I think we can safely assume that Manny has been using steroids for quite awhile now.

I also think that Sox fans can no longer feel smug that he was caught in LA and not in Boston (although I must admit my first reaction was the Dodgers got what they deserved).

With the recent statements by Merloni and Duquette, it is clear that the Sox were no different than most of the other teams in regard to the use of illegal substances.

Are they tainted?

Sadly, I think so.

Certainly much of baseball for the past decade or two is tainted. But that’s simply an excuse to spread the blame.

And even though both titles were team victories, there’s no getting around the fact that Manny has left a stain on those two magnificent seasons and WS victories.

I had hoped the Sox had avoided this issue. But it’s not so.

Bummer.

Also, while I haven’t seen much speculation on steroids and Ortiz, I can’t help but wonder if his drop off in hitting at the end of last year and his disastrous performance this year has anything to do with the issue of drugs.

Please say it isn’t so Papi

(If you haven’t read The Onion article, “Manny Ramirez: ‘Am I in Trouble,’ “

click here.)