MLB to seek 100-game suspensions in Biogenesis scandal

Chicago Tribune

The 2013 baseball season could be unlike any in history, with an unprecedented wave of suspensions possible by the All-Star break in the mushrooming Biogenesis scandal.

Ryan Braun, the 2011 National League MVP who beat the rap after one positive test for performance-enhancing drugs, and Alex Rodriguez are the most prominent of 20-plus players who could face season-ending suspensions if Commissioner Bud Selig and his enforcers get their way.

They appear to have already managed one feat few thought they could, flipping Tony Bosch, the central figure at the Miami anti-aging clinic tied to PED use by major leaguers.

ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” is reporting Bosch has been persuaded to cooperate with Major League Baseball’s investigation, corroborating a series of records MLB has had for about a month. ESPN also is reporting MLB will seek unprecedented 100-game suspensions for the players, claiming that first and second offenses were committed when players obtained banned substances from the clinic and subsequently lied to MLB investigators about their involvement.

Players tied to the Biogenesis scandal include the following:

Braun, who at 29 is at the height of his career and owed about $133 million from the Brewers through 2020.

Rodriguez, 37, who has been sidelined all season after hip surgery and previously acknowledged a positive test in 2003.

Nelson Cruz, the slugging right fielder for the Rangers.

Jhonny Peralta, the Tigers shortstop enjoying a renaissance season.

Everth Cabrera, the 26-year-old Padres shortstop who is one of the NL’s best young players.

Bartolo Colon, the 2005 American League Cy Young Award winner, who is 6-2 for the Athletics.

Melky Cabrera, the MVP of the 2012 All-Star Game. He signed a two-year contract with the Blue Jays after a positive test ended his tenure with the Giants.

Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano, who is on track to be the most widely pursued free agent next season.

Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez. He reportedly has cooperated with MLB investigators, demonstrating he purchased only legal substances from the clinic.