Off the hook?

As a loyal Cubs fan, it is of little surprise that they have disappointed again this season. They currently sit 10.5 games back from the division lead and have almost no shot at winning the wild card. This is the point in the season where I stop watching games and turn my attention to other issues and topics in the world of baseball.

One concept I have been struggling with lately is how easily Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez have been let off the hook. Your first reaction may be that these two have paid their dues and suffered enough embarrassment over the first half of the season. I agree with this idea to an extent. They were unjustly scrutinized considering the rest of the more than one hundred players who tested positive for a banned substance in 2003 have yet to be named. Media coverage was relentless as nearly every tabloid and news broadcast followed their stories. After serving suspensions of nearly 80 combined games, maybe they deserve a break.

On the other hand, Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez played their part in changing the name of the game. Baseball, also know as America's pastime, is one of the long-standing traditions that makes this country who we are. It has been played through depressions, recessions, and world wars. A game known for its teamwork and comradery became a place for these players to showcase their home run power and put themselves above the team. Rodriguez repeatedly lied during interviews saying that he had never used performance enhancing drugs on his way to winning numerous awards for his achievement. Manny was a part of a baseball dynasty in Boston before being caught for using banned substances.

While neither is in the clear yet, each has undoubtedly wronged the sport of baseball. Their mishaps should not be forgotten as to preserve what dignity is left in the sport.