Kenny Rogers is innocent of the charges that have been brought against him.
Here's why he's innocent:
1. Kenny said that he didn't cheat - In two separate interviews Rogers said that he didn't "doctor" the baseball with an illegal substance.
From the Detroit News 10/23/06 - Rogers explained that the spots were simply the result of his normal preparation.
"I rub up baseballs all the time," Rogers said. "I rub balls before I pitch in the bullpen. I'm not going to stop doing it. My routine is my routine. Nobody likes to throw a brand new baseball.
2. Kenny cleaned up his hand after the first inning and threw seven innings of one-hit ball - It's kind of strange that in the first inning, when the alleged illegal substance was on his hand, that he pitched his worst inning of the game. He washed his hand and continued to dominate the Cardinals.
3. The umpires didn't eject him - A veteran crew of umpires believed that the substance was not illegal. If they did they surely would have ejected Rogers from the game.
4. Tony La Russa didn't complain - One of the winningest Managers in MLB History did not complain or protest the umpires decision. If La Russa really thought that Kenny was cheating don't you think that he would have asked for Rogers hand to be inspected? If Rogers had been ejected after the first inning it would have been a huge advantage for the Cardinals.
5. It's no secret pitchers might use a little something -- such as pine tar -- to help their grip. The crime? It's like jaywalking - Maybe the reason that La Russa didn't make a big issue of the alleged illegal substance on Rogers hand is because his pitchers do it too.
