The Face of PED Users

I never thought I would see the day that someone else would take the place of Barry Bonds as the most hated baseball player of the steroid era.

With that said, I will take a very limited approach with this post. I will not be discussing the outcome of Alex Rodriguez’s contract situation with the New York Yankees. As far as I’m concerned the bridge has been burned and it will be an uglier mess than Rodriguez’s fight with MLB on his suspension.

The other twelve players that were suspended with Alex Rodriguez have all accepted their 50 game suspensions. Ryan Braun would be number fourteen with his suspension a few weeks earlier for 65 games. Those players gave in and accepted their fate. Whether some like Texas Rangers OF Nelson Cruz and Detroit Tigers SS Jhonny Peralta, both of whom are free agents after this season actually get significant contract offers in the offseason is yet to be determined.

Alex Rodriguez has taken his own road. One that will be filled with many opinions, facts, misconceptions and lawyers to boot.

It has been a very telling road for baseball as they have tried to wipe away any sense that they didn’t care about players using steroids. Some have questioned the way in which they went about investigating the players that were suspended in the Biogenesis investigation. By coercing a man by the name of Tony Bosch, who ran this clinic in Miami, Florida to help baseball with threats of lawsuits and criminal prosecution.

My take with that is how else was baseball supposed to go about it? The fiasco that the federal government of the United States went through to prosecute Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens for lying under oath about their steroid use were absolute failures. Baseball did not want to go down that road. The evidence was there for everyone to see, not just baseball. The Miami New Times newspaper broke the story and showed the evidence they had for the whole world to see.

With that they began to launch into action and came out with one of the most damning steroid rings this country has seen. Balco is by far the worst, but with Biogenesis there is alleged evidence that one of the games best players, Alex Rodriguez, was a ringer for the dealer, Tony Bosch.

Just that alone if true is the most damning thing against A-Rod. To my point about what should be done about PED users (Time to Face Facts) is that they should be shamed and told that youngsters have died doing what they did, but in the case of Alex Rodriguez I don’t know if that will affect him.

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement that reads:

“Rodriguez’s discipline under the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program is based on his use and possession of numerous forms of prohibited performance-enhancing substances, including Testosterone and human Growth Hormone, over the course of multiple years. Rodriguez’s discipline under the Basic Agreement is for attempting to cover-up his violations of the Program by engaging in a course of conduct intended to obstruct and frustrate the Office of the Commissioner’s investigation.”

With that statement and what is alleged to have taken place with Alex Rodriguez if true will have sealed his fate among baseball lore. He will appeal and try to have his suspension reduced or overturned. The suspension handed down to him is for the rest of the 2013 and the entire 2014 season.

Most players today are adamant that they want the sport cleaned up. Either harsher suspensions, cash penalties or both. It’s an encouraging sign as the sport is taking the lead, along with its players to clean it up. Yet I can’t help but wonder if they had been more pro-active to clean up the sport sooner would there have been places like Balco or Biogenesis?

MLB Recap – July

Best Hitter – OF Andrew McCutchen (.327 AVG 6 HR 17 RBI) Pittsburgh Pirates

Best Pitcher – David Price (5-1, 1.68 ERA) Tampa Bay Rays

Best Team – Pittsburgh Pirates 65-42 (36-18 home record)

Division Leaders

American League

Boston Red Sox 65-44

Best Player – DH David Ortiz (.344 AVG 4 HR 11 RBI)

Detroit Tigers 61-45

Best Player – OF Torii Hunter (.374 AVG 7 HR 22 RBI)

Oakland Athletics 63-45

Best Player – P Bartolo Colon (3-1, 1.74 ERA)

National League

Atlanta Braves 63-45

Best Player – C Brian McCann (.337 AVG 6 HR 17 RBI)

Pittsburgh Pirates 65-42

Best Player – OF Andrew McCutchen (.327 AVG 6 HR 17 RBI)

Los Angeles Dodgers 57-49

Best Player – P Clayton Kershaw (4-1, 1.34 ERA)

Wild Card Teams

American League

Tampa Bay Rays 64-44

Best Player – P David Price (5-1, 1.68 ERA)

Baltimore Orioles 59-49

Best Player – OF Adam Jones (.286 AVG 7 HR 17 RBI)

Cleveland Indians 59-48

Best Player – OF Michael Brantley (.318 AVG 2 HR 13 RBI)

Texas Rangers 59-49

Best Player – 3B Adrian Beltre (.369 AVG 9 HR 19 RBI)

New York Yankees 56-51

Best Player – 2B Robinson Cano (.330 AVG 4 HR 22 RBI)

Kansas City Royals 53-51

Best Player – P Greg Holland (11 SV, 0.82 ERA)

National League

St. Louis Cardinals 62-44

Best Player – 1B Allen Craig (.311 AVG 1 HR 16 RBI)

Cincinnati Reds 60-49

Best Player – OF Jay Bruce (.280 AVG 4 HR 18 RBI)

Arizona Diamondbacks 55-52

Best Player – P Wade Miley (4-1, 1.59 ERA)

Washington Nationals 52-56

Best Player – OF Jayson Werth (.367 AVG 7 HR 22 RBI)

Colorado Rockies 51-58

Best Player – OF Carlos Gonzalez (.338 AVG 4 HR 10 RBI)

Philadelphia Phillies 50-57

Best Player – 3B Michael Young (.265 AVG 3 HR 13 RBI)

Outside Looking In

American League

Seattle Mariners 50-57

Best Player – 3B Kyle Seager (.396 AVG 6 HR 14 RBI)

Toronto Blue Jays 50-57

Best Player – DH Edwin Encarnacion (.305 AVG 6 HR 18 RBI)

Los Angeles Angels 48-58

Best Player – OF Mike Trout (.379 AVG 4 HR 14 RBI)

Minnesota Twins 45-59

Best Player – C Joe Mauer (.360 AVG 0 HR 9 RBI)

Chicago White Sox 40-65

Best Player – OF Alex Rios (.282 AVG 1 HR 14 RBI)

Houston Astros 36-70

Best Player – 1B Brett Wallace (.273 AVG 5 HR 14 RBI)

National League

New York Mets 48-57

Best Player – OF Marlon Byrd (.336 AVG 5 HR 20 RBI)

San Diego Padres 50-59

Best Player – OF Carlos Quentin (.286 AVG 4 HR 20 RBI)

Chicago Cubs 49-58

Best Player – P Edwin Jackson (3-1, 1.83 ERA)

San Francisco Giants 47-59

Best Player – P Madison Bumgarner (2-1, 1.55 ERA)

Milwaukee Brewers 46-62

Best Player – P Kyle Lohse (4-1, 2.25 ERA)

Miami Marlins 41-65

Best Player – P Jose Fernandez (3-1, 2.06 ERA)

MLB Trade Deadline Recap

Not the most dramatic deadline as in years past, but there were some subtle moves made by contenders this year. Most teams kept their top prospects out of any trade conversations which begs the question, have most teams abandoned the idea of trading their best prospects mid-season for top tier players? Only time will tell, but for now here is a recap of the biggest moves made before and during the deadline’s wee-hours.

July 22

Chicago Cubs

P Matt Garza

traded to

Texas Rangers
1B Mike Olt
P Justin Grimm
P C.J. Edwards
1 or 2 players to be named later

This was the deal that kicked off the race to the deadline as Matt Garza was dealt to Texas. He is in the final year of his current contract and it appears likely that the Rangers will only be using him in their push to clinch a playoff spot this year and not for the future. Chicago was able to get a good prospect in Mike Olt from the Rangers. Chicago is set with Anthony Rizzo at first base, but Olt has played third base in the minors so that is his potential landing spot unless he settles for a corner outfield spot. Justin Grimm is a decent pitcher, but might be better suited in a relief role rather than a starter. The other players Chicago received are low end prospects with no high expectations.

July 23

Milwaukee Brewers
P Francisco Rodriguez

traded to

Baltimore Orioles
3B Nick Delmonico

In a rare one for one trade at this time of year, the Brewers got what they desperately needed in a future power bat at either third or first base. For Delmonico it will most likely be third since his fielding prowess is more experienced there. He likely won’t see the majors until 2015 at the soonest, but he has promise. Baltimore gets some extra help for their over worked bullpen. Francisco ‘K-Rod’ Rodriguez won’t see much action as a closer, but he will absolutely be a big help in crucial situations in the ultra competitive AL East. Losing Delmonico isn’t a huge blow as the Orioles have Manny Machado holding down the fort at third.

July 26

Chicago Cubs
OF Alfonso Soriano

traded to

New York Yankees
P Corey Black
cash

In a classic case of a ‘salary dump’ the Cubs found a suitor for Soriano in the Yankees. They’ll get to have him for the rest of this season and next. Chicago will be paying most of Soriano’s salary in the process so it’s a win-win for the suddenly penny pinching Yankees. If you remember Soriano was once a mainstay at second base for New York before he was dealt for Alex Rodriguez. Since then he has remained a productive player for the most part, but no where near where he could have been had he not been traded to Texas.

July 29

Los Angeles Angels
P Scott Downs

traded to

Atlanta Braves
P Cory Rasmus

This isn’t looked at as the most glamorous trade, but an effective one for Atlanta. They definitely could use another arm to shore up an already elite bullpen and Downs, being in the final year of his deal will get a chance to prove he’s worth another lengthy extension with his play in a pennant race. The Angels didn’t get a big return, but they hope Rasmus, who has a decent repertoire can give them a glimpse during a stint in the bullpen down the stretch.

July 30

Los Angeles Angels
3B Alberto Callaspo

traded to

Oakland Athletics
2B Grant Green

You don’t see most teams trade within their own division, but the Angels made an exception. Callaspo was a productive player. His numbers didn’t translate as an everyday third basemen, but he remained a productive player. Oakland had a depth problem on the infield should one of their regular starters go down to an injury and they went searching for help. The Angels see Grant Green as an everyday second basemen, but the problem is they already have one in Howie Kendrick. It sets up the idea that the Angels with this cost cutting move of trading Callaspo (under contract through 2014) might try to trade Kendrick after this season.

July 30

Detroit Tigers
OF Avisail Garcia (White Sox)
P Brayan Villarreal (Red Sox)

Boston Red Sox
SS Jose Iglesias (Tigers)
P J.B. Wendelken (White Sox)
P Francelis Montas (White Sox)
INF Cleuluis Rondon (White Sox)

Chicago White Sox
P Jake Peavy (Red Sox)

The most talked about trade of the deadline happened just before deadline day. Some say the White Sox didn’t get enough for Jake Peavy and others will say that the Tigers shouldn’t have gotten involved. Well, the way it all boils down to is that all teams involved did what they had to. Sure, Chicago didn’t get enough on paper, but if one of those two pitchers turns into a decent reliever or even the next White Sox closer (which they need one) to go along with the sure hitting of Avisail Garcia. That would be a good return. Peavy isn’t just a rental. He’ll be around next year as well. If Boston makes the postseason this year he will be a very good number two or three starter for them. And putting him with a healthy Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz for a full season will only help the Red Sox stay in contention next year. Detroit did give up a potentially great hitter in Garcia, but they received an excellent defensive shortstop in Iglesias. His bat has been good this year, but he will need some fine tuning. As of now everyone has a chance to say they won this trade.

July 31

Arizona Diamondbacks
P Ian Kennedy

traded to

San Diego Padres
P Joe Thatcher
P Matt Stites
Competitive Balance pick

Another trade involving division rivals, but this one seems to be more about the future rather than the present. Kennedy has had a dismal season compared to his last two in Arizona. They felt he wouldn’t be worth a hefty raise in arbitration so they took the chance to deal him. The Padres are willing to take a chance with their pitcher friendly ballpark to help Kennedy along. San Diego didn’t give up a lot to get a potential top of the rotation starter either so to them it’s little risk. The Diamondbacks are still in a postseason race and they have enough young arms to offset Kennedy’s departure and Thatcher will be a big help to their dreadful bullpen. Matt Stites has potential and could see action as early as next year.

July 31

Houston Astros
P Bud Norris

traded to

Baltimore Orioles
OF L.J. Hoes
P Josh Hader
Competitive Balance pick

It’s a sad state when the biggest prize of the deadline is the Houston Astros number one starting pitcher. But he hasn’t had a terrible season considering he has been playing for perhaps the worst team in baseball this year. The Orioles certainly could use some help for their rotation with the way the Tampa Bay Rays have been playing and the recent addition of Jake Peavy to the Red Sox. The Astros did come away with a good hitter in Hoes who was hitting .304 this year at AAA Norfolk for the Orioles. Hader has good stuff for a left-hander and could rise through the Astros farm system in a hurry if he continues to improve on his potential. Houston received max value for a player that is at best a number three starter for a contender.

Time to Face Facts

If you’ve been a regular to this site, you already know how I feel about steroid users in baseball, in fact for all sports. Whether it’s a pill, an injection, a cream or liquid you’re cheating not just the game that you supposedly love, but yourself as well with many health risks.

Now with that said, I am not surprised nor do I care about Ryan Braun. The reaction to his suspension for the rest of the 2013 MLB season (which amounts to 65 games) has been rather disappointing.

You have the ‘it’s a great day for baseball’ reaction which makes absolutely no sense to me. How is it a great day to see a former MVP get busted a second time for PED use? He had his first suspension overturned on a technicality because his sample wasn’t mailed in a timely manner.

He never argued the results of the positive test were wrong to the arbitrator. He sure made it seem like he did in his press conference in February of 2012 at the Milwaukee Brewers spring training complex, assuring everyone that the ‘substance’ (testosterone) was not of his doing.

The ‘it’s a sad day for baseball’ reaction has some standing, but how many more sad days do you think are coming? This Biogenesis scandal in Miami, Florida has another big name in Alex Rodriguez, who allegedly was trying to buy evidence of his involvement when the story first broke.

What the reaction should be is one that both shames the player and puts a larger emphasis on younger generations that this is not the way to be successful in any sport.

Now when I say shame the player, I don’t mean call him every name in the book. Being told to apologize to the scores of people that he betrayed, demeaned or flat out lied to isn’t being shamed either. He should only have one thing on his mind with all of this and that’s the fact that there are kids that have died at a very young age that used PEDs.

Did we forget the testimony before Congress in 2005 of the parents who lost their children because of PED use? Their testimony was given just before the likes of Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro and Sammy Sosa. Those parents testimonies are now forgotten and it’s sad. It’s sad that the number one reason why this should stop isn’t being talked about enough.

Frankly I am tired of the outrage that has come from some analysts and columnists who feel that they were lied to and now they’re sending their attack dogs after Braun. Is that going to solve anything? How about looking at the big picture and solving the problem at hand.

One good thing to come out of this is the complete 360 the MLBPA (Major League Baseball Players Association) has done on this matter. The union and the players themselves are starting to listen and understand the concerns of PED use in their sport. I just hope they are thinking of the kids that are emulating them on the field and not their checking account.

More suspensions are coming and the same arguments will be discussed over and over. The player gets punished for their actions, but do they really? Public shame is one thing, but privately they should know that there are parents that lost their children using PEDs. Is that the legacy they want to leave or would they rather strive to get that $100 million dollar contract by any means necessary? It’s time they face the facts.

2013 MLB All-Star Teams

The 84th showing of the mid-summer classic is making its first appearance to Queens, New York since 1964 at Shea Stadium. This time around Citi Field, not Shea Stadium is the home of the New York Mets and is far and above a better venue. The last time the All-Star game was in New York it was at the old Yankee Stadium in 2008. It was a 15 inning thriller that ended in walk-off fashion for the American League. New York is known for its theatrics and high drama. Nothing short of that is expected, but what will be is the amount of new, known and unexpected stars that will be on display for the 2013 All-Star game. Here are my all-stars keeping with the rules that every team be represented and a total of 34 players for each league.

AVG – Batting Average

ERA – Earned Run Average

HR – Home Runs

RBI – Runs Batted In

SV – Saves

BAA – Batting Average Against

WHIP – Walks/Hits Per Innings Pitched

K – Strikeouts

Stats are accurate as of July 5th.

* – asterisk indicates starter

American League

Pitchers

Jim Johnson – Baltimore Orioles

29 SV, 4.02 ERA, 1.31 WHIP

Mariano Rivera – New York Yankees

29 SV, 1.39 ERA, 1.21 WHIP

Joe Nathan – Texas Rangers

28 SV, 1.43 ERA, .156 BAA

Bartolo Colon – Oakland Athletics

11-3, 2.78 ERA, 1.10 WHIP

Yu Darvish – Texas Rangers

8-3, 2.78 ERA, 151 K

Max Scherzer – Detroit Tigers*

13-0, 3.09 ERA, 139 K

Hisashi Iwakuma – Seattle Mariners

7-4, 2.60 ERA, 0.88 WHIP

Chris Sale – Chicago White Sox

5-7, 2.79 ERA, 114 K

Grant Balfour – Oakland Athletics

22 SV, 1.82 ERA, .198 BAA

Greg Holland – Kansas City Royals

19 SV, 1.97 ERA, .177 BAA

Bud Norris – Houston Astros

6-7, 3.22 ERA, 1.37 WHIP

Justin Masterson – Cleveland Indians

10-7, 3.78 ERA, 131 K

Felix Hernandez – Seattle Mariners

8-4, 2.69 ERA, 130 K

Notable Omissions: Chris Tillman – Orioles, Clay Buchholz – Red Sox (Injury), Jesse Crain – White Sox (Injury), Glen Perkins – Twins, Matt Moore – Rays, Casey Janssen – Blue Jays

Catchers

Joe Mauer – Minnesota Twins*

.314 AVG 8 HR 30 RBI

Salvador Perez – Kansas City Royals

.302 AVG 4 HR 36 RBI

Carlos Santana – Cleveland Indians

.270 AVG 10 HR 38 RBI

Notable Omissions: Matt Wieters – Orioles, J.P. Arencibia – Blue Jays

Infielders

1B/DH Edwin Encarnacion – Toronto Blue Jays

.266 AVG 23 HR 66 RBI

3B Evan Longoria – Tampa Bay Rays

.295 AVG 17 HR 49 RBI

3B Adrian Beltre – Texas Rangers

.307 AVG 17 HR 46 RBI

2B Dustin Pedroia – Boston Red Sox*

.323 AVG 5 HR 49 RBI

2B Jason Kipnis – Cleveland Indians

.300 AVG 13 HR 54 RBI

SS J.J. Hardy – Baltimore Orioles

.254 AVG 15 HR 46 RBI

3B Miguel Cabrera – Detroit Tigers*

.361 AVG 26 HR 86 RBI

3B Manny Machado – Baltimore Orioles

.315 AVG 6 HR 42 RBI

SS Jhonny Peralta – Detroit Tigers*

.306 AVG 7 HR 40 RBI

2B Robinson Cano – New York Yankees

.293 AVG 20 HR 58 RBI

1B Chris Davis – Baltimore Orioles*

.324 AVG 33 HR 85 RBI

1B/DH David Ortiz – Boston Red Sox*

.321 AVG 17 HR 61 RBI

3B Josh Donaldson – Oakland Athletics

.317 AVG 15 HR 57 RBI

Notable Omissions: 2B Omar Infante – Tigers, 1B Prince Fielder – Tigers, 1B/DH Billy Butler – Royals, 2B Howie Kendrick – Angels, 1B Mark Trumbo – Angels, 1B Justin Morneau – Twins, SS Jed Lowrie – Athletics, 3B Kyle Seager – Mariners, 1B Kendrys Morales – Mariners, 1B James Loney – Rays, 1B Adam Lind – Blue Jays

Outfielders

Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels*

.314 AVG 13 HR 55 RBI

Jacoby Ellsbury – Boston Red Sox

.302 AVG 2 HR 30 RBI

Adam Jones – Baltimore Orioles*

.290 AVG 15 HR 59 RBI

Nelson Cruz – Texas Rangers

.268 AVG 21 HR 65 RBI

Jose Bautista – Toronto Blue Jays*

.264 AVG 20 HR 52 RBI

Notable Omissions: Nick Markakis – Orioles, Daniel Nava – Red Sox, Torii Hunter – Tigers, Brett Gardner – Yankees, Ichiro Suzuki – Yankees

National League

Pitchers

Matt Harvey – New York Mets*

7-2, 2.27 ERA, 141 K

Clayton Kershaw – Los Angeles Dodgers

7-5, 1.93 ERA, 126 K

Cliff Lee – Philadelphia Phillies

10-2, 2.73 ERA, 119 K

Adam Wainwright – St. Louis Cardinals

11-5, 2.36 ERA, 117 K

Craig Kimbrel – Atlanta Braves

23 SV, 1.72 ERA, .198 BAA

Kevin Gregg – Chicago Cubs

14 SV, 1.59 ERA, .192 BAA

Aroldis Chapman – Cincinnati Reds

20 SV, 2.57 ERA, .177 BAA

Jose Fernandez – Miami Marlins

5-4, 2.72 ERA, 94 K

Jeff Locke – Pittsburgh Pirates

8-1, 2.12 ERA, .206 BAA

Jason Grilli – Pittsburgh Pirates

28 SV, 2.15 ERA, .187 BAA

Edward Mujica – St. Louis Cardinals

22 SV, 2.55 ERA, 0.79 WHIP

Stephen Strasburg – Washington Nationals

4-6, 2.24 ERA, 98 K

Jordan Zimmermann – Washington Nationals

12-3, 2.46 ERA, 0.94 WHIP

Notable Omissions: Rafael Soriano – Nationals, Sergio Romo – Giants, Madison Bumgarner – Giants, Mark Melancon – Pirates, Jonathan Papelbon – Phillies, Rex Brothers – Rockies, Mike Leake – Reds, Mat Latos – Reds, Jeff Samardzija – Cubs, Patrick Corbin – Diamondbacks

Catchers

Yadier Molina – St. Louis Cardinals*

.346 AVG 6 HR 45 RBI

Buster Posey – San Francisco Giants

.310 AVG 12 HR 48 RBI

Wilin Rosario – Colorado Rockies

.273 AVG 13 HR 43 RBI

Notable Omissions: Jonathan Lucroy – Brewers, Russell Martin – Pirates

Infielders

3B David Wright – New York Mets*

.305 AVG 13 HR 43 RBI

2B Matt Carpenter – St. Louis Cardinals

.320 AVG 8 HR 36 RBI

3B Pedro Alvarez – Pittsburgh Pirates

.243 AVG 21 HR 56 RBI

SS Jean Segura – Milwaukee Brewers*

.322 AVG 11 HR 33 RBI

1B Joey Votto – Cincinnati Reds

.325 AVG 15 HR 40 RBI

2B Brandon Phillips – Cincinnati Reds*

.265 AVG 12 HR 63 RBI

SS Everth Cabrera – San Diego Padres

.300 AVG 4 HR 24 RBI

SS Ian Desmond – Washington Nationals

.281 AVG 15 HR 49 RBI

1B Allen Craig – St. Louis Cardinals

.325 AVG 10 HR 68 RBI

1B Freddie Freeman – Atlanta Braves

.309 AVG 9 HR 56 RBI

1B Paul Goldschmidt – Arizona Diamondbacks*

.304 AVG 20 HR 71 RBI

Notable Omissions: 3B Ryan Zimmerman – Nationals, 2B Marco Scutaro – Giants, 1B Adrian Gonzalez – Dodgers, SS Troy Tulowitzki – Rockies (Injury)

Outfielders

Michael Cuddyer – Colorado Rockies*(as DH)

.342 AVG 15 HR 52 RBI

Carlos Gomez – Milwaukee Brewers

.319 AVG 13 HR 41 RBI

Carlos Beltran – St. Louis Cardinals*

.305 AVG 19 HR 50 RBI

Andrew McCutchen – Pittsburgh Pirates*

.298 AVG 9 HR 45 RBI

Carlos Gonzalez – Colorado Rockies*

.295 AVG 23 HR 62 RBI

Domonic Brown – Philadelphia Phillies

.279 AVG 22 HR 60 RBI

Yasiel Puig – Los Angeles Dodgers

.420 AVG 8 HR 19 RBI

Notable Omissions: Nate Schierholtz – Cubs, Jay Bruce – Reds, Ryan Braun – Brewers (Injury), Hunter Pence – Giants