The Cutoff Man: Making Sense of Jhonny Peralta and the Biogenesis Case
May 25, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta (27) hits a home run in the sixth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Major League Baseball has never seemed too interested in what actually went on with any of this in any thorough way. The Mitchell Report was certainly not meant to answer any questions. It was meant to stop them. To put a bookend on the p.r. disaster that Ken Caminiti and Jose Canseco uncorked in 2002. To put a bookend on the steroids era itself, really, and to allow fans, the press and the government to pretend that steroids use was limited to a certain unfortunate time and to certain unsavory group of people. Baseball is doing it again. It’s going to nip Biogenesis in the bud, hang a few big names out to dry and declare victory.
Bosch will cooperate with MLB, but what will it mean? – Danny Knobler – CBS Sports
As of now, though, it’s believed that MLB has not yet interviewed or acquired evidence from Bosch, leaving open the possibility that he could change his mind or that his information won’t be as useful as expected. And while we know that MLB was “encouraged” by the investigation, even before getting Bosch to agree to cooperate, it will still be up to the investigators to build a case that can hold up in front of an arbitrator. It will be helpful if they can get others who can independently corroborate anything Bosch tells them.As a result, it is not believed that MLB is close to announcing any suspensions.
This presents a huge problem for the Detroit Tigers who may need to replace Jhonny Peralta in case of a suspension. Perlata has been the best shortstop in the American League this season. He is tops among shortstops in batting average (.332) OPS .865 and WAR 2.2. Peralta has been great with the glove as well recording only 3 errors this season. As good as he has been with the glove its Jhonny’s bat that has been the biggest assest for the Tigers. Peralta has been the primary run producer in the bottom half of the line-up. Replacing him would be present a big problem for an offense that has been streaky this season.
Will Tony Bosch’s Word Be Enough – Ken Rosenthal – Fox Sports
Braun tested positive, looked guilty as all heck — and mounted a strong enough legal challenge to get a 50-game suspension overturned in arbitration.The US government fared no better in legal cases against Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens. So, forgive me for holding off trying to figure out whether A-Rod will get a 50- or 100-game suspension, how it would affect his future with the Yankees, etc.