Alex Rodriguez Should Be In The Hall Of Fame

First, a bit of background. According to a report in Sports Illustrated, Yankees star Alex Rodrigeuz tested positive for steroids. On Monday, he admitted to taking banned substances.

The whole Rodriguez situation has got me thinking.

To me, Rodriguez did the right thing in a decade where he certainly hasn't always been on the right tracks. He managed to piss MLB off by announcing that he was a free agent during the World Series. He managed to piss Texas Rangers fans off by chewing up all of the team's payroll. Oh, and he managed to piss off Yankees fans with a string of disastrous postseason appearances.

Lastly, he managed to piss off the Hall of Fame, who must be wondering—do we elect this guy?

I would. And here's the big reason why:

For one, he's been a hell of a lot more honest than a bunch of players in the steroid era.

Barry Bonds, baseball's Home Run King whether we like it or not, hasn't admitted it.

Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, who had us all fooled in 1998, hasn't admitted it.

Roger Clemens, one of baseball's best-ever pitchers? He hasn't either. 

Rodriguez did admit it. And for that, he must be applauded. I can't wait to see if 103 other players who tested positive in the 2003 season do the same thing.

You're right. There are no excuses for taking illegal substances to make you a better player. If you can't take the pressure, get out of the fire. But Rodriguez has shown—clean—that he is one of baseball's most talented players, and he should be installed in Canton when the times comes.

Rather like that Pete Rose character.

And just in case you want to watch it, here's Peter Gammons' thoughts on the A-Rod situation: