It has been 20 years since Pete Rose stood in front of the camera and accepted a lifetime banishment from the game he loved.

I have come full circle regarding the issue. In the summer of 1989, I was 13 years old and as big a fan of Rose as you could possibly imagine. I played the game like he did, getting the absolute maximum out of my limited physical ability. He was someone I could identify with.

When reports began to surface that accused him of gambling on baseball, I knew he didn't do it. My theory was he bet on football and basketball, lost, and felt he didn't have to pay because of who he was. The bookies knew that accusations of gambling on baseball would bring Rose down.

As I got older, got married, and became a father, I realized that "Pete the player" was a totally different person than "Pete the man". It solidified the concept of athletes not necessarily being role models off the field. However, between the lines, I still teach my son to play the game like Rose.

For 15 years, my stance did not change. I hated Bart Giamatti and Fay Vincent. The sight of John Dowd made me sick. I had loved baseball my entire life and had no desire to visit the Hall of Fame until the Hit King was deservedly enshrined.

In 2004, Pete's admission of guilt hit me like a punch in the stomach. It was a weird feeling of confusion and betrayal. The man that I had loved and defended for so long had been lying the whole time.

There were times when I thought he didn't belong in the Hall of Fame. Did he bet on or against the Reds? He lied about gambling, so why wouldn't he lie about something else? Having finally admitted his mistakes, would he now be granted reinstatement? Was it too late?

Pete's accomplishments on the field speak for themselves. No sane person can debate that his numbers warrant admission to the Hall of Fame. Basically, it is a personal issue. Each baseball fan who speaks of Rose does so with the passion of their own opinion.

Fans, journalists, baseball officials and current members of the Hall of Fame all have an opinion on whether or not baseball's all-time hit leader belongs in Cooperstown. However, the only opinion that matters right now is that of commissioner Bud Selig.

I think Vincent indirectly holds Pete responsible for Giamatti's death. Giamatti suffered a heart attack and died shortly after announcing that he had banned Pete for life.

When Selig took office, it appeared as if he would simply honor the wishes of Giamatti and Vincent. Baseball would continue without one of its greatest ambassadors.

The issues has never gone away, and never will. With the recent accusations and admissions of performance-enhancing drug use in baseball, many fans and former players have compared these situations to Rose.

Which is worse, betting on your team to win or taking steroids? Do the respective punishments fit the crimes? Rose is banned for life, forced to sell his autograph to make a living. Manny Ramirez got a 50-game vacation and returns to his multi-million dollar contract.

I am not condoning what Pete did, but how do his wrongdoings compare to those who used steroids to knowingly gain an unfair advantage?

Even if Rose would be granted reinstatement, he would need 75% of the veteran's committee vote to be elected to the Hall of Fame.  Players like Mike Schmidt, Hank Aaron and Joe Morgan have supported Rose, while miserable old men like Bob Feller have not.

This debate will go on forever.  Pete made a mistake, lied about it, and served his time.  He is still on the outside looking in.  Steroids have cast a dark cloud over the last decade of baseball, compromising sacred records.  Players have knowingly used the drugs, lied about it, and return to the field.  Is that fair?

We live in a society where people are given second chances.  Doesn't Pete deserve a second chance?

Twenty years is long enough.

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikemac29/280289214/

The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association created the Heart & Hustle Award in 2005.  Voted on by alumni Major League players, it is presented to a current player who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit, and traditions of the game.

Each team selects a finalist before the overall winner is announced at the Legends for Youth Dinner on November 6 in New York.  It was certainly no surprise that the 2009 Cincinnati Reds Heart & Hustle Award recipient was Adam Rosales.

Many fans today have a hard time connecting to the modern athlete.  Whether it be the astronomical salaries or perceived lackadaisical attitude of some players, fans have become more cynical than ever.  Jealousy can also be a factor. 

Consciously or not, people often resent someone else with the skills and ability to do something they wish they could do.  The issue of performance-enhancing drugs has not exactly help the situation either.

Since Pete Rose first emerged from the dugout at Crosley Field, there has been one certainty between Reds' fans and players.  Play hard, put up (at least) respectable numbers and you will be accepted.  Players like Chris Stynes and Ryan Freel earned a fan base in Cincinnati despite obvious talent deficiencies.

Adam Rosales is not the best player on his team.  He is currently hitting .207 with 4 home runs and 19 RBI.  However, there has been more than one occasion this year when I have turned to my son, pointed at Rosales, and said that is how you play the game.

Rosales plays every game as if it were his last.  Whether it is sprinting to first base after a base on balls, running full speed in favor of a home run trot, or being the first fielder to his position at the start of the inning, Rosales gives everything he has each time he steps on the field. 

He is genuinely excited and thankful to be a Major League player.  I am genuinely excited and thankful that he is a member of the Cincinnati Reds.

Homer Bailey was "The Chosen One". He was the can't miss prospect that Reds fans were waiting for. After being brought to the big leagues at the age of 21 in 2007, Bailey has not exactly blown away the competition. In 28 starts for the Reds, Bailey is 6-12 with a 7.05 earned run average.

After the 2008 season, most fans were convinced that it was time to cut times with Bailey. Young arms like Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto were the future now.

With Volquez being out until late next year because of Tommy John surgery, many just let out a sigh and agree they must settle for having Bailey in the starting rotation.

This may be the opportunity that Bailey needs. He can now walk to the mound. He doesn't have to ride a white horse and acknowledge thunderous applause. He can just pitch.

So, Reds Country, just relax and let the young man develop. He turned 23 years old on May 3.

Let's take a look at some other decent pitchers at the same point in their careers.

Zack Greinke:  Zack Greinke was also brought to the big leagues at a young age. He made his Major League debut for the Royals at 20 years old in 2004. In 2007, at the age of 23, he had compiled a 21-25 record with a 4.63 earned run average. He is currently leading the American League with a 2.33 ERA.

Chris Carpenter:  Chris Carpenter made his Major League debut in 1997 as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. He was 22 years old. From 1997-2002, he was 49-50 with a 4.83 ERA. Since joining the Cardinals at 29 years old, his record is 64-23 and he is allowing less than three runs per game.

Roy Halladay:  At 23 years old, Roy Halladay was 4-7 with a 10.64 earned run average. Two years later, he won 19 games. He is now considered one of the best pitchers in baseball.

A.J. Burnett:  At 23 years old, A.J. Burnett was 3-7 with a 4.79 ERA as a member of the Florida Marlins. He is currently with Yankees and has put together his fifth consecutive double-digit win season.

Dan Haren:  In 2004, 23-year old Dan Haren was 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA for the St. Louis Cardinals. He went to Oakland in 2005 and won 14 games. His win total has been in double digits ever since.

David Cone:  David Cone allowed over five runs per game at age 23 while with the Royals. He improved the next year after going to the Mets. As a 24-year old, Cone was 5-6 with a 3.71 ERA. He won 20 games in 1988 at age 25.

Nolan Ryan:  Even Hall-of-Famers have to start somewhere. In 1970, 23-year old Nolan Ryan was 7-11 for the Mets. He went 10-14 in 1071 before being traded to the Angels. He is now considered to be one of the greatest pitchers of all time.

Since I have blasted Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz regarding their use of performance-enhancing drugs, it would be hypocritical of me to not comment on the Bronson Arroyo situation. Arroyo and his comments were the focal point of an article in USA Today.

Arroyo said, "I have a lot of guys in (the locker room) who think I'm out of (my) mind because I'm taking a lot of things not on the (MLB-approved) list. But I haven't failed any tests, so I figured I'm good."

Either the supplements he is taking are clean and have just not been approved by Major League Baseball, or the tests are not as reliable as some people think. Substances not approved by the league could possibly contain contaminants.

Arroyo suspects that his name is on the list of players that tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003. He openly admits to using andostenedione until it was banned in 2004. Arroyo also said he took amphetamines from 1998 to 2006.

If Arroyo is taking substances that he obtained legally and are not banned by Major League Baseball, then he has done nothing wrong. He certainly is not trying to hide anything. As always, Arroyo is available and willing to talk about any subject, whether it portrays him in a negative light or not.

"People can think what they want of me," he says. "I don't give a f---."

Until that comment, Arroyo came off as an honest player with nothing to hide. He still doesn't appear to have anything to hide, but some of his comments are down right crazy.

"I can see where guys like Hank Aaron and some of the old-timers have a beef with it. But as far as looking at Manny Ramirez like he's Ted Bundy, you're out of your mind. At the end of the day, do you think anybody really (cares) whether Manny Ramirez's kidneys fail and he dies at 50?"

Arroyo also insinuates that fans and owners only care about performance.

"People don't own teams to lose money. If you ask any owner whether they would make $20 million and come in last place or lose $20 million and win a World Series, there's only one guy who would honestly take that championship: George Steinbrenner. Nobody else."

If I am Bob Castellini, I make my way down to the clubhouse today and pull a Keith Richards, whacking Arroyo over the head with a guitar. Is this his way of asking to be traded, or does he just not have any respect for the man that signs his checks?

"You don't want me to get Albert Pujols out? Give me a break. If you give me (the amphetamine) Adderall, and I strike out Pujos in the seventh inning with the bases loaded, there's a pretty good chance I'm going to want to take that Adderall the next time."

"It might be dangerous, but so is drinking and driving. And how many of us do it at least once a year? Pretty much everybody."

Say what? Did he really just say that pretty much everybody drinks and drives at least once a year? Well, I don't drink and drive. That statement was just ignorant. I really thought Arroyo was smarter than that.

"You think this country really cares about what ballplayers put in their bodies? If we really care, why are we pumping Coca-Cola in every kid's mouth, and McDonald's, and Burger King and KFC? That (stuff) is killing people."

"Whether you think it's right or wrong, the union is there to make sure we look good in the media, make as much money as we possibly can and continue our career as long as we possibly can."

Ok, so fast-food is not the healthiest thing in the world, but is he really trying to compare buying your kid a Happy Meal to steroids? Bronson, give me a break.

The public's perception of an athlete, or any public figure for that matter, often has to do with how much money that person makes. Mediocre athletes are scrutinized because of their astronomical salaries. However, if a player can project himself as a likable character, fans will offer their support. In this article, Arroyo comes off as arrogant and self-centered.

So is Arroyo a cheater? I don't know. I don't think he knows...but he sure doesn't care.

As of Monday, White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko has been hit by a pitch three times in the last four games.  Apparently, his manager has had enough.  Before their game on Sunday against the Indians, Ozzie Guillen addressed the situation.

"If I see somebody hitting my players and I know it's on purpose, two guys are going down.  I don't care if I get suspended, I don't care."

"They hit one guy then threw in to another guy.  I got upset.  I know for a fact they're not throwing at anybody, but enough is enough.  I've got Konerko who has got bruises all over the place.  Around the league, be careful because we're going to hit people.  I don't care if they suspend me, because I have got to protect my players."

Pitching inside is a very important part of the game.  For a pitcher to be successful, he has to challenge hitters and show he is not afraid to come inside.  Guillen made the point that if you are unable to take command of the inside part of the plate without plunking someone, don't come inside.

Guillen strikes me as a manager that I would love to play for.  He is passionate about the game and about winning.  He will do anything for his players, as long as they play with the same intensity.

"I'd rather have myself suspended for two days than have my players on the DL for 30 days."

Players respect a manager or teammate who will stick his neck out for them.

Baseball is a game with unwritten rules.  I can remember an incident about eight years ago while catching for a summer league team.  Some guy hit a home run and decided to stand and admire his shot, before breaking into a slow trot around the bases.  In my best Crash Davis impersonation, I advised the gentleman to run, which he did not.

The next batter got a fastball right in the side.  As he winced and started toward first base, I told him that he could thank his buddy for that.

Despite reports that Major League Baseball is looking into his comments, Guillen stuck by his comments.

"I can say whatever I want to say.  I know the integrity of this game better than anybody."

You have got to be kidding me.

I believe that was the phrase I used when I saw Johnny Cueto going down the steps and into the tunnel last night after two innings.  He was on his way to the clubhouse, the latest Cincinnati Red to be bitten by the injury bug.

Cueto did not run out a ground ball in the top of the third, obviously favoring his left leg.  Kip Wells (0-3) relieved Cueto and pitched well until walking in the go-ahead run in the fifth.  Former Red Kyle Lohse (5-7) became the latest starting pitcher to shut down the Reds offense.  He gave up just four hits and a run in six innings.

The initial diagnosis on Cueto was a tight left hip flexor.  After the game, Cueto said he did not think the injury would cause him to miss his next start.  He will be examined today by the Reds' medical staff.

The Reds will finish the 2009 season having played just 10 games with their Opening Day lineup.

Last night, Hal McCoy blogged about how quiet the Reds' clubhouse was in St. Louis yesterday.  After a loss, clubhouses are usually quiet.  However, he was talking about the atmosphere before the game.  Removing a veteran like David Weathers can really effect a team's chemistry. 

The Reds may be out of the division race, but there is still almost two months of baseball yet to be played.  Who is going to step up and take control of the clubhouse?

Speaking of veterans, FOXSports.com is reporting that Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo have both cleared trade waivers.  I would be surprised if both were traded, especially considering Edinson Volquez will spend most of next season recovering from Tommy John surgery.

I will close with on a positive note about a former Red.  Aaron Boone returned to the field last night, playing five innings for the Corpus Christi Hooks as part of a rehab assignment.  Boone underwent open heart surgery on March 26.  He said he hopes to return to the Houston Astros when rosters expand on September 1.

The Reds took two of three from the Giants over the weekend, winning their first road series since June 26-28 in Cleveland. Taking advantage of opponent's mistakes, timely hitting and strong starting pitching is something the Reds have not seen much of in the last six weeks.

On Friday night, the Reds took advantage of five Giant errors en route to a 10-5 victory. Neither Homer Bailey or Tim Lincecum walked away with a decision. Both starters were out of the game by the time the Reds tied it with two in the eighth and took the lead with a five-run ninth.

The Giants evened the series on Saturday with a 4-2 win. Bronson Arroyo (10-11) suffered the loss despite turning in another quality start. Barry Zito (8-10) picked up the win for San Francisco.

Sunday saw Aaron Harang trying to win a ballgame for the first time since May 25. Brandon Phillips and Adam Rosales both homered, giving the Reds' starter some run support to work with. Harang (6-13) pitched into the eighth inning when he loaded the bases with nobody out. Nick Masset got a double play and a fly out to escape the jam. Francisco Cordero pitched the ninth for his 24th save.

Other news:

• Jay Bruce had the cast removed from his right arm on Wednesday. He plans to play again this year. The Reds are 4-17 since Bruce broke his wrist diving for a fly ball.
• Still feeling the effects of being hit in the head with a pitch last Sunday, Scott Rolen will most likely sit out the St. Louis series.
• The Reds traded David Weathers to the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday for a player to be named later.

To call Justin Lehr a journeyman would be certainly be an understatement. After stints in Oakland and Milwaukee, Lehr signed with the Reds as a free agent in November of 2007. He began the 2008 season at Louisville before being released in May. He spent the summer playing in Korea before signing back with the Reds in August.

Lehr made the first Major League start on Friday against Colorado. He was called up after Micah Owings was placed on the disabled list. In five innings against the Rockies, he gave up three runs and walked six.

Last night was a complete turn-around. Lehr was magnificent, throwing a complete game shutout against the Chicago Cubs. He gave up four hits and walked only one.

Lehr was given an early lead to work with. Scott Rolen, back in the lineup after being hit in the head on Sunday, hit his first home run as a Red. It was a two-run shot in the second inning off Cubs' pitcher Rich Harden.

The victory stopped the Reds' season-high losing streak at eight games.

After an off-day today, the Reds begin a weekend series in San Francisco tomorrow night against the Giants. The opening game will feature Homer Bailey (2-3, 7.06) against Tim Lincecum (12-3, 2.18).

Other news:

• The Reds are getting closer to signing first-round draft pick Mike Leake.
• Owner Bob Castellini said Dusty Baker will "absolutely" be back as the Reds' manager in 2010.

I am not into voodoo or witchcraft, but the irony of this situation was just too much to pass up. I finally got around to bringing our extra Jay Bruce and Edinson Volquez bobbleheads to work so they could take their place on my desk.

I could almost hear the spooky organ playing in the background as I took off the wrapping paper.

Volquez underwent Tommy John surgery on his elbow August 3. Notice the arms on the bobblehead (right).

If that wasn't weird enough, take a look at the hand on the Bruce bobblehead (left). The bat is not attached to the figure. This happened as I was trying to place the bat in his hands. Bruce is currently on the disabled list with a fractured wrist.

All of the talk about Bud Selig and if he would consider reinstating Pete Rose got me thinking about the Hit King. Whether or not you believe Rose belongs in the Hall of Fame, it is impossible to argue with his performance on the field. The numbers he posted and records he holds are simply amazing.

He is the best and most consistent contact hitter in the history of the game.

• 4,256 Major League record for most career hits
• 3,215 Major League record for most singles
• 10 Major League record for most seasons of 200 or more hits
• 23 Major League record for most seasons of 100 or more hits
• 5,752 Major League record for most total bases by a switch hitter
• 2,165 National League record for most career runs
• 746 National League record for most career doubles
• 10 National League record for most games with 5 or more hits
• 44 Modern National League record for longest consecutive game hitting streak
• 7 Modern National League record for most consecutive game hitting streaks of 20 or more games

To compile such incredible offensive statistics, you need to have a tremendous love and burning desire to play the game.

• 3,562 Major League record for most games played
• 1,972 Major League record for playing in most winning games
• 14,053 Major League record for most at-bats
• 17 Major League record for most seasons with 150 or more games played
• 23 Major League record for most seasons with 100 or more games played
• 17 Major League record for most seasons with 600 or more at-bats
• 24 National League record for most years played

Rose is also the only player in Major League history to play more than 500 games at 5 different positions.

• 939 at 1B
• 671 in LF
• 634 at 3B
• 628 at 2B
• 595 in RF

Scott Rolen was held out of the Reds' lineup on Monday after being hit in the head with a pitch the day before.  Dusty Baker said Rolen did not have a concussion, only a headache.

Rolen was not available to pinch-hit in the ninth inning last night when Willy Taveras came to the plate as the winning run.  Drew Sutton was also on the bench, but Baker said, "I'm not sending the kid up there in that situation."

That is the most ignorant thing I have heard in a long time.  Did Baker think Taveras was going to send one into the bleachers?  The only way young players can get used to pressure situations is to participate in them.  Besides, it's not like the team is battling for first place.  This is the time of year when you can see if Sutton (and others) will be able to contribute in the future.

Taveras was back in the lineup after missing the past five games with a sore wrist.  He said, "We've been struggling, so I hope to use my speed and help this team win."  Someone should tell him you can't steal first.

Quote of the night, from Dusty Baker, "We're close, real close, to getting it together for a long period of time.  I just feel it."  Does he think the fans are complete idiots?  The team has lost 19 of their last 23 games.

The Reds are 45-60.  They have won just 19 of their last 59 games.  They must win 18 of their remaining 57 games to avoid losing 100.  That's a lot of math.

Yonder Alonso is #18 on MLB.com's Top 50 Prospects list.

It appears that former Red Aaron Boone is going to try and play again.  Boone, currently with the Houston Astros, will meet with the training staff and general manager to plan his rehab assignment.

Remember when everyone got a pants-tent after Manny Ramirez hit the pinch-hit grand slam against the Reds on July 22?  The Dodgers are having a bobblehead giveaway to commemorate the event.  The bobblehead will feature Ramirez tipping his hat to the crowd.  They should have a bobblehead of him bent over with a needle stuck in his butt.

Edinson Volquez had Tommy John surgery yesterday in Cincinnati.  The procedure was performed by Reds medical director, Dr. Tim Kremchek.  Volquez is expected to miss about 12 months, but trainer Mark Mann said it would most likely be 2001 before we see the old Edinson Volquez.

Volquez pitched 196 innings for Cincinnati last season.  He then played winter ball in the Dominican Republic before participating in the World Baseball Classic this spring.

The Reds did not want Volquez or Johnny Cueto to play winter ball after last season.  Apparently, that does not matter.  Pitching coach Dick Pole provided both with a structured program.  Apparently, that doesn't matter either.  In his first winter ball start, Volquez threw 99 pitches, nearly double what Pole's program called for.

Did the extra work cause the injury?  I have no idea.

I do think that teams have a lot of money invested in players, and should have some say in what activities they can participate in during the offseason.  The Reds used to have a basketball team that traveled around during the winter.  They would play at high schools to help raise money for various causes.  The organization put a stop to it.

This is a tremendous blow for the Reds.  I certainly think Homer Bailey will finsih out the year in the rotation.  However, due to injuries and inconsistent performance, a starting rotation that was supposed to be one of the strongest in the division now has some serious holes.

Reds fans, players and coaches breathed a sigh of relief when Scott Rolen sat up and walked off the field yesterday after being hit in the head by a pitch.

Rolen was drilled by Jason Marquis, who slammed his glove to the ground in frustration. Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta and home plate umpire Paul Nauert immediately checked on Rolen as Dusty Baker and assistant trainer Steve Baumann made their way from the Reds' dugout.

Rolen left the game for precautionary reasons. He gestured toward Marquis as he left the field, letting the pitcher know he was ok. He also said he talked to Marquis after the game. The two were teammates with the Cardinals.

After the game, Rolen said he did not expect to receive an MRI and would be ready to play against the Cubs on Monday night.