MLB Quarter-Century Squad from The Athletic Fails to Impress Due to a Particular Flaw
The sports publication The Athletic recently announced its MLB All-Quarter-Century Team, a formidable roster spanning the last 25 years. While the team showcases remarkable talent, its selection process has sparked controversy, particularly regarding the inclusion of Barry Bonds and the exclusion of Alex Rodriguez.
Veteran journalist Jayson Stark, a contributor to The Athletic, highlighted the team's stars, noting solid performances throughout. However, Rodriguez was notably absent from the list due to his admitted use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Meanwhile, Bonds, despite evidence suggesting PED use, made the cut.
Stark's decision to exclude Rodriguez but include Bonds underscores the complex and ongoing debate concerning the treatment of steroid-era players. Bonds, while consistently implicated in steroid allegations, has not failed a drug test during his impressive career. On the other hand, Rodriguez openly admitted to using PEDs.
This distinction raises questions about The Athletic's approach to PED-linked players. Some argue that the use of PEDs provides an unfair advantage and tarnishes achievements, while others contend that PEDs were prevalent during the steroid era, and excluding all linked players may remove many top talents.
It's worth noting that the inconsistency in dealing with PED-era players is apparent in Baseball Hall of Fame voting as well. Players like Bonds and Roger Clemens have received significant support despite steroid allegations, while PED issues have led to others being excluded or receiving less support.
Ultimately, The Athletic's selection process for the MLB All-Quarter-Century Team reflects the ongoing debate about how to weigh PED use against on-field greatness. As the line between performance-enhancement and traditionally accepted training practices becomes increasingly blurred, sports journalists and analysts will continue to grapple with these complex issues.
The exclusion of Alex Rodriguez from The Athletic's MLB All-Quarter-Century Team, despite his confessing to using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), contrasts with the inclusion of Barry Bonds, who has not failed a drug test but is repeatedly implicated in steroid allegations. This dilemma mirrors the controversies surrounding the treatment of PED-era players in Baseball Hall of Fame voting, where Bonds and Roger Clemens have gained significant support despite steroid allegations, whereas PED issues have led to other players being excluded or receiving less support.
