Questions about A-Rod's steroid use. One thing that irks me is how can a private test become public. I think MLBPA has a lot of explaining to do.

But let's look at A-Rod's stats.

In his second full season, 1997, it is the only season he hit less than 35 homers, knocked in less than 106 and slugged less than .500. This was after 1996, when he was #2 in the MVP voting.

So, he comes back in 1998. Has 213 hits (career high), steals 46 bases (career high), homers 42 times, knocks in 124. And, with all that, finishes 9th in the MVP voting! Behind the rogue's gallery of Juan Gone, Nomar, Jeter, Junior, Mo Vaughn, Manny, Bernie Williams, and Albert Belle and right in front of Pudge and 20-game winner in Toronto, Roger Clemens. No wonder the guy juiced.



















In 1999, he only plays 129 games, but still hits 42 homers and knocks in 111, hits only .285 and finishes 15th in the MVP. Behind: Pudge, Pedro, Robby Alomar, Manny, Palmeiro, Jeter, Nomar, Giambi, Shawn Green, Junior, Bernie Williams, Delgado, Juan Gone and Mariano Rivera.

After that season, he's at the highest level of the league each year. So, they have a bad test from 2003, but he had to have started earlier.

OK, he admitted he started in 2001. I thought so.

Meal of Links

Recent government spending would pay off 90% of all U.S. mortgages. That's $9.7 trillion.

Growing rich by blogging is a myth. BTW, has anyone ever seen a Vermont Teddy Bear?

The new cast of "Dancing With the Stars" has been announced. LT? Are you kidding me? Several train wrecks are in this bunch.

How to fix the Grammys. And if you watched all 3.5 hours last night, you know it needs help. Desperately.

An interview with Flight of the Conchords. Sort of a "band meeting".

Exercise Yard

Lance is back. The Amgen Tour of California starts Saturday.

Visitor

71 Across: Late-night Jay (4 letters) Answer: Leno