McGwire Chooses Damage Control

OK, so Mark McGwire fessed up. Good for him. He did the right thing, and he managed to win over some bleeding hearts in the process.

But Monday's events did more for the man than they did for the game. Big Mac must have been losing sleep thinking about that first day of spring training -- he was headed straight into an artillery zone and he would be the lone, sitting target.

Would we have heard from McGwire had he not been hired as the Cardinals hitting coach? I think not.

So damage control was in order. Obviously, it was a pivotal moment in his life and career. And perhaps it will serve as a turning point for Major League Baseball. That remains to be seen. But, no question, it was a calculated move that had to be made to keep the circus from setting up in Jupiter, Fla., next month.

One thing about McGwire's admission did bother me. He insisted he began taking steroids to recover faster from injuries, and they were never intended to improve his performance. And yet ... he continued to use them -- even while he was healthy -- for several years thereafter.

Does he expect people to believe -- especially after Monday -- that was all him in '98? Part of him is still in denial, no doubt, and that's understandable.

It's OK, big guy -- baby steps.