The All-Steroids Team: A Look at a Team of All-Juiced Players (Article)
rbdjr1
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Thought this was an interesting read, so I passed it on to you all! Form your own conclusions!
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The All-Steroids Team: A Look at a Team of All-Juiced Players
written by: Andrew Robeson (3/2009)
Catcher
Starter: Ivan Rodriguez
For me, putting Pudge on the steroids team is tough. When I hear his name all I can think of is him defending the plate as J.T. Snow barreled down on him. Pudge held on, and my Marlins advanced to the NLCS.
During his now-tainted career Rodriguez has compiled 13 Gold Glove awards, which is awarded to the best fielding player at each position at the end of the season.. In 1999 he hit 35 HRs (the record then for home runs by a catcher), had 113 RBI, had a .332 BA, and also added 25 stolen bases. That year he won himself the AL MVP award.
Pudge is a 14-time All-Star and has won seven Silver Slugger awards, which is awarded to the best offensive player at each position at the end of the season. Rodriguez, over his career, has thrown out almost half of all would-be base-stealer's, a statistic that puts him alone at the top.
Reserves
The first reserve would have to be Benito Santiago. Santiago is another great defensive catcher. He won three Gold Gloves and the 1987 NL Rookie of the Year award. He was a five time All-Star and was named the 2002 NLCS MVP when he played with the Giants.
Paul Lo Duca is more known for his offensive prowess than his defensive skills. He was on the All-Star team four times, all in consecutive years (2003-2006). Lo Duca is a career .286 hitter. In 2001, he exploded for 25 HRs with the Dodgers, almost double his next highest home run total for a season.
Internal documents within the Dodgers organization cited Lo Duca’s non-use of steroids in 2005 as the reason for a decline in his home runs and hard line drives.
First base
Starter: Albert Pujols
Wow. First base is stacked. A home run derby between these guys all in their prime would be nuts. The nod has to go to Albert Pujols though. I know it pains many to think good ole Al was on the juice, although I know it has not been confirmed I felt Al deserved a spot on the team.
It should be mentioned that Pujols strongly denies steroid use, but for the purpose of this debate he will be included on both the steroid team and the clean team.
Albert has won two of the last four NL MVP awards with numbers that were just off the charts. In 2005 he hit 41 HRs, had a .330 average, added 117 RBI, and 16 stolen bases (which was tops for all first basemen in 2005).
Pujols has been an All-Star in seven of his eight seasons and has won four Silver Sluggers, and one Gold Glove. He was also named Rookie of the Year in 2001 and the 2004 NLCS MVP.
Reserves
The first reserve will have to be Mark McGwire. McGwire was most famous for his towering home runs.
In his record setting 70 HR season of 1998 I had the pleasure of watching numbers 56 and 57 fall just short of me in the upper deck of Joe Robbie Stadium.
McGwire was a 12-time All-Star, a three-time Silver Slugger, and a one-time Gold Glove winner. McGwire was also the 1987 AL Rookie of the Year.
McGwire holds the record for most home runs per at-bat as he belted one home run every 10.61 at bats. Babe Ruth is second to McGwire in that category.
Next would have to be Jeff Bagwell. Bagwell has never been officially named as a steroid user, but his name has been linked to several prominent sources of steroids as well as other players.
Bagwell was a four-time All-Star, a three-time Silver Slugger, and a one-time Gold Glove winner. Bagwell won the NL MVP in 1994 and also won the NL Rookie of the Year in 1991.
In his MVP season Bagwell belted 39 HRs, hit for a .368 average, and added 116 RBI. He accomplished all of that in only 110 games, just a little more than 2/3 of a season.
Jason Giambi is another stud first basemen who was on the juice. He is a five-time All-Star and a two time Silver Slugger. Giambi won the AL MVP in 2000 as a member of the Oakland Athletics. He had HRs and 137 RBI to go with a .333 average.
His career has been in a steady decline since the 2003 season.
Last we have Rafael Palmeiro. Palmeiro was a four time All-Star, a three time Gold Glover, and a two time Silver Slugger winner. Palmeiro totaled 569 HRs in his career making him 10th on the all-time list.
Second base
Starter: Bret Boone
If the All Steroids team has a weak spot, its at second base. Boone was a three-time All-Star, a four-time Gold Glover, and a two time Silver Slugger. In 2003, while with Seattle, Boone had 35 HRs and 117 RBI.
His most impressive year was in 2001 when he hit 37 HRs and had 141 RBI with a .331 average. His numbers in other seasons do not even come close to these totals.
Reserve
Oh Brian Roberts. You’re probably the least deserving player on this team. Roberts is a two-time All-Star, but his story is just too funny to not be included.
In 2005, after four years in the majors, Roberts hit 18 HRs out of the blue. In the four previous years he had only 12 HRs combined. Did you really expect not to get caught?
Shortstop
Starter: Miguel Tejada
Tejada was not too much of a surprise considering his large size for a shortstop. Tejada is a five-time All-Star and a two-time Silver Slugger. Tejada was named the MVP of the All-Star Game in 2005 and won the MVP for the AL in 2002.
In 2002 Tejada hit 34 HRs and had 131 RBI to go with a .308 average. Tejada has not totaled 20 HRs in either of the last two seasons.
Reserve
Nomar Garciaparra is one of the bigger question marks when it comes to steroid use. When I began the research for this article I would see his name listed on some steroid lists while not on others.
The only reason I am still uncomfortable having him on this list is because I can not be sure if his power numbers went down because of injury or because he quit doing steroids.
In any case Nomar had four straight seasons of at least 20 HR but has only hit 20 HRs once since 2003. Nomar is a six-time All-Star, a two-time AL batting champion, and a one-time Silver Slugger. He also won the AL Rookie of the Year in 1997.
Third base
Starter: Alex Rodriguez
No surprise here right? We all heralded Rodriguez as the savior of baseball during the steroid era. He was going to come along and break all the steroid records the right way. He was going to break Bonds records in a clean way, a way that the game could appreciate.
Oops. Well you see, uh, my cousin, he gave me some "stuff" and I guess that’s what caused it. Don’t worry A-Rod we all believed you! Oscar worthy performance. Now let’s see what A-Rod has accomplished.
He is a 12-time All-Star, a 10-time Silver Slugger, and a two-time Gold Glover. Alex has won the Hank Aaron award, which is awarded to the top hitter in each league, four of the ten years it has been in existence.
Rodriguez has won the AL MVP award three times. He has admitted to being on steroids when he won the 2003 award with the Texas Rangers.
Reserves
Ken Caminiti paid the ultimate price for his drug use, steroids and beyond, when he died of a drug induced heart attack in 2004 at the age of 41. Caminiti was a three-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glover, and a one-time Silver Slugger.
Caminti’s crowning achievement was winning the NL MVP in 1996. That year he had 40 HRs to go along with 130 RBI and a .326 average. He also added 11 stolen bases.
Troy Glaus is another big power-hitting third basemen. He is a four-time All-Star, a two-time Silver Slugger, and the 2002 World Series MVP. In 2000 Glaus connected for 47 HRs and 102 RBI with the Angels.
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Comments
Nice read , but for the above mentioned losers , no one will be suprized.------ Sonny
Cue the Pooholes fanboys.
can we go back as far as Lance Parrish, Pete Incaviglia ?!
<< <i>super weak list.
can we go back as far as Lance Parrish, Pete Incaviglia ?! >>
and the entire 1993 Phillies squad?!
<< <i>Thought this was an interesting read, so I passed it on to you all! Form your own conclusions!
rd
The All-Steroids Team: A Look at a Team of All-Juiced Players
written by: Andrew Robeson (3/2009)
Catcher
Starter: Ivan Rodriguez
For me, putting Pudge on the steroids team is tough. When I hear his name all I can think of is him defending the plate as J.T. Snow barreled down on him. Pudge held on, and my Marlins advanced to the NLCS.
During his now-tainted career Rodriguez has compiled 13 Gold Glove awards, which is awarded to the best fielding player at each position at the end of the season.. In 1999 he hit 35 HRs (the record then for home runs by a catcher), had 113 RBI, had a .332 BA, and also added 25 stolen bases. That year he won himself the AL MVP award.
Pudge is a 14-time All-Star and has won seven Silver Slugger awards, which is awarded to the best offensive player at each position at the end of the season. Rodriguez, over his career, has thrown out almost half of all would-be base-stealer's, a statistic that puts him alone at the top.
Reserves
The first reserve would have to be Benito Santiago. Santiago is another great defensive catcher. He won three Gold Gloves and the 1987 NL Rookie of the Year award. He was a five time All-Star and was named the 2002 NLCS MVP when he played with the Giants.
Paul Lo Duca is more known for his offensive prowess than his defensive skills. He was on the All-Star team four times, all in consecutive years (2003-2006). Lo Duca is a career .286 hitter. In 2001, he exploded for 25 HRs with the Dodgers, almost double his next highest home run total for a season.
Internal documents within the Dodgers organization cited Lo Duca’s non-use of steroids in 2005 as the reason for a decline in his home runs and hard line drives.
First base
Starter: Albert Pujols
Wow. First base is stacked. A home run derby between these guys all in their prime would be nuts. The nod has to go to Albert Pujols though. I know it pains many to think good ole Al was on the juice, although I know it has not been confirmed I felt Al deserved a spot on the team.
It should be mentioned that Pujols strongly denies steroid use, but for the purpose of this debate he will be included on both the steroid team and the clean team.
Albert has won two of the last four NL MVP awards with numbers that were just off the charts. In 2005 he hit 41 HRs, had a .330 average, added 117 RBI, and 16 stolen bases (which was tops for all first basemen in 2005).
Pujols has been an All-Star in seven of his eight seasons and has won four Silver Sluggers, and one Gold Glove. He was also named Rookie of the Year in 2001 and the 2004 NLCS MVP.
Reserves
The first reserve will have to be Mark McGwire. McGwire was most famous for his towering home runs.
In his record setting 70 HR season of 1998 I had the pleasure of watching numbers 56 and 57 fall just short of me in the upper deck of Joe Robbie Stadium.
McGwire was a 12-time All-Star, a three-time Silver Slugger, and a one-time Gold Glove winner. McGwire was also the 1987 AL Rookie of the Year.
McGwire holds the record for most home runs per at-bat as he belted one home run every 10.61 at bats. Babe Ruth is second to McGwire in that category.
Next would have to be Jeff Bagwell. Bagwell has never been officially named as a steroid user, but his name has been linked to several prominent sources of steroids as well as other players.
Bagwell was a four-time All-Star, a three-time Silver Slugger, and a one-time Gold Glove winner. Bagwell won the NL MVP in 1994 and also won the NL Rookie of the Year in 1991.
In his MVP season Bagwell belted 39 HRs, hit for a .368 average, and added 116 RBI. He accomplished all of that in only 110 games, just a little more than 2/3 of a season.
Jason Giambi is another stud first basemen who was on the juice. He is a five-time All-Star and a two time Silver Slugger. Giambi won the AL MVP in 2000 as a member of the Oakland Athletics. He had HRs and 137 RBI to go with a .333 average.
His career has been in a steady decline since the 2003 season.
Last we have Rafael Palmeiro. Palmeiro was a four time All-Star, a three time Gold Glover, and a two time Silver Slugger winner. Palmeiro totaled 569 HRs in his career making him 10th on the all-time list.
Second base
Starter: Bret Boone
If the All Steroids team has a weak spot, its at second base. Boone was a three-time All-Star, a four-time Gold Glover, and a two time Silver Slugger. In 2003, while with Seattle, Boone had 35 HRs and 117 RBI.
His most impressive year was in 2001 when he hit 37 HRs and had 141 RBI with a .331 average. His numbers in other seasons do not even come close to these totals.
Reserve
Oh Brian Roberts. You’re probably the least deserving player on this team. Roberts is a two-time All-Star, but his story is just too funny to not be included.
In 2005, after four years in the majors, Roberts hit 18 HRs out of the blue. In the four previous years he had only 12 HRs combined. Did you really expect not to get caught?
Shortstop
Starter: Miguel Tejada
Tejada was not too much of a surprise considering his large size for a shortstop. Tejada is a five-time All-Star and a two-time Silver Slugger. Tejada was named the MVP of the All-Star Game in 2005 and won the MVP for the AL in 2002.
In 2002 Tejada hit 34 HRs and had 131 RBI to go with a .308 average. Tejada has not totaled 20 HRs in either of the last two seasons.
Reserve
Nomar Garciaparra is one of the bigger question marks when it comes to steroid use. When I began the research for this article I would see his name listed on some steroid lists while not on others.
The only reason I am still uncomfortable having him on this list is because I can not be sure if his power numbers went down because of injury or because he quit doing steroids.
In any case Nomar had four straight seasons of at least 20 HR but has only hit 20 HRs once since 2003. Nomar is a six-time All-Star, a two-time AL batting champion, and a one-time Silver Slugger. He also won the AL Rookie of the Year in 1997.
Third base
Starter: Alex Rodriguez
No surprise here right? We all heralded Rodriguez as the savior of baseball during the steroid era. He was going to come along and break all the steroid records the right way. He was going to break Bonds records in a clean way, a way that the game could appreciate.
Oops. Well you see, uh, my cousin, he gave me some "stuff" and I guess that’s what caused it. Don’t worry A-Rod we all believed you! Oscar worthy performance. Now let’s see what A-Rod has accomplished.
He is a 12-time All-Star, a 10-time Silver Slugger, and a two-time Gold Glover. Alex has won the Hank Aaron award, which is awarded to the top hitter in each league, four of the ten years it has been in existence.
Rodriguez has won the AL MVP award three times. He has admitted to being on steroids when he won the 2003 award with the Texas Rangers.
Reserves
Ken Caminiti paid the ultimate price for his drug use, steroids and beyond, when he died of a drug induced heart attack in 2004 at the age of 41. Caminiti was a three-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glover, and a one-time Silver Slugger.
Caminti’s crowning achievement was winning the NL MVP in 1996. That year he had 40 HRs to go along with 130 RBI and a .326 average. He also added 11 stolen bases.
Troy Glaus is another big power-hitting third basemen. He is a four-time All-Star, a two-time Silver Slugger, and the 2002 World Series MVP. In 2000 Glaus connected for 47 HRs and 102 RBI with the Angels.
THANKS FOR POSTING
im sending this article and the authors name to the proper authorities to prosecute for SLANDER and LIBEL...
Here's another article from Andrew Robeson (bleacherreport.com)
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Albert Pujols: Juicer or Clean Player?
.
Since 2001, the guy has set the league on fire. Also occurring in the early 2000s, baseball's steroids era.
Tell me its not reasonable to question Pujols. Do you remember the last guy with his build?
He played first base for the Cardinals, too, and he hit 70 home runs in 1998. Then, when his playing days were over, Mark McGwire told Congress in front of an eager television audience that he did not want to talk about the past.
He would have been better off pleading the fifth.
Pujols' name was linked to the Mitchell Report before it was published, but his name never did end up appearing in it.
But has he ever escaped that condemnation? No, and he never will.
Albert Pujols is the greatest example of how steroids have ruined baseball the last twenty years. How do we distinguish between the clean players and the cheaters? It's all really speculation until someone confesses.
Alex Rodriguez vehemently denied steroid use in a 2007 60 Minutes interview. In 2009, it was revealed he got caught 2003, and he subsequently confessed
Is it just me, or does every player Jose Canseco names end up being guilty? That guy might have been onto something.
And no, I am not saying because A-Rod cheated that means Pujols cheated. What I am saying is that the steroids era has cast a cloud of doubt and suspicion over every great player.
Every other player to put up numbers like Pujols has fallen victim to the steroids scandal.
Pujols is a victim in a different manner.
He may be the best player to ever play the game. But when people look at the era he played in, they will immediately expect him to be a user.
Or there is the possibility he is just another user, as he has been accused and speculated of being.
We can never prove someone is innocent, the only way we will know for sure on Pujols is if he ends up being a user.
Edit: The author did go on and post an update to this article by saying that Albert Pujols was not named in the leaked version of the anonymous steroids list. And has not been officially mentioned as a "user of steroids" in any major published list since.
Quicksilver Messenger Service - Smokestack Lightning (Live) 1968
Quicksilver Messenger Service - The Hat (Live) 1971
<< <i>THANKS FOR POSTING
im sending this article and the authors name to the proper authorities to prosecute for SLANDER and LIBEL... >>
Andrew Robeson writes articles for the Miami Dolphins and the Florida Marlins. He has written over 50 articles for the Bleacher Report (a CBS Sports partner).
he can be twittered at: http://twitter.com/AndrewRobeson
can also be reached at: http://bleacherreport.com/users/97183-andrew-robeson
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Quicksilver Messenger Service - Smokestack Lightning (Live) 1968
Quicksilver Messenger Service - The Hat (Live) 1971
Not saying Pujols isn't using HGH but it's also hard to believe that every player isn't. Until the players union allows for HGH testing, I will always assume that every player in today's game is using.
<< <i>im sending this article and the authors name to the proper authorities to prosecute for SLANDER and LIBEL... >>
Slander and libel would be civil matters yes?
States attorneys do not prosecute civil matters.
<< <i>I'm actually going to defend Pujols. He has never been named on any legitimate list. He has never tested positive that we know of. If he ever used to improve his ability, you would have to believe that he is still using since he numbers have not decreased in recent years. If anything, they have become more consistent. Hard to believe he is still using and just not getting caught.
Not saying Pujols isn't using HGH but it's also hard to believe that every player isn't. Until the players union allows for HGH testing, I will always assume that every player in today's game is using. >>
Well put! Can you imagine huge need for grief counselors in St. Louis if Pojols indeed was found to have used/uses HGH or any other performance enhancing chemicals/drugs/etc? Yikes! Burn the arches!
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Quicksilver Messenger Service - Smokestack Lightning (Live) 1968
Quicksilver Messenger Service - The Hat (Live) 1971
MLB can not test for HGH because it is a blood test. Benefits are equal to or greater than using steroids. Muscles gain strength, not bulk so no one would be suspicious. Recover from a somewhat serious injury in weeks instead of months. Remain clean and be an average to below average major leaguer making $1-2 million a year or use HGH to become an above average player and make $10+ million a year.
If MLB can not test, players can not be caught. MLB is not even allowed to do anonymous tests like the '03 steroid tests.
Here comes the common sense part. If ANYONE knew they could not get caught and not using HGH would hurt them financially, who is honestly high and mighty enough to not use HGH?
Come on now. If you currently make $50k a year at your job, and someone says "Here take this pill and your salary will increase to $200k next year. No one will ever know.", how many would say no? I sure as hell wouldn't.
The second article states - "Do you remember the last guy with his build? He played first base for the Cardinals, too, and he hit 70 home runs in 1998."
The same build? Take a look. The first picture is Mark McGwire standing next to his body builder brother, an admitted steroid user. Take a look at both guy's arms. They look identical.
Now, look at Albert Pujols' arms. They look like mine. (And don't post the air brushed muscle mag cover from 2006.)
Could Pujols be using? Yes. I choose to give him the benefit of the doubt. Why don't we wait until he tests positive or his name comes out on some list before we start accusing a great hitter of PED's.
Again, I'm just sayin'. That is just my ever so humble opinion in the matter.
Shane
<< <i>Shane, please read my posts above yours. >>
I just did. You must have been posting while I was. Yes, that is possible.
I do have one question on the HGH argument. I am not sure, but I have heard that HGH promotes hair growth. Pujols is balding. Someone might know more about it.
Shane
<< <i>I do have one question on the HGH argument. I am not sure, but I have heard that HGH promotes hair growth. Pujols is balding. Someone might know more about it. >>
Under that uni he's wearing a hair suit that would make silver back gorilla envious.
<< <i>Your arms look like that? Airbrushing is an excuse used by Pujols defenders.
I can't see your picture, but I'm assuming that you mean the muscle mag. No, I'm saying my arms look like the picture that I posted.
Here is on thing that no body, including myself, has ever mentioned. I wanted to get you guys' opinion on. We all know that guys like Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, and Mark McGwire were on PED's. These guy's have hit 73, 70, 66, 65, 64, and 60 HR's in one season. Now, let's look back through the years before PED's. There were a few guys that hit 50 HR in a season, Cecil Fielder, George Foster, Willie Mays, Ralph Kiner, Jimmie Foxx, Hack Wilson, Hank Greenburg, etc. Albert Pujols has never had a 50 HR season (although it looks like he may this year).
My question is, would a hitter like Pujols, who has a very level swing, has tremendous plate discipline, and hardly ever gets fooled on a pitch, should he not have a season or two like Bonds, McGwire, or Sosa if he were on PED's? Heck, Brady Anderson hit 50 HR on PED's (we all assume). Why hasn't Pujols done it?
Shane
I'm not saying that Pujols uses PED's, just answering your question. Just because Pujols has never hit 50 doesn't indicate non-use. Perhaps he is naturally a 15-20 HR guy and 40+ is his ceiling with PED use. We simply don't know.
<< <i> Shane,
I'm not saying that Pujols uses PED's, just answering your question. Just because Pujols has never hit 50 doesn't indicate non-use. Perhaps he is naturally a 15-20 HR guy and 40+ is his ceiling with PED use. We simply don't know. >>
Yes, I guess that is possible, but it does make you wonder.
<< <i>HGH and the hair growth excuse doesn't help the Pujols case either. Steroids cause the loss of hair. So defense of one claim supports the arguement for another. >>
I do see your line of reasoning. However, he has never tested positive for steroids and he has been tested numerous times. So, for this argument's sake, you can rule out steroid use. In that case, I think the argument is still valid.
Edited to say: My sincere thanks, guys, for having a "grown up" debate and not getting into a mud slinging contest.
Shane
<< <i>Bob , Be careful as the Pujols Anti-defamations goon squads will have you in their sights . Man-love is a tough love and you are stepping on their false idol.
Nice read , but for the above mentioned losers , no one will be suprized.------ Sonny >>
Bob , I'm truely sorry , but I stopped home from work for a moment , checked my mail , my email and this board . I don't know how to tell you this but Fandango has offically put me on his "LIST ". Another in a long line of hostile PM's from this ' whatever word that descibes the type of person that lives the life he does " person .
Thank you Fandango , now my life is complete. I"M SOMEBODY , I'M SOMEBODY . I made someones list......
<< <i>Here is on thing that no body, including myself, has ever mentioned. I wanted to get you guys' opinion on. We all know that guys like Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, and Mark McGwire were on PED's. These guy's have hit 73, 70, 66, 65, 64, and 60 HR's in one season. Now, let's look back through the years before PED's. There were a few guys that hit 50 HR in a season, Cecil Fielder, George Foster, Willie Mays, Ralph Kiner, Jimmie Foxx, Hack Wilson, Hank Greenburg, etc. Albert Pujols has never had a 50 HR season (although it looks like he may this year). >>
Bobby Estalella, Jeremy Giambi and Benito Santiago never came close to hitting 50 homeruns. While drugs do improve sports performance, what haif ppens on the field is never a good guide for who is going to be busted
The important question is growth hormone cannot be stopped by a sports league, why is it banned?
And if it cannot be stopped, shouldn't Cardinals fans be more worried about which players on the team aren't using, rather than the players that are?