Alex Rodriguez: Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens Getting into HOF Would Help My Cause

Alex Rodriguez pays close attention to the Hall of Fame voting results for Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens.

Appearing on ESPN's First Take on Wednesday (h/t ESPN.com), Rodriguez spoke about how Bonds and Clemens can help his case to get into Cooperstown.

"Of course I want them to get in, because that would mean that I have an opportunity to get in one day," Rodriguez said.

Bonds and Clemens have made incremental gains since their first year on the ballot in 2013. Clemens received 253 votes (59.5 percent) and Bonds received 251 votes (59.1 percent) this year. That's the highest total for both players in seven years of eligibility but well short of the 75 percent needed for induction.

Neither player failed a test for performance-enhancing drugs during his playing days, but suspicions about their use of illegal substances have clouded their candidacies for the Hall of Fame.

Rodriguez has admitted on multiple occasions to using performance-enhancing drugs as a player. The three-time American League MVP was suspended for the entire 2014 season for violating MLB's joint drug prevention and treatment program.

Bonds and Clemens both have three more years of eligibility on the writers' ballot. Rodriguez's first year of eligibility will be in 2022.