Does Clemens really get less flack?
by Tubes (2024-01-24 12:30:35)

In reply to: Because Rodriguez is a jerk?  posted by usaf_irish

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His vote totals have been right in line with Bonds' despite being arguably the greatest pitcher in MLB history. Probably because Clemens was a bit of an asshole too.

I think Clemens does have a better rep
by TheRC  (2024-01-25 09:58:28)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

As a kid George Brett and Roger Clemens were my two favorite players.

I think Clemens is viewed as less of an asshole because most of his Asshole moments are on-field and are viewed as manifestations of being overly competitive.

Post-retirement interviews with Clemens make him seem like a good guy who might be wound a little tight. Bonds on the other hand got his asshole rep mainly from off-field interactions (though Leyland in Spring Training stands out) mainly from the media and I'm sure do contain a racial component. His post-retirement interviews make him seem charming and chill, but I personally get a phony vibe from him at times when he isn't discussing something technical or specific.

I will also state that we can be virtually certain that Clemens turned to PEDs after leaving Boston. Many claim Bonds only started using after the 1998 HR chase between McGwire and Sosa. I dispute that and think it started earlier but likely turned up a notch after 1998. Face and body changes were evident by 96 IMO.
His reputation, at least at one point, was somewhat better. *
by usaf_irish  (2024-01-24 13:19:13)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post