[Sylvanfan]

^^^
That is an interesting article for sure. The reports suggest that the two Substances Rodriguez took IIRC were to help the body produce Testosterone to recover, and another one to help maintain a lean appearance. Being able to recover and play every day at a high level is pretty significant. Especially for a Short Stop playing in Arlington during those hot humid summers. It seems reasonable to me that Rodriguez didn't over do it and didn't start taking more and working out more feverishly as time went on. It was keeping him healthy and able to play every day at a high level and that was what he was after. Rodriguez can flat out hit, and I don't think his body shows any unatural looking changes. If he doesn't take any substance during his time in Texas, he probably still hits 45+ home runs a season.

Which is why it's disappointing a guy who was that good still had to go for that slight edge and now it will diminish his accomplishments. But from the other side, if it wasn't illegal or at least punishable within the game at the time and the sport wasn't testing for it, how can you fault athletes for looking for an edge or to maintain their place against those who were blantently abusing steroids. Players are the ones who generally have taken the brunt of the criticism, but owners and Selig should be shouldering at least half the blame for letting it happen and turning a blind eye to it. I have a lot of respect for the guys who played through this era without using any substances when it was very tempting and east to try it. Who those guys are...who knows I suspect Griffey is one, but even than...how do you say with 100% accuracy.