by Jerry Keys

Opportunities do not come with their values stamped upon them. - Maltbie Babcock

Many times sport fans quip about players always concerned about their salaries. It seems some become offended if they think someone else has a larger salary and are not as talented as they 'think' themselves to be. Fans long for players who are carefree and not wrapped up in the economics of baseball…enter Manny Ramirez.

Earlier this month, Ramirez announced his retirement from baseball. He made his desire for huge salaries well-known in his last few years, but not to the extent of most of his contemporaries throughout their careers. Manny broke into the majors with the right team, at the right time; the Cleveland Indians in 1993. His incline to prosperity paralleled the team's success after decades of listless seasons. His career numbers are impressive (.312, 2574, 555 and 1831), most likely a 1st ballot Hall of Famer.

But as former manager Mike Hargrove quipped as far back as 1995, "Manny Being Manny," and his character may keep him from entering the Hall. In addition to several clubhouse altercations in the last several years, Ramirez has ran into trouble since 2009 with drug tests.

Less than three years removed from his late-season heroics with the L.A. Dodgers and two years from his first positive drug test, Manny once again tested positive this spring. It was released to the press, Ramirez had tested positive for a banned performance-enhancing drug (PED) during spring training. The original sample, sample A, was retested after Ramirez lodged a notice to appeal. After an additional positive result, Ramirez dropped the appeal and retired.

If Manny had not retired, he would have been suspended for 100 games, almost two-thirds of an entire season. If he decides at a later date to return to MLB, the suspension will still be valid. His retirement concludes a career which promised 3,000 hits, 660 home runs (the Willie Mays 'level'), and 2,000 RBI's. With none reached, and early in his career, a possibility at the all-time RBI crown, Manny will be linked in a two-decade span of once-promising superstars. In the 1990's, Frank Thomas and Ken Griffey seemed destined for a record shattering career. Each succumb to injuries and extremely sub-par seasons in what was thought their 'prime years' and fell short of their potential. Neither Griffey nor Thomas were publicly questioned for PED use, there is a symbolic stain on their careers.

The next duo was Manny and Alex Rodriguez (ARod). Both posted astounding numbers for over a decade before admitting or being suspended for PED use. They are not alone in the accusations. Six of the current fourteen all-time home run leaders have either tested, admitted to using, or been highly suspected of PED use (Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmeiro, ARod and Manny); which has dampened the game in several ways. At one time 400 HR's was a benchmark for the Hall of Fame. It is no longer the case but did anyone notice Andres Galarraga not garnishing enough votes to remain on the ballot for a second year?

Galarraga's numbers (.288, 2333 hits, 399 HR's, 1425 RBI's) are arguable for enshrinement but he did not receive 5% of possible votes; which one must garnish to remain considered the next year. Fred McGriff (.284, 2490, 493 and 1550) will be on the ballot next year for a third time. Earlier this year he received less than 20% of the votes (75% needed for acceptance). Galarraga and McGriff enjoyed lengthy careers but are they unfairly grouped? Their 'prime' was during the Great PED Era and even though their names were never mentioned in the Mitchell Report or other investigations, it is hard to overlook the obvious fact of being grouped with others who were mentioned, accused or admitted.

A main reason in choosing these two players was they spent part of their careers in Atlanta. Each was position at 1B for the Braves, with Galarraga replacing McGriff in 1998. Another Brave, Dale Murphy, has been on the ballot since 1999. Murphy's major numbers (.265, 2111, 398 and 1266) are quite similar except lifetime batting average. Murphy will be on the ballot next year for the 14th time; whereas Galarraga did not make it to the second ballot. In my personal opinion, Murphy was a great player in his day and am not arguing whether or not he should be considered for the Hall. I would wish to have a better explanation why Galarraga was dismissed after one attempt.

Steve Garvey was considered the best 1B in the National League during the 1970's and posted Hall-worthy numbers (.294, 2599, 272 and 1308). Garvey was on the ballot for fifteen years (1993-2007, after a fifteenth unsuccessful attempt you are removed regardless of the number of votes received) but was not enshrined. After five years of consideration, Harold Baines was dropped from the ballot this year because he did not collect the 5% needed. Baines (.289, 2866, 384 and 1628) first year on the ballot was Garvey's last. If voting is mostly a numbers game, why did Baines not inherit a full fifteen years of consideration?

McGriff's numbers are similar to the late Willie Stargell's (.282, 2232, 475 and 1540). Stargell was a first ballot nominee, McGriff awaits a third try. Stargell's career spanned the 1960's, 1970's and concluded in 1982, a handful of years before McGriff's began.

There is not a shred of evidence surmising a conspiracy with the BBWAA (ones who vote) and players from different eras. But these three examples should invite some speculation. It would be understandable if Murphy played in an era of major rule differences than Galarraga and the same can be noted for Garvey and Baines, and McGriff and Stargell. Is it prudent to suggest the use of PED's has altered the way the BBWAA votes on players who spent most of their careers during the suspected heightened use? Although Garvey did not achieve the Hall and Murphy's chances are very slim, they still remained on the ballot the full fifteen years (assuming Murphy receives 5% next year and appears on the ballot a 15th time). Galarraga was one try and out and Baines five and out, with similar numbers.

The BBWAA has not been kind to McGwire and Palmeiro. It remains to be seen how they will react to Bonds, Sosa, ARod and Ramirez. Will the BBWAA start another firestorm in a few years by nominating Mike Mussina (as a possible favoritism to star pitchers of the PED era)? This would re-open the debate of the denial of Hall status of Tommy John and Jim Kaat. Fans will always argue about the BBWAA's voting but most would agree, the use of PED's has damaged the game and the aftershocks will be felt for decades.

At the present time Albert Pujols has 415 HR's and 1247 RBI's. His ascension in HR's this year will be more sporadic than last year and there is not as much emphasis placed on RBI's. A more compelling ascension would be Derek Jeter's advancement to 3000 hits. Especially with the barbs traded back and forth between Jeter and the Yankee front office over a contract. This year's focus will be on Jeter with updates on Pujols.

All great work is preparing yourself for the accident to happen. - Sidney Lumet


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