If you're paying much attention to the news these days, you've probably heard about allegations that Alex-Rodriguez (aka. A-Rod, Pay-Rod, A-Roids...) would "tip" pitches. Specifically, that he would see the sign from the catcher and relay information about upcoming pitchers to opposition players during blowout games. This would be done in order to help them improve their numbers, with the implicit understanding that the favour would be returned another day so he could improve his.

The allegation comes in a Sports Illustrated article, and the reporter is standing by her story, insisting that she has corroboration from multiple sources. See this interview with Bob Costas. On the other hand, Harold Reynolds makes the case that this would have been pretty hard to pull off, for a number of reasons. Major League Baseball has said it will investigate, but the burden of proof will be high.

If they get it, it would be explosive. In my opinion (which Ken Burns seems to share), if that's true, he should be out of baseball - for life. So, too, should anyone who collaborated with him. The difference between these allegations, and Shoeless Joe of the 1919 "Black Sox", is narrow: Shoeless Joe is alleged to taken money immediately for the purpose of betraying his team, while A-Rod would have done so in the name of longer-term financial gain.

Steroids are one thing. This is a whole 'nother ball game. There's no place for it, whatsoever, in baseball. Or for anyone who would ever do it.