La Russa's Real Motives For McGwire As DH

I found this very interesting...

"Yesterday we talked about how Mark McGwire will begin the next stage of his baseball life as hitting coach of the Cardinals, but Tony La Russa might have more in mind.

La Russa told the Contra Costa Times that he might even consider using McGwire as a pinch-hitter. To wit: "If we're in contention, we'll put him on the roster Aug. 31. It's a nice little dream," said La Russa. "Is it likely? Probably not. I don't think it's a zero possibility."

Now, however, people are questioning motives. The conspiracy theorists -- we use such phrases as the highest of compliments -- at the New York Daily News speculate that La Russa is actually buying time for McGwire to get into the Hall of Fame. By pushing back the initial vote on Big Red another five years, more time will pass and we'll get all weepy and come to terms with our own conflicted love affair with the steroid era ... or something along those lines (ESPN)."

I hate it, but I have to admit it is a smart move. If they can delay the vote for the Hall of Fame McGwire has a much better shot at getting in. All the numbers are there, but it is obviously the whole steroids thing that is holding him back. I don't think he should get it, but I am also very against steroid use. Still, you got to admit that this is an ingenious plan.....if it's true.