Oakland, CA – For months Major League Baseball has been rocked by the allegations that players have been linked to the now closed Biogenesis anti-aging clinic in Coral Gables, Florida. Some of MLB’s top names in baseball have turned their celebrity status into a reality show. The time has come for Commissioner Bug Selig to announce the fate of the players listed in connection with this clinic today by noon Eastern Standard Time.

The first player disciplined was 2011 MVP winner Ryan Braun who claims he never used PEDS yet he accepted MLB’s 65-game suspension he began serving July 22nd. Now, the highest paid player in baseball, Alex Rodriguez who has turned this investigation into a circus will finally know the fate of his involvement today.

While Rodriguez maintains his innocence MLB believes he recruited players to the clinic and attempted to destroy documents that specifically link him to using PEDs. In the past two weeks he has sparked controversy with the New York Yankees stating he feels the team is against him. Then recently said he will join the team Sunday night in Chicago for the White Sox series.

“I’m flying to Chicago to join my team,” said Alex when he held a press conference from his rehab assignment in Trenton, N.J.

Trending

COMMENTARY: Aikido is More than Martial Arts: It’s Community

As for the other players on the list which includes three MLB All-Stars, Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers, Johnny Peralta of the Detroit Tigers and Everth Cabrera of the San Diego Chargers. Cruz spoke about the unknown suspension during the Oakland A’s vs Rangers series in Oakland over the weekend.

“I haven’t decided what I’m going to do about anything,” Cruz said before Sundays game. It’s not just about myself, it’s also about the team. I don’t know what will happen but it’s supposed to happen tomorrow.”

After the game, Nelson again faced reporters and stated he will address the media of his decision on Monday in Anaheim when the team faces the Angels. Unaware of the process following a suspension from the league he had no thoughts about where he would continue to work out or rehab his quad strain if he is suspended 50 or more games.

Texas manager Ron Washington provided no offense or defense for the upcoming suspensions or the situation itself. His focus was on yesterdays game and nothing else. He did explain when the clinics connection to certain players were released over the summer, he did reach out to Cruz by phone.

“I’m not thinking about Nelson’s last game,” said Washington. “I’m thinking about how he can help us now. I’ll deal with the situation when it happens. I have no opinion to any suspensions until something happens, then I’ll react.”

If Nelson is suspended, he left a lasting mark in his final playing days. He hit two home runs in the series and helped Texas close the gap on their division rivals, all while being bothered by a left quadriceps muscle. Cruz could still be eligible for the playoffs if the Rangers stay in contention. If he decides to appeal the suspension along with AROD, they could remain in the lineup for the remaining season depending on the time table for an arbitration.

In the meantime, the world awaits those who we think cheated the system. Though, this is not the first time or the last an MLB player will try to enhance their strength via PEDs. I believe it comes with baseball. This is not something that everybody partakes in, however if just one player would admit to using the steroid openly, we might have a better understanding as to why these drugs are so popular among this sport.

“It doesn’t appear we’re affected by it,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said. “It’s dominated the news. I’m sure a lot of people would like to see it go away. It needs to be cleaned up and everybody wants to see a fair playing field.”

Melvin is one of many managers in the MLB that wants to better the system for players without cheating. Oakland’s right hander Bartolo Colon has been linked to the Biogenesis clinic but his 50-game suspension from last season will do. As for the punishments handed down today, MLB can only hope this maybe a start to a new direction for baseball.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post