McNamee Says He Injected Clemens's Wife With HGH Before 2003 SI Photo Shoot

Damn. When McNamee said it was war, he meant WAR.

Daily News:

Brian McNamee told congressional investigators Thursday that Roger Clemens' wife took human growth hormone before she appeared with the pitcher in Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue in 2003, according to a Washington source.

Debbie Clemens appeared with her husband in a photograph taken in Central Park in the magazine's Feb. 18, 2003 issue wearing a bikini and holding a bat over her shoulders while Roger Clemens reclined on the ground in his Yankee uniform.

"McNamee discussed his wife's use before the committee," according to the source. "She was trying to get in shape for the SI cover. He told them the story that Debbie took growth."

McNamee testified that he injected her at Roger Clemens' direction, according to the source. ...

Just when I think this can't get any better .... LOL!

Pedro & The Cockfighting Video

A video posted to YouTube on Tuesday showed Pedro Martinez and Juan Marichal at a cockfight in the Coliseo Gallistico de Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo Cockfighting Coliseum) in Santo Domingo.

According to the AP, the video

showed the two laughing before releasing the roosters. They took part as honorary "soltadores," the word used to describe the person who puts the animal to fight.

The video was removed from YouTube, but TMZ has a portion of it here.

Martinez said the video was at least two years old and he offered a lame reason for his participation:

I understand that people are upset, but this is part of our Dominican culture and is legal in the Dominican Republic. I was invited by my idol, Juan Marichal, to attend the event as a spectator, not as a participant.

The "it's part of our culture" line is complete bullshit. It's a common excuse for all sorts of "legal" but inhumane behaviour -- slavery, child labour, gential mutilation -- and it's what many people (including Whoopi Goldberg) said about Michael Vick and dogfighting.

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society, said Martinez

exhibited appallingly bad judgment in participating in a staged animal fight. It doesn't excuse the behavior to find a legal haven for this reprehensible and inhumane conduct. It's animal cruelty, no matter where it occurs.

A desire to watch animals being tortured for sport is not encoded into the DNA of people from the Dominican Republic (or anywhere else). I'd like to think that Pedro Martinez is smarter than that and that he will issue a second, more appropriate, statement.

McNamee Submits Needles & Vials As Evidence Against Clemens

During his seven-hour deposition before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Brian McNamee submitted bloody gauze pads, hypodermic needles, alcohol pads and testosterone vials that he says will prove his claims that he injected Roger Clemens with steroids and human growth hormone in 2000 and 2001.

Earl Ward, one of McNamee's lawyers:

Roger Clemens has put himself in a position where his legacy as the greatest pitcher in baseball will depend less on his ERA and more on his DNA.

McNamee's lawyers have asked Clemens for a DNA sample, which they believe, when tested, will link Fat Billy to the use of PEDs. Clemens has not yet provided a sample, but apparently will comply if requested by the feds.

McNamee did not tell George Mitchell (or federal investigators, initially) about this evidence. According to the New York Times, McNamee was "influenced by ongoing loyalty to a player with whom he had worked so closely".

That loyalty went out the window after Clemens played a tape of the phone conversation the two men had in early January at a press conference. At that point, McNamee decided: "It's war." McNamee gave his lawyers the vials and syringes the next morning and they turned them over to federal investigators on January 10.

Richard Emery, another lawyer for McNamee, says the trainer kept the items because he "had this inkling and gut feeling that he couldn't trust Roger and better keep something to protect himself in the future".

The Times states McNamee and his lawyers wanted Clemens "to testify under oath before revealing they had previously undisclosed evidence -- apparently the gauze pads and syringes now cited by the lawyers familiar with the case".

Clemens will likely raise the possibility that these syringes have become tainted while in McNamee's possession for the last six or seven years. It will be interesting to see how McNamee, a former New York City police officer who presumably knows the importance of the chain of custody when it comes to evidence, will respond.

Meanwhile, Clemens is now on a PR tour of Congress, meeting with various representatives and repeating his denials. Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-Maryland): "I don't know what his purpose was. I think he wanted to give me a sense of who he was as a person."

Recording and playing that phone conversation was a huge mistake by Clemens and his lawyers. It didn't do anything to bolster Billy's credibility and it effectively severed the last strand of loyalty McNamee had to his former client. Now McNamee is out for blood.

Next Wednesday's hearings -- when McNamee, Clemens, Andy Pettitte and Chuck Knoblauch all appear -- will be very interesting.

Curt Comments Re Shoulder

Curt Schilling has a post upon his blog: "My Shoulder":

At the time we negotiated the 2008 contract I passed all physical exams and testing, as well as the MRI the club required me to take. I knew in my heart of hearts that the extra time I was giving my arm to rest this winter would in fact be the cure for what I went through the entire 2007 season. I had a strong desire to not have to go through multiple cortisone injections in my shoulder for another year. ...

Things have changed since then and I contacted the team early last month with concerns and we've been working diligently to resolve them.

There have been disagreements these past few weeks in an effort to provide me with a solution that would allow me to pitch as much as possible during the 2008 season. At no time did I ever consider taking a course of action against the clubs wishes. In the end, regardless of who agreed with whom, I have chosen the clubs course of action ...

Please understand that a lot of what has been reported is not true. When the club feels it's appropriate to further discuss the details of this issue publicly I will elaborate but I need to make it clear that Dr Morgan did NOT diagnose me with a tear of the rotator cuff at any time during this process, nor did he recommend rotator cuff surgery.

He also posted to SoSH last night, in this exchange:

dcmissle, 9:10 PM:
This appears to clear up more than one question that occurred to me today, including the purported attempt to void the contract. According to this, there was no such attempt, but rather a threat to do so if Schilling proceeded to season-ending surgery -- a threat that strained relations and explains the paucity of comments by both sides: link ...

Gehrig38, 10:33 PM:
Apologies for not being able to elaborate but suffice to say things will work their way out as time rolls along. The comment above the link is almost totally accurate but I never threatened to have 'season ending' surgery.

Two other SoSH comments:

941827, 12:08 AM:
So G38 never preferred season-ending surgery -- what he preferred was surgery that would, according to his doctor, allow him to pitch after the ASB without relying on cortisone, etc. Unfortunately, the doctors of the Sox and Mets both think surgery would end Schill's season, so he's going to rehab instead.

Dan Murfman, 8:49 AM: Curt's doctor was just on 'EEI with D&C. He strongly believes if surgery is not done he will never pitch again. And says if the surgery was done when he proposed it [about 10 days ago] he might have been back by the All Star game. But he says he's not sure even if the surgery is done that he will pitch again.

Globe: No Surgery For Schilling; Out At Least Until All-Star Break

The Globe's Gordon Edes reports:

Curt Schilling will not have shoulder surgery for what appears to be a partial tear of his rotator cuff, despite the recommendation of the doctor who operated on the shoulder in 1995, and will follow the more conservative course recommended by Sox medical director Thomas Gill, after the club and player agreed to submit to today's recommendation by an outside medical expert.

Even without surgery, the 41-year-old Schilling is not expected to be ready to pitch until the All-Star break ...

Schilling passed a physical before he signed a one-year, $8 million contract to return to the club last November. But the pitcher apparently experienced a recurrence of the shoulder discomfort that sidelined him for seven weeks last summer. ...

According to one source, the Sox raised the possibility that Schilling would forfeit his contract if he proceeded to have surgery without their permission, and there were indications that the dispute has led to strained feelings between the parties.

Sounds like anything we get from G38 this year will be a bonus.

Amalie Benjamin offers her thoughts.

***

Saturday is Truck Day!!!

Schilling Might Need Shoulder Surgery; Red Sox Explored Voiding '08 Contract

Nick Cafardo and Gordon Edes, Globe:

Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling will not be ready for the start of spring training because of shoulder issues, and is engaged in a dispute with the club over whether he needs surgery, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter. ...

Schilling recently went to see Dr. Craig Morgan, who performed his shoulder surgery in 1995. ... [I]t is believed Morgan is recommending Schilling have surgery, while the club is recommending another course.

Tony Massarotti, Herald:

[S]ources have indicated that the club has at least inquired about the possibility of voiding the one-year, $8 million contract Schilling signed last November. It is not known to what lengths the Sox have gone on the matter, but their threat has been serious enough to create a conflict between Schilling and the Red Sox.

THT: Bill James Interview

Chris Jaffe at The Hardball Times talks with Bill James. In addition to learning that among Toronto's rickshaw drivers, James is an absolute GOD, we also find out:

He has a new book -- "about 15 articles and hundreds of little notes, most of them illustrated by a chart" -- due very soon (Baseball's Gold Mine), as well as a website (Bill James Online).

Also, he says the greatest rock'n'roll album of all-time is Jefferson Airplane's Volunteers. Hmmm. I'd like to see his chart for that one.

Projections And Predictions #1

Yanks Fan/Sox Fan has 2008 projections for both the Red Sox and Yankees.

The first pre-season magazine -- Lindy's -- is out. Among its "fearless forecasts":

AL MVP: Grady Sizemore
AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander
AL RoY: Evan Longoria
AL Rookie Pitcher: Clay Buchholz
AL Manager: Jim Leyland
Divisions (WC): Red Sox, Tigers, Angels (Yankees)
AL Pennant: Tigers

NL MVP: David Wright
NL Cy Young: Carlos Zambrano
NL RoY: Jay Bruce
NL Rookie Pitcher: Hiroki Kuroda
NL Manager: Charlie Manuel
Divisions (WC): Phillies, Cubs, D'backs (Rockies)
NL Pennant: Phillies

Joy of Sox Finishes 2nd In CBAs

The results for Best Sports Blog in the 2007 Canadian Blog Awards were announced tonight -- and The Joy of Sox finished 2nd.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for me.

For 2008, I promise timely Red Sox news, well-moderated game threads, anti-media rants, odd nicknames, stats that prove I am always right, and plenty of Yankees schadenfreude.

Lester Arrives At Camp

Jon Lester is an early arrival in Fort Myers.

Noah Pransky has some video and Ian Browne has some words.

Not That Anyone Asked ...

... but the winner of the Best Sports Blog in the 2007 Canadian Blog Awards will be announced Tuesday night at 10 EST.

Sounds And Feelings

For more than 25 years, New York City radio legend -- and diehard Red Sox fan -- Jonathan Schwartz spends at least one hour of his Sunday show on the day of the Super Bowl playing baseball-related music and tapes of old games.

As Schwartz told the New York Times in 1995:

I firmly believe that the most extraordinary human game is professional baseball, that it is a 12-month endeavor, and it deeply occupies the mind and heart even when not being played.

Schwartz's essay on the 1978 American League East playoff game, which originally ran in Sports Illustrated, was published as A Day of Light and Shadows in 2003.

I don't know what Schwartz is doing today -- his show airs on WNYC -- but here's my pale imitation:

Vin Scully's radio call of the 9th inning of Sandy Koufax's perfect game against the Chicago Cubs on September 9, 1965.

In late April 1983, the Cubs were 5-14 and hearing boos from some fans at Wrigley Field. After one of those losses, manager Lee Elia was not happy. (Warning: Adult language!)

Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour: Baseball.

And WEEI's broadcast of the most nerve-wracking game of the 2004 post-season: ALCS Game 5.

I shovelled a lot of snow this weekend, but spring is coming ...

Pitchers and catchers report February 14!

MLB Snooping Around, Asking Neighbors If Umpires Are Klansmen Or Potheads

Tom Christopher (not pictured at left), the supervisor of security and investigations for Commissioner Bud Selig, has been sending investigators to ask the neighbors of at least three MLB umpires if they are members of the Ku Klux Klan.

World Umpires Association president John Hirschbeck:

The questions that we found out are being asked are about beating wives, marijuana use and extravagant parties. And then finally with this whole thing about the Ku Klux Klan. ...

Once again, baseball's favorite way of doing things: Ready, fire, aim. It's not a good way to start the season.

That list of question topics is amusing: criminal assault, illegal drug use, throwing a big party. What might MLB mean by "extravagant"? The noise level? Inviting more than a "normal" amount of people? Spending too much money on booze and food?

The wire story mentions last year's FBI investigation of NBA referee Tim Donaghy, but it's pretty much impossible to tell what (if any) connection there might be.

In a follow-up story, there is a bit more information. World Umpires Association union spokesman Lamell McMorris:

We did not anticipate that they would approach neighbours posing as a close colleague and friend of the umpire's and asking them questions ... [MLB is] conducting a very strange and poorly executed investigation. It resembles kind of secret police in some kind of despotic nation.

Manny Set To Play Until 2020

The Mummy:

I want to be like Julio Franco and play until I'm 48. And if you want to do it, this [Athletes Performance Institute in Arizona] is the right place to come. It feels much better when you work with people who know what you're doing. I love it. I'm going to come here every year.

Now, I know that a few years ago, Manny implied he'd be retiring after the 2007 season. Obviously, that is not happening. I like this storyline better. Another 11 or 12 seasons of Manny sounds like fun. I'm in no way, shape or form ready to say goodbye.

Ramirez says he'll be in Fort Myers on February 21.

Thanks to YFSF.

Red Sox Sign Sean Casey

Boston signed Sean Casey to a one-year deal for either $700,000 or $800,000.

This is a solid pick-up for the bench -- good LH bat with some OBP, knows his way around 1B -- and he beats the hell out of Hinske (to say nothing of the Thermos(!)).

Santana Signs 7/150 Deal With Mets

It's a done deal.

After the sides were granted an extra two hours to work on a deal, the Mets announced about 30 minutes before the new 7 p.m. EST deadline that negotiations had concluded. The pitcher was scheduled to take a physical Saturday.

Actually, the contract is for $150.75 million.

More Possible Trouble For Clemens

Earl Ward, one of Brian McNamee's lawyers, believes that Andy Pettitte "will tell Congress he discussed human growth hormone with Roger Clemens between the 2001 and 2002 seasons".

Pettitte is scheduled to be deposed next Monday, February 4. Clemens will answer questions the following day, with McNamee appearing on February 7. According to Ward, this is how Pettitte came to briefly use HGH in 2002:

[T]here was a situation where Andy was speaking to Roger in Brian's presence, then Andy came over to Brian and essentially said, 'Why didn't you tell me about this stuff?' He referred to HGH. Brian discouraged him and then several months later, when he [Pettitte] got injured, he came back and asked Brian about it, and that's when Brian injected him. We believe that based on the fact that Andy came to Brian and asked him about HGH, it was Roger who told Andy about HGH and that's why he asked Brian about it.

Richard Emery, another lawyer for McNamee: "There are a number of conversations where Pettitte and Brian talked about Clemens' use. I think there is everything to believe Pettitte is not a liar."

Jay Reisinger, Pettitte's lawyer, had no comment.

Cakey (who runs the ThreadSox board) tipped me off that the producers of Fox's "The Moment of Truth" are offering Roger Clemens a spot on the show. He would take a polygraph test and answer questions about possible steroid use.

In the letter to Billy, Howard Schultz, the show's creator writes: "People have stood in awe at your incredible accomplishments in baseball. This show could let the world know that you are an incredibly courageous person, as well as to clear your name in front of a nationwide audience, all in the name of charity."

Schultz says he will donate $500,000 to the charity of Clemens's choice if the portly pitcher participates.

A Reminder

(Image from Soxaholix)

This is your last day to vote for Joy of Sox as Canada's Best Sports Blog.

Also, vote for we move to canada as Best Progressive Blog.

USAToday: Santana Dealt To Mets

New York Post webpage:

New York Daily News webpage:


***

Bob Nightengale:

The New York Mets have agreed to a trade for two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana, giving up four prospects to acquire the left-handed ace of the Minnesota Twins, according to two high-ranking Twins officials with knowledge of the talks and a person close to Santana.

The deal is pending the Mets and Santana reaching agreement on a six- or seven-year contract extension and that Santana passes a physical; they have been granted a 48 to-72-hour window to do so. Santana has a no-trade clause that he will waive if agreement is reached on a contract extension.

The Mets paid a high price in prospects to land Santana, agreeing to send the Twins outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitchers Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey.

Works for me.

***

I don't know anything about the Mets system, but several SoSHers disagree with Nightengale's claim that the Mets dealt top prospects.

templeUsox: "Wow. That's an awful return for Johan Santana. You really can't understate how poorly of a job Bill Smith played his hand here. They ended up getting no premium prospects for the best pitcher in baseball. Only the most ardent optimist can tell me that Carlos Gomez, who has tools but no polish, qualifies as a premium prospect. Truly an awful deal for the Twins.

Paradigm: "Phil Hughes > this entire package. The same is true for Ellsbury, and possibly even Lester and Lowrie. I still think the best deal the Twins could have received was Santana for Hughes, and any other players from the Yankees would have been icing on top."

DieHardSoxFan1: "If the deal being reported by USA Today is indeed accurate -- Humber, Mulvey, Guerra and Gomez for Johan Santana -- then the New York Mets just absolutely stole the best pitcher in baseball."

Hank Steinbrenner Admits Yankees Steroid Use

Daily News:

"Don't make any mistake about it, our teams in the late '90s beat everybody, and we beat everybody because we were that much better than everybody. And they had just as many players doing stuff -- all the teams. I guarantee you, go through every team in baseball and they all have the same basic percentage of players doing stuff. They just weren't as good as us. You think the Red Sox didn't have players doing stuff back then? Give me a break. They just weren't as good as us, and neither was anybody else."

So Hank admits that a certain number of Yankees were doing "stuff", but so were players on the other teams -- but Mom, everyone was doing it, even Boston!1!!11 -- so the playing field was level, and the Yankees were better.