A-Rod Suspended 211 Games; Appeals Suspension

In my post earlier today, I said that Major League Baseball has yet to make a decision involving Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees star third baseman. T.J. Quinn of ESPN then tweeted that the MLB would make a decision about A-Rod at 3 PM today. 

Sources tell OTL that MLBPA tried to strike deal today but were rebuffed. The 214-game suspension will be official at 3.

— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) August 5, 2013

When the clock struck three, A-Rod was suspended for 211 games, which would become effective on Thursday, August 8. MLB commissioner Bud Sleig stated that "Alex Rodriguez suspension based on use of PEDs, attempting to cover up violations." This means that we wouldn't be seeing Alex Rodriguez in a Yankee uniform until 2015. 

As we expected, Alex Rodriguez officially announced that he would be appealing his suspension. No other player in the Biogenesis scandal has appealed their suspensions, meaning that it will even be harder for A-Rod to be able to make a case against the usage of PEDs.  

Arod officially announces that he is appealing suspension #Yankees

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 5, 2013

Once again, this was almost common knowledge. A-Rod has previously stated that he would appeal any suspension he was given. Rodriguez will be aloud to play through the appeal process. Michael Weiner of the MLBPA spoke on A-Rod's suspension, and said that he doesn't expect a ruling by arbitrator Frederic Horowitz until November or December, due to the process. If that is true, A-Rod will get to play for the Yankees for the rest of the season. 

Another player in the Biogenesis scandal, Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz, was told that they would not negotiate a new contract with Cruz if he decided to appeal the suspension. The Yankees took no sorts of disciplinary action toward A-Rod's actions, which in my opinion is a poor move by the team. 

A-Rod will be in a Yankee uniform tonight, however, as they are taking on the Chicago White Sox in U.S. Cellular Field. He said this, "I am disappointed with the penalty and intend to appeal and fight through this process. I am eager to get back on the field and be with my teammates in Chicago tonight."

Alex Rodriguez has not appeared in any games for the Yankees this season, as he has has injuries to his legs. A-Rod is hitting .300 with 647 HR and 1950 RBI over his career (19 seasons). He is under contract until 2018. 

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