The Rodriguez suspension comes after it was revealed earlier today that 12 players have accepted 50-game suspensions for their involvement with Biogenesis. FoxSports.com was widely creditied with being the first outlet to report the 12 names (THE DAILY).
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PLAYERS SUSPENDED FOR 50 GAMES
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| Phillies P Antonio Bastardo |
Yankees minor leaguer Fernando Martinez |
| Padres SS Everth Cabrera |
Mariners C Jesus Montero |
| Yankees C Francisco Cervelli |
Free agent P Jordan Norberto |
| Rangers RF Nelson Cruz |
Tigers SS Jhonny Peralta |
| Padres minor leaguer P Fautino De Los Santos |
Mets minor leaguer Cesar Puello |
| Astros minor leaguer Sergio Escalona |
Mets 2B Jordany Valdespin |
Cruz today informed his team that he will accept the suspension, and sources said that the move "stunned Rangers officials." Club officials were "blindsided by the news, only learning of Cruz's decision Monday morning, hours before MLB was set to announce its discipline." Also today, Cruz switched agents from brothers
Seth and
Sam Levinson's ACES firm to
Adam Katz at Wasserman Media Group, according to a source (
USATODAY.com, 8/5).
Meanwhile, A's P Bartolo Colón, Blue Jays LF Melky Cabrera and Padres C Yasmani Grandal, all of whom were named in Biogenesis documents "will receive no additional punishment." The three players "have served a 50-game suspension following a positive test" (FOXSPORTS.com, 8/5).
Rays 3B Evan Longoria wrote on his Twitter feed, "Ultimately, although today will be a day of infamy for MLB, it is a tremendous step in the right direction for the game we love." Author Jeff Pearlman wrote, "MLB wants to send a message to PED users. They don't realize, it matters not. Drugs are 200 steps ahead of testing. It's become a joke." SI.com's Steve Rushin: "Chapter 2: Bioexodus." Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tom Haudricourt: "New MLB arbitrator Fredric Horowitz is going to have a doozy of a first drug case. Be careful what you wish for!"
