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5 things to know about the MLB drug suspensions
[August 06, 2013] (AP) -- Five things to know about the 13 suspensions issued by Major League Baseball on Monday in the Biogenesis drug case:
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Five things to know about the 13 suspensions issued by Major League Baseball on Monday in the Biogenesis drug case: YER OUT! Four All-Stars were penalized -- Alex Rodriguez, Nelson Cruz, Jhonny Peralta and Everth Cabrera -- and that could affect the pennant races. If their teams make the playoffs, those clubs will decide whether to welcome them back for the postseason. Last October, the eventual champion San Francisco Giants blocked Melky Cabrera after his ban ended. ___ IS THIS THE LAST PED-DAY? Doubtful. Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens wound up in federal court, Mark McGwire cost himself a chance at the Hall of Fame, Rafael Palmeiro became an outcast because of the steroids cloud, and yet more major leaguers tried to cheat with performance-enhancing drugs. "I think we can all agree that the penalties aren't harsh enough," Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla said. "If we want to get this game cleaned up the way it's supposed to be, if you get caught one time it's just you're done. I think that's the only way it'll ever get completely clean," he said. ___ THE RECORDS COUNT: All stats compiled by the penalized players stand. This isn't the Olympics, where failed doping tests can cost athletes their medals. That kind of bugs some guys, too. Washington reliever Tyler Clippard still thinks about a home run he gave up last year to Jordany Valdespin, one of the suspended 13. "You're like, those guys are doing stuff that's affecting my career and they're not playing the game the right way," he said. "It leaves a sour taste in your mouth." ___ IT AIN'T OVER: A scandal that hovered over baseball all season could linger into winter. Suspended through 2014, Rodriguez is set to appeal and can play until an arbitrator rules. That isn't likely until November or December. The other dozen penalized players made an agreement they wouldn't contest their 50-game bans. ___ FOR THE FUTURE: San Diego shortstop Everth Cabrera admitted he took a banned substance last year, then broke down while apologizing to teammates, the organization and fans. From Nicaragua, he spoke in Spanish and delivered a warning to fellow Latin Americans. "To all the players who leave so much behind in their countries, who come to this country and you're ignorant about a lot of things, be careful with who you associate with, people who surround you that may be only interested in financial gains, who may not be interested in your personal well-being," he said through an interpreter. |
