Tampa's new ownership group made it pretty clear what their plan was going to be. They specifically said they were not going to spend money on free agents just for the sake of spending money. They spent their first 2 seasons spending some money on the facility (which was badly needed!!!) and picked up Pena and Iwamura, 2 nice options for the infield.

So far, they've stuck to their plan. This offseason they've patched some pretty big pitching holes, but still have a little work to do on the bullpen. They will field one of the, if not the most dynamic young lineups in the game. Now there's obviously no guarantees when talking about prospects but I don't believe the kids that will make the leap to the bigs this season can really be any worse than what they're replacing, while their upside is tremendous. They will have some growing pains but with a little time will begin to show returns. This team isn''t going to shock the world and make a run at the AL East this year, but they will be a tough team to face and we should see flashes of the good things to come in the very near future.

The Rays will be just fine this year and Tampa has shown it will support a winner (see Bucs and Lightning). A small leap of faith this year from the Tampa area baseball fans to support the Rays will only help speed the process along. It's really fairly simple to figure out. More fannies in seats means more revenue. More revenue means the ability to spend money to fill the holes in your roster and keep your young talent for more than 3 years. A competitive roster means more wins. More wins means more fannies in the seats. It's an endless circle but the Rays just haven't figured out where to jump into that circle. They look to be making the right moves so far this offseason, the Tampa area fans just have to buy into that and come out to support them. If the fans hold up their end of the deal, it will make it that much easier on the players. It would be nice to see Tropicana Field actually give the Rays a home field advantage instead of being Fenway or Yankee Stadium South. It would be really nice to go to a Tampa/Boston or Tampa/Yankee game and see more green than red or blue. Every Tampa fan that buys a ticket to those games deprives s Sox/Yankee fan a seat.

For the first time in it's history, Tampa's ownership looks to be doing their part, it's time for Tampa baseball fans to do theirs.
jpop13 Post #5: 12:11 pm Quote | Report Violation
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I believe the Rays will compete. They have a good starting Rotion with Kazmire, Shields, Garza and Im calling it know that Jackson will have a good season. They also have a desent lineup that packs a punch. Upton, Crawford, Pena and Floid, Iwamura and Gomes. Ok so not murders row but a formidable lineup. Also the pen isnt too bad but could use another guy or two. If they can get Dan Wheeler to step up they should be fine.
Clan in da front Post #6: 3:07 pm Quote | Report Violation
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Tampa is building a pretty formidable team for 2010 and beyond. They have by far the strongest minor league system in the league, with plently of talent in the rotation and on offense in Tampa already.

Toronto has one of the best pitching staffs in the league with a pretty decent bullepn and their lineup isn't bad, it underachieved last year.

Boston is coming of a World Series win and should be the favorite to repeat. They have a lot of young talent in the rotation and in the bullpen, with the second strongest farm system in baseball, according to Baseball America. They play great defense and have one of the best offenses in baseball.

The Yankees have a top offense, with young guys like Kennedy, Joba, Hughes, and Wang in the rotation. They have a top five farm system according to Baseball America. They're getting older though.

Baltimore is a mess. They'll trade Bedard and one of the only bright spots is Nick Markakis. They will finish dead last.
EC_Bias Post #7: 3:16 pm Quote | Report Violation
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The Yankees have a top offense, with young guys like Kennedy, Joba, Hughes, and Wang in the rotation. They have a top five farm system according to Baseball America. They're getting older though.



In addition to a top farm system, to be honest, they're getting younger. The rotation is evolving. DH, 1B, RF and LF will be a decade younger in 2 years, CF already is. While Jeter is aging - he isn't a dinosaur at SS and a 33 year old AROD is fine. 2B already transitioned - all that's really left is Jorge.

Steveringo Post #8: 3:35 pm Quote | Report Violation
Total Posts: 4086


I believe the Rays will compete. They have a good starting Rotion with Kazmire, Shields, Garza and Im calling it know that Jackson will have a good season. They also have a desent lineup that packs a punch. Upton, Crawford, Pena and Floid, Iwamura and Gomes. Ok so not murders row but a formidable lineup. Also the pen isnt too bad but could use another guy or two. If they can get Dan Wheeler to step up they should be fine.



They definitely have a chance to get lucky in the next couple years.... Unless they open their wallets, it will not last.
danterp87 Post #9: 4:02 pm Quote | Report Violation
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I see absolutely no reason to throuw TB under the bus before Baltimore. The O's are horrid and fixing to get worse. I think it's a pretty safe bet to see TB finish atleast 4th.



For now, yes. The sad thing is that The Rays only hope is 4th place. At least we know Baltimore will try to compete in the future. Tampa will probably never spend the necessary money.


People ignore the O's farm system b/c the Yanks, Sox and Rays systems are so highly regarded, but the O's have a top 10 farm system as well. Also, all their money is coming off the books after '09, so it'll be really interesting to see how they spend money in the next couple of years. Also, while the major league roster will suck, you're looking at a top 3-5 farm system in baseball if/when Bedard and Roberts are traded.

The reality is the Sox and Yanks are in position to rule for a long long time. They have great major league teams and great farm systems - though the Yankees is definitely overrated and is unlikely to produce any stars from what they have down there now. The Jays system is trash and they're living from year to year off of FA signings and the like. The Rays have a lot of young talent and look like they'll eventually compete - I mean they have too, right? They have the #1 in the draft yet again. You can only fail for so long when you keep getting the best talent out there. The O's future will be determined between '09 and '10. That's when they'll have all the money in the world to outbid any and every team in the game - including the Yanks and Sox. And they'll also see what they really have from all that young talent in the farm.

2010 should be very interesting in the AL East as the Sox and Yanks will remain powers, the DRays should finally have overwhelming young talent and the Orioles have a good mix of stud free agents and young talent. The Blue Jays look to be in position to be at the bottom of the AL East for a very long time from 2009/10 on.

http://yankees.lhblogs.com/


January
7

This press release came from MLB today:

As part of an evolving process to prevent the illegal use of performance-enhancing substances, Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig announced today that Major League Baseball has enhanced current clubhouse security, based on the recommendations of Senator George J. Mitchell, by unilaterally implementing a number of security measures and logistical changes.

The changes announced today are part of a continuing effort to improve clubhouse security. In recent years, the Commissioner’s Office has worked with the Clubs to limit access, has banned personal trainers from clubhouses, and has limited access by vendors to specified areas. The Commissioner’s Office has also required Clubs to maintain logs of clubhouse visitors, with only members of the BBWAA being exempt.

Today, Clubs were notified that the following clubhouse security and logistical measures will be universally enforced:

• Background checks will be performed on all existing clubhouse personnel and new hires.

• Random drug tests will be performed on all clubhouse personnel.

• Clubs will be required to maintain a log of all packages sent to clubhouses at Major League ballparks.

• Clubs will be required to distribute Major League Baseball’s Policy on “Disclosing Information Relating to the Use, Possession or Distribution of Prohibited Substances” to all Club employees and to post the policy in the clubhouse.

• The overnight notice to Clubs before the arrival of Comprehensive Drug Testing personnel has been eliminated. All Clubs will be required to have a single, designated area for collections in both the home and visiting clubhouses. Collectors will be provided with permanent, official credentials and their access will be facilitated.

“These security and logistical changes are important additional steps in combating the illegal use of performance-enhancing substances,” Commissioner Selig said. “Major League Baseball is pleased to act on the recommendations made by Senator Mitchell as part of its ongoing clubhouse security procedures. Major League Baseball will soon be announcing additional changes based on the recommendations made by Senator Mitchell.”

http://yankees.lhblogs.com/

The Yankees have hired former interim Reds manager Pete Mackanin as a major league scout. Makes sense, given his experience.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7645506


Associated Press
Updated: January 7, 2008, 6:11 PM EST 59 comments
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HOUSTON (AP) - Roger Clemens' former trainer said he was willing to go to jail and repeatedly asked the pitcher "what do you want me to do?" during a 17-minute telephone conversation last week.




Must-read:
# Kriegel: A task too tall for LSU?

# Rosenthal: Clemens' ultimate gamble

# Long: Great time for Eli to get hot

# Must-see: BCS Live: Ohio St.'s motivation

# Chargers finally get playoff win

# For more videos, click here. Must-know: Redskins expected to go after Briggs
For all of today's rumors, click here. Top headlines:
# Clemens plays ex-trainer phone call

# T.O. will be game-time decision

# Vick transferred to Leavenworth

# For all of today's top stories, click here. Worth a thousand words: Sunday NFL Wild Card action

# Photos from the Orange Bowl

For more photos, click here.

A recording of last Friday's conversation between Clemens and Brian McNamee was played Monday at the start of Clemens' news conference. Clemens' lawyers said that because McNamee didn't deny Clemens' claims that he never used steroids, it amounted to proof that Clemens was telling the truth.

"I'll go to jail, I'll do whatever you want," McNamee said during the conversation.

"I need somebody to tell the truth," Clemens said.

During the tape, McNamee never said he lied when he told baseball investigator George Mitchell last year that he injected Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone in 1998, 2000 and 2001.

"I'm in your corner," McNamee said. "I'd also like not to go to jail, too."

Late Sunday, Clemens filed a defamation suit against McNamee in Texas state court.

Clemens was mostly expressionless while the tape played, even when McNamee said, "You treated me like family."

Clemens said McNamee initiated the conversation, which was laced with emotion and profanity. McNamee, a former strength coach for the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees, sounded as if he were a desperate man.

"I'm firing my lawyers. I'm getting rid of everybody," McNamee said. "My wife is gone. My kids are gone."

After the tape was played, Hardin said Clemens was willing to testify Jan. 16 to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Clemens and McNamee were invited to Washington along with Andy Pettitte, Chuck Knoblauch and Kirk Radomski, the former Mets' clubhouse attendant alleged to have provided McNamee with performance-enhancing drugs.

"I'm going to Congress and I'm going to tell the truth," Clemens said.

On Sunday, CBS's "60 Minutes" aired a Dec. 28 interview with Clemens, the first time he answered questions since the Mitchell Report on drugs in baseball was released Dec. 13. Monday was the first time Clemens answered questions from a group of reporters.

His anger at reporters for the way he has been portrayed was clear when he mentioned the Hall of Fame. There has speculation that the allegations in the Mitchell Report would hurt his chances for induction.

"Do you think I played my career because I care about the Hall of Fame? ... If you have a vote ... you keep your vote," he said and walked off shortly afterward.

Bruckner is fine, I hope. At least he was not a CHEATER and LIER like Roger...WAAAAA!
johnnynofear
1/7/2008
3:48 PM (report inappropriate content)

Roger you still deserve to be in Hall of Fame...regardless...Deny.
..Deny...Deny....
StevoinHTown This user has a blog
1/7/2008
3:48 PM (report inappropriate content)

Yer right Paxton...that was "Damage Control PR" and not very well done at all...
sskkooll
1/7/2008
3:47 PM (report inappropriate content)

What is the difference between Clemens and Bonds. Nothing, they are both roid heads.
paxton2010
1/7/2008
3:46 PM (report inappropriate content)

Nice, staged phone call Clemens camp!! When McNamee said, "what do you want me to do Roger"?, the answer should have been a resounding: Immediately retract all of the lies that you have told!! Why would you make up these BS lies about me, Brian??? Not once in 17 minutes did Clemens get pissed about these so called lies!!! Rusty, your strategy backfired playing that BS scripted phone call!!
dense81 This user has a blog
1/7/2008
3:46 PM (report inappropriate content)

shoreshark

Sweet Caroline is your favorite song and that makes me wonder what team your playing for.
Fortheloveofthegame This user has a blog
1/7/2008
3:45 PM (report inappropriate content)

Shoreshark, How is Bill Buckner doing these days? Along with Oil Can Boyd?
Zado1
1/7/2008
3:45 PM (report inappropriate content)

Steroids as well as all "under the counter" drugs have always been illegal without a prescription. The people that say that steroids were legal before 2002 are simply very misguided individuals (including writers for Fox). The players union, under immense pressure, finally agreed to testing to commence in the 2002 season.
Shoreshark This user has a blog
1/7/2008
3:45 PM (report inappropriate content)

Pete Rose, yes. Clemens NO!
sskkooll
1/7/2008
3:43 PM (report inappropriate content)

Roger throw away that shovel. You are digging a hole that is too deep to climb out of. That tape did not help you at all. If anything it makes you look more guilty. Mcnamee has nothing to win by telling a lie. You have everything to lose if you do not tell a lie. My guess is that you are the one telling the lie.
fando
1/7/2008
3:43 PM (report inappropriate content)

no one seems to care.whatever happenend to Bruno Sanmartino?. He was a good a second baseman.
cryptic1972
1/7/2008
3:43 PM (report inappropriate content)

Can someone please explain something? If these steroids were not banned until 2005 then why is it an issue? They weren't illegal yet. That would be like if you were a smoker and then they banned cigarettes and the feds threw you in jail because you used to smoke. If I mised an important point then please by all means correct me.
Fortheloveofthegame This user has a blog
1/7/2008
3:42 PM (report inappropriate content)

Exactly, MLB did nothing but draw fat paychecks while McGuire, Bonds and Sosa were blasting homeruns and saving baseball after that pathetic strike in "94"... The Commisioner is the biggest Idiot out of the bunch.
cruzmssl
1/7/2008
3:41 PM (report inappropriate content)

Having Clemens testify in front of Congress is a huge waste of time and money. Congress should be worried about our country going in the tank and the young Americans that continue to lose their lives in Iraq; but these granstanding congressional wimps want the publicity that will come from this. If my congressman ends up on the committee he will never again get my vote. Personally I think Clemens did it, but I could care less what he stuck in his rear end, he is however an egotistical jerk.
DocZ
1/7/2008
3:41 PM (report inappropriate content)

The biggest idoit? on here is Johnnyboy what ever and his proff positive? People get real. for one reason, Clemens is not guilty of anything at the moment. Ole Johnny has him guilty of perjury here already. Even if the guy is lying IT DOESN'T make a bit of difference. The stuff wasnt illegal. Johnnyboy turn in your computer you aren’t smart to run a spell check. Clemens belongs in the Hall of Fame on the First Ballot and so does Pete Rose.
Shoreshark This user has a blog
1/7/2008
3:41 PM (report inappropriate content)

Roger, if you are lucky maybe both you and your trainer will be cell mates in Prison. That is where you go when you commit perjury!
Unless you want Bubba as a room-mate! You probably do from the sound of that phone call!
Bubba will add a whole new way to use the names "A-Rod" and "The Rocket" that we all know you will like!
MetsYanks
1/7/2008
3:41 PM (report inappropriate content)

I bleieve that Roger is telling the truth. Before you pass judgement, consider the effort that he expended daily to achieve excellence. A man with that drive and regimen would not risk the injury to his tendos as he would know that the steroids would create muscle mass that would destroy his ligaments and tendons.

It is disgusting how quickly the American press jumps to negative conclusions. I be if Lupica or Kreigel, for example, were disparaged in the press or by someone of celebrity, they would want the benefit of the doubt that they fail to give to Clemens.
formerIndianian This user has a blog
1/7/2008
3:40 PM (report inappropriate content)

I never cease to be amazed at the lack of intelligence in the comments to what writers "write". Sports writers as well as the press in general are destroying anyone they want to. Look at how they have ganged up on the coach from Okla who stood up for his team players. Look at how Clemmens is being ham strung...look at how Bonds has been written about. Most of it is guess work and to do what most people to on this blog/comments. Total ignorance...for the most part. I am going out on a limb but I totally believe Roger Clemens. I may not have been in his corner when he pitched but I am at the moment. Those of you who rant and talk without thinking...try being accused of something you have not done. How do you think the many, many people in jail who are innocent?? I blame the press in so many many ways..
peace....
StevoinHTown This user has a blog
1/7/2008
3:40 PM (report inappropriate content)

that conversation was BS...

Please let us know what you think about ESPN's message boards.
Read ESPN's message board rules here.

consipiracy theory
trotdaubach Post #1: 6:20 pm Quote | Report Violation
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could they have set this tape up since mcnamee and clemens are friends maybe both know they are being taped and they word the conversation in a way where clemens may seem innocent and mcnamee may still be telling the truth.

but, seriously, whoever is telling the truth really should have talked differently during that conversation. morons, the both of them.

lol.
WilliamZabka Post #2: 6:23 pm Quote | Report Violation
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See post number 4 in the 17 minute thread.

I CANNOT IMAGINE that either would be so stupid as to think that this conversation wouldn't be recorded.
SheaHilly4Prez Post #3: 6:26 pm Quote | Report Violation
Total Posts: 3855
Decent theory. It's certainly possible that they could've planned this out, and made sure that neither guy really comes out on top in the conversation. Clemens gains some support in that McNamee never says he did it, and McNamee gains some sympathy from what he's going through with his son...
trotdaubach Post #4: 6:36 pm Quote | Report Violation
Total Posts: 6865


mcnamee never says "but i just had to tell them the truth to avoid jail"



and roger never says "just come out and tell the truth"



one of those should have happened.
WilliamZabka Post #5: 6:41 pm Quote | Report Violation
Total Posts: 6641


mcnamee never says "but i just had to tell them the truth to avoid jail"



and roger never says "just come out and tell the truth"



one of those should have happened.


For the most part true. McNamee did say something to the extent of "I didn't want to go to jail." But if he had half a brain, he's have said, "Roger, I had to tell them about your roid use or I'd go to jail. I'm sorry, but I have a family and my son can't have a father in prison."

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7633184


by Dayn Perry
Dayn Perry is a frequent contributor to FOXSports.com and author of the new book, "Winners: How Good Baseball Teams Become Great Ones" (Available now at Amazon.com).
Updated: January 6, 2008, 2:22 AM EST 36 comments
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Thus far in their relatively brief history, the Tampa Bay Rays have been notable only for the depths of their failures.




Must-read:
# Kriegel: A task too tall for LSU?

# Rosenthal: Clemens' ultimate gamble

# Long: Great time for Eli to get hot

# Must-see: BCS Live: Ohio St.'s motivation

# Chargers finally get playoff win

# For more videos, click here. Must-know: Redskins expected to go after Briggs
For all of today's rumors, click here. Top headlines:
# Clemens plays ex-trainer phone call

# T.O. will be game-time decision

# Vick transferred to Leavenworth

# For all of today's top stories, click here. Worth a thousand words: Sunday NFL Wild Card action

# Photos from the Orange Bowl

For more photos, click here.

In 10 seasons on the job, the hapless Rays have managed to finish in last place every year but one. As well, they've ranked last in the American League in attendance for seven straight years, and their home ballpark is an absolute hole. In other words, they're the punchline of a joke that's not particularly funny.

At long last, however, things are finally looking up for this blighted franchise. That's because the Rays, at this moment, have one of the most staggering collections of young talent in recent history. In some ways, that's a natural consequence of having so many high draft picks in succession, but, whatever the reasons, Rays fans — both of them! — finally have cause for optimism.

Consider the under-age-25 talents the Rays currently have at the major-league level: lefty Scott Kazmir (led the AL in strikeouts last season as a 23-year-old), right-hander Matt Garza (3.69 ERA last season in Minnesota), center fielder B.J. Upton (2007 batting line of .300 AVG/.386 OBP/.508 SLG), and catcher Dioner Navarro. And that's to say nothing of right-hander James Shields (215 innings and a 3.85 ERA in 2007), and outfielders Carl Crawford and Rocco Baldelli, who are all age 26. That's impressive enough, but there's much more on the way.

To wit, there's third baseman Evan Longoria, who may be the top prospect in all of baseball; lefty David Price, the top overall pick of the 2007 draft and owner of one of the filthiest sliders you'll ever see; right-hander Wade Davis, who's got a tremendous power arsenal; outfielder Desmond Jennings, a power-speed guy who can pick it in center; shortstop Reid Brignac, who could put up big numbers by positional standards; and Jacob McGee, who has one of the best lefty fastballs around. And let's also not forget that they'll have the first overall pick in the June draft.

What's immediately apparent is that the Rays finally have some pitching. Last season, Tampa ranked last in the AL in runs allowed per game, and only once have they placed in the top half of the league in that category.

But that's about to change. Kazmir, Shields, and Garza already form one of the best one-two-three trios in all of baseball. Price has ace potential, and Davis and McGee also have the stuff to thrive as members of a major-league rotation.

The upshot is that the Rays, provided all these young arms stay healthy, could have the top rotation in the game within the next three or four years. That's a drastic reversal of fortune for the organization that counts things like Tanyon Sturtze, Dewon Brazleton, and Albie Lopez among its past Opening Day starters.

On the offensive side of things, the Rays are similarly well positioned. Upton and Longoria will contend for the MVP Award some day, Jennings has a tremendous ceiling, and Brignac profiles as a J.J. Hardy-type at the highest level. What's also encouraging on this front is that the Rays, led by VPs Andrew Friedman and Gerry Hunsicker, finally have a heady front office in place. That's going to be critical when it comes to filling out the lineup with affordable and productive solutions.

This isn't to say all is worry-free going forward. The Rays, of course, have the misfortune of toiling in the AL East, which means they must compete with the moneyed and generally smart Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.

More critically, the Rays, since they have so much young talent in place, are going to be faced with a cascade of salary escalation in the coming seasons. As all these young players head into their arbitration and free-agency seasons, the Rays will need to pay the going rates or else fall into a perpetual state of rebuilding. Already rumors have it that Tampa is open to trading Kazmir. Suffice it to say, doing so would be a mammoth mistake and a regrettable sign of things to come.

Rays ownership obviously wants a stronger revenue base before it begins making such investments, but investing in the product is the necessary first step. As history has proved time and again, fans will support a winning team. The Rays, if they do what's necessary to keep guys like Kazmir in place, will find success on the field. Then the fan base — and the coffers — will grow. But it's incumbent upon ownership to make it happen.

Overall, the Rays are headed for better times. They've got the best young talent in the game, and they've got capable decision-makers in the front office. This is a team that, if left in place, will contend for a playoff berth as soon as 2009 and keep it up for years to come. Provided ownership steps up, the Rays will be punchlines no more.

http://waswatching.com/

Joba Chamberlain

Chamberlain will need to keep his weight in check, which would help him avoid any recurrence of his past knee, hamstring or triceps tendinitis issues. He needs to maintain the mechanical improvements he has made as a pro, which keep him more balanced and direct his energy toward the plate, rather than side-to-side. He must prove he can maintain his stuff through a full season. His career high for innings remains the 119 he threw for Nebraska as a sophomore.

Austin Jackson

Jackson takes a healthy cut and doesn't have great times to first base out of the batter's box, but he has average speed and has improved his first step considerably. He's still gaining baseball experience, which shows in his pitch recognition and baserunning acumen.

Jose Tabata

Tabata's offensive future still involves some projection, and there's some concern his thickening body could lose some athleticism, rendering him more one-dimensional. Scouts outside the organization chide him for failing to give a consistent effort.

Ian Kennedy

With only one above-average pitch, Kennedy has to hit his spots, but he usually does. At times his curve is too slow, dipping to 69-72 mph, and lacks sharpness.

Alan Horne

Horne's arm action is long, leading to inconsistent release points and below-average command, and it likely contributed to his past elbow injury. The Yankees have shortened his delivery in other ways to compensate, but it's not a correctable flaw and limits Horne's ceiling. He doesn't field his position or hold runners particularly well.

Jesus Montero

At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, Montero already has grown very large for an 18-year-old. The Yankees say he has lower-body flexibility, necessary for blocking balls in the dirt, and he has worked hard to become a solid receiver. There are mixed opinions about his ability to stay at catcher, and he'll have to keep working on his body and catch-and-throw skills to stay behind the plate. He threw out just three of 32 basestealers (9 percent) in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in his pro debut.

Jeff Marquez

Marquez doesn't have enough power or bite to his curveball for it to be a strikeout pitch, and he's dependent on his defense because he doesn't miss a lot of bats. He'll have to continue to refine his fastball command and have that pitch play up if his curve doesn't improve.

Brett Gardner

Gardner has hit one homer the last two years and doesn't have the swing path or strength to hit for much more. He'll have to prove he won't be overpowered in the majors, and he needs to hang in better against lefthanders to avoid becoming a platoon player. His arm is below average yet playable in center.

Ross Ohlendorf

Lefthanders owned Ohlendorf when he was a starter because his changeup was fringy. He's added a splitter to see if that will help. His command slipped at the outset of 2007 but improved dramatically once he moved to the bullpen.

Andrew Brackman

Brackman's elbow injury turned out to be a torn ligament; he had Tommy John surgery immediately after signing in mid-August. He won't pitch in his first pro game until 2009, which is even more of a setback because he worked just 149 innings in three years at N.C. State.

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Pettitte's new lawyer represented Sosa at 2005 steroids hearing
Associated Press

Monday, January 7, 2008

NEW YORK -- Andy Pettitte retained a new lawyer for his upcoming appearance before a congressional committee and will be represented by Pittsburgh attorney Jay Reisinger. Pettitte, Roger Clemens and Chuck Knoblauch, the three players invited to testify Jan. 16 before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, all share the same agents, Randy and Alan Hendricks. Clemens is being represented on drug matters by Houston lawyer Rusty Hardin. Reisinger represented Sammy Sosa whe ...

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* Comments (1-12)
o
Kapnasty
Kapnasty (2 hours ago)
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I wonder if Pettitte now wishes that he hadn't come clean and had instead teamed up with Clemens against Mcnamee?
o
altrock1903
altrock1903 (2 hours ago)
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omg, there is a lawyer on tv, talking. make it stop, please the pain, the pain. i see the strategy, the lawyer will cause mass suicide, problem solved.
o
gary286134
gary286134 (2 hours ago)
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Can Andy lie for Roger, better than he can lie for himself?
o
krbtx8
krbtx8 (2 hours ago)
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no habla ingles!
o
StraferPraha
StraferPraha (2 hours ago)
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Maybe Andy can arrange to be arrested for polygamy before he has to testify. That would make everyone forget about the steroid allegations in a hurry
o
donden1
donden1 (3 hours ago)
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Me speak no English......

--Andy Petite
o
StraferPraha
StraferPraha (3 hours ago)
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What I wouldn't give to see Andy pull a Sosa
o
EricKohli9200
EricKohli9200 (3 hours ago)
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"Biesbol has been very very good to me." - Pettite to congress
o
altrock1903
altrock1903 (3 hours ago)
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'all share the same agents, Randy and Alan Hendricks.'

i did not know this. perhaps the hendricks brothers should testify as well. jan. 16, a very significant day in history. frank zamboni and dizzy dean born on that day. vermont declares its independence from new york. coincidence? i think not.
o
Eternalz
Eternalz (3 hours ago)
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clemens is a moron!
o
packandcanes
packandcanes (3 hours ago)
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I wonder if Pettitte will forget how to speak English as well..
o
DeadlyPitbull
DeadlyPitbull (4 hours ago)
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http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=munson_lester&id=3185262



By Lester Munson
ESPN.com
(Archive)


Three words describe Roger Clemens' lawsuit against Brian McNamee. Two of them are nouns: profile and propaganda. One of them is an adjective: proactive.

The profile: What Clemens offers in the lawsuit filed Sunday night is a detailed listing of his feats as one of the great pitchers of all time. He devotes 10 paragraphs and five pages of his 14-page lawsuit to career highlights that go back to his days in high school. If he's that good as a pitcher, the suit suggests, how can anyone think he is lying about steroids?

The propaganda: The suit includes both a reminder that Clemens was "raised primarily by a single mother who worked several jobs" and an attack on McNamee as a suspected rapist who could not find work until Clemens hired him.

Both the detailed profile of greatness and the propaganda are highly unusual in a civil lawsuit that claims defamation and seeks money damages. Most lawyers file papers that are lean and spare in their descriptions, hoping to avoid a nasty backlash and expecting to add details as the suit progresses.

But the adjective is the most important here. The lawsuit is a "proactive" strike against McNamee. Clemens filed his case in Houston, his home court, where his lawyers have enjoyed extraordinary success. When McNamee gets around to filing his countersuit, he is stuck now. He must file it in Texas, the forum selected by Clemens and his lawyers.

As a profile of Clemens' greatness, as propaganda, and as a proactive strike, the lawsuit does more than seek monetary damages for defamation. It is part of a deliberate and planned campaign of defiance of the charges in the Mitchell report, a campaign that included Clemens' interview with Mike Wallace on "60 Minutes" and his press conference on Monday afternoon and that will continue with his appearance before the U.S. House of Representatives next week.

The detailed description of Clemens' baseball career is very uncommon in a defamation lawsuit. Clemens wants everyone to remember how great he is. In a lengthy description of his first 20-strikeout game in 1986, it includes a quote from his manager: "I watched perfect games by Catfish Hunter and Mike Witt, but this was the most awesome pitching performance I've ever seen." The suit doesn't name the manager, keeping the focus on Clemens. (For the record, the manager of the Red Sox in 1986 was John McNamara.)

It even reminds us of the statement Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette made in 1996 when Duquette failed to re-sign Clemens and let him go to Toronto. Duquette famously said he wished Clemens well in the "twilight of his career." Just in case anyone has forgotten, the lawsuit reminds us that Clemens won the Cy Young and the pitching triple crown in his first year with the Blue Jays.

When he won only seven games for the Astros in 2006, the suit makes sure we know it was because of "low run support." It may be the first time in the history of American jurisprudence that "low run support" has made it into a legal document.

The propaganda touches in the suit include a description of a rape investigation in Florida that involved McNamee. It is highly unlikely that any mention of the rape investigation would be made in a trial of the Clemens case; but apparently, it was important to Clemens and his attorneys to let us know that McNamee "lied to police officers and refused their requests for evidence." No charges were ever filed against McNamee.

The lawsuit also accuses McNamee in dramatic terms of changing his story to federal investigators and to Mitchell. Clemens calls McNamee's decision to tell what he thinks is the truth a "recantation," and suggests that it came only after threats of jail and a "cold war era interrogation."

With the profile and the propaganda come dramatic statements of what McNamee and the Mitchell report have done to Clemens. Their allegations, Clemens asserts, have "captured the attention of the nation, fueled rampant speculation and irreparably tainted the reputation of one of baseball's hardest working and most talented pitchers."

If that's the damage to Clemens, the damage to McNamee is just beginning. Clemens' proactive filing leaves McNamee in a bad spot. Not only must he respond to Clemens in Texas, he is up against Clemens' formidable resources. In litigation, money matters -- and Clemens will clearly have the edge over McNamee.

If there was any doubt about Clemens' rage against the Mitchell report, the lawsuit resolves them. Clemens is on a campaign of denial and defiance.

It might work. But if there is a smoking syringe out there somewhere, it won't.

Lester Munson, a Chicago lawyer and journalist who has been reporting on investigative and legal issues in the sports industry for 18 years, is a senior writer for ESPN.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3185494


Roger Clemens repeatedly denied using steroids during a conversation with Brian McNamee, but the former trainer would not confirm or deny his claims.

On Monday in Houston, Clemens and his lawyer played a tape of a 17-minute conversation between the two last week as the pitcher continues his defense of allegations in the Mitchell Report that he used performance-enchancing drugs.

McNamee told the Mitchell commission that he injected the seven-time Cy Young award winner with steroids and human growth hormone 16-21 times in 1998, 2000 and 2001. Clemens asserts that the trainer only injected hime with the painkiller lidocaine and the vitamin B-12.

"For the life of me I'm trying to figure out why you told guys I did steroids," Clemens said to McNamee on the tape.

"I understand that," McNamee responded.

Over and over, Clemens makes statements like, "I just want the truth out there and like I said, I can't believe what is being said."

But McNamee never says that he lied to the Mitchell commission regarding Clemens' alleged steroid use. He does repeatedly ask what he can do for Clemens.

"I'm telling the truth and I want it out there," Clemens said, and McNamee responded, "Tell me what you want me to do. I'll go to jail. I'll do whatever you want."

At no point in the conversation does McNamee say that he would be willing to say that Clemens did not take steroids. It is not clear if McNamee knew the conversation was being taped.

McNamee, however, is obviously distraught in the profanity-laced conversation. Saying his son is sick and that he has no money, McNamee said, "I want it to go away. I'm with you in your corner ... but I also don't want to go to jail. It has nothing to do with you. I'd also like to sit down in person with you."

Clemens does not agree to meet, instead saying, "Just give me a little time."

After the tape was played, Hardin said Clemens was willing to testify Jan. 16 to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Clemens and McNamee were invited to Washington along with Andy Pettitte, Chuck Knoblauch and Kirk Radomski, the former Mets' clubhouse attendant alleged to have provided McNamee with performance-enhancing drugs.

"I'm going to Congress and I'm going to tell the truth," Clemens said.

Laying out a timeline of events, Clemens' lawyer, Rusty Hardin, said on Monday that they did find out before the release of the Mitchell Report that McNamee had made incriminating statements about Clemens. They decided not to respond, Hardin said, because it was not clear if the report would name names.

They also had another hope.

"Roger thought that since it was so untrue, perhaps Brian McNamee would change his mind," Hardin said.

The New York Daily News also reported on Monday that days before the scheduled release of the Mitchell Report Clemens' investigators asked McNamee whether he would be willing to recant.

McNamee reportedly called Clemens and Pettitte to warn them that he had spoken to the government. During an interview on "60 Minutes" which aired on Sunday night, Clemens denied knowing that he would be named by Mitchell.

Monday was the first time Clemens answered questions from a group of reporters.

His anger at reporters for the way he has been portrayed was clear when he mentioned the Hall of Fame. There has speculation that the allegations in the Mitchell Report would hurt his chances for induction.

"Do you think I played my career because I care about the Hall of Fame? ... If you have a vote ... you keep your vote," he said and walked off shortly afterward.

Clemens angrily denied taking performance-enhancing drugs on Sunday as well.

His appearance came after weeks of criticism that he wasn't publicly denying the allegations.

Hardin said on Monday the legal team told the pitcher to wait.

"We knew that once this came out, there would surely be congressional hearings," Hardin said.

Hardin also wanted to make clear that Clemens and his legal team was not questioning the integrity of former senator George Mitchell.

"How could an icon like George Mitchell, with unimpeachable integrity, put out a report that is a lie if Roger is telling the truth," he said.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.