My worst nightmare, or well almost worst nightmare, has come true. A Boston Red Sox player admits to using roids. No, it's not Manny, or Big Papi, or any of our everyday regulars.

Instead it is Paxton Crawford. The 205 lb., 6'3" pitcher is not exactly the poster boy for steroid use. He didn't seem to benefit as did some other known users. His career at the Major League level lasted only two years, totalling 15 appearances.

Read Boston Globe's Eric Wlibur's report.

But his claims that everyone knew his secret to, err, success is a bit troubling.

I have shamefully turned a blind eye in uncomfortable situations. My actions may have been misconstrued as acceptance. Silence is not acceptance. The same may be said about guys like Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield, Trot Nixon, or any of the other 2000-01 ball players.

However, the article raises some questions: What is the role of a major leaguer? What is the role of the team captain? Is their silence no different than my own? Is steroids use cheating? Who cares? What are the ramifications? Who's to blame?

Curiousity is getting the best of us. Instead of celebrating Jon Lester's 10K moment in Red Sox history, we are wondering who else is using. While the Red Sox hammer on the National League, we are waiting for Jason Grimsley to name names. While the Red Sox are enjoying a first-place summer, everybody is ready to put an asterik next to Barry Bonds numbers.

Enough is enough! I don't care about Crawford's use. The action is on the field people! The whole issue is ruining my favorite sport. Let's please move on. Let's not make a mockery out of baseball. There's enough drama in the standings.

Now for some happier news:

Lester was magnificent. I'm bummed is outing last night could have helped me in my fantasy league, had I been smart enough to start him. 10 strikeouts for a rookie in his third major league start. Wow!

Granted the Nationals aren't exactly the New York Yankees, but he showed great command. He used all of his pitches. He had a cool air of confidence. He reminded me of a left-handed Greg Maddux. Seriously. He doesn't have an overpowering fastball, but his pitch selection kept the opposition at bay. He baffled them for six innings. I was only concerned about his pitch count, but was happy to see that Terry Francona pulled him at the 107 marker.

Speaking of Tito, I heard an interview with Jon Papelbon before the game and he praised Francona for his communication skills. He also gave his manager some props for his success. An insight I have not heard from a player this year.

I also heard the little conversation that Youkilis had with Soriano about playing leftfield. For the first time since NSN started doing these little audio clips, there was some good banter. Youkilis called playing left "easy." Having only played left twice, Youkilis isn't qualified to make that case yet. I wonder what Manny thinks of that?

The Sox have now won six straight and are two games ahead of the Yankees. Today, they rest and wait for the arrival of the Phillies. I hope that this Crawford news does not affect the team as Grimsley's news affected the Diamond backs.

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