Went out to grab some lunch and was listening to Dan Patrick show. Patrick interviewed Keith Olbermann who claims Rogers was using a substance called benzoin. Benzoin is used by musicians. It is a substance that when it dries looks like iodine. The substance even when dry and washed off the hand, still stays sticky up to 24 hours after being washed off. The affects on the ball makes it drop which if you watched game last night, Rogers probably threw less than a handful of ball that were above the thighs. Olbermann claims some musician friends recognized the substance from Fox photos. Also, evidence after he washed off his hand, showed still a shadow of where it was which is exactly what benzoin does to your hand after being washed off. Rogers should be suspended.
The only question I have is why Larussa did not ask for him to be checked. Steve Palermo who was representing MLB when Selig isn't present claimed in post game interview it was dirt. Dirt is not an illegal substance and does not have to be washed off as it is not illegal. So why did Kenny wash his hand off Steve? In regards to Larussa, there is a gentlemen's agreement between all managers about pitchers and substances. They don't make a big deal out of it because likely over 50% of all pitchers doctoring the ball in some way. It is also the umpires responsibility to check him and they did not. It is not the managers job to request it.
There is also a precedence of this. In 1988 NL playoffs, Jay Howell was suspended for using pinetar and getting caught. Why are we giving Rogers a pass? Here is a guy who was 0 for everything in the post season with around a 10 era in past playoffs. He has been caught a couple times this post season on camera with same spot on pitching hand. The substance can be used when on or off hand for 24 hours to doctor a baseball. If this is a Cardinal pitcher who did this I would feel same way as baseball is our National pastime and feel anyone who cheats should be exposed and punished. Selig it is time to step up and do the right thing. If you say it is too late you are wrong Bud. This substance will still be on the balls after the game and being washed off the hand. I would love to hear thoughts from others on this topic.
The only question I have is why Larussa did not ask for him to be checked. Steve Palermo who was representing MLB when Selig isn't present claimed in post game interview it was dirt. Dirt is not an illegal substance and does not have to be washed off as it is not illegal. So why did Kenny wash his hand off Steve? In regards to Larussa, there is a gentlemen's agreement between all managers about pitchers and substances. They don't make a big deal out of it because likely over 50% of all pitchers doctoring the ball in some way. It is also the umpires responsibility to check him and they did not. It is not the managers job to request it.
There is also a precedence of this. In 1988 NL playoffs, Jay Howell was suspended for using pinetar and getting caught. Why are we giving Rogers a pass? Here is a guy who was 0 for everything in the post season with around a 10 era in past playoffs. He has been caught a couple times this post season on camera with same spot on pitching hand. The substance can be used when on or off hand for 24 hours to doctor a baseball. If this is a Cardinal pitcher who did this I would feel same way as baseball is our National pastime and feel anyone who cheats should be exposed and punished. Selig it is time to step up and do the right thing. If you say it is too late you are wrong Bud. This substance will still be on the balls after the game and being washed off the hand. I would love to hear thoughts from others on this topic.