I'm Curious

Why did it take more than two weeks for Gary Matthews Jr. to admit to doing nothing? I know I've touched on this before, but I just don't understand why it takes so long to deny something if you know you've done nothing wrong. Matthews says it took so long because he and his attorneys wanted to be sure he wasn't going to be the subject of any kind of investigation, or accused of any wrongdoing. Apparently he has assurances from Bud Selig that he is not.

I'd like to know why, in light of the fact that his name reportedly appeared on that client list. And I'd also like him to address why his name appeared on that list. He said he would address it, but didn't today.

The Angles may consider this matter closed, but I guarantee G-Mat can look forward to a season full of "H-G-H" chants on the road, and maybe even some at home. If he's innocent, this is an unfortunate penalty he'll have to pay for being so much as associated with the game's on-going performance-enhancing drug scandal. If he's guilty and covering something up, it's nowhere near punishment enough.

This Again

So Gary Matthews Jr. "wishes to cooperate," is "eager to tell his side of the story," and "looks forward to providing a statement" as to why his name allegedly appeared on a client list at a Mobile, Alabama pharmacy. Investigators say that pharmacy mailed the human growth hormone, Genotropin to him in August 2004. The co-owners of that pharmacy are under indictment.

Investigators also link the Alabama pharmacy with a pair of health facilities in the Orlando, Florida area. That's where a handful of people were just arrested as part of the same on-line, steroid distribution network investigation.

Oh, by the way, investigators say "Juiced" author, Jose Canseco's name was also on the Alabama list, and that former D-Backs pitcher Jason Grimsley is associated with the Florida pharmacy. I don't know about you, but I sure wouldn't want my name mentioned along with the self-proclaimed "Godfather of Steroids In Baseball," and an admitted HGH-user at a time like this.

It's no secret Matthews is fresh off a stellar 2006 where he set career highs in games, at-bats, runs, hits, doubles, triples, home runs, RBI, walks, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging, and OPS. It's also no secret he parlayed his career year into a 5-year, $50 million dollar deal this off-season.

At least Matthews says he wants to cooperate. That may be more than you can say for Barry Bonds.

But here's my question, Gary. Let's say your 2006 was about hard work. Let's say it was about a skilled athlete in his early 30's finally getting the opportunity to prove what he can do as a full-time starter. Let's assume it wasn't about cheating, just to cash in. If that's truly the case, why not hold a press conference tomorrow and tell the world that you've never, ever, knowingly or unknowingly, taken any illegal performance-enhancing drugs? Why do you need to wait until the end of the investigation to comment if you didn't do anything wrong?

I just don't get it.