AROUND AND ABOUT

Good evening sportsfans from Westbrook, Connecticut.

The baseball world is still dominated by the Alex Rodriguez PED story. Since Picasner is an obvious Yankee fan, and subject to accusations of bias, let's make one thing clear. Picasner does not forgive, excuse or condone, A-Rod's use of PEDs, his confession and remorse, notwithstanding. With that disclaimer out of the way, there will not be any more discussion by Picasner unless some NEW development surfaces. Picasner's final thoughts:
***I doubt highly that Selig will suspend or otherwise punish A-Rod. Let's see him get the other 103 names first.
***If all 104 names had been "leaked" at once, A-Rod still would have been the main focus, but the impact would have been a lot less.
***With the "Steroid Era" (c. 1996 - 2004) in full bloom, there is a lot of discussion about the problem of statistics and records. The best suggestion in Picasner's mind so far, comes from Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe: "Leave all the statistics as they are but go back to Aaron - 755 homers, and Maris - 61 homes (since those are the only ones that count) and list everything else with the notation, 'Here they are, you decide how they got there.' " Good going, Bob.

***MUST BE A RIDDLE IN THERE SOMEPLACE, BATMAN***
The University of Miami Hurricanes have renamed their baseball stadium, Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field, apparently in response to a $3.9 million gift by A-Rod in 2004. I don't explain it, I just report it.

***ADAM DUNN IS DONE***
He signed with the Washington Nationals for 2 years. Somebody explain this to me: he went from a loser (Cincinnati) to a double loser (Washington). Which way is up, Adam?

***ABREU SIGNS***
He went from asking for 3 years @ $16 million per year to 1 year @ $5 million. ...And he says he's happy.

***NICK JOHNSON IS ON THE TRADING BLOCK***
A good hitter and an excellent fielder, if he could only stay off the DL. There is no truth to the rumor that the only offer so far is from the Red Cross. The only suggestion I have is to sign with the Boston Red Sox. With Smoltz, Penny, Saito, Baldelli, Ortiz and Lowell all coming off injuries or medical procedures, the Sox should probably be training at the Treasure Coast Medical Center instead of Port St. Lucie.

***SPEAKING OF THE SOX...***
They are bringing back Josh Bard to TRY and catch Tim Wakefield's knuckleball. A previous try resulted in 10 passed balls in 4 (I'm told) games. Good luck, Josh. I hope you've perfected the 'spin and chase the ball' move.

***NO POST COMPLETE WITHOUT MANNY***
Word is that Manny has cancelled a scheduled promotional appearance because of "expected contract-related obligations." With who, Manny, the Cartoon Network? The Dodgers are firm, Manny is firm and Boras is firm. Manny, here's an idea: buy a team and sign yourself.