Pitcher's Dad Denies Son's Steroid Use

It seems like it's been, well, weeks since we've heard anything about steroids in baseball.

Now there's this.

According to the Miami New Times, records taken from an anti-aging clinic near the University of Miami reportedly link several big leaguers to performance enhancing drugs.  And the doctor at the forefront of all this...Anthony Bosch.

Yeah, the same cat who, in 2009, was connected to Manny Ramirez's suspension.

But, this time, Bosch's business extends well beyond the former slugger, it includes a number of players with ties to Miami.  Among them...Alex Rodriguez, Gio Gonzalez, Melky Cabrera, Bartolo Colon and Nelson Cruz.

Rodriguez, Cabrera and Colon have been linked to PEDs in the past, but Gonzalez and Cruz?  Those are new names.

And to fuel the fire surrounding Gonzalez?  The Washington Nationals' pitcher's dad, Max, is also listed as a client.

Naturally, the elder Gonzalez says his son has nothing to do with Bosch.

"My son works very, very hard, and he's as clean as apple pie," the Max Gonzalez told the New Times. "I went to (Bosch) because I needed to lose weight. A friend recommended him, and he did great work for me. But that's it. He never met my son. Never. And if I knew he was doing these things with steroids, do you think I'd be dumb enough to go there?"

Major League Baseball has yet to mention any of the players listed in the report by name, but Tuesday morning they issued a statement saying the league’s department of investigations had already been looking into the connections in South Florida.

A-Rod is Probably Showing Poor Judgement

It seems like just yesterday I was claiming to be done with these two.  But, unfortunately, it's been just over a year and, more unfortunate...I'm not.

New York Yankees superstar Alex Rodriguez and his ex-WWE Diva lady friend Torrie Wilson were out biking this past weekend in Miami.

Now, I'm no doctor (far from it), but should a guy who is awaiting hip surgery really be out there riding cycling through the streets of South Beach?  Furthermore...if I'm the Bronx Bombers and I'm on the hook for $28 million for this guy this upcoming season, should I be allowing this?

Ugh.  At least he's wearing a helmet.

A-Rod Shelved Until Mid-Season

Well, we now know why Alex Rodriguez disappeared during the playoffs.  Dude was playing with a bum hip.

It was announced Monday morning that the New York Yankees superstar will be undergoing hip surgery in January and, subsequently, miss a big chunk of the upcoming season.

Early estimates have the third baseman returning in June or July.

You'll remember that the 37-year-old had surgery on his right hip in 2009.  When news starting swirling about this new development, thoughts were that he had re-injured that hip at some point this past season, but Joel Sherman from the New York Post reports that it is Rodriguez's left hip that needs surgery.

Sherman also tweeted that the Yankees hope A-Rod can still be a successful player again (obviously), and that this is not a retirement for the slugger.

So yeah, memo to the GMs at the Winter Meetings...the Yankees are in need of a bat.  And if that bat can also cover a little gound at third...all the better.

Is A-Rod Back with The Diva?

Now that the World Series matchup is set, it's time to get back to the real business at hand.

What's the latest with Alex Rodriguez and those chicks he was hitting on during the ALCS?

Well, apparently, nothing. 

According to the Thirty Mile Zone the New York Yankees slugger hit the sidewalks of Miami with his gal pal Torrie Wilson.  No word as to whether or not "A-Rod" is back with the former WWE diva, but if the matching "his and hers aviator sunglasses" are any indication they, well, nevermind.

Yes, I realize I threw "gal pal" out there for all of you to read.

And, yes, I also realize that, once again, I went against my promise to NOT talk about these two.

 

Trump: A-Rod "Can't Perform Without Drugs"

Alex Rodriguez does poorly in the playoffs...that's what he does.

That said, fans are calling for New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi to move the struggling slugger down in the batting order.

"I trust our guys...I'm with them every day," the skipper said when asked about moving A-Rod.  "Nothing that we do will be something that is just a knee-jerk reaction."

But, when you consider that the three-time MVP is in the midst of a 1-for-9 postseason so far and hasn't hit a postseason homer in his last 87 plate appearances...the critics might be on to something.

One of the most critical, "Johnny New York" himself...Donald Trump.

Now, I'm not sure what Trump knows about baseball, steroids or, well, sports for that matter considering he ran the USFL into the ground and, just last year, allowed Jose Canseco to join the cast of  "The Apprentice", but dude sure isn't afraid of letting everyone know his opinion.

Now, You Too, Can Live Like A-Rod!

Before you add "dude has an elevator in his house" to the list of reasons you dislike Alex Rodriguez...the New York Yankees superstar wants you to be able to have one as well.

His. 

Yeah, according to the Thirty Mile Zone, the three-time MVP has put his Miami mansion on the block...for a staggering $38 million price tag.

A-Rod bought the super modern crib back in 2010 -- while it was still under construction -- for a reported $24 mil. But now he's looking to sell off the 20,000-square-foot pad and make a cool profit at the same time.

The 9-bedroom, 11-bath beachfront estate is freaking AMAZING if you've got the cash. It offers 275 ft. of water frontage, a home theater, a heated pool, gym, rooftop deck, an elevator AND a 3,000 square-foot sports room complete with a batting cage.

Wait, hold on...ONLY eleven bathrooms?  And since you're all thinking it...no, no word on whether or not the mythic centaur painting is included.

***Click here for a full assortment of pictures of A-Rod's pad.***

A-Rod Joins Griffey on All-Time List

Alex Rodriguez started the season sixth on the all-time home run list.  And with one swing of the bat, the New York Yankees star tied his former teammate Ken Griffey Jr. with 630 career bombs.

A-Rod took Los Angeles Angels starter Ervin Santana deep in the third inning of the Yankees home opener Friday.  It was his first of the young season.

Rodriguez now trails Barry Bonds (762 home runs), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714) and Willie Mays (660) on the all-time list.

Of Rodriguez's homers, 285 have been hit in Yankees pinstripes. The three-time MVP had 189 with the Seattle Mariners and 156 with the Texas Rangers. Only Reggie Jackson and Darrell Evans have hit 100 or more home runs with three different teams.

2012 is Full of Milestones for A-Rod

The upcoming season brings us a bunch of milestones on the horizon for both the National League and the American League.  That said, there’s one guy out there that is a walking milestone tracker.

Alex Rodriguez.

The New York Yankees superstar has been creeping up all-time greatest lists for a while now and beginning next week, he continues his assault.

1997

Alex Rodriguez needs just ten RBI to move into tenth place on the all-time list.  Should he reach 104 RBI and get to 1997 for his career, he’ll surpass Barry Bonds and be behind just Hank Aaron (2297), Babe Ruth (2213) and Cap Anson (2075).  Not a bad jump for a 36-year-old.

660

Assuming he can bounce back from his 2011 injuries, A-Rod will have a legit chance of passing Willie Mays and become fourth all-time on the home run list.  Rodriguez enters the season with 629 homers, one behind Ken Griffey Jr. and a mere 31 behind Mays’ 660.

500

In addition to his home-run and RBI milestones, the three-time MVP needs just five doubles to reach 500 for his career. When he hits that mark, he would become just the fifth player ever with 600 home runs and 500 doubles, joining the impressive company of Hank Aaron (755 home runs/624 doubles), Barry Bonds (762/601), Willie Mays (660/523) and Babe Ruth (714/506).

88

A milestone that no one talks about is A-Rod’s place on the all-time strikeout list.  Dude enters the season seventh all-time with 1917 whiffs.  With 88 Ks, he’ll reach 2004…and end the season fourth all-time.

65

Alex Rodriguez starts 2012 15^th all-time with 1824 runs scored.  After he crosses the plate for the 65^th time, Rodriguez will leapfrog into tenth place all-time.

40

2011 saw Alex Rodriguez with a career low 37 extra base hits.  With 40 extra base hits, he’ll move into 6^th all-time.

4

And because it’s already been announced that the Yankees thirdbaseman will be at WrestleMania 28 this Sunday, it warrants mention that his girlfriend, former WWE Diva Torrie Wilson, will be making her fourth WrestleMania appearance.  She appeared in the ring three times (at WrestleMania XX, 22 and XXV…yes, that’s what they’re called), but this year, she’ll be ringside in Miami live blogging the event.

Yankees Spend Media Day in the Bathroom

I'm not sure how the joke went, but the punchline goes something like this...Alex Rodriguez got his picture taken in the bathroom.

And, no, I'm talking about some joke photos of dude taking a leak.  Someone went in with a camera, set up lights, the whole deal...and took the New York Yankees superstar's picture in the men's room.

Oh, the rest of the squad was along for the ride as well.

***H/T msnbc.com***

Forbes: A-Rod is Baseball's "Most Disliked"

It's official...people really, really hate Alex Rodriguez.

According to Forbes, the New York Yankees third baseman is baseball's "most disliked" player...and the ninth "most disliked" athlete.

Ranking ahead of Rodriguez...football players Michael Vick, Plaxico Burress, Ndamukong Suh, Terrell Owens, basketball players Kris Humphries, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and golfer Tiger Woods.

In recent years, disgraced sluggers Mark McGwire and Manny Ramirez have found their names on the Forbes "most disliked" list.

But, really, what does it matter to A-Rod?

The three-time MVP has one of the game's richest contracts, he's reaching baseball milestones on a yearly basis and the Hall of Fame, even with its character clause, is full of undesirables.

A-Rod and The Diva Hit the Big Apple

I've gotta ask...is anyone else tired of seeing new pictures of Alex Rodriguez and Torrie Wilson in a different location every other day?

I know, I know, the other day I said I was done with it, but I can't quit them.  I am intrigued as to how A-Rod and The Diva not only pick where they will show up next...but how they get there.

Seriously, this couple does more globetrotting than Meadowlark Lemon and Curly Neal.

But something tells me that that legendary duo doesn't have that sychronized douchebag coffee walk down.

So, let's break this down.

• Cabo with George Clooney and Stacy Keibler
• Biking in Miami
• Exercising in Boise(!)
• Cabo again?
• Courtside in Los Angeles with Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber
• And, now, New York

Here's the question...where is the World Tour going to take the pair next?  Better question...when will the New York Yankees superstar decide it is time to stay put and improve on his paltry 2011 output?

***UPDATE:  For what it's worth (not much), the pictures of Rodriguez and Wilson grabbing coffee in SoHo was from the middle of December.***

 

We Get It, A-Rod...You're Getting It

Just in case you were (still) curious as to whether or not Alex Rodriguez and Torrie Wilson were an item...the dynamic duo popped up (again) in front of the cameras.

This time...it was Tuesday night's Los Angeles Lakers game.

The New York Yankees superstar and the former WWE Diva locked lips while laughing it up courtside with Cindy Crawford and her husband Rande Gerber.

I'm not going to say I'm done with this whole A-Rod thing, but, well...I'm done.  Sure, dude and the Diva is far better than when he was fed popcorn by Cameron Diaz, but, frankly, I feel dumber for caring.

If you'd like to see more pictures of the pair...head on over to toofab.com.

Another A-Rod and Torrie Sighting

Well, according to the internet...the Alex Rodriguez-Torrie Wilson World Tour is continuing and so far, you can cross Cabo San Lucas, Miami, Boise(!) and Cabo (again?) off the list.

Apparently, the New York Yankees star and the former WWE Diva liked their trip to Cabo last month so much...they went back to ring in the New Year.

You'll recall it was just last week that the pair was spotted in Wilson's childhood home of Boise, Idaho working out at a local gym.

Has the off season been this boring that we care who A-Rod is navigating the globe with?  Apparently.

When do pitchers and catchers report again?

A-Rod Dating Former WWE Diva

There was a lot of talk a while back about Alex Rodriguez having a "type" when it comes to the women he dates.

Given his track record, the New York Yankees slugger likes them buff and blonde and considering his new squeeze is a former WWE Diva...he's staying true to form.

According to numerous reports (including a number of wrestling sites and The New York Daily News), Rodriguez spent the holidays in Boise, Idaho with Torrie Wilson.

Boise TV news anchor Mike Murad told the Daily News he was at Axiom Fitness Monday when the top-paid player in Major League Baseball walked in with Wilson, a retired World Wrestling Entertainment star.

Murad said he asked if he could take a photo, but A-Rod declined, saying, “I’m trying to keep a low profile.”

And, wouldn't you know it...this wasn't the first time the two were spotted together.

Earlier this month, Rodriguez and Wilson, both 36, were photographed riding bikes in Miami.  And right before Christmas, the pair were spotted in Cabo San Lucas with George Clooney and his lady (another former WWE star and ex-roommate of Wilson), Stacey Kiebler.

Rodriguez has been linked to a number of women since his divorce in 2008.  Wilson, also divorced since 2008, was married to pro wrestler Billy Kidman...I guess you could say the former Playboy covergirl has a type as well.

But I'll leave the steroid jokes up to you.

***Above picture "borrowed" from X17online.com.***

Alex Rodriguez is Predictable

It sure looks like Alex Rodriguez has a type...blonde, muscled and in a tank top.   

Well, according to What Would Tyler Durden Do, the New York Yankees slugger's new girlfriend looks like his old one.

Or his older one.

Or, even (gasp!)...his wife.

And, yes, I know this isn't exactly news...but haven't we heard enough of rally squirrels and Jason Verlander this postseason?

Oh...the chick in the picture?  Some model named Ella Magers and based on her videos, she can really, wait for it, pack a punch!  Zing!

Why The Yankees Lost

By now, the world knows that the New York Yankees lost Thursday night against the underdog Detroit Tigers.

And Hall contributor Bo Rosny thinks he knows why...Joe Girardi has the wrong attitude.

Seriously, why keep sending Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher out there and leave Eric Chavez and Andruw Jones rotting on the bench?

Has he forgotten 1996 when Joe Torre had the stones to bench Tino Martinez and future Hall of Famer Wade Boggs in favor of Charlie Hayes and Cecil "Prince's Dad" Fielder?

Unfortunately, this is probably the end of the Yankees' amazing 16 year run. They're more likely to lose 90 then win 90 next year.

And you can bet the Red Sox won't collapse again.

Plus...they're just getting old.  Age is the biggest factor, and the biggest reason why the Yankees just seemed tired in the playoffs.  Derek Jeter and A-Rod are toast, and are locked into multi-year contracts.

Mark Teixeira is far from the superstar he once was, and Curtis Granderson is not going to have a career year every year.

The pitching, outside of Mariano Rivera and possibly 2007 American League Cy Young Award winner C.C. Sabathia, is extremely suspect. Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon did a nice impression of Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon in 2005...but remember how long they lasted in 2006?

The free agent market looks very thin, so there doesn't look to be a way to buy a championship like they did in 2009.

Sorry Yankees fans...it's back to rooting for an ordinary team for you.

You can check out more of Bo's work (and I suggest you do) over at Baseball Cards Come to Life!

The Season That Was...September (and October)

When the calendar page turned to September...baseball had already seen five no-hitters (two of them perfect games), Ken Griffey Jr. call it quits and Manny Ramirez end up in Chicago.

What could the last month of the season have in store for its fans?

Early on, Chicago White Sox infielder Omar Vizquel became the leader in games played among foreign born players. More than Hall of Famers Tony Perez (2777) and Luis Aparicio (2601). More than octogenarian Julio Franco (2527). And now...more than the previous record holder Palmeiro.

And for the curious out there, Vizquel is 17th on the all-time list.

The Season That Was...August

As long as guys like Alex Rodriguez and Albert Pujols are swinging a bat...the baseball world stands a good chance at seeing some milestones broken.

That said...welcome to August!

Right out of the gate, on August 4th, "A-Rod" joined Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Sammy Sosa and Ken Griffey Jr. as the one of the only players to slug 600 or more home runs for their career...and he did it exactly three years to the day after he slugged number 500.

Rodriguez also became the youngest player to hit 600, at 35 years and eight days old...a year and 188 days younger than "The Bambino" was when he swatted 600. "A-Rod" was also the fourth quickest to the mark in terms of at-bats, hitting number 600 in his 8,689th at-bat. Ruth did it in 6,921.

Less than a week later, Rodriguez made history again when he stole his 300th base. Only Barry (762-514) and Bobby Bonds (332-461), Willie Mays (660-338), Andre Dawson (438-314), Reggie Sanders (305-304) and Steve Finley (304-320) have achieved 300 home runs and 300 stolen bases.

Derek Jeter Had a Good Game Too!

Perhaps overshadowed by the fact that his teammate Alex Rodriguez finally got that monkey off his back and slugged home run number 600 is the history that Yankees captain Derek Jeter made on Wednesday.

Not only was it the 50th time that A-Rod knocked in Jeter with a homer...but the shortstop was also on base three years ago (to the day) when number 500 was hit.

But enough about Rodriguez and his milestone. For now.

With four hits, Jeter surpassed Yankees great Joe DiMaggio with his 35th 4-for-4 game. For his career, the Yankees hit king is sitting at 2872...one behind Babe Ruth on all-time leaderboard.

Not only did the Yankees captain get four hits, but two of them were doubles. Jeter entered the game tied with Hall of Famers Sam Crawford and Jimmie Foxx with 458. He ended the contest with 460 and tied with another Hall of Famer...Dan Brouthers

By scoring three runs, Jeter put his career total at 1652. When he rounded the bases in the first inning after Rodriguez sent number 600 deep, Jeter passed up Hall of Famer Joe Morgan (1650 runs scored) on the all-time list.

So yeah, Alex Rodriguez had a pretty good afternoon (check out ten things you might not have known about his milestone HERE), but let's not forget his teammate Derek Jeter and his own pursuit of excellence.

Ten Things About Alex Rodriguez and His 600 Home Runs

Weight lifted...monkey gone.

Alex Rodriguez has joined Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Sammy Sosa and Ken Griffey Jr. as the one of the only players to slug for 600 or more home runs for their career...and he did it exactly three years to the day after he slugged number 500.

For Rodriguez, it took 2267 games…the second quickest behind Ruth (2044 games) to do so. That said, when he took Shawn Marcum deep in the first inning of today's game, A-Rod became the youngest to accomplish the feat at just 35 years, 8 days old…nearly two full years younger than Ruth when he did the deed.

Here are ten things that I bet you might not have known about the 600 home runs that Rodriguez has hit.

365
Since he hit his first home run June 12, 1995 off Tom Gordon, Rodriguez has gone on to victimized 364 other pitchers. Atop the hit list at eight are three pitchers…Ramon Ortiz, David Wells and Bartolo Colon. All-time home run king Jamie Moyer has given up six longballs to the Yankees third baseman. And of the 365 pitchers Rodriguez has taken deep…some of them were siblings. The brothers Hernandez (Livan and Orlando) and Weaver (Jeff and Jered) are responsible for a combined 12 home runs.

255
I don’t have to tell anyone, but the New York Yankees are not only A-Rod’s third team, but it is the team that he’s been the most productive for. Since he first landed in the Big Apple in 2004…he’s hit 255 home runs. For his first team, the Seattle Mariners, he hit 189 homers and in just three seasons with the Texas Rangers…he hit a mind boggling 156 home runs. Wow.

122