Pettitte, Knoblauch Come Clean

Committee chair Henry Waxman (D-Calif) is still making his opening remarks, but we have already learned that Chuck Knoblauch admitted to injecting HGH several times. Also, Andy Pettitte admitted HGH use again on 2 occasions in 2004 while recuperating from an injury. Pettitte said no one outside his family knew of his HGH use in 2004.

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The Circus is in Town

So today is the day everyone has been waiting for- everyone who wants to waste their time. Lets face it, nothing, and I mean nothing, is going to come out of today's Congressional hearings on performance enhancing drugs. This is the ultimate dog and pony show.

Why will people, us included, tune in? Because of the gossip angle. Will Roger Clemens contradict himself? Will Brian McNamee slither out of his chair? Did Andy Pettitte implicate Clemens in his deposition?

The pols that are running the show are eating this up. They love the attention and the face time, but why are they using our tax dollars for this? They have no judicial capacity. According to committee member Darrell E. Issa (R-Calif), who may have his own agenda, the committee should not be dealing with this matter at all.

"It has jurisdiction to investigate any federal program and any matter with federal policy implications." That's what it says right on the committee's website, backing up Issa's point.

Issa also stated, in an interview with ESPN Radio's Michael Kay last night, that committee co-chair Henry Waxman (D-Calif) promised that no criminal charges would result as part of the hearings. Then why is this even happening? And are you trying to tell us that if Roger Clemens perjures himself, a federal criminal investigation won't be in full attack mode (if it isn't already). In other words, Waxman is really just saying we won't directly begin criminal proceedings.

While this may be entertaining - could it be even more boring than the hearings in 2004? - this will turn out to be an incredible waste of time and money.

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The Daily Yankeeland

Chuck Knoblauch has his day before congress today as he is being deposed concerning his involvement, or lack thereof, with steroids and HGH. Knoblauch was in good spirits as he arrived carrying his son Jake earlier this morning.

UPDATE 1:00 PM EST - Here are details of Knobby's day.

Agent Jim Murray met with congressional leaders yesterday. Murray's name was repeatedly mentioned on the taped phone conversation between Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee.

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A lot of pundits are saying that Phil Hughes level of success will dictate Brian Cashman's future since the trigger was not pulled on the Johan Santana deal. That's not really a fair assessment since Hank Steinbrenner did not appear to really want to spend the kind of money it would take to sign Santana long term.

Barring an injury, there's no question Santana will continue to be a star for the Mets. It's really not fair to compare how Phil Hughes and/or Ian Kennedy do in their careers.

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Morgan Ensberg's reason for signing with the Yankees? - “When I looked at all the options available, certainly I felt like the opportunity here was the best shot at playing every day."

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Muscling Up: Robinson Cano has reportedly put on 5 lbs of muscle over the winter.

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MLB.com has a piece today exploring A-Rod's chances for a title as a Yankee.

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Breaking News: New Kid on the Knoblauch

Apparently Chuck Knoblauch was not hiding out in Mexico, with or without Jessica Simpson. Knobby had not returned calls from congressional contacts and was nowhere to be found when they tried to subpoena him. Knobby was probably just getting all his ducks in a row- translation: talking to some lawyers first.

Earlier today, the former Yankees 2nd Baseman agreed to talk to the House committee, investigating steroid use, this Friday. A deposition will be taken in preparation for formal hearings on February 13.

"We are pleased that Mr. Knoblauch has agreed to voluntarily participate in a transcribed interview or deposition with the committee. As a result, the Committee is withdrawing the subpoena," House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman Henry Waxman and ranking Republican Tom Davis said in a statement.

Good luck Knobby...if you have to hit one of their mothers in the head with a glass of water.

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The Daily Yankeeland

Where for art thou Chuck? Congress is looking for ya. Apparently Chuck Knoblauch is on the lam or at least in hiding from the congressional subpoena server. Meanwhile, Brian McNamee's lawyer, Earl Ward, is trying to reschedule McNamee's day before congress. He's also working on trying to get his client immunity.

All's quiet on the Johan Santana front, but SI's Jon Heyman believes the Mets have taken the lead as the favorite to land the 2-time Cy Young winner. Though a deal may not be imminent, the Mets appear to be having the most regular dialogue with the Twins.

The Yankees have broken another record, but it's a somewhat dubious one. The Yankees' final payroll for 2007 was $218,311,394, nearly $63 million higher than the Red Sox payroll. In all, 10 teams top the century million mark. Click here to see the full list.

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Knobby Gets the Call

The House of Representatives Government Reform and Oversight Committee didn't hear back from Chuck Knoblauch, so the former Yankees 2nd Baseman will be getting a formal invitation to attend next months congressional hearings. Committee chairmen Henry Waxman (D-Calif) and member Tom Davis (R-VA) jointly announced today that Knobby had been subpoenaed to raise his right hand and testify under oath.

"The committee has taken this step because Mr. Knoblauch failed to respond to the invitation to participate voluntarily in a deposition or transcribed interview and the February 13 hearing."

Knoblauch certainly hasn't helped himself out with his somewhat belligerent attitude. Considering he has stated that he has no friends in baseball, his testimony could be quite eye opening.

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Knobby Speaks Up

For the first time since being named in the Mitchell Report, former Yankee Chuck Knoblauch has publicly commented on his inclusion in the "festivities". While he doesn't deny any wrong doing, he doesn't admit either. He does sound a little bitter though towards the game that brought him fame, and in some cases, infamy.

“I have nothing to defend,” Knoblauch said. “I have nothing to hide at the same time.”

Oddly, what bothered him most about being in the report is that he no longer has anything to do with baseball, and he wants to keep it that way.

“I’ve got nothing to do with any of that, I mean, any baseball.”

“And I don’t want anything to do with baseball,” he added.

Knoblauch plans to be at the congressional hearing on February 13, but has not been told any specifics.

“I read my name in the paper and see it on the news, but I haven’t heard a word,” Knoblauch said. “I’m supposed to be somewhere, but I haven’t been told where to be.”

Asked if he will talk to the committee, Knoblauch said: “Yeah, if I have to do that, then what are you going to do?”

Philip M. Schiliro, the chief of staff for the committee holding the hearing, said he left several messages for Knoblauch, but has not heard back from him.

Perhaps this was the saddest statement of all from the once beloved 2nd Baseman. “I love baseball,” he said, “but I’m not trying to get a job in baseball. I don’t have any friends from baseball. Baseball doesn’t control my life anymore.”

Knoblauch, for now, is content to fill his time playing with his 3-yr old son. And he asked reporters not to tell anyone where he lives.

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