[Redskin Rich]

Originally Posted by jdlea

That's the problem though. When you say "Barry cheated" you sorta miss the point. He probably did, however, you clearly state that you believe that a lot of other guys were too. I mean, Jason Grimsley and Guillermo Mota have each tested positive for God's sake! They're fringe Major Leaguers at best and they are on the juice. If they're juicing, I have to believe everyone was, which makes it impossible to separate Barry from the pack. I cheer for the man because I am happy to see a record like this fall in my lifetime and I've always liked watching Barry Bonds play. Up until a few years ago, he was probably the best all around ball player since his godfather, Willie Mays.

I am willing to acknowledge that Bonds probably did juice. However, my problem is: so did everyone else. I posted an article by Buster Olney where he says that can't compare different eras in baseball because "science" changes and so do baseballs, ballparks, etc. Bonds broke baseball's most hallowed record by using steroids in an era that has been dominated by steroid users. I have no problem with a guy being greater than every other hitter in his generation, especially not when they were all on the juice.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, baseball deserves this. They turned a blind eye to roids for years, then decided they would become indignant that people were actually doing them. It's bs. They knew what was going on and as long as people kept coming through the turnstyles they'd sweep it under the rug. Now, that there is so much light on it, they want to talk about records not being legitimate or keep people out of the Hall of Fame, it's not right. Until every other cheater ever comes out of the Hall, McGwire, Canseco and Bonds all deserve to go in. It's not a popularity contest, it's about greatness and they're all great ballplayers, regardless of why.

Why do I feel like there are 2 different conversations in one thread... can you say HIJACK???