Braun Suspended For Rest Of 2013 Season

[Tom Kessenich]

According to Darren Rovell, ARod has hired Cornwell. Rovell added that Cornwell is not currently working with Braun after being his lawyer last year after the failed test was leaked.

[Outlaw]

If ARod is found to be guilty any suspension he receives will likely be a career ender. He's at the end of the line as it is. I certainly have no love for the guy and he's already admitted he used PEDs in the past. But I don't have any problems with him fighting this if the allegations are unfounded. Same with Braun or any other player being linked to this. One of my biggest issues here is MLB has circumvented the JDA agreement by basically attempting to try these players in the court of public opinion as opposed to handling everything confidentially as the agreement stipulates. Even if they are ultimately proven correct and all of the players they are accusing did cheat and (some of them anyway) lied about it the methods that have been used to bring this matter to a conclusion have been extremely shady. That doesn't sit well with me since I'm typically not an ends justify the means kind of person.

Its about the truth. Also the press, the reporters, bloggerrs, web sites, they dont stop to get thier information and who knows how they get all. It is not known as of today that Any of it has come from MLB. If we find out MLB leaked most of it, then I guess there could be some concern. I wouldnt be too worrried for these multi million dallar players. you play you pay. MLB is no different than any other company with many employees. Some talk without permission or even take money for it.
Even if MLB did leak it, then they have their reasons, just like the players use the press too for their own pedestal. There has been speculation for a long time Brauns legal camp were the ones who leaked his test and result, knowing they needed the court of public opinion to help them.

All the names and basis of the story were first released and reported by Miami New times and they have said they got their information from contacts at the clinic.

[Outlaw]

According to Darren Rovell, ARod has hired Cornwell. Rovell added that Cornwell is not currently working with Braun after being his lawyer last year after the failed test was leaked.

Everyhting I have read says Rovell is wrong and Cornwell his still Brauns attoreny. sounds like he got the attoerney names mixed up.

Arod did add Bruans lawyer to his team today. Now 4 players are hoping to get there stories straight - Braun, AROD, Cruz and montero...

Amazing - Bruan and AROD working together... Geez and a leak by the players now...

NEW YORK (AP) The lawyer who helped overturn Ryan Braun's drug suspension last year has been added to Alex Rodriguez's legal team.

David Cornwell has joined Jay Reisinger to represent Rodriguez in baseball's drug investigation, a person familiar with the hiring said Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcement was authorized.

[Tom Kessenich]

According to Darren Rovell, ARod has hired Cornwell. Rovell added that Cornwell is not currently working with Braun after being his lawyer last year after the failed test was leaked.

Everyhting I have read says Rovell is wrong

I haven't seen any follow-ups to that but if that was incorrect info my apologies. If not, I stand behind my belief that ARod is lining his ducks up in a row in preparation to fight a possible suspension. Regardless of whether Rovell is right or wrong I'm 100% convinced Braun will fight any possible suspension.

As far as the truth, I want that as well. I'm just not big on doing things shady in order to achieve the truth. Like I said, I'm typically not an ends justify the means kind of person. So even if MLB is proven correct with these allegations that doesn't change my belief that they have handled this situation extremely poorly.

Here are the Tweets from Rovell. He hasn't followed up with anything say his information is incorrect:

darren rovell ‏@darrenrovell 2h
Sources tell me Alex Rodriguez has been working with David Cornwell, 1 of the toughest attorneys to face on player rights issues.

darren rovell ‏@darrenrovell 2h
A-Rod attorney David Cornwell assisted Ryan Braun in his successful appeal, but presently is not working with the Brewers star.

[Outlaw]

According to Darren Rovell, ARod has hired Cornwell. Rovell added that Cornwell is not currently working with Braun after being his lawyer last year after the failed test was leaked.

Everyhting I have read says Rovell is wrong

I haven't seen any follow-ups to that but if that was incorrect info my apologies. If not, I stand behind my belief that ARod is lining his ducks up in a row in preparation to fight a possible suspension. Regardless of whether Rovell is right or wrong I'm 100% convinced Braun will fight any possible suspension.

As far as the truth, I want that as well. I'm just not big on doing things shady in order to achieve the truth. Like I said, I'm typically not an ends justify the means kind of person. So even if MLB is proven correct with these allegations that doesn't change my belief that they have handled this situation extremely poorly.

Here are the Tweets from Rovell. He hasn't followed up with anything say his information is incorrect:


Rovell is wrong according to every other news source or maybe Arod just switched again. good old twitter, tweet and it becomes gospel...lol

Dont know how you can say MLB has been shady.

They didn't cause Grandal, Melky, Colon and other suspended players so far, as well as all the others accused to use these clinics or deal with Tony B.

The union is not simply preparing to pounce; it is adopting a “wait and see” approach while bracing for the evidence that baseball will present against the alleged users. As union chief Michael Weiner said in a statement Wednesday, “The Players Association has every interest in both defending the rights of players and in defending the integrity of our joint (drug) program. We trust that the Commissioner’s Office shares these interests.”

From Rosenthal: yes the Schill...lol

While baseball’s frustration with Braun and Rodriguez seems evident, it is doubtful that the commissioner’s office entered into its agreement with Bosch recklessly; rarely in the union’s estimation does the sport seek “cowboy” justice.

Indeed, the relationship between the union and commissioner’s office is much stronger than it was when Donald Fehr headed the union and fought drug testing at every turn. The culture of the sport also is different.

Union officials say the vast majority of players want a clean sport — and that if baseball presents sufficient evidence and follows due process, the union will have no problem with suspensions stemming from the joint drug program

[knuckleheads]

If ARod is found to be guilty any suspension he receives will likely be a career ender.

ARod is owed $86 million over the next 4 years. He's going nowhere anytime soon.

[Outlaw]

If Arod is suspended, only the 50 game garden variety will possibly allow him show up on a field someday and his explantion better come with the right buzz words... if he is in bigger trouble, his 80 million is severely at risk... the Yankees will see him incourt of that 80 million, my guess he settles possibly for 20-30 million to avoid all that.

Fair and balanced- Tony B is'nt doing himself or MLB any favors....


Anthony Bosch spotted partying night before providing MLB with 'reams of material' in Biogenesis doping scandal
MLB officials hope Bosch will provide enough credible evidence to allow them to seek drug suspensions for up to 20 players - including Yankee superstar Alex Rodriguez and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun – that have been linked to Biogenesis, Bosch's now-defunct clinic.
Comments (1)

By Teri Thompson , Bill Madden , Christian Red AND Michael O'keeffe / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Friday, June 7, 2013, 5:17 PM

Anthony Bosch (inset) provides 'reams of material' to MLB officials at a Friday meeting as baseball continues to investigate the anti-aging clinic at the heart of this latest doping scandal.
What, me worry?

Anthony Bosch, the owner of the South Florida anti-aging clinic at the heart of Major League Baseball's latest doping scandal, was spotted partying late Thursday at a Coral Gables nightspot, according to a source familiar with the case, just hours before his Friday meeting with Major League Baseball lawyers and investigators in Miami. Bosch has been seen enjoying Miami's famed nightlife several nights this week, the source added.

Nonetheless, MLB officials hope Bosch will provide enough credible evidence to allow them to seek drug suspensions for up to 20 players - including Yankee superstar Alex Rodriguez and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun – that have been linked to Biogenesis, Bosch's now-defunct clinic.

Bosch provided MLB with "reams of material" at his initial meeting with MLB officials, according to another source familiar with Friday's get-together. Additional meetings are expected, said a source

[BK METS]

Outlaw - If you do write a book on this, you might want to use spell check

You seem to be the man who has all of the info and you seem to be convinced that this is all going down soon, and although you are probably right that MLB will make their move after they meet with the fake doctor, you haven't made a case to show that this is going to be anything but a long drawn out arbitration battle with a lot of witnesses on both ends, and an unsure outcome.

[Greg Ambrosius]

Code: Select all

[quote="Outlaw"]By Teri Thompson , Bill Madden , Christian Red AND Michael O'keeffe / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS 
Friday, June 7, 2013, 5:17 PM
 
Anthony Bosch (inset) provides 'reams of material' to MLB officials at a Friday meeting as baseball continues to investigate the anti-aging clinic at the heart of this latest doping scandal.
What, me worry?

Anthony Bosch, the owner of the South Florida anti-aging clinic at the heart of Major League Baseball's latest doping scandal, was spotted partying late Thursday at a Coral Gables nightspot, according to a source familiar with the case, just hours before his Friday meeting with Major League Baseball lawyers and investigators in Miami. Bosch has been seen enjoying Miami's famed nightlife several nights this week, the source added.[/quote]

This guy is really something. He seems like a criminal right out of "Starsky & Hutch". No doubt Huggy Bear could work for MLB and get the dirt on him.  :lol: What did the guy do today, come to his confession hung over?? Or is he enjoying the spotlight and fame? Heck, there's even speculation he's getting paid for this info, so maybe he bought the first round of drinks last night. Hey, Huggy Bear, drinks on me!!!  :mrgreen: 

And we're talking about this -- well, mostly Tom and Outlaw are talking about this -- instead of Yasiel Puig, Zack Wheeler, Tony Cingrani or Gerrit Cole. Okay, I'm with ya MLB.

I'm also with you Mike: CLEAN UP THE GAME. And while we're at it, clean up the minor-leaguers who test positive for a banned substance and still go 3rd overall in the draft. Don't give $16 million contracts as rewards to those players who "beat the system" already. See, there are no innocent bystanders in this game we all love. Just a lot of bad folks who only Starsky & Hutch (no, not even Barretta, we can't trust him) can catch.  ;)

[KJ Duke]

I'm also with you Mike: CLEAN UP THE GAME. And while we're at it, clean up the minor-leaguers who test positive for a banned substance and still go 3rd overall in the draft. Don't give $16 million contracts as rewards to those players who "beat the system" already. See, there are no innocent bystanders in this game we all love. Just a lot of bad folks who only Starsky & Hutch (no, not even Barretta, we can't trust him) can catch.

MLB needs a heavy hitter for the investigative work.

[Outlaw]

I'm also with you Mike: CLEAN UP THE GAME. And while we're at it, clean up the minor-leaguers who test positive for a banned substance and still go 3rd overall in the draft. Don't give $16 million contracts as rewards to those players who "beat the system" already. See, there are no innocent bystanders in this game we all love. Just a lot of bad folks who only Starsky & Hutch (no, not even Barretta, we can't trust him) can catch.

MLB needs a heavy hitter for the investigative work.

Barney can carry Jacks tool bag with all his goodies...

[Tom Kessenich]

Newsday confirms Rovell's report that ARod has hired Cornwell.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/ ... -1.5434274

[Outlaw]

Word travels fast... all the clean players and now managers know whats coming and are speaking out. Every team has players talking about it now. They are raising issues none of us have even thought about in the small world of NFBC chit chat....

By Martin Fennelly | Tampa Tribune Staff
Published: June 7, 2013
ST. PETERSBURG - A storm is coming. You wouldn't have known it Friday, as the Rays and Orioles gathered at Tropicana Field — or in the 14 other ballparks where series are being played this weekend.

But the storm is coming. It's going to be a whopper.

The Biogenesis PED scandal is about to bust open. Major League Baseball has turned seedy dude Tony Bosch. He's going to inform. Bud Selig will be lighting cigars with 100-game suspensions. Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Braun and others look like goners. It'll be the biggest drug bust in baseball history. The game's lawyers have issued subpoenas for phone records. Gosh, couldn't they just call the NSA and get them?

A storm is coming. It will be historic.

“It's going to have some kind of connection to the Black Sox scandal,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said. “It's going to resound that way.”

Good.

There's no way this game should allow a second generation of steroids cowboys. The last one, the days of Bonds and McGwire and Clemens and Palmeiro, tainted an entire era.

It's true that there are a lot of you yawning right about now. Who cares about steroids anymore?

Well, we should care.

One of baseball's darkest days is on its way. And it should be.

“It's no one in here, no one on this team,” Rays all-purpose man Kelly Johnson said. “But it's good if it happens. It's only a matter of time before we make this completely clean. We're not there yet, but this will be another step. But it's going to be such a weird and unprecedented deal.”

The storm is coming. And when it is over, A-Rod will look like a bigger snake than he is now, which is saying something, and Braun will look like the rascal in chief, having denied PED use again and again. He'll be Lance Armstrong without the bicycle.

“This is going to be a bit of a mess between baseball and the union,” said Rays outfielder Sam Fuld. He's right. Baseball is risking labor peace in becoming a PED avenger, going after past users who've mostly beaten the testing system.

Who cares?

The sense I get is that the time has come, that there are actually ballplayers who are clean, lots of them, and they're tired of holding their noses as the union defends some of these cheaters.

“I think we're all happy that they're continuing to weed out some cheaters, eliminate the cheating,” Fuld said.

There's a storm coming, a big one.

It didn't have to be that way. If only Selig and baseball owners and players had been even remotely interested in cracking down on steroids, before McGwire and Sosa bashed their way through the summer of love in 1998, or Bonds, with a hat size equal to Mr. Potato Head, rode into the records books. We wouldn't be in this current mess.

“I do believe this is probably going to be the last mega-storm to hit us,” Maddon said. “I think after this, and if the punishments are harsh enough, no one is going to want to go down that path again.”

I'm not sure that 100-game suspensions will be enough. Melky Cabrera was suspended last season. He then signed for two years and $16 million with Toronto. These losers just keep on winning.

It's about integrity and right from wrong. It's about swinging a real hammer. We stood by and watched the last steroids generation soil the game, even if it didn't put a dent in attendance. We don't need two steroids generations.

Maddon made a great point, Rays-wise.

“It matters because the level playing field is what permits the Rays to be consistent contenders,” he said.

The logic: The rich teams go after the big numbers guys, whether the numbers are drug-inflated or not, which drives up the prices on even the clean guys, who the Rays already can't afford.

“With PEDs part of the game, it totally prevents us from being able to win consistently,” Maddon said.

Plus, it's cheating. And it's time to stop it.

Enjoy the games, but know this well:

A storm is coming.

[Outlaw]

Newsday confirms Rovell's report that ARod has hired Cornwell.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/ ... -1.5434274

Yeah you were right on that one Tom, I edited my post above a few hours ago with that info. What Arod did is add Braun's lawyer today, probably as we were going back and forth, to the legal team he hired the other day. One specializes in damage control and admitting and Brauns guy specializes in getting them off.

I'll ask Arod one question, if you didnt do anything why would you need all these attorneys? Seems Braun and Arod may choose to go it alone IMO... Stange bed partners those 2 will make... If I was Braun I would've told his attorneys keep Arod away from us please...

[Outlaw]

Tony B and others appear to be providing MLB with phone records, texts and emails he exchanged with players that are believed to establish extensive relationships with those players involved. MLB is establishing its case with a combination of the Biogenesis documents they acquired over the past few months, testimony from Bosch and other associates, partners, employees, the materials Bosch has provided, and the cooperation of minor league players trying to reduce their suspensions.

Tony B and his business partners/associates are saying they will appear as witnesses if a player challenges a suspension through arbitration and the information they have provided. Don't forget the pictures. .

It also appears MLB will not have to wait for players to exhaust due process before announcing suspensions, per baseball's revised Drug Agreement. Usually when a player fails a test for PEDS, the suspension is only announced when a player accepts the punishment or his appeal is denied in arbitration, meaning it could be months between the failed test and any public announcement. In almost all these BioGen cases involving non analytical association/use of PEDS by players, MLB is allowed to announce the suspensions immediately per the revised Joint Drug agreement and before the player decides whether he will appeal and the appeal process is complete.

It appears that every player involved and being suspended could be all announced at the same time.

Not every player appears to be lawyering up either, which says they know what is coming. It's also being reported that Union attorneys have been present at all interviews with Tony B, associates and other witnesses the past few weeks. MLB has to got be feeling that it has the evidence they need to be allowing Union attorneys to be present at this point, with the hope that the Union Folks advise their players to cooperate or tell them its not looking good for you guys. The union is also telling its players to keep quite also.

IMO players will be faced with a few decisions, depending on how extensive their involvement or use was. They are not going to be given a lot of time to make a decision or the opportunity to discuss their case in much detail, unless they admit and agree to no appeal. I'm sure they will get to see the most damaging information MLB has acquired on them to help them make their decisions. So if a players feels they did nothing wrong they should tell MLB to take a hike and I'll see you in arbitration.

1. The opportunity to agree and cooperate and possible immunity from any suspension if they do so.

2. Admit involvement and Agree not to appeal and accept suspensions of 10-100 games depending on previous involvement with PEDS or lying.

3. Appeal though arbitration.

Taking any of this into the Court system at this point is not an option for either side per the MLB Players Agreement. It is one reason MLB did not include the MLPA in its tortious interference lawsuit it filed against BioGen, Tony B and others, which yesterday was allowed to continue and gave validity to MLB's lawsuit. The Arbitration process also does not require the same level or burdens of proof as the legal system. Its more like civil cases in which its determined what is most likely to have occurred. Players who are suspended could eventually file lawsuits but The courts have been historically hesitant to interfere with decisions rendered by jointly approved arbitrators per existing labor agreements.

I'm hearing suspensions could start coming as soon as late next week, although I believe it will be more like 2-4 weeks. MLB appears to want this done before the All Star break and also wants Teams to know where they stand well before the trade deadline so they can figure out what to do. MLB and the Teams definitely don't want it interfering with the trade deadline and they also don't want the 10-50 game variety suspensions (majority of players involved) lingering into next year.

IMO MLB wants to try and stay away from the 100 game ones or permanent suspensions and IMO do not think there will be many and odds are those players will be the ones that might be appealing also. I think it's also possible that if they all accept 50 games then they will all be done, including Arod and Braun. I believe MLB wants PEDS gone and its not about individual vendettas, although that's how the media tends to portray it.

If I was the players involved and they did do what they are being accused of and if the proof exists, I would stand as one, accept thier suspensions, apologize, serve there suspensions and get back to playing this year. Most players would have 30/40 or so games left this year after serving their suspensions. They could also stand with a group of players jointly, who are not involved and they all, along with MLB and the Union could stand as one saying they are all doing everyhting to rid the Game of PEDS. That would be one way put this latest ugly mess of PEDS use behind everyone and truly would demonstrate what is good for the game and in its bests interests by everyone involved. IMO, If guys like Braun and AROD try to fight on, their legacy will be one of dragging the entire mess on longer instead of doing the right thing. Not only will they have to deal with those who did cooperate and accept, but the fans and all the clean players in the game.

[Outlaw]

Some recent news on the Peds Story. It's interesting how Arod's and Bruan's Attorney has spoken out and how MLB publicly responded Last night. Seems they have the goods on the whole Braun cover story of his attorney using Tony B as a consultant ("At the conclusion of this investigation we hope that there will be a full airing of what we have learned about what Mr. Cornwell and his clients have done"). I doubt Cornwell has any idea how much evidence MLB has and who has said what. He's assuming the public and fans will buy the whole line that Tony B is a sc..bag. If so, why did he and Bruan come up as using Tony B as a consultant- makes no sense.

Suspensions are coming real soon... my best guess is still before the All Star Game. Almost any story out there is getting the legalities wrong on who can appeal, how they can appeal, the JDA agreement, etc.. This is not Court, its arbitration and it will be near impossible for this to end up in court. All anything MLB needs to punish these players if they are involved, is a preponderance of Evidence or Most likely to have occurred. The players can have all the lawyers they want, but its not court.

I think that Selig will use the Best Interest of Baseball powers in conjunction with the JDA and that act alone will be very important as this plays out. It appears that Arod and Braun will be interviewed shortly and possibly the last ones to be interviewed. They will be showing up not knowing what any other players or witness have said in terms of corroborating all the evidence and witness statements. The guy Porter Fisher was first reported on in March as being involved and he has been one of many who has been cooperating for some time.

It is amazing to me just how many in the media or even fans are trying to protect these players. They speak without knowing 10% of what is known or the facts that have been reported. They speak as if PEDS is not a problem. The Stuff is illegal in this county last I knew without a prescription. Bosch and his cronies may not be the most upstanding people, but what does it make the players and their advisors who have dealt with them. One cannot say all these people and witness's are all lying and cannot be trusted when you have so many players involved with them. IMO opinion very few players will be appealing, probably only AROD and Braun if they are suspended. I can see both of them not appealing also in return for only 50 games.

If anyone is interested in what other players that may be involved, look for who Aces player agency represents. At last count there is about 10 names already part of this investigation represented by them. A former employee of theirs has ties to Tony Bosch and BioGen also and is talking with MLB. MLB has a parallel investigation going on regarding that firm and thier involvement with PEDS knowingly or unknowingly. Former catcher Paul Lo Duca claims ACES set up a meeting for him to purchase PEDs in his playing days.

Quick Hits: Biogenesis, Boldt, Astros, Ramirez
By Jeff Todd [June 19, 2013 at 9:44pm CST]
With today's news that MLB could be looking to fast-track suspensions relating to the Biogenesis PED scandal, it is worth reading USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale's look ahead at the arbitration process that will have a major role in how things play out. As previous arbitrator Shyam Das explained to Nightengale, newly-minted arbitrator Fredric Horowitz will be entering "somewhat uncharted waters" as he assesses whether the evidence warrants whatever suspensions are ultimately leveled. You may also be interested in reading this interesting account (from Tim Elfrink of the Miami New Times) of how whistleblower Porter Fischer blew the lid on the Biogenesis clinic.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/06/q ... oldt-.html


================================
Bob Nightengale and Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY Sports 8:52 a.m. EDT June 20, 2013
Alex Rodriguez's attorney says MLB's investigation of the Biogenesis scandal is "unethical."

David Cornwell, the attorney who represents New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez in Major League Baseball's investigation of the Biogenesis clinic, accused baseball officials of unethical behavior Wednesday, prompting MLB to levy its own condemnation.

Cornwell, who also represents catchers Francisco Cervelli of the Yankees and Yasmani Grandal of the San Diego Padres in the investigation, told USA TODAY Sports that the information gathered by paying Biogenesis director Tony Bosch and associates is "irreparably tainted.''

"The conduct of Major League Baseball with the Tony Bosch investigation,'' Cornwell said, "is despicable, unethical and potentially illegal. Paying for evidence. Offering to pay for evidence. Intimidating witnesses.

"One thing we know: that evidence is unreliable. They have tainted the evidence beyond the point that you can rely on it, from their own conduct. And it's because of this hysterical reaction to the concept [that players procured performance-enhancing drugs from Bosch's anti-aging clinic].

"It's absurd.''

MLB executive vice president Rob Manfred said he welcomes the opportunity to unveil their findings. The league is preparing for what could be a protracted battle should it attempt to suspend players linked to Biogenesis.

"At the conclusion of this investigation we hope that there will be a full airing of what we have learned about what Mr. Cornwell and his clients have done,'' Manfred told USA TODAY Sports, "so that the public can decide who has behaved despicably, unethically and illegally.''

[Outlaw]

Major League Baseball has dismissed another defendant from the lawsuit it filed against Biogenesis owner Anthony Bosch and his associates. MLB lawyers filed papers in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court last Friday dismissing Marcelo Albir, a former University of Miami baseball player, from the tortious interference lawsuit filed in March.

Albir was teammate of Ryan Bruans at U of Miami, along with Carrillo. It's not a stretch to assume he cooperated and gave MLB what he knew about the distribution of PEDS to MLB players.

It appears MLB has also gathered more evidence than it feels it needs for any player appeal, outside of what Tony B and his partners are still providing. Him and his partners appear to have been verifying all MLB knew and had collected and its all checking out. They may not even use Tony B or BioGen employees if any arbitration hearing were to take place and not because player attorneys, some in the press and others think they have no credibility. 80% of criminal cases are solved and convicted by less than pristine witnesses providing testimony or evidence. Its all a matter of whether it can be corroborated or reasonably believed.

Out of all of them IMO, If AROD did anything this time, he should be banned. He's an admitted known user and liar already. It also seems his rehab is going great and this mess aside, he may be back right after the All Star break. I wonder if anyone will be bidding on him the next few weeks in FAAB.

[Outlaw]

The only thing I have always said in this mess, it will be the hard records and the money trail that does these players in. Evidently this Porter Fisher guy is being interviewed and cooperating with MLB. A questionable character sure, him being possibly paid for cooperation who knows, fact is, it seems he "had" all the hard proof. He has already been confirmed as the source for the original Miami New times story and the release of what documents have been in the press. It appears he has the payment records (money trail), he is saying it is over 100 players and it goes back to 2009. He is also saying in reference to the big fish, Braun and Arod, he has hard proof.

He also is providing information on The other clinics players have been using, something that is not generally reported, but that MLB has been aware of. Other possible clinics in AZ, FLA and Tex from what I have heard

Say what you want, about Bosch, Porter, these "lowlifes" but, the players involved with them are no better. They all stink and they all smell and there can be no argument that says the suppliers are low life's and the buyers are not IMO.

The MLB lawsuit continues, but it will be dropped probably right around the time MLB issues the suspensions. There has been talk whether it was right for MLB to use state court, whether jurisdiction even resided with the state, whether the lawsuit had any merit at all, but in the end, it appears to have been a strategic move by MLB, as now over 25 people have provided testimony and facts after being subpoenaed through legal means.

If there are suspensions, they may not come now before the AS break, but they surely have to come before the trade deadline.

[Outlaw]

Finally it seems the Biogenesis mess may be nearing a conclusion. It appears MLB will be interviewing AROD this week. There is speculation that Braun will be interviewed also before the all star break or during the break. These are probably the last players to be interviewed on their involvement. I felt MLB would've announced any suspensions before the All Star break, but its being reported MLB has uncovered so much information and witness testimony that it did not want to rush its findings and with it being so close to the All Star Game, they do not want to tarnish the All Star game promotion. Porter Fisher appears to have corroborated much of Tony B's and others information (and yes it also appears they were paid). Being paid for information does not mean the information is not true. It happens all the time when attempting to get the truth.

MLB's lawsuit filed in Florida will probably be dropped at the time they announce the mass suspensions. 3 of the 6 people named in the lawsuit have already been dropped/dismissed. Of the other 3, one is Tony B. The other 2 have attempted to show they should be dismissed, but as of yet they have been denied thier motions. Its interesting because one of the defendants and his attorney actually appears to have a valid argument as for the lawsuit even having any merit. Other legal people are astonished that the both the Union and not one player has raised the same argument, basically the lawsuit has no place in state court and if it had any merit at all, it should have been in federal court. 26 people were subpoenaed, deposed and testified (dates below). Another 20 plus individuals voluntarily have cooperated and provided information to MLB. The money trail, the suppliers, the employees, the shipping records, the phone records, the emails all appear to be checking out, as well as information on other clinics being involved.

The Union has pretty much stayed silent on the whole matter and in fact, has been dripping recently they will support players "if they were not involved". It appears that some players are being told by the union, an appeal will be useless, as it appears the evidence is overwhelming and that the union has an obligation to cooperate with MLB in joint administration of the MLB Drug policy. The players suspended last year, other than Braun, all elected to not appeal and I believe that will be the case with many of the players who are suspended this time. IMO the suspensions will come out sometime between July 20-26th time frame, so teams can try to make adjustments before the trade deadline. There will be 4 players in the All star game that have been previously linked to the PEDS mess; E. Cabrera, Colon, Cruz and Peralta. I thinks its safe to say, none of them will be named MVP. It will be interesting to see just how much playing time they even get.

It's also being dripped that a few players may be facing indefinite/lifetime suspensions with the possibility of applying for reinstatement 1-2 years later. These will be players where a long history of PEDS use/buying has been established. MLB appears to have substantial proof of Braun and AROD long term use. The rest of the suspensions will vary from 25-100 games and some players receiving no suspension for their cooperation. Any player who appeals, MLB expects to have those appeals to be heard and ruled on before Labor day, so players will have to choose between accepting their suspensions or hurting their teams with an appeal only to possibly lose out and get suspended as the pennant races are in full swing.

Bob Nightingale has an excellent article on the impact of PEDS on the integrity of baseball, the All Star Game, kids and the disgusting nature of it all.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ml ... s/2500855/

Nightingale and others have also raised the question of whether Melkys use last year helped the Giants make the playoffs and whether they would have without his MVP first half numbers. In effect no one will ever know, but the Giants winning the WS has to be viewed as possibly occurring by having a player who cheated and had helped them make the playoffs in the first place. So for those that say PEDS does not matter, or stop the witch hunt on the "poor" players, I say hogwash. They tarnish the integrity of the game and the clean players. It has been 20 years of tarnished records and cheaters. Enough is enough with these Cheaters.


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[CASS]

You really think appeals would be heard in under a month? thats funny...

[Outlaw]

You really think appeals would be heard in under a month? thats funny...

I do because they must be heard within I believe, its 20 days per the CBA and that's not to say if there are any appeals, that they are not heard almost immediately. That would put the appeals being concluded as early as mid August. Also MLB will not be wanting to string this out anywhere close to the post season. I also believe very few, if any will appeal, but that is just my opinion.

[Outlaw]

Arod is on deck, batting first this coming Friday in Tampa. It is being reported at least 10 players invoked the equivalent of Taking the 5th when they were interviewed by MLB. I believe McGwire took the 5th, but his was when it counted, under oath in Congress and we all know how that turned out - a disgraced, lying cheat, who now regrets what he did and could not at the time be accused of lying. It also appears that quite a few players did cooperate.

Would not be surprised if AROD cuts a deal, along the lines of 50 games for his cooperation/corroboration of facts. He would possibly spin it as he told the truth, again, hoping to minimize the damage with all the other players and hoping some team allows him to play in the future. I cannot see him in a Yankee uniform again if he did anything. It is interesting that his 20 game Rehab window ends on July 22 after which the Yanks would have to make a decision on him, but one that could be quite easy if he is suspended by that date. It's interesting too they are not letting him anywhere near the Double and Triple A teams like Jeter is for rehab. Should be interesting to see what Arod is doing the few days after he meets with MLB. I wonder why Texas signed Manny too... and the Padres traded for Ciriaco, just saying... Funny how a lot of the suspected PEDs players have been injured this season off and on.

Lots of possible ways this whole thing plays out, but telling the truth is the best course for any of them IMO to limit thier penalties. They need look no further then Melky, Colon, Ruiz, Grandal, Byrd, etc...

[BK METS]

Finally it seems the Biogenesis mess may be nearing a conclusion

Sorry to burst your bubble, but it is not concluding... it is just beginning. And it will be a while before any player is serving any suspensions. Look for suspensions (if any are held up) to begin next season. IMO

[Outlaw]

Finally it seems the Biogenesis mess may be nearing a conclusion

Sorry to burst your bubble, but it is not concluding... it is just beginning. And it will be a while before any player is serving any suspensions. Look for suspensions (if any are held up) to begin next season. IMO

You are Not bursting my bubble, but it would be nice to get it over with from this one fans persepective and move on and hold the players who may have cheated accountable. We will see how it plays out though, but do not discount most players taking the suspensions without appealing. It would also be nice to know this month in terms of fantasy if anyone of us needs to or wants to make adjustments to our rosters without being surprised in september when it most likely would be too late. Plus it would be terrible for teams in the money to have this mess affect them right at the end.

[BK METS]

Arod is on deck, batting first this coming Friday in Tampa. It is being reported at least 10 players invoked the equivalent of Taking the 5th when they were interviewed by MLB. I believe McGwire took the 5th, but his was when it counted, under oath in Congress and we all know how that turned out - a disgraced, lying cheat, who now regrets what he did and could not at the time be accused of lying. It also appears that quite a few players did cooperate.

Would not be surprised if AROD cuts a deal, along the lines of 50 games for his cooperation/corroboration of facts. He would possibly spin it as he told the truth, again, hoping to minimize the damage with all the other players and hoping some team allows him to play in the future. I cannot see him in a Yankee uniform again if he did anything. It is interesting that his 20 game Rehab window ends on July 22 after which the Yanks would have to make a decision on him, but one that could be quite easy if he is suspended by that date. It's interesting too they are not letting him anywhere near the Double and Triple A teams like Jeter is for rehab. Should be interesting to see what Arod is doing the few days after he meets with MLB. I wonder why Texas signed Manny too... and the Padres traded for Ciriaco, just saying... Funny how a lot of the suspected PEDs players have been injured this season off and on.

Lots of possible ways this whole thing plays out, but telling the truth is the best course for any of them IMO to limit thier penalties. They need look no further then Melky, Colon, Ruiz, Grandal, Byrd, etc...

AROD is not cutting a deal. I believe he will try to come back from his injury, try to play and not succeed, then retire before any suspension takes place. The Yankees win, by losing most of his contract to insurance, and AROD gets paid and doesnt have to worry about a suspension. Braun will fight until the end, we all know that... Byrd faces 100 games and his success this season means he is not going to give in easily. What is any players' motivation to admit to this?