Was anyone else surprised that yesterday's hearing seemed to break down along party lines? Democrats were going after Clemens, and the Republicans were blatant in their support. Some of the Republican Congressmen (and women) actually introduced pro-Clemens evidence into the record, and they were leading his testimony. My favorite was the Congresswoman from NC who held up four pictures of Clemens in different uniforms and said "you don't look physically different in these pictures, wouldn't you agree." It was so bad that even Sports Illustrated commented on it on the CNN website.

I find it amazing that even these hearings, which have nothing to do with politics, have even become partisan. The only explanation I can come up with is that George Steinbrenner--who is a long-time Republican supporter and financial contributor--contacted party officials in the hope of minimizing the damage that is being inflicted on the Yankees. I suppose it's also possible that the Astros' ownership is responsible since Roger still has a personal services contract with the Astros. It's clear though (to me at least) that they had gotten their marching orders from someplace.

I suppose in the spirit of fairness that I should say that it's possible that the Democrats on the committee banded together to beat Clemens up. However, in light of the growing evidence that Clemens did indeed cheat, this seems less unlikely to me.

I was surprised too. I hate to be cynical, but I suspect a couple of motives: (1) I don't know about Clemens' personal politics, but quite a few baseball players, owners, and managers are outspoken Republicans/conservatives. The Bush family has ties to the Texas Rangers. Surely the congresspeople know which side their bread is buttered on. (2) With Congress's approval ratings in the tank, the Republicans (and conservative media pundits) can harp about the Democrats beating up on sports figures instead of tending to more serious matters (a somewhat fairer cop, but intransigence extends to both sides).

Reportedly, the FBI is now looking into the matter. I don't know how you can prove anything if it's all "he said/he said," but as a lifelong Yankees fan, I don't believe Clemens is telling the truth.

Jimbo,

I have to admit that I'm predisposed to doubt Clemens, being a Sox fan, but he really doesn't seem to be belieavable. To be fair though, I got to watch him since he entered the league, and he was never particularly articulate. He is never going to win over supporters speaking for himself. I'm sure you are right that most baseball owners and players are Republicans, but how can Republican congresspeople think there's an advantage to taking his side? No one believes Clemens in the real world. The split is something like 80/20 against according to ESPN polls. I'm going to be even more cynical than you and say that I'm inclined to think there is money involved--that the people who want Clemens exonerated are contributors to the party. That's how government seems to work these days (on both sides).

By the way, what's the word in NY about Joba? Up hear in NH, I'm hearing that he's going to be a set-up man again. It seems to me that he's more valuable as a starter. I'm not as sold on Hughes and Kennedy as the Yankees seem to be. I would think that Joba would be more valuable as a starter (not that this Red Sox fan is complaining ).