We've Got Some 'splaining to Do

Work interfering with blogging. Reprehensible. But unfortunately it happened to us the last 2 weeks. We were on the computer so many hours during the day and evening, we couldn't take any more. But now we're back and better than ever. Okay, we're just back.

First off, we are still basking in the glow of the GIANTS great NFC Championship win last night in the Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field.

Now, lets get back to baseball. Unfortunately, the steroid issue isn't going away any time soon. Yesterday we read about a growing rift between Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens. Supposedly they were never as close as everyone thought. Is this Derek Jeter-A-Rod, Part Deux?

Reportedly, Pettitte is upset with Clemens because of the Rocket's public airing of his phone conversation with Brian McNamee, and his overall aggressive defense of his reputation.

Though Clemens and Pettitte were work out buddies, fellow Texans, and Yankee pitchers, their relationship was apparently exaggerated by the media.

They were never as close as they were made out to be," a friend of both said on the condition of anonymity. "They just sort of went along with it in the media, because it was a good story."

Their friendship didn't extend much beyond the playing field and workout room. Pettitte is deeply religious and prefers a quiet night at home. Clemens, the extrovert, likes to hit the town when the team is on the road (perhaps this is some of the "activity" McNamee had alluded to).

Clemens denial of any knowledge of Pettitte's use of HGH made us think he was lying at the time. But perhaps he really didn't know because the two are not as close as we were lead to think.

* * *

Clemens' attorney Rusty Hardin did confirm that his client will testify, under oath, before Congress on Jan. 26.

“Roger looks forward to telling the truth under oath,” his lawyer, Rusty Hardin, said. “The date they proposed for us to meet with staff is the actual date we proposed, so we appreciate it.”

* * *

According to McNamee's hired gun, Earl Ward, his client met with Clemens' reps in 2003 or 2004 to warn them that the Rocket might fail a steroid test. Jim Murray, who works for Randy and Alan Hendricks, asked specific questions and took detailed notes. The meeting came about as a result of MLB's announcement of a steroid testing policy.

"The meeting coincided with baseball's announcement of testing," said Earl Ward, McNamee's lawyer. "Brian wanted to let them know Roger had some problems. They discussed steroid use, and this was as far back as 2003 or 2004, and Murray took notes."

* * *

Clemens, as well as Barry Bonds, and anyone else suspected of steroid use, has to be looking into the case of former NFL-er, Dana Stubblefield. The former San Francisco 49er has been sentenced to 6 months in prison for lying to federal authorities during the BALCO investigation.

OK, that's enough 'roid talk for now. Except for this...we didn't fail to notice the contract extension for Bud Selig. We just don't feel like vomiting in public.

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