Biogenesis Noose Tightens and The Rats Are Scurrying
Major League Baseball announced Monday that the Milwaukee Brewers’ Ryan Braun had been suspended for the remainder of the 2013 season. Yes, this is the same Ryan Braun who thumbed his nose at Major League Baseball not so very long ago and now has once again proven that hubris and arrogance many times comes back to bite you in the ass. Guess what Ryan, you aren’t above suspension.
Jul 20, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun reacts after striking out in the 3rd inning during the game against the Miami Marlins at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Although it was completely lame, Braun did offer an apology of sorts, saying in a press release that he hid behind that he’d “made some mistakes,” and that it had “taken a toll.” Ya think? Yes on Braun and yes emphatically on the sport of baseball it has taken a toll.
This is hardly the fiery public video appearance he made in 2012 when he realized MLB didn’t have the drop on him. This time they did and it was only that knowledge that forced him into a corner in which there was no escape while meekly admitting culpability.
It was Rafael Palmeiro all over again, boldly waving his finger at Congress in March 2005 and getting suspended for steroid use less than six months later, an episode from which he was unable to rehabilitate his career or reputation thereafter.
Braun’s suspension was act I. The next act will be – and this is pure conjecture on my part although a quick internet search on the subject reveals a mountain of opinion supporting it – the certain suspension of Alex Rodriguez within days. If this goes down, it will be the end of his career. If so, good riddance to bad rubbish.
Without steroids Rodriguez is still a stain on baseball’s landscape. When steroids are factored in, he’s this decade’s Barry Bonds.
Just to get it all straight, here is the list of names linked to the Biogenesis Clinic scandal along with some of my snarky comments where I’m so motivated for good measure:
Ryan Braun, Brewers (suspended for the remainder of 2013)
Alex Rodriguez, Yankees – Couldn’t happen to a more deserving person.
Francisco Cervelli, Yankees – Look at his career numbers. He needed this to be a .271 lifetime hitter?
Fernando Martinez, Yankees – The trifecta!
Melky Cabrera, Blue Jays – Two strikes Melky.
Everth Cabrera, Padres
Bartolo Colon, Athletics – If ‘roids work on your stomach, he’s as guilty as they come.
Nelson Cruz, Rangers – If this goes down, the Rangers will hurt terrifically from the loss.
Yasmani Grandal, Padres – Two Padres on the list yet they’re still 60 points below .500 and in last place in a terrible division?
Jesus Montero, Mariners – Answers the question what would Jesus do?
Jhonny Peralta, Tigers – In a tight division race, this could turn the tide.
Cesar Puello, Mets – Meh…
Jordan Noberto, Fautino de los Santos, free agents
* Gio Gonzalez, Washington Nationals. Gonzalez has also been linked in reports to the Biogenesis Clinic by Major League baseball, but has only been linked to legal substances.
I’ll let others stress all summer long over this. I’ve said my piece. Enduring the endless distractions that this circus is sure to bring is not what I signed up for. Go Red Sox!
Easy to say when one of your guys isn’t on the list.