Although it’s never supposed to be made public beforehand, an official announcement is supposed to be made Friday informing media on which MLB players will be suspended from baseball due to ties with the Biogensis PED clinic.
Via The AP and Sporting News:
The meeting between MLB and the union on Tuesday, first reported by the New York Daily News, signaled the final stretch of talks. MLB hopes to announce the penalties for all players involved at the same time, both people said, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcements were authorized.
Three-time MVP Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees stands to receive the longest suspension, although Yahoo! Sports reported Tuesday that Rodriguez intends to fight baseball over any punishment.
The stiffer penalties for some players are tied to other alleged violations, including not being truthful to MLB investigators.
Three 2013 All-Stars could face bans: Texas outfielder Nelson Cruz, San Diego shortstop Everth Cabrera and Detroit shortstop Jhonny Peralta.
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Another 2013 All-Star, Oakland pitcher Bartolo Colon, was suspended last year following a positive testosterone test, as were Toronto outfielder Melky Cabrera and San Diego catcher Yasmani Grandal. They won’t receive additional discipline for that violation, the two people said.
Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli and Seattle catcher Jesus Montero also have been linked in media reports to Biogenesis, a closed Florida anti-aging clinic that was accused by Miami New Times in January of distributing banned performing-enhancing drugs.
The Tigers made a trade with Boston and the White Sox late Tuesday in which they received Red Sox rookie shortstop Jose Iglesias. It’s no secret they made the move — in which they gave up their 2012 Minor League Player of the Year — in preparation to lose Peralta for the rest of the season.
Players who wish to fight the charges and don’t reach agreements are likely to file grievances with the players’ association. Such action would lead to hearings before an arbitrator, something that could drag out for the rest of the season, possibly holding off a player’s suspension until next season — which would be a Godsend for teams like the Texas Rangers who are fighting for the division and will have a major hole in their lineup without Cruz.
Alex Rodriguez is reportedly likely to not only face suspension but a permanent ban from baseball if he decides to reject his plea deal from MLB. Although he hasn’t tested positive for PEDs, A-Rod is being aggressively persecuted for lying egregiously — at least from what it sounds.
Via Sporting News:
The Yankees expected him to be accused of recruiting other athletes for the clinic, attempting to obstruct MLB’s investigation, and not being truthful with MLB in the past when he discussed his relationship with Dr. Anthony Galea, who pleaded guilty two years ago to a federal charge of bringing unapproved drugs into the United States from Canada.
Josh Helmuth is the editor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @JHelmuth or subscribe at Facebook.com/CraveOnlineSports for the latest in sports on your newsfeed.
Photo Credit: Getty
