If this is the sort of defense that’s going to be mounted in support of Mike Piazza, MLB’s All-Time Leading Savatage Fan might as well throw himself on the mercy of Peter Gammons.  The LA Daily News’ Ramona Shelburne pestered former Dodgers skipper Tommy Lasorda about The Backne Heard Around The World, and the response from Piazza’s godfather was as thoughtful as it was unexpected.

“I don’t believe that at all,” said Lasorda. “He worked so hard. I saw him in the weight room working out all the time. Whatever (is in the book) is hearsay. I just don’t believe it. He comes from a family that’s full of good people. “I wouldn’t comment on it if I didn’t feel strongly about it. He has too much to lose. And he’s such a nice young man. He goes to church, he’s got a nice family. I know him. I know what kind of man he is and I just don’t believe it.”

There is no proof, and Piazza has not commented or confirmed anything. Lasorda said he was saddened to hear of the accusations.

“This is a guy that should be in the Hall of Fame. He’s out-homered every catcher that’s in there,” Lasorda said. “I just don’t believe it. Mike Piazza? No way. He worked too hard. I saw him.”

I’m no Dick Pound, but wouldn’t PED use enable a person to be in the weight room “all the time”? I have few strong opinons about Piazza’s guilt or innocence (after all, he never played for the Yankees — I kid, I kid) but you won’t find many ballplayers as pious as Andy Pettitte. Going to church (and refraining from masturbation) didn’t stop him from using HGH.

The comment about Metal Mike having too much to lose is utter nonsense. As an unheralded zillionth round draft choice, he had everything to gain.