In light of the recent steroid ban, writers who have long looked for an excuse to keep Rafael Palmeiro out of the Hall of Fame have found it. But does their argument have a solid foundation?

Let's say for a second that it does. I'll follow up with the question: based on WHAT? Rules violations? I bet noone's arguing for Kenny Rogers' omission after his infamous altercation. And George Brett, of pine tar infamy, hasn't been denied his rightful place among baseball's immortals. If you look at the plaques in Cooperstown, you'll find them replete with players who have served suspensions for some sort of rules violation or another in their career. As for Palmeiro's likely use prior to this season, we have to realize, it would have come at a time when steroids were not technically banned by baseball. In fact, I am among those who believed they were pushed by owners talking out both sides of their mouths who desperately needed homeruns to save baseball from a lost World Series. But that's the conspiracy theorist in me talking, with a few footnotes from Canseco's book thrown in to boot.

So, then, do we throw him in based on morals? That would be especially ironic so soon following the enshrinement of Wade Boggs (remember Margo Adams? Anyone?). I could also name drop Steve Garvey and any number of baseball's lushes, including, but not limited to legends such as Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth.

Baseball has always had a notorious double standard. Nine people throughout baseball's history remain virtual pariah's, while the aforementioned Cobb was accused of gambling and K.M. Landis looked the other way. Juan Marichal's been denied his proper place due to his involvement in the Roseboro incident, while players with much longer and more sordid histories have had their hands stamped at the first opportunity. And Rafe has become baseball's latest sacrificial lamb, while others with equally suspicious pasts will get a free pass.

Rafe may not ever make it to Cooperstown, but he will always be in mine. And he will add a third reason (along with Charlie Hustle and Shoeless Joe) while I will avoid baseball's sacred shrine until the writers who select the players get off their high horses and end their double standards.