There was no corroborating testimony from other witnesses. Grimsely, his former teammate, didn’t name him. He wasn’t named in the Radomski affidavit. McNamee created a workout program for him based on the one Clemens used (adapted for a reliever). Stanton, Clemens and Pettitte were all friends; you’d think if they were using drugs, with the belief that they could never be caught, Stanton might have had McNamee get them for him too. But McNamee didn’t name him.

All you have is the word of Radomski (a sleazy, convicted drug dealer) versus Stanton (who’s had an impeccable record both on and off the field and, over the last 20 years, has earned a reputation for being a well-respected, stand-up guy).

Any suspension Selig tries to impose on him is going to be taken before an arbitrator. With no conclusive evidence of any kind to back up the allegation, they’ve got nothing to suspend him on.

I don’t think it’s so much a matter of pessimism and naysaying, just surprise that Baker would have Stanton pencilled in at this point to be the 8th inning lefty – after the year Stanton had and after the PED thing. Even aside from Stanton’s total collapse last year, it’s entirely possible he’ll get hammered with a lengthy suspension after the Mitchell Report depending on the veracity of the allegations made against him. He just doesn’t seem like the kind of guy a contender should count on to play such an important role.

And I defy you to show one editor of this blog that has said the Reds are “headed to the cellar”. Maybe there is one, but I sure can’t think of an instance when one of us said this.

Baker’s track record is that he prefers veterans. That’s a fact, not a cheap shot. I believe Baker is the wrong manager for a young team…and will continue to believe this until I’m proven wrong.

As for Stanton recovering this year…it’s possible, but I sure don’t believe he’ll be more effective than Bray and doubt he’ll be more effective than Coutlangus. He’s 40 years old and had his worst year (ERA+ & WHIP) since his second year in the majors. Why should I believe he’s going to pitch well this year?

The issue I take is the little cheap shot at the end of the post about “wily veteran.” Another back-handed rip on Baker’s managerial style.

For a bunch of so-called Reds fans, you guys are the most pessimistic bunch I have seen. The Baker, Cordero and Volquez moves put the Reds in a position to win the Central. However, your constant analysis has convinced you that we are on the road to the celler. We need to pray for no major injuries, an emerging starting pitcher (3 good options), and a mid-season pitching trade to get us to the stretch. We are right there. Those three things put us over the top.

The guy knows how to pitch; he wouldn’t have lasted in the major leagues 20 years if he didn’t. Bray and Coutlangus haven’t even come close yet to earning the kind of trust he has over the course of his career.

It’s a new year, and everyone starts with a clean slate. Put the torches and pitchforks down and give the guy another chance. He’s earned the right to it.

I know you’re trying to be objective and look to the future, but you guys are losing perspective. Baker has a solid track record, has turned around prior teams he took over, and has won with the players he inherited. In the past, that has meant veteran teams. This year, he has a young team. He hasn’t even taken the field in a Reds uniform yet – give him a break!

The glass is half-full!!!