Everything You Need To Know Involving Biogenesis

This past week, Major League Baseball announced that the suspensions involving the Biogenesis scandal would be announced on Monday. Today, the MLB decided to suspend twelve players, not including Ryan Braun's suspension from a couple weeks ago. It was also announced last week that there would be 3-4 "mystery suspensions," meaning that they were not announced that they were on Anthony Bosch's lists. I'll break it down.  

Off The Hook:

These players had been on Bosch's lists on receiving medication, but were cleared by Major League Baseball because they had not consumed steroids. In one case, Nationals Pitcher Gio Gonzalez was linked to Biogenesis. In fact, his dad, Max Gonzalez was receiving weight-loss medicine from the clinic. Gio then passed a drug test issued two days following the reports. Here's the list:

Gio Gonzalez -- Nationals Pitcher
Bartolo Colon (already had discipline) -- Athletics Pitcher
Melky Cabrera (already had discipline) -- Blue Jays Outfielder
Yasmani Grandal (already had discipline) -- Padres Catcher
Danny Valencia -- Orioles Third Baseman

The players with "already had discipline" next to their names means that they have already previously been suspended for the same drug they received from Anthony Bosch. They will not be receiving any more suspension time.  

Suspended:


The players listed below have been suspended by Major League Baseball, due to their use of PEDs (Performance Enhancing Drugs). A first time offender for use of the drug only receives a 50 game suspension. Each player below will be receiving a 50 game ban, except for Ryan Braun. He will be receiving a 65 game suspension, due to the fact that he had already failed a test and won the appeal, but continued to use the drug.

Jhonny Peralta -- Tigers Third Baseman
Ryan Braun -- Brewers Outfielder (65 Games)
Nelson Cruz -- Rangers Outfielder
Francisco Cervelli -- Yankees Catcher
Everth Cabrera -- Padres Shortstop
Jesus Montero -- Mariners Catcher 
Cesar Puello -- Mets Outfielder
Fautino De Los Santos -- Athletics Relief Pitcher
Fernando Martinez -- Yankees Outfielder
Jordan Norberto -- Free Agent Relief Pitcher

Mystery Suspensions:


These players were unknown until Major League Baseball announced the suspensions today. It was known that there were "Mystery Suspensions," but at the time it was not known who the players were. They will also be receiving 50 game suspensions.

Jordany Valdespin -- Mets Utility Player
Antonio Bastardo -- Phillies Relief Pitcher
Sergio Escalona -- Astros Relief Pitcher

Unknown Decisions: 

Major League Baseball did not make a decision on Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez. Once a decision is made, I will update you with another story. His suspension is expected to be at least 214 games (rest of this season and all of next season), but a ban for life is not out of the picture. 

Alex Rodriguez -- Yankees Third Baseman

Appealed Suspensions:

Alex Rodriguez -- Yankees Third Baseman

A-Rod said that he would appeal "any" suspension he received, meaning that he would be aloud to play through the appeal process. No other players appealed their suspensions. 

Overall, the Biogenesis is a moment of mixed feelings for me. On one hand, baseball was able to "clean up" the players that were, in fact, cheating. But, it also saddens me that people would put these drugs into their bodies just to make them a better baseball player. I do not understand why people would do this, or why they want to give themselves such a competitive edge. I applaud baseball for doing this, and I hope they find a way to stop this forever.