Major League Baseball proved how serious it is about going after suspected cheaters this week by sending Milwaukee Brewers star outfielder, and former National League MVP Ryan Braun home for the rest of the summer.
New York Yankees megastar Alex Rodriguez is likely next, and some believe he could be facing a lifetime ban from the sport. CBS tweeted recently that sources close to MLB's Biogenesis investigation are saying A-Rod faces stiffer punishment than Braun, and could be getting the Pete Rose treatment.
Lifetime bans are reserved for third offenses of the MLB drug program, but sources are saying that the league has piled up a hefty amount of damning evidence against Rodriguez. Reports have surfaced that A-Rod is attempting to work out a deal with MLB that could reduce his suspension substantially, although no one knows what the real starting point for any kind of suspension will be.
Meanwhile, another big name on Biogenesis owner Tony Bosch's list is Nelson Cruz, who has skated under the radar to a degree. Cruz was an All-Star this season, and is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career. He is batting .272 with 23 home runs and 70 RBI.
Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington praised Cruz publicly for his strong play despite the PED scandal cloud.
"He's been a pro, and he has been able to separate what he has done on his job, which is come to the ballpark and play baseball, and what he's done out of here. He's done a good job of separating," Washington said.
If Cruz draws a suspension, Washington said the players and organization would stand behind their player.
"We'll embrace him," Washington said. "That's all we do around here is support, and we support Nelson. We can't do anything about his circumstances, but we support him. Until Major League Baseball decides what they want to do, I don't think about it. I'll put his name in my lineup. Until I get word that I can't put it in there, I'll put him in there."
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