The All-Asterisk Team: An All-Star Lineup of Steroid Users

This team is compiled of the top players from the steroid era who have been alleged to receive help from performance-enhancing drugs. Many of the listed players could have quite possibly had Hall of Fame careers without using the clear, the cream, or whatever else they put into their system.

However, with the decision to illegally enhance their bodies came severe consequences, with many of the offenders becoming despised throughout baseball by players and fans alike.

C: Ivan Rodriguez

New workout regimen this season, right, Pudge? Arguably the best defensive catcher of all-time, and a career .302 hitter, he showed up this season a shadow of his former self, and the only thing shrinking faster than his size is his ability on the field.

Honorable Mention: Paul Lo Duca

1B: Mark McGwire

It's really a shame that the whole steroids thing had to taint an amazing career by Big Mac. With one of the purest swings baseball has ever seen, his 500-foot blasts still would have left the building. Could he still have hit 70 without the 'roids? We'll never know.

Honorable Mention: Jason Giambi

2B: Bret Boone

What a coincidence. After the investigation for steroids began, Boone's stats suddenly dropped by a ridiculous margin: from 2001 to 2002, his batting average dropped over 50 points, his homers decreased by 13, and his slugging percentage dipped over .100, from .578 to .462. As quickly as he solidified himself as one of the best second basemen in the game, he disappeared from baseball in disgrace.

Honorable Mention: Chuck Knobloch

3B: Ken Caminiti

The former MVP admitted to performance-enhancing drugs shortly before his death. Caminiti very well could have paid the ultimate sacrifice in order to obtain slightly better numbers on the diamond.

Honorable Mention: Matt Williams

SS: Miguel Tejada

I don't believe a word that comes out of his mouth anymore. Whether it's taking steroids or his age, Tejada finds a way to lie through his teeth despite everyone speaking against him.

Over five sources have indicated that Tejada has used steroids, and he has denied every one. But he also lied about his age for 15 years, so maybe the truth about steroids will come out in another decade.

Honorable Mention: Neifi Perez (yes, the shortstop pool is that weak)

OF: Barry Bonds

Can he just go away? Please? I am so sick of hearing about Bonds every hour. The guy is 44-years old, overweight, and hasn't played in a game in nearly a year. Bonds could have been one of the most celebrated players of all-time without steroids.

A five-tool stud, he may not have broken the home-run record, but would also not be the most hated player in sports.

Honorable Mention: Lenny Dykstra

OF: Jose Canseco

Is Canseco really the most honest guy in the whole steroid situation? I sure hope not. If his allegations about Alex Rodriguez end up true, baseball will be in a bad place.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?