The Official Blog of Sportscaster101.com

Vinny Micucci: Professional Broadcaster with over a decade of experience hosting TV & Radio shows. Author of “From Sports Fan to Sportscaster”

(Pictures):    In studio analyst for MLB All-Star Game
                    2007 World Series at Fenway Park with former Major Leaguers
                     - (John Marzano, Jim Leyritz, Harold Reynolds & Jerry Hairston Jr)
                    Interviewing Cal Ripken Jr 
                    Interviewing Russell Martin at HR Derby at Yankee Stadium 

(East Meadow, NY) - via Sportscaster101

Before the stench of the Melky Cabrera 50-game suspension could wear off, a second Bay Area Major Leaguer finds himself in that very same predicament. Oakland A’s hurler Bartolo Colon received a 50-game suspension from Major League Baseball for testing positive for testosterone. As is always the case at these moments, I feel disheartened. I’m disheartened that this continues to go on even after all of the negative press that PEDs receive. I’m disheartened that there appears to always be a doctor out there or players  willing to try something new that they believe is undetectable by Major League Baseball. I’m disheartened that PEDs clearly seem to have a major effect on many athletes. 

During the many radio shows I’ve hosted, I would always use my same example when referencing PED use. Obviously, I’ve never been in the Majors which means that I’ve never hit a Major League home run nor thrown a Major League pitch. Therefore, I would ask what is the difference when doing these things on steroids or with other PEDs? Does a home run go another 10 feet? 50 feet? to the Upper Deck? Will I hit 2 points higher on my average? 20 points? more? Will I throw a pitch 2 mph hour faster? 5? more? Will I be less prone to injury or more? With so little to compare, it’s been difficult for me to analyze how to punish those accused or convicted or those up for the Hall of Fame.

These latest two examples (Cabrera and now Colon) are only adding to my growing feeling that PEDs do so much more than I initially thought. I guess I should’ve always felt this way. After all, why would so many take the risk in the first place? Why would even more take the risk now when the suspensions are bigger and the public attention is so much more heightened? 

Prior to last season, Melky Cabrera never had a batting average higher than .280 and hit no more than 13 home runs in any campaign. In 2011, the switch hitter picked up career highs in average .305, HR’s 18, RBIs 87 and steals 20. Each number was greatly higher than his previous numbers. In 2012 he was off and running again earning an All-Star bid and the praise of many around the league as he helped the Giants towards a potential postseason bid. At the All-Star break, the Oakland A’s were a .500 team and 9 games out of the AL West division. Despite having some solid seasons in his past, righty Bartolo Colon came back strong in 2012 with 10 wins and a 3.43 era at the time of his suspension. Just over one month later, Oakland is now 10-games above .500 and sits 5 games back of Texas and just one half game out of a Wild Card spot.

With many years now to reflect on the PED situation, I wanted to give the players the benefit of the doubt. I wanted to believe that these drugs didn’t have impact that they clearly seem to have. I also wanted to believe that it has only been a select few players but the evidence is piling up. More players, more teams, and presumably ALL leagues are tainted with this curse. How do you fix it? I don’t know but it seems that I will have to take the position as a fan that many believe the Commissioner and others took back in the 90’s. I will just turn a blind eye and see what unfolds.

Sportscaster101.com reporter Andrew Detres breaks down why he thinks the Beltway Ballclubs in Washington and Baltimore are off to hot starts. He also touches on the reasons for the slow starts with the Phillies and Angels.

Sportscaster101.com reporter Andrew Detres hosts the podcast along with Vinny Micucci. Among the show topics covered are Mariano Rivera, the LA Kings hot run and a debate on the Nets move to Brooklyn

Sportscaster101.com reporter Jared Hall hosts the podcast along with Vinny Micucci. Among the show topics covered are Matt Kemp & Albert Pujols…a hot start versus a cold start. The LA Kings continue their fiery playoff run. NBA playoff breakdown and much more!

Sportscaster101.com talent Anthony Romano is joined by Vinny Micucci for a breakdown of the 2012 NL West.

Sportscaster101.com talent Anthony Romano is joined by Vinny Micucci for a breakdown of the 2012 NL Central.

Sportscaster101.com Analyst Andrew Detres breaks down the NCAA Tournament with a look at how conference tournament upsets will help or hurt teams. Plus, Andrew talks about the teams he will keep an eye out for as sleepers.

Sportscaster101.com talent Anthony Romano is joined by Vinny Micucci for a breakdown of the 2012 NL East.

Sportscaster101.com talent Anthony Romano is joined by Vinny Micucci for a breakdown of the 2012 AL West.