Most recent edit on 2005-11-13 14:29:08 by EschaTon
Additions:
"We have instituted a wide-ranging ban on performance-enhancing drugs and a strict testing regimen at the Minor League level. We have encouraged congressional inquiries into the dangers of ephedra and similar substances, and we completely support the recent action of the Food and Drug Administration in banning ephedra,” says the commissioner of Major League Baseball, Bud Selig, "we recognize the problem. We have negotiated the first-ever drug-testing program in Major League Baseball, a first step in the evolutionary process toward zero tolerance” (“All”). The problem of steroid use has plagued the professional sports world, specifically Major League Baseball. A few years ago, there was almost a strike because the fans lost interest in the game where the players, cheat their way to the top. Many records have been broken recently, but there has been much debate about how true these numbers really are. For example, Barry Bonds, who in 2002 broke Mark McGwire’s home run record of 70 home runs with 73 home runs, has been questioned and tested for steroids many times. Turk Wendell, a reliever for the Colorado Rockies, said it was “clear just seeing his body that Bonds was taking steroids” (“Lawyer”). Bonds is well on his way to breaking the all-time home run record of 755 home runs, set by Hank Aaron in the 70’s. Bonds, who has never tested positive for using steroids, has testified for BALCO, a company that has received “short prison sentences and house arrests after pleading guilty to steroid distribution to the federal government” (SportsTicker). Baseball players have not been morally right, as they have not been playing on a level field in the past years; however, the MLB’s new steroid policy and progress with punishment is slowly returning integrity to the game.
The current MLB steroid policy consists of: a 10-day suspension for the first-offense, a 30-day suspension for the second-offense, a 60-day suspension for the third-offense, and a one-year suspension for the fourth-offense (SportsTicker). Nine Major League players were suspended this year, all for a first-offense. There has been much debate and speculation about how this is not harsh enough on the accusers[d]. Bud Selig has taken matters into his own hands, and has developed a plan that would make the punishments more strict. "For many months now, Commissioner Selig has been resolute in his belief that the appropriate discipline in Major League Baseball for the use of performance-enhancing substances is 50 games for the first offense, 100 games for the second and a lifetime ban for the third” (SportsTicker). The Players’ Association did not approve of this, because the members believe that the punishments are too harsh. However, Selig wants to eliminate steroids and cheating completely out of baseball so it [in order to] restores integrity to the national pastime. Selig is willing to work with the Players’ Association to work out a more disciplined policy, and if this collective bargaining does not work, Selig is interested in adopting an anti-drug policy for all sports. This legislature, proposed by the federal government, “proposes a two-year ban for first-time offenders and a lifetime ban for a second offense, similar to Olympic rules. Leagues that don't comply would be subject to a $5 million fine” (SportsTicker). The commotion that has erupted from these plans has caused baseball players to return to ethical, fair play and decline in using steroids.
Teams such as the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, who go after the players that hold the big power numbers made the playoffs this year; however, they did not win the World Series. The Chicago White Sox, who came out of nowhere, swept the Houston Astros 4-0 to win their first Series since the 1910’s. The World Series win refreshed the playoffs, as the usual names like Boston, New York, and Atlanta were eliminated early. Fans were interested in watching new players who are not hitting rockets over 500 feet. Only three players on the Sox were selected to the All-Star game this year, two pitchers, and first-baseman Paul Konerko who was a reserve. Konerko finished the season with 40 homeruns and 100 RBI’s, ranking fifth and 27th respectively in the AL. As a team, the Sox were fifth in the league in team homeruns, behind the Yankees, who have most of the so-called “power-hitters.” Also, the Sox were 13th in total team RBI’s. Chicago worked as a team all year, and held their position in first place almost the whole season. They allowed all of their players to contribute, and did not let one or two big-time power hitters take them all the way. Therefore, it is not the power created by steroids that can win championships, it is just what can unmorally [immorally] set the records.
John Smoltz, a future hall-of-famer who pitches for the Atlanta Braves, believes that steroids are not the only reason for the surplus of home runs hit in the late 90’s. Smoltz argues that “smaller ballparks, juiced-up baseballs and better weight training” have all contributed to the power surge (“Smoltz”). However, this does not stand true for many reasons. For example, the new Minute Maid Park in Houston has been recently built, and the deepest point from home plate is 436 feet (“Minute Maid Park”). Parks built in the early 1990's, such as Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the Indians' Jacobs field, both have 410 feet as the deepest part of the ballpark. These parks support Smoltz's claim, as he had to pitch in these smaller parks during his prime when more home runs were being hit. However, the new millennium’s ballparks' depth, like my example of Minute Maid Park, ranks with the ballparks of the early 20th century, so it cannot be considered a smaller ballpark. [I still don't think this paragraph works. The point you need to make is when Minute Maid Park was opened. If it was still during the "power years" than, yes, your argument is valid. If it was more recently opened, than Smoltz has a point.]
[This is a good evaluation. The shape of the statistics and the league response is well discussed. I think the usage of Smoltz's comments about other reasons for the homerun rise in the 90s could have been better discussed, but that isn't a gigantic problem. Also, this essay makes excellent use of outside sources to further its argument.]
Deletions:
"We have instituted a wide-ranging ban on performance-enhancing drugs and a strict testing regimen at the Minor League level. We have encouraged congressional inquiries into the dangers of ephedra and similar substances, and we completely support the recent action of the Food and Drug Administration in banning ephedra,” says the commissioner of Major League Baseball, Bud Selig, "we recognize the problem. We have negotiated the first-ever drug-testing program in Major League Baseball, a first step in the evolutionary process toward zero tolerance” (“All”). The problem of steroid use has plagued the professional sports world, specifically Major League Baseball. A few years ago, there was almost a strike because the fans lost interest in the game where the players, cheat their way to the top. Many records have been broken recently, but there has been much debate about how true these numbers really are. For example, Barry Bonds, who in 2002 broke Mark McGwire’s home run record of 70 home runs with 73 home runs, has been questioned and tested for steroids many times. Turk Wendell, a reliever for the Colorado Rockies, said it was “clear just seeing his body that Bonds was taking steroids” (“Lawyer”). Bonds is well on his way to breaking the all-time home run record of 755 home runs, set by Hank Aaron in the 70’s. Bonds, who has never tested positive for using steroids, has testified for BALCO, a company that has received “short prison sentences and house arrests after pleading guilty to steroid distribution to the federal government” (SportsTicker). Baseball players have not been morally right, as they have not been playing on a level field in the past years; however, the MLB’s new steroid policy and progress with punishment is slowly returning integrity to the game.
The current MLB steroid policy consists of: a 10-day suspension for the first-offense, a 30-day suspension for the second-offense, a 60-day suspension for the third-offense, and a one-year suspension for the fourth-offense (SportsTicker). Nine Major League players were suspended this year, all for a first-offense. There has been much debate and speculation about how this is not harsh enough on the accusers. Bud Selig has taken matters into his own hands, and has developed a plan that would make the punishments more strict. "For many months now, Commissioner Selig has been resolute in his belief that the appropriate discipline in Major League Baseball for the use of performance-enhancing substances is 50 games for the first offense, 100 games for the second and a lifetime ban for the third” (SportsTicker). The Players’ Association did not approve of this, because the members believe that the punishments are too harsh. However, Selig wants to eliminate steroids and cheating completely out of baseball so it restores integrity to the national pastime. Selig is willing to work with the Players’ Association to work out a more disciplined policy, and if this collective bargaining does not work, Selig is interested in adopting an anti-drug policy for all sports. This legislature, proposed by the federal government, “proposes a two-year ban for first-time offenders and a lifetime ban for a second offense, similar to Olympic rules. Leagues that don't comply would be subject to a $5 million fine” (SportsTicker). The commotion that has erupted from these plans has caused baseball players to return to ethical, fair play and decline in using steroids.
Teams such as the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, who go after the players that hold the big power numbers made the playoffs this year; however, they did not win the World Series. The Chicago White Sox, who came out of nowhere, swept the Houston Astros 4-0 to win their first Series since the 1910’s. The World Series win refreshed the playoffs, as the usual names like Boston, New York, and Atlanta were eliminated early. Fans were interested in watching new players who are not hitting rockets over 500 feet. Only three players on the Sox were selected to the All-Star game this year, two pitchers, and first-baseman Paul Konerko who was a reserve. Konerko finished the season with 40 homeruns and 100 RBI’s, ranking fifth and 27th respectively in the AL. As a team, the Sox were fifth in the league in team homeruns, behind the Yankees, who have most of the so-called “power-hitters.” Also, the Sox were 13th in total team RBI’s. Chicago worked as a team all year, and held their position in first place almost the whole season. They allowed all of their players to contribute, and did not let one or two big-time power hitters take them all the way. Therefore, it is not the power created by steroids that can win championships, it is just what can unmorally set the records.
John Smoltz, a future hall-of-famer who pitches for the Atlanta Braves, believes that steroids are not the only reason for the surplus of home runs hit in the late 90’s. Smoltz argues that “smaller ballparks, juiced-up baseballs and better weight training” have all contributed to the power surge (“Smoltz”). However, this does not stand true for many reasons. For example, the new Minute Maid Park in Houston has been recently built, and the deepest point from home plate is 436 feet (“Minute Maid Park”). Parks built in the early 1990's, such as Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the Indians' Jacobs field, both have 410 feet as the deepest part of the ballpark. These parks support Smoltz's claim, as he had to pitch in these smaller parks during his prime when more home runs were being hit. However, the new millennium’s ballparks' depth, like my example of Minute Maid Park, ranks with the ballparks of the early 20th century, so it cannot be considered a smaller ballpark.
Edited on 2005-11-03 20:18:57 by MichaelNiffeneggerTestUser
No differences.
Edited on 2005-11-03 20:18:39 by MichaelNiffeneggerTestUser
No differences.
Edited on 2005-11-03 20:18:22 by MichaelNiffeneggerTestUser
Additions:
Associated Press. “Lawyer for trainer: Bonds rejected THG offer.” ESPN.com February 27, 2004. November 1, 2005. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=1746085∞
Deletions:
Associated Press. “Lawyer for trainer: Bonds rejected THG offer.” ESPN.com February 27, 2004. November 1, 2005. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=1746085∞
Edited on 2005-11-03 20:17:52 by MichaelNiffeneggerTestUser
Additions:
John Smoltz, a future hall-of-famer who pitches for the Atlanta Braves, believes that steroids are not the only reason for the surplus of home runs hit in the late 90’s. Smoltz argues that “smaller ballparks, juiced-up baseballs and better weight training” have all contributed to the power surge (“Smoltz”). However, this does not stand true for many reasons. For example, the new Minute Maid Park in Houston has been recently built, and the deepest point from home plate is 436 feet (“Minute Maid Park”). Parks built in the early 1990's, such as Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the Indians' Jacobs field, both have 410 feet as the deepest part of the ballpark. These parks support Smoltz's claim, as he had to pitch in these smaller parks during his prime when more home runs were being hit. However, the new millennium’s ballparks' depth, like my example of Minute Maid Park, ranks with the ballparks of the early 20th century, so it cannot be considered a smaller ballpark.
Deletions:
John Smoltz, a future hall-of-famer who pitches for the Atlanta Braves, believes that steroids are not the only reason for the surplus of home runs hit in the late 90’s. Smoltz argues that “smaller ballparks, juiced-up baseballs and better weight training” have all contributed to the power surge (“Smoltz”). However, this does not stand true for many reasons. For example, the new Minute Maid Park in Houston has been recently built, and the deepest point from home plate is 436 feet (“Minute Maid Park”). Parks built in the early 1990's, such as Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the Indians' Jacobs field, both have 410 feet as the deepest part of the ballpark. These parks support Smoltz's claim, as he had to pitch in these smaller parks during his prime when more home runs were being hit. However, the new millenium's ball parks' depth, like my example of Minute Maid Park, ranks with the ballparks of the early 20th century, so it cannot be considered a smaller ballpark.
Edited on 2005-11-03 20:16:42 by MichaelNiffeneggerTestUser
Additions:
John Smoltz, a future hall-of-famer who pitches for the Atlanta Braves, believes that steroids are not the only reason for the surplus of home runs hit in the late 90’s. Smoltz argues that “smaller ballparks, juiced-up baseballs and better weight training” have all contributed to the power surge (“Smoltz”). However, this does not stand true for many reasons. For example, the new Minute Maid Park in Houston has been recently built, and the deepest point from home plate is 436 feet (“Minute Maid Park”). Parks built in the early 1990's, such as Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the Indians' Jacobs field, both have 410 feet as the deepest part of the ballpark. These parks support Smoltz's claim, as he had to pitch in these smaller parks during his prime when more home runs were being hit. However, the new millenium's ball parks' depth, like my example of Minute Maid Park, ranks with the ballparks of the early 20th century, so it cannot be considered a smaller ballpark.
Deletions:
John Smoltz, a future hall-of-famer who pitches for the Atlanta Braves, believes that steroids are not the only reason for the surplus of home runs hit in the late 90’s. Smoltz argues that “smaller ballparks, juiced-up baseballs and better weight training” have all contributed to the power surge (“Smoltz”). However, this does not stand true for many reasons. For example, the new Minute Maid Park in Houston has been recently built, and the deepest point from home plate is 436 feet (“Minute Maid Park”). This depth ranks with the ballparks of the early 20th century, so it cannot be considered a smaller ballpark.
Edited on 2005-11-03 19:59:40 by MichaelNiffeneggerTestUser
Additions:
Andrew- I tried to find the sources for most of the ESPN.com articles but most of them were Associated Press. In my citations, I just quoted the first word of the title of the article.
"We have instituted a wide-ranging ban on performance-enhancing drugs and a strict testing regimen at the Minor League level. We have encouraged congressional inquiries into the dangers of ephedra and similar substances, and we completely support the recent action of the Food and Drug Administration in banning ephedra,” says the commissioner of Major League Baseball, Bud Selig, "we recognize the problem. We have negotiated the first-ever drug-testing program in Major League Baseball, a first step in the evolutionary process toward zero tolerance” (“All”). The problem of steroid use has plagued the professional sports world, specifically Major League Baseball. A few years ago, there was almost a strike because the fans lost interest in the game where the players, cheat their way to the top. Many records have been broken recently, but there has been much debate about how true these numbers really are. For example, Barry Bonds, who in 2002 broke Mark McGwire’s home run record of 70 home runs with 73 home runs, has been questioned and tested for steroids many times. Turk Wendell, a reliever for the Colorado Rockies, said it was “clear just seeing his body that Bonds was taking steroids” (“Lawyer”). Bonds is well on his way to breaking the all-time home run record of 755 home runs, set by Hank Aaron in the 70’s. Bonds, who has never tested positive for using steroids, has testified for BALCO, a company that has received “short prison sentences and house arrests after pleading guilty to steroid distribution to the federal government” (SportsTicker). Baseball players have not been morally right, as they have not been playing on a level field in the past years; however, the MLB’s new steroid policy and progress with punishment is slowly returning integrity to the game.
The current MLB steroid policy consists of: a 10-day suspension for the first-offense, a 30-day suspension for the second-offense, a 60-day suspension for the third-offense, and a one-year suspension for the fourth-offense (SportsTicker). Nine Major League players were suspended this year, all for a first-offense. There has been much debate and speculation about how this is not harsh enough on the accusers. Bud Selig has taken matters into his own hands, and has developed a plan that would make the punishments more strict. "For many months now, Commissioner Selig has been resolute in his belief that the appropriate discipline in Major League Baseball for the use of performance-enhancing substances is 50 games for the first offense, 100 games for the second and a lifetime ban for the third” (SportsTicker). The Players’ Association did not approve of this, because the members believe that the punishments are too harsh. However, Selig wants to eliminate steroids and cheating completely out of baseball so it restores integrity to the national pastime. Selig is willing to work with the Players’ Association to work out a more disciplined policy, and if this collective bargaining does not work, Selig is interested in adopting an anti-drug policy for all sports. This legislature, proposed by the federal government, “proposes a two-year ban for first-time offenders and a lifetime ban for a second offense, similar to Olympic rules. Leagues that don't comply would be subject to a $5 million fine” (SportsTicker). The commotion that has erupted from these plans has caused baseball players to return to ethical, fair play and decline in using steroids.
The players reducing their use of steroids has caused a massive decline in the power numbers produced this season. After searching deep into the site of ESPN.com, I have found many statistics that have proved that the power numbers have dropped. The average number of home runs hit per game this year was 2.06, compared to 2.25 in 2004. There were also nine players who hit over 40 home runs, which is the same as last year; however, these nine players are significantly lower than the record number of 16 players in 2000. Ironically, this is one of the years that is looked back on as a steroid year, when the topic was not a big deal yet. Only 27 players hit more than 100 RBI’s this season, the fewest since 1995 when just 19 hit more than 100, and less than half of the 59 players that hit more than 100 in 1999. As you can see, the numbers have dropped drastically since the mid-to-late 1990’s and the beginning of the 2000’s when the stars like Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds were blasting balls over 500 feet. Moreover, the league-leader in home runs this year was Andruw Jones, who hit 51 home runs, a huge decline from the 70 home runs hit by McGwire in 1998 and the 73 hit by Bonds in 2002. The reason Major league power numbers have dropped in 2005 is because this is “the first season in which players were suspended after their first positive test for steroids,” so players are forced back to the empty weight room and build up real strength while returning to the integrity of training (“Average”).
Teams such as the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, who go after the players that hold the big power numbers made the playoffs this year; however, they did not win the World Series. The Chicago White Sox, who came out of nowhere, swept the Houston Astros 4-0 to win their first Series since the 1910’s. The World Series win refreshed the playoffs, as the usual names like Boston, New York, and Atlanta were eliminated early. Fans were interested in watching new players who are not hitting rockets over 500 feet. Only three players on the Sox were selected to the All-Star game this year, two pitchers, and first-baseman Paul Konerko who was a reserve. Konerko finished the season with 40 homeruns and 100 RBI’s, ranking fifth and 27th respectively in the AL. As a team, the Sox were fifth in the league in team homeruns, behind the Yankees, who have most of the so-called “power-hitters.” Also, the Sox were 13th in total team RBI’s. Chicago worked as a team all year, and held their position in first place almost the whole season. They allowed all of their players to contribute, and did not let one or two big-time power hitters take them all the way. Therefore, it is not the power created by steroids that can win championships, it is just what can unmorally set the records.
John Smoltz, a future hall-of-famer who pitches for the Atlanta Braves, believes that steroids are not the only reason for the surplus of home runs hit in the late 90’s. Smoltz argues that “smaller ballparks, juiced-up baseballs and better weight training” have all contributed to the power surge (“Smoltz”). However, this does not stand true for many reasons. For example, the new Minute Maid Park in Houston has been recently built, and the deepest point from home plate is 436 feet (“Minute Maid Park”). This depth ranks with the ballparks of the early 20th century, so it cannot be considered a smaller ballpark.
Should asterisks be placed on the records that have been recently broken? If Barry Bonds really is on steroids, or ever has been, how fair is this to the great hall-of-famers of the past? What about the hundreds of thousands of kids that idolize him, as well as many other professional “heroes” who may as well be on performance-enhancing drugs? Gene Wojciechowski, a sports columnist for ESPN.com, refers to baseball as a “game built on the integrity of its statistics, and those statistics connect baseball eras and generations” (Wojciechowski). After watching baseball over the past decade, Wojciechowski has watched “Rafael Palmeiro, Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi, Sammy Sosa -- and anyone else whose home run totals are suspiciously bloated” break many records, and he wonders how true these numbers really are or if they are chemically enhanced (Wojciechowski).
Associated Press. “All, including Bonds' trainer, free until hearing.” ESPN.com February 14, 2004. November 1, 2005. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=1734426∞
Associated Press. “Average of 2.06 HRs per game, down from 2.25 in '04.” ESPN.com October 2, 2005. November 1, 2005. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2179376∞
Associated Press. “Lawyer for trainer: Bonds rejected THG offer.” ESPN.com February 27, 2004. November 1, 2005. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=1746085∞
Associated Press. “Smoltz says current policies 'not good for game.'” ESPN.com February 29, 2004. November 1, 2005. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1747610∞ : "
SportsTicker. “Selig would accept anti-drug government legislation.” ESPN.com November 1, 2005. November 1, 2005. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=2210795∞
Wojciechowski, Gene. “Steroids skew baseball stats into a leap of faith.” ESPN.com September 2, 2005. November 1, 2005. http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=2149553∞
Deletions:
Dead-Tree Copy
11/01/05
"We have instituted a wide-ranging ban on performance-enhancing drugs and a strict testing regimen at the Minor League level. We have encouraged congressional inquiries into the dangers of ephedra and similar substances, and we completely support the recent action of the Food and Drug Administration in banning ephedra,” says the commissioner of Major League Baseball, Bud Selig. "We recognize the problem. We have negotiated the first-ever drug-testing program in Major League Baseball, a first step in the evolutionary process toward zero tolerance”(All). The problem of steroid use has plagued the professional sports world, specifically Major League Baseball. A few years ago, there was almost a strike because the fans have lost interest in the game because of the players, who have been cheating their way to the top. Many records have been broken recently, but there has been much debate about how true these numbers really are. For example, Barry Bonds, who broke Mark McGwire’s home run record in 2001 with 73 home runs, has been questioned and tested for steroids many times. Turk Wendell, a reliever for the Colorado Rockies, said it was “clear just seeing his body that Bonds was taking steroids”(Lawyer). Bonds is well on his way to breaking the all-time home run record of 755 home runs, set by Hank Aaron in the 70’s. Bonds, who has never tested positive, has testified for BALCO, who has received “short prison sentences and house arrests after pleading guilty to steroid distribution to the federal government”(Selig). Baseball players have not been morally right, as they have not been playing in a level playing field in the past years; however, the MLB’s new steroid policy and progress with punishment is slowly returning integrity to the game.
The current MLB steroid policy consists of: a 10-day suspension for the first-offense, a 30-day suspension for the second-offense, a 60-day suspension for the third-offense, and a one-year suspension for the fourth-offense (Selig). Nine Major League players were suspended this year, all for the first-offense of ten days. There has been much debate and speculation about how this is not harsh enough on the accusers. Bud Selig has taken matters into his own hands, and has developed a plan that would make the punishments more strict. "For many months now, Commissioner Selig has been resolute in his belief that the appropriate discipline in Major League Baseball for the use of performance-enhancing substances is 50 games for the first offense, 100 games for the second and a lifetime ban for the third” (Selig). The Players’ Association did not approve of this, because the members believe that the punishments are too harsh. However, this is Selig’s point, because he wants to eliminate steroids and cheating completely out of baseball so it returns to the national pastime. Selig is willing to work with the Players’ Association to work out a more disciplined policy, and if this collective bargaining does not work, Selig is interested in being in favor of an anti-drug policy for all sports. This legislature, proposed by the government, “proposes a two-year ban for first-time offenders and a lifetime ban for a second offense, similar to Olympic rules. Leagues that don't comply would be subject to a $5 million fine” (Selig). The commotion that has erupted from these plans has caused baseball players to return to ethical, fair play and decline in using steroids.
The players reducing their use of steroids has caused a massive decline in the power numbers produced this season. After searching deep into the site of ESPN.com, I have found many statistics that have proved that the power numbers have dropped. The average number of home runs hit per game this year was 2.06, compared to 2.25 in 2004. There were also nine players who hit over 40 home runs, which is the same as last year; however, significantly lower than the record number of 16 players in 2000. Only 27 players hit more than 100 RBI’s, the fewest since 1995 when just 19 hit more, and less than half of the 59 players that hit more than 100 in 1999. As you can see, the numbers have dropped drastically since the mid-to-late 1990’s and the beginning of the 2000’s when the stars like Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds were blasting balls over 500 feet. Moreover, the league-leader in home runs this year was Andruw Jones, who hit 51 home runs, compared to the 70 hit by McGwire in 1998, and the 73 hit by Bonds in 2002. The reason Major league power numbers have dropped in 2005 is because this is “the first season in which players were suspended after their first positive test for steroids” (Average).
Teams such as the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, who go after the players that hold the big power numbers made the playoffs this year; however, they did not win the World Series. The Chicago White Sox, who came out of nowhere, swept the Houston Astros 4-0 to win their first Series since the 1910’s. The World Series win refreshed the playoffs, as the usual names like Boston, New York, and Atlanta were eliminated early. Fans were interested in watching new players, who are not hitting rockets over 500 feet. Only had three players on the Sox were selected to the All-Star game this year, two pitchers, and first-baseman Paul Konerko who was a reserve. Konerko finished the season with 40 homeruns and 100 RBI’s, ranking fifth and 27th respectively in the AL. As a team, the Sox were fifth in the league in team homeruns, behind the Yankees, who have most of the so-called “power-hitters.” Also, the Sox were 13th in total team RBI’s. Chicago worked as a team all year, and held their position in first place almost the whole season. They allowed all of their players to contribute, and didn’t let one or two big-time power hitters take them all the way. Therefore, it is not the power created by steroids that can win championships, it is just what can unmorally set the records.
John Smoltz, a future hall-of-famer who pitches for the Atlanta Braves, believes that steroids are not the only reason for the surplus of home runs hit in the late 90’s. Smoltz argues that “smaller ballparks, juiced-up baseballs and better weight training” (Smoltz) have all contributed to the power surge. However, this does not stand true for many reasons. For example, the new Minute Maid Park in Houston has been recently built, and the deepest point from home plate is 436 feet (Minute Maid Park). This depth ranks with the ballparks of the early 20th century, so it cannot be considered a smaller ballpark.
Should asterisks be placed on the records that have been recently broken? If Barry Bonds really is on steroids, or ever has been, how fair is this to the great hall-of-famers of the past? What about the hundreds of thousands of kids that idolize him, as well as many other professional athletes who may as well be on performance-enhancing drugs? Gene Wojciechowski, a sports columnist for ESPN.com, refers to baseball as a “game built on the integrity of its statistics, and those statistics connect baseball eras and generations” (Steroids). After watching baseball over the past decade, Wojciechowski has watched “Rafael Palmeiro, Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi, Sammy Sosa -- and anyone else whose home run totals are suspiciously bloated” (Steroids) break many records, and he wonders how true these numbers really are or if they are chemically enhanced.
“All, including Bonds' trainer, free until hearing.” February 14, 2004. November 1, 2005. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=1734426∞
“Average of 2.06 HRs per game, down from 2.25 in '04.” October 2, 2005. November 1, 2005. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2179376∞
“Lawyer for trainer: Bonds rejected THG offer.” February 27, 2004. November 1, 2005. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=1746085∞
“Selig would accept anti-drug government legislation.” November 1, 2005. November 1, 2005. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=2210795∞
“Smoltz says current policies 'not good for game.'” February 29, 2004. November 1, 2005. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1747610∞
“Steroids skew baseball stats into a leap of faith.” September 2, 2005. November 1, 2005. http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=2149553∞
Oldest known version of this page was edited on 2005-11-01 23:29:17 by MichaelNiffeneggerTestUser []
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Evaluation Argument
Dead-Tree Copy
11/01/05
"We have instituted a wide-ranging ban on performance-enhancing drugs and a strict testing regimen at the Minor League level. We have encouraged congressional inquiries into the dangers of ephedra and similar substances, and we completely support the recent action of the Food and Drug Administration in banning ephedra,” says the commissioner of Major League Baseball, Bud Selig. "We recognize the problem. We have negotiated the first-ever drug-testing program in Major League Baseball, a first step in the evolutionary process toward zero tolerance”(All). The problem of steroid use has plagued the professional sports world, specifically Major League Baseball. A few years ago, there was almost a strike because the fans have lost interest in the game because of the players, who have been cheating their way to the top. Many records have been broken recently, but there has been much debate about how true these numbers really are. For example, Barry Bonds, who broke Mark
McGwire’s home run record in 2001 with 73 home runs, has been questioned and tested for steroids many times. Turk Wendell, a reliever for the Colorado Rockies, said it was “clear just seeing his body that Bonds was taking steroids”(Lawyer). Bonds is well on his way to breaking the all-time home run record of 755 home runs, set by Hank Aaron in the 70’s. Bonds, who has never tested positive, has testified for BALCO, who has received “short prison sentences and house arrests after pleading guilty to steroid distribution to the federal government”(Selig). Baseball players have not been morally right, as they have not been playing in a level playing field in the past years; however, the MLB’s new steroid policy and progress with punishment is slowly returning integrity to the game.
The current MLB steroid policy consists of: a 10-day suspension for the first-offense, a 30-day suspension for the second-offense, a 60-day suspension for the third-offense, and a one-year suspension for the fourth-offense (Selig). Nine Major League players were suspended this year, all for the first-offense of ten days. There has been much debate and speculation about how this is not harsh enough on the accusers. Bud Selig has taken matters into his own hands, and has developed a plan that would make the punishments more strict. "For many months now, Commissioner Selig has been resolute in his belief that the appropriate discipline in Major League Baseball for the use of performance-enhancing substances is 50 games for the first offense, 100 games for the second and a lifetime ban for the third” (Selig). The Players’ Association did not approve of this, because the members believe that the punishments are too harsh. However, this is Selig’s point, because he wants to eliminate steroids and cheating completely out of baseball so it returns to the national pastime. Selig is willing to work with the Players’ Association to work out a more disciplined policy, and if this collective bargaining does not work, Selig is interested in being in favor of an anti-drug policy for all sports. This legislature, proposed by the government, “proposes a two-year ban for first-time offenders and a lifetime ban for a second offense, similar to Olympic rules. Leagues that don't comply would be subject to a $5 million fine” (Selig). The commotion that has erupted from these plans has caused baseball players to return to ethical, fair play and decline in using steroids.
The players reducing their use of steroids has caused a massive decline in the power numbers produced this season. After searching deep into the site of ESPN.com, I have found many statistics that have proved that the power numbers have dropped. The average number of home runs hit per game this year was 2.06, compared to 2.25 in 2004. There were also nine players who hit over 40 home runs, which is the same as last year; however, significantly lower than the record number of 16 players in 2000. Only 27 players hit more than 100 RBI’s, the fewest since 1995 when just 19 hit more, and less than half of the 59 players that hit more than 100 in 1999. As you can see, the numbers have dropped drastically since the mid-to-late 1990’s and the beginning of the 2000’s when the stars like Mark
McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds were blasting balls over 500 feet. Moreover, the league-leader in home runs this year was Andruw Jones, who hit 51 home runs, compared to the 70 hit by
McGwire in 1998, and the 73 hit by Bonds in 2002. The reason Major league power numbers have dropped in 2005 is because this is “the first season in which players were suspended after their first positive test for steroids” (Average).
Teams such as the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, who go after the players that hold the big power numbers made the playoffs this year; however, they did not win the World Series. The Chicago White Sox, who came out of nowhere, swept the Houston Astros 4-0 to win their first Series since the 1910’s. The World Series win refreshed the playoffs, as the usual names like Boston, New York, and Atlanta were eliminated early. Fans were interested in watching new players, who are not hitting rockets over 500 feet. Only had three players on the Sox were selected to the All-Star game this year, two pitchers, and first-baseman Paul Konerko who was a reserve. Konerko finished the season with 40 homeruns and 100 RBI’s, ranking fifth and 27th respectively in the AL. As a team, the Sox were fifth in the league in team homeruns, behind the Yankees, who have most of the so-called “power-hitters.” Also, the Sox were 13th in total team RBI’s. Chicago worked as a team all year, and held their position in first place almost the whole season. They allowed all of their players to contribute, and didn’t let one or two big-time power hitters take them all the way. Therefore, it is not the power created by steroids that can win championships, it is just what can unmorally set the records.
John Smoltz, a future hall-of-famer who pitches for the Atlanta Braves, believes that steroids are not the only reason for the surplus of home runs hit in the late 90’s. Smoltz argues that “smaller ballparks, juiced-up baseballs and better weight training” (Smoltz) have all contributed to the power surge. However, this does not stand true for many reasons. For example, the new Minute Maid Park in Houston has been recently built, and the deepest point from home plate is 436 feet (Minute Maid Park). This depth ranks with the ballparks of the early 20th century, so it cannot be considered a smaller ballpark.
Should asterisks be placed on the records that have been recently broken? If Barry Bonds really is on steroids, or ever has been, how fair is this to the great hall-of-famers of the past? What about the hundreds of thousands of kids that idolize him, as well as many other professional athletes who may as well be on performance-enhancing drugs? Gene Wojciechowski, a sports columnist for ESPN.com, refers to baseball as a “game built on the integrity of its statistics, and those statistics connect baseball eras and generations” (Steroids). After watching baseball over the past decade, Wojciechowski has watched “Rafael Palmeiro, Jose Canseco, Mark
McGwire, Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi, Sammy Sosa -- and anyone else whose home run totals are suspiciously bloated” (Steroids) break many records, and he wonders how true these numbers really are or if they are chemically enhanced.
WORK CITED
“All, including Bonds' trainer, free until hearing.” February 14, 2004. November 1, 2005.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=1734426∞
“Average of 2.06 HRs per game, down from 2.25 in '04.” October 2, 2005. November 1, 2005.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2179376∞
“Lawyer for trainer: Bonds rejected THG offer.” February 27, 2004. November 1, 2005.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=1746085∞
“Minute Maid Park: Facts and Figures.” November 1, 2005.
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/hou/ballpark/facts_figures.jsp∞
“Selig would accept anti-drug government legislation.” November 1, 2005. November 1, 2005.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=2210795∞
“Smoltz says current policies 'not good for game.'” February 29, 2004. November 1, 2005.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1747610∞
“Steroids skew baseball stats into a leap of faith.” September 2, 2005. November 1, 2005.
http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=2149553∞