In light of Bud Selig’s recent contract extension, I thought I’d get a poll going. Cast your vote and feel free to leave comments if so inclined:
{democracy:34}

BallHype – Owners Extend Selig’s Contract Because, Hey, Drugs Aren’t That Badballhype_story_widget_178447(false);
Commissioner Bud Selig has been given a three-year contract extension. As with most of what’s going on in Major League Baseball right now, this falls into the category of “disappointing but not surprising.” Quoth Florida Representative Cliff Stearns:
The explosion in the use of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs occurred under Selig’s 15-year tenure. I have found commissioner Selig’s glacial response to this growing stain on baseball unacceptable and I have called on him to step down. This three-year extension of Selig’s contract is a vote of confidence in …read more

Sounds kind of kinky, don’t it? Yeah, well, it’s not:

Jim at AZ Snakepit wonders about the Diamondbacks pitching staff.
Eric at Philliesflow searches for hidden gems in right field.
Harper at Oleanders and Morning Glories reacts to news of Paul LoDuca’s inclusion in the Mitchell Report.
Kurt at Goat Riders of the Apocalypse muses on the nature of hypocrisy in sports, specifically as it relates to the current steroid flap.
Lisa at Astros Dugout rejoices in the signing of right-hander Jack Cassel.
Dave at U.S.S. Mariners fantasizes about how much better the world would be if he ran the Mariners.
Eric at Rays Anatomy calls for …read more

Billfer at Detroit Tigers Weblog notes that the Tigers have inked first-round pick Rick Porcello. Apparently it’s a Major League contract worth more than $7 million. If nothing else, this reaffirms that Bud Selig’s efforts to “slot” players in the draft have been wasted.
This is a great addition for Detroit, but it’s got to be something of a slap in the face of Selig and MLB, which recommended a signing bonus of $1.17 million for the 27th pick this year. Of course, you could argue that Porcello slipped so far because of his reported demands. And that brings us to …read more

I’ve already made my distaste for the All-Star game abundantly clear. Chris Jenkins of the San Diego Union-Tribune has pretty well outlined why I can’t muster any enthusiasm for the so-called Midsummer Classic:
Every year, even 64 slots seem too few for the truly deserving. Virtually half of those are already committed, one per team, minimum. It devalues the honor when a player is handed an All-Star uniform for no more reason than the simple – and regrettable – fact that he plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates or Kansas City Royals.
Yeah, that part never sat right with me. Either we’re fielding …read more

ESPN reports that commissioner Bud Selig is “leaning toward suspending” New York Yankees designated hitter Jason Giambi for the latter’s recent comments about steroid use. From the article:
After hearing of Giambi’s comments, Selig offered the slugger a deal: Talk to [lead investigator Sen. George] Mitchell and “cooperate fully” or you will face disciplinary action.
Is it me, or does this sound like an offer Giambi can’t refuse? Look, I’m no great fan of the MLBPA — it’s difficult to sympathize with the working conditions of millionaires — but when stuff like this happens, I’m reminded of why it has become so …read more