Mike Celizic, sportswriter, today…

That last allegation [that A-Rod continued to use human growth hormone (HGH) while he was playing with the Yankees in 2004] is what kills any chance he has of joining the immortals in Cooperstown. It doesn’t even matter if it’s true.

It should be noted that Celizic is one of the “unforgiving baseball writers who vote for the Hall of Fame” (his words, not mine). It shouldn’t be that way, of course. Hall of Fame consideration should be about what was done on the field, not hurt feelings. If the stated allegations are found to be true, which they may be, then that would be something to discuss. As of now, the allegations against Alex Rodriguez are just that: allegations.

There are likely hundreds of other players who have used performance-enhancing drugs, some of whom are currently being considered for the Hall of Fame, others who may already be in the Hall of Fame, and even more, current players who are being revered by sportswriters. Just because A-Rod is the biggest star to face this problem doesn’t mean he deserves the harshest of treatment.

Baseball writers these days are looking for someone to hate. Alex Rodriguez in a Yankees uniform just happens to be an easy choice.