The Front Row: Goose gets the call

FINALLY: Welcome to the Hall of Fame, Goose.

After nine years of falling just short, Rich Gossage finally secured enough votes to earn enshrinement in Cooperstown.

From 1978-83, Gossage was the most dominant relief pitcher of his era. He simply overpowered and intimidated batters.

If the Hall of Fame is supposed to recognize the very best to play the game, Gossage’s exclusion over these past nine years has been inexcusable.

Better late than never, I suppose.

However, the wait still continues for Jim Rice, the feared Red Sox slugger.

His career power numbers (382 home runs, 1,451 RBI) don’t look as impressive stacked up against the gaudy numbers from the “steroid era,” but during the late 70s, few hitters commanded more respect.

Despite his on-field exploits, Rice was always surly with the media—the same media who casts these Hall of Fame votes.

While the voters finally did the right thing and honored Gossage, they continue to freeze out Rice for reasons that have nothing to do with how well he swung a baseball bat.

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YAWN: Monday night’s BCS Championship game was dreadfully boring.

Now, let me be clear in stating that the action on the field wasn’t without excitement. This game featured big plays, turnovers and a handful of supremely talented young athletes playing their hearts out.

This game was boring simply because it stated the obvious. Nothing was learned. Nothing was achieved.

For two straight years, Ohio State has found favor with the BCS number-crunchers. For two straight years, the Buckeyes have been blown off the field.

There is no secret to Ohio State’s struggles on the big stage. Florida in 2007 and LSU on Monday night simply had better athletes.

Once the dust settled, college football fans were left with a champion who is far from a unanimous choice, but a champion, nonetheless.

As long as the BCS system remains in place, there will never be complete clarity, which will allow two-loss teams like LSU to win national championships.

Despite the pleas from the University of Georgia president, we likely won’t see a playoff system anytime soon, either.

In the meantime, nothing will be learned and nothing will be achieved.

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THE CLEMENS WIRETAP: I’ve never liked Roger Clemens.

He might be the only modern superstar without a loyal fanbase. He’s burnt bridges in Boston, Toronto, New York and Houston. He never shares a genuine connection.

But I’m stepping back from this current Clemens mess until all of the facts come out.

Yes, his name appeared on the Mitchell Report. Yes, he gained a lot of weight after signing a lucrative extension with the Red Sox, only to suddenly shed that weight with his “workout regiment” in Toronto.

Yes, he has been prone to fits of rage, as exhibited by the bizarre bat-throwing incident with Mike Piazza in the 2001 World Series.

Yes, he has somehow gotten stronger at an age where most pitchers start to wear down.

Yes, he dodged every tough question Mike Wallace asked and failed to clear his name in that ridiculous recorded phone call with former trainer Brian McNamee.

Yes, he has come off as desperate in this attempt to rid himself of these accusations.

Still, I haven’t heard enough evidence to make a firm decision.

nprevenas@gvnews.com | 547-9747