13 Players Get Biogenesis Suspension, Atlanta Braves Take

Aug 5, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Yankees third baseman

at a press conference before the game against the Chicago White Sox at US Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

On Monday afternoon, news broke that Major League Baseball has indeed suspended 13 players because of the Biogenesis anti-aging clinic and performance-enhancing substances.  The most profound name would be Alex Rodriguez, who has a suspension that would sideline the 38-year-old Rodriguez without pay through the end of the 2014 regular season.

The other 12 players will serve a 50 game suspension and those include Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz, Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta, Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera, Mariners catcher Jesus Montero, Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli, Phillies reliever Antonio Bastardo, Mets utilityman Jordany Valdespin, and Minor Leaguers Fernando Martinez, Jordan Norberto, Fautino de los Santos, Cesar Puello and Sergio Escalona were also suspended.

“Despite the challenges this situation has created during a great season on the field, we pursued this matter because it was not only the right thing to do, but the only thing to do,” Commissioner Bud Selig said.  “For weeks, I have noted the many players throughout the game who have strongly voiced their support on this issue, and I thank them for it.”

And a few of those other players come from the Atlanta camp…Dan Uggla, Brandon Beachy, Chris Johnson and B.J. Upton were among the several.

“I’m just glad it’s almost over with,” Uggla said.  “It’s a sad day for MLB but unfortunately we have to go through this process to get the game clean.”

The MLB leading hitter, Chris Johnson also doesn’t agree with cheating in baseball…

“We all knew this day was coming but I think we are glad that it has happened.  If those guys cheated and Major League Baseball thinks they cheated the game than they need to be suspended.”

“This is all sort of annoying, I try not to pay attention to it,” Upton spoke on the suspensions.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez spoke on this issue “It’s a good thing going forward.  I don’t think fans want to come in and have doubts who’s doing this and who’s doing that.  I don’t think organizations want to come in and get free agents or give contracts to people that you don’t know what you’re buying.  It’s a good step in the right direction.”

Braves starting pitcher Brandon Beachy on the issue, “It’s just unfortunate that we’ve still got a lot of people cheating.  Bottom line.  The testing does work, but if you’re only testing for HGH in spring training, then what are they doing the rest of the year?  So obviously if anybody does steroids you get (urine) tested for that, you’re going to get busted. There are still ways to get around it. … I agree (testing) needs to happen more often.”

Uggla has his believes of what the MLB can do to clean up this sport we all love…

“I think we all can agree that the penalties aren’t harsh enough, if we want to get this game cleaned up the way it’s suppose to be…if you get caught one time it’s just your done.  I think that’s the only way it will be completely clean.”