We can make them bigger, STRONGER

And off we go. I understand the argument you're making but I think in some ways you are making the same logical errors as the steroid-vilification crowd, just in the other direction. This is clearly not an all-or-nothing issue.

First, your exercise analogy, I think there is a crucial difference between doing physical exercise to improve your health and taking a substance which detracts from your health. I think people, understandably, have a problem with people putting chemicals in their body to change their physical make-up.

I don't disagree with anything you said in regards to MAJOR LEAGUE players. I don't care what players do when they get to the big show and are making plenty of money. What I have a problem with is a culture that causes high school athletes who aren't ever going to make it feel obligated to use steroids. The problem here is that if there is a culture of acceptability surrounding steroids at the major league level that is inevitably going to trickle down to amateur athletes.

This is central because I think the thrust of what your saying is that not only should we stop the anger at steroid users, but they should be lauded for goign above and beyond. Sorry, let me clarify, what you are asking is: what is the difference between Barry Bonds using steroids and Aaron Rowand breaking his face on a fence? I think the answer is that we can't view steroid usage in black and white. I don't think players should be vilified for steroid use, but I have hard time giving them credit for doing so.

As for the difference between Tommy John and steroids, again I understand the distinction you are getting at, however there are no long term health-related side effects for Tommy John. As you said the structural integrity of your elbow is better after the surgery. I guess you're saying if we're going to build bigger, better athletes we might as well go all the way. But under your scenario they are only bigger and better for a finite period of time. The pitchers elbow will be in better shape when they are 60 as a result of the procedure, the steroid user will be considerably worse off if they are alive at all. This week I think we should also touch on professional wrestling and the ridiculous mortality rate of the participants.

Look, I think the steroid problem is over rated, but I am in favor of getting it out if possible. Honestly, I think even the OPTICS of trying to get it out of sports is important for the reasons stated previously. Is there hypocrisy here? Absolutely. I'm sure we'll get into this week but there is definitely a double standard in football and basketball compared to baseball. I just think there is an important distinction between not judging the past differently because of steroids and saying it is not an important problem to deal with in the present and the future.