Braun Suspended For Rest Of 2013 Season

[Outlaw]

MLB Waiting on Arod Decision. If He fights and wants to appeal, they will go for Lifetime Ban and they may not allow him to play anyhow this year, becuase of the gravity of offenses and will fast track his appeal. Might be later tonight for an announcement, now. I'm still saying he gets roughly 100-150 games and agrees to no appeal.

Seems Arod does not want to give MLB an answer either way. His attorney is was stumbling and bumbling On Espn Radio NY with everyones favorite sportscaster steven A. He said they are prepering for an appeal and Arod wants to play this this weekend. He basically said If Arods team decides to appeal, he will guide the appeal. The question I got, if his attorney does'nt know, who is the rest of his team? You can't make this stuff up with Arod... He's playing a game of chicken and he is risking a lifetime ban. He should talk to Pete Rose what that is like, when you are not welcome anyhwere. I would guess Selig gives him a bit more time, but I'm sure Arod knows where MLB stands. May not get answer today now or any statement from MLB.

[knuckleheads]

There is zero chance of a lifetime ban sticking for Arod, and it seems very unlikely MLB would even try.

[knuckleheads]

Arod suspension may be coming by Friday.

It appears Arod gets to pick from a Lifetime ban if he wants to appeal or the rest of this year and all next year with no appeal.

Might be later tonight for an announcement, now. I'm still saying he gets roughly 100-150 games and agrees to no appeal.

I just want to point out that you've said everything is going to happen at one time or another on this thread. You've pretty much said once or twice a week for two months that "this is the week" or "this is the day" suspensions are coming. You can't be "STILL saying he gets roughly 100-150 games and agrees to no appeal" when just yesterday you said it was "the rest of this year and all of next year with no appeal."

Those are your quotes above Outlaw. Pick a stance and stick to it. Or better yet, admit you're reading gossip and don't actually know anything more about this than my nephew, who can also read internet gossip.

[Outlaw]

I just want to point out that you've said everything is going to happen at one time or another on this thread. You've pretty much said once or twice a week for two months that "this is the week" or "this is the day" suspensions are coming. You can't be "STILL saying he gets roughly 100-150 games and agrees to no appeal" when just yesterday you said it "the rest of this year and all of next year with no appeal."

Those are your quotes above Outlaw. Pick a stance and stick to it. Or better yet, admit you're reading gossip and don't actually no anything more about this than my nephew, who can also read internet gossip.

Dont read this then knucklehead if it upsets you so much. No one can figure out Arod. I write what I hear and offer my take.

[Outlaw]

MLB Waiting on Arod Decision. If He fights and wants to appeal, they will go for Lifetime Ban and they may not allow him to play anyhow this year, becuase of the gravity of offenses and will fast track his appeal. Might be later tonight for an announcement, now. I'm still saying he gets roughly 100-150 games and agrees to no appeal.

MLB still waiting on Arod tonight... MLB is intent on suspending him and if he does not accept a deal, they will do so under other provisions of the CBA outside of the JDA. Those suspensions are immediate, and they can be appealed while he is on suspension, but good luck with that. As I wrote earliar, its multiple offenses, the big one, interfering with MLB's investigation.

[Outlaw]

This was posted on the Main MLB web site tonight, not hard to figure out why. Nothing but embarrassing behavior and comments by Arods camp, as well as what MLB plans to do for the most part. Cornwell is as delusional as Arod is. It's obvious he has no idea what's going on or at least Arod isn't telling him everything. Can't wait for Rob Manfred to tell what he knows about Cornwell. Even the NFL the past week is trying to keep Cornwell away from them. Braun dumped Cornwell a while ago as his attorney.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd ... b&c_id=mlb

TAMPA, Fla. -- It's become increasingly difficult to predict what will happen next in the daily drama surrounding Alex Rodriguez.

Rodriguez finished up his rehab assignment with complaints of a strained left quadriceps, only to say days later that he was ready to play. He sent Dr. Michael Gross on an impromptu media tour to challenge the Yankees' diagnosis, then Gross admitted he's never even met A-Rod. Rodriguez released a statement Thursday saying he didn't want "any more mix-ups" with the Yankees, then called into WFAN radio in New York and said four times that he was "frustrated" with being held back.

Rodriguez has been working out at the Yankees' Minor League complex, hoping to return from his quad injury and get back on the field as soon as possible. Aside from his occasional statements released through a publicist and a few radio interviews, A-Rod has remained silent.

But one thing has become exceedingly clear, based on several published reports this weekend and on Monday: He soon will be disciplined by Major League Baseball.

And Rodriguez's lawyer, David Cornwell, left no doubt Monday afternoon in a radio interview with ESPN New York 98.7 FM: They're not going to accept a suspension.

"All I can tell you is my job is to represent Alex in connection with this inquiry by baseball and to prepare an appeal on behalf of Alex in the event that any discipline is handed down," Cornwell said in an interview with Stephen A. Smith.

"When the time comes, and we haven't gotten there yet, when the time comes and baseball does whatever it is going to do, then I will sit down with Alex and talk to him about the process of the appeal, filing the appeal and going in and presenting our best evidence that we have -- and we think we have good evidence -- to defend his interest, to protect him. That's what I expect to be doing."

The New York Post first reported Sunday that Rodriguez could be suspended this week as part of baseball's investigation into the now-shuttered Biogenesis clinic, a South Florida operation run by Anthony Bosch, who has cooperated with MLB investigators. Last week, Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun accepted a 65-game suspension -- the remainder of the season -- for his reported involvement with Bosch and Biogenesis.

Cornwell told ESPN New York he wouldn't consider that a victory for Rodriguez. Asked by Smith what he would consider a "win" in this case, Cornwell said, "No discipline. ... Obviously. That's easy."

According to the Post, MLB could suspend Rodriguez for the rest of this year and the entirety of the 2014 season. Under baseball's Basic Agreement, first-time offenders who test positive for performing-enhancing drugs are suspended 50 games for a positive test. A second positive test earns a 100-game ban and a third violation results in a lifetime ban. But those standards might not apply in the case of Rodriguez. Thus, the potential length of a suspension remains unclear.

The New York Daily News reported that MLB officials believe their evidence against Rodriguez "would warrant lifetime banishment." Such a ruling could come as soon as Monday night or Tuesday, according to the Daily News. There has been talk that Braun's quick agreement strengthens Bosch's credibility as it relates to MLB's case against A-Rod, an idea that Cornwell addressed Monday.

"Obviously they believe that he's credible. I have my concerns," said Cornwell, who previously represented Braun, the only Major League player to have a positive drug test overturned. "But what's most important is whether or not arbitrator [Fredric] Horowitz will believe that he's credible. That's something that we will present in the hearing room, not to the media."

Before a suspension is publicly issued, Rodriguez could choose to discuss a plea agreement with MLB, as Braun did. However, Rodriguez told WFAN's Mike Francesa on Thursday that his representatives hadn't had those discussions.

According to the Post, Rodriguez's team "met with MLB officials in the past few days," but not to discuss a settlement. Instead, A-Rod's representatives were just trying to "gain a better understanding of potential penalties."

If MLB is seeking a potential lifetime suspension for Rodriguez, who admitted in 2009 that he took performance-enhancing drugs while playing for the Rangers from 2001-03, then a settlement could result in him sitting out until 2015 without pay, according to the Daily News.

In that scenario, Rodriguez's suspension would be effective immediately. If the 38-year-old third baseman -- fifth on the all-time list with 647 career home runs -- is able to play after two major hip surgeries and two full years out of the game, it would also give him a chance to collect the $61 million the Yankees owe him from 2015-17, the remnants of the 10-year, $275 million deal he signed with New York in '07.

For now, it's uncertain when Rodriguez will get back on the field in a Major League game, if he will at all. But if the reports are true, the next chapter in A-Rod's story should be unfolding soon.

"I can't tell you what he's thinking about or what he says as it relates to the investigation, but I can tell you that in my discussions with him, generally, Alex's primary focus right now is playing baseball," Cornwell said. "That's what Alex's primary focus is right now. We'll have a chance to deal with these other issues as they arrive and as they unfold. ... When that time comes, we will. But until then ... the only thing Alex is focused on right now is trying to get back and play baseball."

[Outlaw]

MLB Waiting on Arod Decision. If He fights and wants to appeal, they will go for Lifetime Ban and they may not allow him to play anyhow this year, becuase of the gravity of offenses and will fast track his appeal. Might be later tonight for an announcement, now. I'm still saying he gets roughly 100-150 games and agrees to no appeal.

MLB still waiting on Arod tonight... MLB is intent on suspending him and if he does not accept a deal, they will do so under other provisions of the CBA outside of the JDA. Those suspensions are immediate, and they can be appealed while he is on suspension, but good luck with that. As I wrote earliar, its multiple offenses, the big one, interfering with MLB's investigation.

To add a little more on this, MLB is telling Arods camp, that they feel confident that they can substantiate numerous violations of Federal, State and local laws, which allows them to suspend under the conduct provisions of the CBA. If they go down that route, This thing could blow up rather quickly as far as the crimminal apsects for everyone involved.

Article XI A1B of the Collective Basic Agreement states: Players may be disciplined for just cause for conduct that is materially detrimental or materially prejudicial to the best interests of baseball including, but not limited to, engaging in conduct in violation of federal, state or local law. According to the CBA, the commissioner hears appeals of any discipline handed down under Article XI, Section A1b.

The Judge in the BioGen lawsuit today again ruled, after having another Florida judge review (WRIT OF CERTIORARI) the current case, that MLB's case can and will move forward for the time being and that remaining witness'es will be complled to testify.

[knuckleheads]

Outlaw, Outlaw, Outlaw, you must remember that MLB is not a court or law enforcement. They have collectively bargained with the players and they do not have the option of treating one player harsher than another. Their only chance of getting a punishment longer than Braun's is if Arod agrees to it. Therefore, they bluff, and bluff, and bluff some more. If they thought they could ban him for life, they would have done it already.

[knuckleheads]

I just want to point out that you've said everything is going to happen at one time or another on this thread. You've pretty much said once or twice a week for two months that "this is the week" or "this is the day" suspensions are coming. You can't be "STILL saying he gets roughly 100-150 games and agrees to no appeal" when just yesterday you said it was "the rest of this year and all of next year with no appeal."

Those are your quotes above Outlaw. Pick a stance and stick to it. Or better yet, admit you're reading gossip and don't actually know anything more about this than my nephew, who can also read internet gossip.

Dont read this then knucklehead if it upsets you so much. No one can figure out Arod. I write what I hear and offer my take.

Nah, I like a good debate. Besides, let's not act like you don't infect every thread on these boards with your PED rantings. Couldn't avoid you if I wanted to.

Oh, and by the way...

Might be later tonight for an announcement, now.

...wrong again, Outlaw.

[Outlaw]

It Does not appear that any suspensions will be coming today or tomorrow. MLB still involved with negotiations with reps from a few players. Discussions with Arod continue, contrary to media reports that there have been none. MLB still wants to announce them all at once.

[DOUGHBOYS]

I have a theory from a friend, Mike.
Tell me if there is anything you've heard that would lend credence to this theory.
His theory is that MLB has to get all these confessions and pleas together by the next few days, so that players can serve their 50 days THIS year and give the player and MLB a fresh start for 2014.
This would be impossible if teams have played over 112 games. Could this be a factor?

He also reckons that MLB is pushing, a this year and next year penalty on ARod, so that PED news does not interrupt next year's season.
His theory is that Selig is a stickler for not wanting 'news' during his All Star game or World Series and that Selig follows this same logic for 2014 and PED's.
Your thoughts?

[Outlaw]

I have a theory from a friend, Mike.
Tell me if there is anything you've heard that would lend credence to this theory.
His theory is that MLB has to get all these confessions and pleas together by the next few days, so that players can serve their 50 days THIS year and give the player and MLB a fresh start for 2014.
This would be impossible if teams have played over 112 games. Could this be a factor?

He also reckons that MLB is pushing, a this year and next year penalty on ARod, so that PED news does not interrupt next year's season.
His theory is that Selig is a stickler for not wanting 'news' during his All Star game or World Series and that Selig follows this same logic for 2014 and PED's.
Your thoughts?

Dough - exactly right probably now!!. Way back when, I heard that MLB wanted the suspensions done this season, first before the AS break and if that was not attainable, then before the trade deadline. The issue they have run against was thier investigation was more involved and more detailed than they even expected. They kept uncovering more and they did have some delays in the Lawsuit getting people to cooperate. They thought Braun coming clean would make the other players involved cooperate faster, cut a deal and everyone move on. Unfortunately they did not expect the AROD circus of the last 10 days and a couple of players want to see the Arod debacle play out and MLB now wants him dealt with first I am hearing. The serving of 50 games is absolutely a factor as your friend suggests. I wrote way back MLB did not want this lingering into next season and that's why I felt the suspension would always come this year. MLB also feels strongly on this not interfering more than it has already, with the pennant races in September and for sure the playoffs.

The delay we are seeing in handing down remaining suspensions now, is because of the legal and contractual concerns MLB has regarding how to suspend Arod. I have mentioned numerous times in the past few months that Selig's best interests of powers could and would be used if necessary and now it seems like he will use them with Arod. In fact he could use them with almost all the players because all the evidence MLB has on the players involved, specifically to involvement in buying, selling, transferring and using drugs across different jurisdictions. He also has some players specifically recruiting other players to the clinics. It was for those reason, I thought that appeals would never happen and I still feel that way, with the exception of Arod, who if he is suspended, his appeal will be heard by Selig not an arbitrator. There is also the issue of making sure the Union people like Wiener and management types, not the players specifically, agree with everyhting and don't plan to start a union war, which everyone feels confident will not ever happen because of how many players have said they want the cheats out of the game and punished

It's sad that this whole thing is even a problem for baseball and sports, but it is, and MLB had to deal with it, as ugly as it is. Since Braun has been suspended, I've given a lot of thought to why he admitted, and I have to give him a lot of credit for accepting his punishment like a man. I sincerely hope he makes good choices in the future and I believe he can rehabilitate his career and image, at least to point where people give him the credit for admitting and he can probably have a decent career the next 10 or so years. He can thank Arod for pointing out the differences on coming clean and accepting.

The 50 game mark occurs for most teams over the next few days as you point out. However, If legal issues allow the suspensions to still not happen, I can see Selig agreeing to just remainder of the Season for anyone involved, so as to start next year free of the scandal.

Not me, not MLB, not the union, not the players, not the clinic low life's, not the Fans, no one, knew how this would totally play out, other than players cheated and they would be disciplined at some time, but I do hope its over soon.

[knuckleheads]

There is no way Bud Selig does anything that could result in Arod's lawyers deposing him. Nothing. Should Selig have to testify under oath, he will be shamed and he will end up getting run out of his job.

There will be no lifetime ban, no way, no how.

[Outlaw]

There is no way Bud Selig does anything that could result in Arod's lawyers deposing him. Nothing. Should Selig have to testify under oath, he will be shamed and he will end up getting run out of his job.

There will be no lifetime ban, no way, no how.

That would have to be a civil suit by Arod against MLB and that will never happen. Federal Law is very clear when a CBA exists, the CBA will take precedence. MLB is not concerned about that at all.

Just exactly what would he or MLB be shamed for if it did happen? Please expand knucklehead on what you mean. Going after cheaters who violate numerous aspects of the CBA and JDA? MLB knows they have the majority of Clean players and fans on there side and most importantly the mountians of evidence against the cheating players.

As for lifetime ban, you might be right, but only becuase MLB wants to settle as I have said many times, it's Arod who appears to want to fight and any reasonable person knows he has nothing to stand on. So the possibility does exist for Selig to ban him.

[Atlas]

Just an observation and personal opinion...

I've given a lot of thought to why he admitted, and I have to give him a lot of credit for accepting his punishment like a man.

He didn't admit it....he got caught......again!
I would have been impressed if he beat the system 2 years ago..and THEN admitted it and took the suspension.
Anyone one remember the Giambi apology? He never once specifically cited why or what he was apologizing for.

I give him no credit whatsoever. They obviously had more on him than he felt he could fight and rolled over.

Meh..just my 2 cents

[BK METS]

Just an observation and personal opinion...

I've given a lot of thought to why he admitted, and I have to give him a lot of credit for accepting his punishment like a man.

He didn't admit it....he got caught......again!
I would have been impressed if he beat the system 2 years ago..and THEN admitted it and took the suspension.
Anyone one remember the Giambi apology? He never once specifically cited why or what he was apologizing for.

I give him no credit whatsoever. They obviously had more on him than he felt he could fight and rolled over.

Meh..just my 2 cents

My ex-wife admitted she cheated on me, after I caught her. I give her no credit for confessing (true story) and I don't give Ryan Braun any credit for taking a short penalty and losing a small amount of his huge contract. He isn't a man admitting to his guilt. He was caught and is salvaging what he can and I guaranty you he will never face the music. He will say its all behind him now and he made mistakes but now he is moving on. He will never admit to getting away with screwing the system in last year's positive test. He is a cheat, and not much of a man. Plain and simple.

[Atlas]

Just an observation and personal opinion...

I've given a lot of thought to why he admitted, and I have to give him a lot of credit for accepting his punishment like a man.

He didn't admit it....he got caught......again!
I would have been impressed if he beat the system 2 years ago..and THEN admitted it and took the suspension.
Anyone one remember the Giambi apology? He never once specifically cited why or what he was apologizing for.

I give him no credit whatsoever. They obviously had more on him than he felt he could fight and rolled over.

Meh..just my 2 cents

My ex-wife admitted she cheated on me, after I caught her. I give her no credit for confessing (true story) and I don't give Ryan Braun any credit for taking a short penalty and losing a small amount of his huge contract. He isn't a man admitting to his guilt. He was caught and is salvaging what he can and I guaranty you he will never face the music. He will say its all behind him now and he made mistakes but now he is moving on. He will never admit to getting away with screwing the system in last year's positive test. He is a cheat, and not much of a man. Plain and simple.

Sorry to hear that BK. Sucks. Some people have a timeline issue.
I love it when a patient calls me at 6:00pm after missing their 5pm appointment and tells me they have to cancel. Er....its over...past...you can't cancel retroactively. Why not wait until tomorrow and then cancel..lol When I ask for 24 hours notice..I mean 24 hours before the appointment...not after.

[Navel Lint]

It was for those reason, I thought that appeals would never happen and I still feel that way, with the exception of Arod, who if he is suspended, his appeal will be heard by Selig not an arbitrator.

I’ve asked myself, “What makes Arod different than Braun?”

I mean really, why IS he being singled out more? Yeah I know he’s an ahole. Fans hate him, teammates hate him, Steinbrenner Jr would love to get out from under that contract; but in the context of this scandal, why is he different??

He’s admitted past use, ok, I get that, but Braun failed a drug test…..makes them the same in my boat.

Does more evidence of guilt make him guiltier?

I feel like Selig is going after Arod more for one reason, 755.

Selig and Hank Aaron are lifelong friends, and I think it totally rips Selig up that Barry Bonds passed Aaron on the all-time HR list. If he could do anything to correct that he would, but he can’t. The next best thing he can do is prevent ARod from passing Aaron also. And before you scoff at that notion saying Rodriguez is all washed up, he is still only 37 and just 108 HR’s short of Hank, plenty of time to still get to 755, or 762, or beyond…………….

I don’t want to make this sound like I’m defending Arod, I'm not, but I can see why he might be wondering why he isn’t getting a ‘Braun-style’ deal.

[knuckleheads]

Just exactly what would he or MLB be shamed for if it did happen? Please expand knucklehead on what you mean. Going after cheaters who violate numerous aspects of the CBA and JDA? MLB knows they have the majority of Clean players and fans on there side and most importantly the mountians of evidence against the cheating players.

As for lifetime ban, you might be right, but only becuase MLB wants to settle as I have said many times, it's Arod who appears to want to fight and any reasonable person knows he has nothing to stand on. So the possibility does exist for Selig to ban him.

IMO, Selig should have resigned at the time of Canseco's book for his lack of leadership on the steroids issue. He simply failed, and it is debatable that he and the owners encouraged PED use by their inaction in the 90's, and by the access that was afforded the seedy sorts who provided PEDs in clubhouses.

I'll continue BK's analogy. Selig getting tough on steroids now is like a cheating wife starting a support group for cuckolded husbands. No matter how much it helps, she is still responsible for her misdeeds. Selig has never owned up to his failures, and for him to lead this PR game suggesting banishment is hypocritical to the core.

[Atlas]

It was for those reason, I thought that appeals would never happen and I still feel that way, with the exception of Arod, who if he is suspended, his appeal will be heard by Selig not an arbitrator.

I’ve asked myself, “What makes Arod different than Braun?”

I mean really, why IS he being singled out more? Yeah I know he’s an ahole. Fans hate him, teammates hate him, Steinbrenner Jr would love to get out from under that contract; but in the context of this scandal, why is he different??

He’s admitted past use, ok, I get that, but Braun failed a drug test…..makes them the same in my boat.

I don’t want to make this sound like I’m defending Arod, I'm not, but I can see why he might be wondering why he isn’t getting a ‘Braun-style’ deal.

Navel Lint...I don't know if this is the answer or not, but I listened to 2 NY writers interviewed on the radio today and they both speculated...I highlight "speculated" that ARod is going to have a laundry list of offenses to deal with whereas Braun just "used'

Again...this seemed to be speculation on their part, but they characterized ARod using the term "ring leader", proposing that he had a prior relationship with Bosch and directed other players down to the lab. They felt that he would be cited for hindering the investigation by tampering and threatening witnesses, not to mention the rumour that he tried to buy the evidence.

Also talk of him buying and distributing (to other players), which I think is a little far fetched, but hey, nothing surprises me anymore.

This is why they suspect Selig will invoke the "Good of the game' clause and try to sit him for life.

Again,..this is NY sports writer speculation...one being Madden.

[Navel Lint]

It was for those reason, I thought that appeals would never happen and I still feel that way, with the exception of Arod, who if he is suspended, his appeal will be heard by Selig not an arbitrator.

I’ve asked myself, “What makes Arod different than Braun?”

I mean really, why IS he being singled out more? Yeah I know he’s an ahole. Fans hate him, teammates hate him, Steinbrenner Jr would love to get out from under that contract; but in the context of this scandal, why is he different??

He’s admitted past use, ok, I get that, but Braun failed a drug test…..makes them the same in my boat.

I don’t want to make this sound like I’m defending Arod, I'm not, but I can see why he might be wondering why he isn’t getting a ‘Braun-style’ deal.

Navel Lint...I don't know if this is the answer or not, but I listened to 2 NY writers interviewed on the radio today and they both speculated...I highlight "speculated" that ARod is going to have a laundry list of offenses to deal with whereas Braun just "used'

Again...this seemed to be speculation on their part, but they characterized ARod using the term "ring leader", proposing that he had a prior relationship with Bosch and directed other players down to the lab. They felt that he would be cited for hindering the investigation by tampering and threatening witnesses, not to mention the rumour that he tried to buy the evidence.

Also talk of him buying and distributing (to other players), which I think is a little far fetched, but hey, nothing surprises me anymore.

This is why they suspect Selig will invoke the "Good of the game' clause and try to sit him for life.

Again,..this is NY sports writer speculation...one being Madden.

I guess this makes sense. If they are adding addition "charges" against Arod, other than just User.

That is one reason though why I would like to see a fuller explanation of the suspensions from MLB other than just - "Suspended 65 games for violating the leagues substance abuse policy" and that's it.

[Outlaw]

I was not defending Braun, he cheated, he accepted his penalty. As I have said before, he's not talking just yet becuase of the crimminal jeopardy that currenlty exists. Yes, Braun backed himself into a corner, lied, went after the collector, etc... but he lived with it alone for 18 months until he and his family concluded he was wrong and he should not drag the game down anymore with an appeal and fight, because ultimatley he knew he was wrong. To me, Arod is a lot worse than Braun, but hey that's just my opinion. Arod had 2- different $$$$250 million contracts and the whole time taking PEDS.... THIEF.....CHEAT and 13 years now too, becuase they got him using in last years platoffs.

As I wrote yesterday, most of the deals are done and every player but Arod is accepting and signed off on their 50 games, which seems to be the number. they will be allowed back if any games remain at end of season and eligible for the playoffs. The Union has argued Colon, Grandal, Melky should not be suspended becuase they already served thiers and it appears they will not be.

[Outlaw]

One of Arod's last few days as a baseball player...below

If I was Arod and I'm not, but If I was or I was one of his advisors... I would contact Rob Manfred or try Bud Selig, without attorneys and minions being involved and plead for forgiveness. I would admit everything and tell them I would like the same punishment as Braun, I would serve the remaining 15 or so games at beginning of next year and I will cooperate with anything MLB needs moving forward. I would end with, I'll accept any discipline you hand down, no matter how severe. I would also have a ready to go list of PEDS education programs Arod would set up and fund, or be involved with and help fund for young athletes for at least 5 years. I would promise MLB to speak positively and often about the ALL the dangers of PEDS. I would tell them I want to be known as the poster child for all that is wrong with using PEDS in sports, knowing full well the damage and hurt it has caused me, MLB and others over the years and the hurt I have caused a lot of people.

Give a good PR firm a day or so and they can come up with a lot better than I just wrote, point being it's his only chance. Reading an article in SI just out and Arod talking about the lessons in life for his daughters tonight got me thinking...

I said a few months ago, all those involved should stand as one and work together with MLB to rid MLB and sports of PEDS, that would be a great first step.

But hey Just my opinion, just trying to see some good in all this....

TAMPA, Fla. -- Alex Rodriguez spent a little over six hours at the Yankees minor league complex in Tampa on Tuesday as he awaits his fate from Major League Baseball. The embattled third-baseman arrived in his black Maybach just after 9 a.m. and eventually made it onto one of the four fields to take batting practice.

Wearing a Charleston RiverDogs cap, he warmed up and then hit for close to a half-hour before taking grounders at third base for about 20 minutes, throwing over to first and then to second. He finished his workout with eight 60-yard sprints and a variety of agility drills.

He left the field without speaking to reporters and stayed inside the complex for close to 2 1/2 hours. He re-emerged a little before 3 p.m., looking grim, and left in the $380,000 vehicle without stopping to speak to the media.

[Outlaw]

Being reported that there Could be a few players getting more than 50 games for lying to MLB during their interviews and to investigators. Tigers just made a trade for SS Iglesis from Bosox... Rangers scrambling for a hitter now... Union is aware of all players and the penalites that are going to be handed down...

[Outlaw]

The Sports illustrated story hits the stands and internet this coming Friday. It's Ironic that it centers on Arod wanting to be a Role Model. It's almost as if if they timed/set the whole thing up to pile on.