Steroids or Not, Alex Rodriguez is Still the Best

We have all heard by now that three-time MVP and future home run king tested positive for steroids back in 2003.

A lot of fans have lashed out at him, made their jokes, and most importantly deemed him a cheater. However, lets get one thing straight: A-Rod is still the greatest baseball player that many of us have ever seen. By the end of his career it is very likely he'll have close to 850 home runs and 3,500 hits.

Anyone who thinks all of A-Rod's success is only because he took steroids in 2003 is either a Yankee-hater or delusional. Those people would have to say he has been using the juice his whole career.

Unlike Barry Bonds, A-Rod's stats are consistent year in and year out.

For instance, in 1996, his first full major league season he hit 36 HR, 123 RBI, with a .358 BA. Last season he had 35 HR, 103 RBI, and .302 BA.

The year in question, 2003, wasn't even close to his best season.

I understand a lot of people don't like A-Rod or the Yankees. I myself don't like the Yankees because they've beaten my Atlanta Braves a few times in the World Series. My greatest sports memory is when the Red Sox came back from being down 3-0 in the ALCS—because I hate the Yankees.

However, let's not let that cover up the truth. A-Rod is a once in a lifetime player.

The best part about this information coming out now is that he is still in his prime—which means with the tougher steroid penalties and testing we should know for a fact that he will play the rest of his career steroid-free.

If A-Rod goes out there for the rest of his career and puts up his usual numbers then it's obvious he didn't need steroids.

However, if he comes out this year and in the future and hits 20 HR and only drives in 80 then you can come tell me how dumb I am for thinking steroids didn't effect his game a great deal.

With or without steroids Alex Rodriguez is one of the greatest baseball players in the history of the game.