Ken Rosenthal Says “Baseball Needs Proof” In Biogenesis Case, Skeptical On Suspensions

May 13, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta (27) sits in dugout before the game against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

If you’re just catching up, ESPN reported Tuesday evening that Major League Baseball is seeking suspensions for some 20 players — including big names such as Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun — in connection with Miami PED clinic, Biogenesis. Of particular interest to Detroit Tigers fans is the fact that Jhonny Peralta‘s name was one of the many that surfaced back in the winter.

The ESPN reports indicate that MLB is readying to hand down suspensions but many remain skeptical that they have the required evidence needed to win the eventual appeals by the players’ union. Among those skeptics is Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.

"Oh, I can hear those on the players’ side now.“Bosch agreed to cooperate with baseball only to save his own rear. He’s broke. He’s talking in order to get baseball to drop its lawsuit against him. He needs the various forms of protection that baseball offered him, according to ESPN.“What does baseball have? Nothing.”"

If it’s true that all baseball has on these players is this one person’s testimony — a person of questionable reputation — then I agree that it seems like Major League Baseball’s case against these players is flimsy at best. Bosch’s best personal play may be to sing MLB’s song, so there needs to be more evidence than the tune he’s whistling in order to punish these guys, doesn’t there?

Again, we’ll have to continue to wait and see what further information comes to light, but this is a good reminder that the player’s union carries a lot of power, and that MLB can’t simply decide to suspend these players unless it’s expressly allowed by the CBA.