In honor of Saint "THIS is What I'm Remembered for? Being a Drunkard? I Was Hoping for a More Respectable Legacy..." Patrick, I thought I'd write something with a alcohol-related splash today. And no, I'm not drunk. Yet.*
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PED's have been the talk of the baseball world the past few years, as writers and fans alike blame them for the increase in stats and records being broken. What many fail to realize is that players these days train year round and are very focused on their health, which accounts for the overall improvement in playing just as much as PED's. The caliber of players and the fact that so many of them are so successful can more often be directly attributed to natural factors; casting aspersions on the talent pool is ridiculous. Let's remember to give credit where credit is due. As I mentioned, guys these days work out year round to maintain their baseball bods (except Big Fatass Papi, obv), employing trainers to keep them in tip top shape, and not all trainers have a habit of injecting their clients in the ass. Some of them actually focus on, ya know, WORKING OUT.

Of course, even with the current health-conscious attitude that seems to dominate the game, we shouldn't forget the other little problem some folks in the game seem to have: drinking to their little hearts' content. There are the tales of drinking-related shenanigans by the likes of David "I Drank Beer and I Had a Career Year" [direct quote, didn't make that one up]" Wells and Mike "I went four for four [one of the times he was a drunken sailor] with 2 jacks and 8 ribbies" Cameron, DUI's, and don't forget the unfortunate deaths of Cardinal Josh Hancock and the women killed by Jim Leyritz. I'd venture to guess that there are just as many players drinking to excess and letting it affect their playing - whether it makes a positive or negative impact is up in the air; I would think it would jack everything up but apparently it causes perfect games and smacking homers - as there are PED-users.

That being said, even with the occasional drunk player, this era of constant workouts and B12 supplements is a far cry from the days of Whitey, Mick and Billy going out on the town, pounding drinks until 4AM, and showing up to the games hung over the next day.

So to all those players that steer clear of substances, whether its greenies, drinkies, or steroidies, I say "fine work, gents." Lift those mugs of protein shakes and egg whites and congratulate yourself on a job well done.


*Just kidding. YC isn't a big fan of drinking. Particularly green beers. Dr Pepper, on the other hand...