SATURDAY: A decision on A-Rod is, in fact, imminent, CBS Sports' Jon Heyman tweets.
FRIDAY: This weekend, arbitrator Fredric Horowitz could reach a decision on Alex Rodriguez's suspension, Ronald Blum of the Associated Press reports. On August 5, MLB commissioner Bud Selig suspended Rodriguez for 211 games for his alleged role in the Biogenesis scandal. Horowitz heard the case during the course of a series of sessions from September through November.
Rodriguez could continue to challenge the suspension if it is upheld, but he also reportedly might consider accepting a lesser sentence, perhaps of something like 100 games. The ultimate result of the suspension will have a significant impact on the Yankees' offseason, both in determining how much (or whether) Rodriguez plays, and how much of his salary will count against the 2014 luxury tax threshold.
jljr222
A-Rod suspension length poll please? But seriously, this needs to be done with and announced.
pft2
101 games. The extra game is just to tease Arod and so the the Czar can declare himself a winner
Bill Sipe
a full year
hediouspb
all of 2014
DannyDodger
Just end it already.
Sypherman
Just let the man play ball. He’s only got maybe 1 or 2 years left anyways before he will retire.
animal_strength
why would he retire with at least 100 million left on his contract.. seriously, would it hurt to think before you post such lunacy?
Ryan F.
Actually its only 86 million left on his contract
Ferrariman
still 86mil more than most teams would give him on the FA market.
Ryan F.
True but this is what the Yankees must deal with after resigning him to that massive 10 year deal after he opted out of the first 10 year deal
Collateral96
Was a remarkable waste of money and you’re right I’m Yankee fan and I agree with you this is the Yankees fault for even signing him to this stupid contract and opting out as you stated. The Yankees may have gotten a championship which was a nice thing after the contract but all in all he’s been falling apart for pretty much the entire contract and has been a real disgrace really.
KnowledgeDivine
why is he the only disgrace , while he is found guilty some real EVILS within the policy of MLB and the yankees . That E-mail from Randy Levine may have been what cost us to lose Cano . Ok Arod did wrong but the ugly nature of MLB still exists.
Collateral96
So being mugged for 240 million dollars had nothing to do with it? Cano is a very good player but he’s not worth over 240 million dollars im sorry. but he was offered 175 million dollars I’m sorry that you wanted the Yankees to waste that much money on just the one player.Cano did himself in with this disrespectful non sense he decided to go with.He’s getting more than Albert Pujols and MIguel Cabrera and he’s not even close to as good as those players when they signed.
KnowledgeDivine
It is not a waste when your Spokes person is saying degrading stuff Randy Levine . It was A SET UP! had they bit that would clear the air he would have stayed for the brand of course but the Home Town discount was DONE when Levine came out of character.
Ryan F.
I think the Yankees fell victim to Scott Boras on the 2nd 10 year contract to Alex Rodriguez since I think the Yankees bid against themselves for A-Rod the last time around
Collateral96
He opted out and the Yankees still agreed to the deal put in place by Scott Boras.the Steinbrenners wanted that deal.
animal_strength
Does that include all those bonuses he’d get for passing guys on the homerun list?
Joanie Yan
Give him the standard 50 game suspension the other first time offenders got and everyone will be happy.
casey 3
He’s already had a 50 game suspension, and maybe another…this is why he got 211 games
btcharpied
When did those occur, exactly?
livestrong77nyyankz
I was wondering the same thing
casey 3
I stand corrected, caught in 03 admitted to it again in what 07? But was never suspended, my bad
Justin T. Poindexter
1. He apparently tested positive in ’03, but that wasn’t disclosed until in 2007 when he admitted to that positive test.
2. The MLB is trying to make an example of him and it isn’t fair.
3. I have a feeling that he won’t be suspended or this could go way out of hand and proof of MLB’s corruption may go public.
casey 3
He’ll get more than 100 games, maybe 150 or 162
Ryan F.
MLB isn’t corrupt as they got 13 other players to accept suspensions for their role in BioGenesis
animal_strength
Corruption, what? How is it not fair? A-Rod lied multiple times about his use (indicating that he never used after previously admitting it) and MLB presented evidenced he convinced other players to use. He also used after admitting he used previously as shown by Biogenesis. If anything is unfair, it’s that A-rod got off scott-free originally and is still owed money.
pft2
Um, no, he has not been suspended, ever. He is considered a first timer since 2003 did not count.
casey 3
not a first timer, 03 didnt count but he failed, then he admitted to it again a few yrs later. and now biogenessis…explains the 211 game suspensinon
NickinIthaca
He admitted to using in 2003 – making that one infraction.
kungfucampby
You might be thinking of Manny Ramirez.
cubsfan4ever1
I say 162 games
cubsfan4ever1
I called it yesterday. haha
kungfucampby
Somehow A-Rod deserves 211 games yet Melky Cabrera attempting to create a pharmaceutical supplements website wasn’t considered obstruction.
Gumby65
Melky got caught & folded. Arod got caught and remained the spectacle that you see today.
kungfucampby
But he didn’t fold. He tried to make a website. Did you not read what I said?
Gumby65
The website debacle was EXACTLY what I was referring to mate.
pft2
There are no exchanges or deals here. The arbitrator will hand in his decision, whatever it is, and Arod will decide to proceed or not. If only 100 games or less, then dropping the court case may make sense because legal costs are so high and the risk-cost/benefit too high. If it is closer to 211 games, the risk-cost is the same but the risk-cost/benefit is lower since the payoff is greater.
charliewilmoth
Thanks — I’m not an attorney, in case you can’t tell. 🙂 I got that idea from the post I linked by MLBTR’s Jeff Todd, who *is* an attorney, and who said one way Rodriguez might get the lesser suspension is through negotiations with MLB, in which case it would come as the result of a deal.
In any case, that part of my post wasn’t really necessary, so I just took it out. But that’s where I got it from.
Collateral96
I’m sorry but if he goes to a judge if he’s suspended it should stand. The guy wanted the appeal. He wanted to be in front of arbitrators and he asked for this process to start . He deserves what he gets. He has no grounds to have a restraining order they agreed to the process and he was given his chance and that’s it.
Randy Jay Pena
I just think that this is harsh for A-Rod, yeah he made some stupid mistakes and he’s paying for it badly but it’s not fair how at first they wanted him to face a lifetime ban while Bonds and Clemens didn’t get the same fate when they were playing especially Bonds I still believe he took steroids and I believe he got away with it. What I’m trying to say is MLB are being hypocrites.
jb226 2
Bonds and Clemens both juiced, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. However they did not break any MLB rules at the time it happened, so it’s not hypocritical that they were not suspended. Rodriguez wasn’t suspended for his first PED use either. He decided to have a second go at it.
$3513744
actually it was against mlb rules. they just didn’t enforce it, which is why they’re being hypocritical.
hediouspb
Yes, it’s a good idea to keep ignoring the issue because you ignored it in the past. that is sure to make it go away.
JacobyWanKenobi
Maybe 106 games. It’ll break Tejada’s 105 game suspension record, which is another record A-Rod can have.
That’s pretty much the only thing that could make this whole situation any more laughable. Bottom line, don’t do drugs, don’t cheat, don’t lie. 🙂
snowbladerp14
I wish that was an actual lesson that MLB teaches but look at how many players got caught cheating to only sign a huge contract the following year
LazerTown
But when you create a CBA you just a few years ago, you should at least attempt to follow the guidelines in it.
MeowMeow
Correct me if I’m wrong, but the stuff outlining PEDs and suspensions is from a different agreement, isn’t it? The “Joint Agreement” or whatever?
MB923
Correct though it’s called the Joint Drug Agreement
btcharpied
It should be noted that this post says that Horowitz is an ‘Arbitrator’ and NOT a ‘Mediator’. An arbitrator has no ability to reduce the terms. He can only side fully in one direction or the other. As far as Horowitz’ role is concerned, Arod will either get 211 games or 0 games. It is simple black and white for arbitrators. Only a mediator can play with the gray area in between.
Joseph Hofmann
A mediator brings the parties together and attempts to get them to voluntarily reach an agreement. A mediator has no power to issue a decision unless the parties agree to give him that power. An arbitrator is appointed pursuant to the terms of an agreement. Unless the parties’ agreement provides otherwise, an arbitrator, once he/she has determined that just cause existed to impose disciplinary action, has the authority to modify the penalty.
BitLocker
The sooner A-Rod is suspended, the sooner Yankees can go all in on Tanaka.
kungfucampby
They already can because they’re over the salary cap.
hediouspb
No they aren’t. Players are receiving more this year than their aav which is hat is used for cap purposes. They might stay under with arod and not one more signing.
UltimateYankeeFan
I don’t think the A-Rod decision is stopping the Yankees from whatever they plan on doing with Tanaka, but I do think they are waiting on the arbitrator to make his decision on A-Rod before they make any other moves including bullpen help and or a possible replacement for 3rd base.
UltimateYankeeFan
If only this is true. Enough is enough it’s time to move on and talk about something else.
MadmanTX 2
Make it time served and done
btcharpied
Meaning 0 games? What time has he ‘served’ to this point? Time on the Disabled List?
Lope8725
Last time I checked first time offenders get 50 game suspensions!!!! What’s different about A-Rod ???
Gumby65
Nothing, unless evidence tampering, misleading & lying to investigators counts. His previous PED semi-admissions couldn’t have helped either.
JJ 3
I don’t care anymore. Yankees aren’t getting under the luxury tax so having A-rod at 3B would be better than nothing.
BROC
Alex Rodriguez’s suspension could be overturned very soon by arbitrator Fredric Horowitz….
YankeeFanâ„¢
MLB better show the Prof they have
Tisha Waters
I think everyone in baseball is tried of this story already. Stop dragging their heels
DerekJeterDan
Regardless of Alex Rodriguez fate, he has been a New York Yankee for a full decade now accumulating – 5,430 At Bats in 1,293 Games, Collecting 1,404 Hits, hitting 309 HRs, Driving in 979 RBI, and Scoring 910 Runs. In that time he won 2 American League MVPs (2004, 2007) voted 7 x Time All Star (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011) 3 x Silver Slugger Award Winner (2005, 2007, 2008) 1 x Hank Aaron Award Winner (2007) 1 x Babe Ruth Award Winner (2009) and 1 x World Series Champion (2009) in which he carried the New York Yankees to their 27th Title. Alex Rodriguez became the All Time Grand Slam Leader (24) passing Yankees icon, Lou Gehrig and hit his 500th, 550th, 600th, and 650th Career Homeruns in a New York Yankees Uniform. 5th All Time.
These facts can not be disputed. Alex Rodriguez for the good and bad that came with it all has had one the most impacting Baseball careers of any player to ever take the field.
LongTimeFan1
Those facts come with a great many asterisks, essentially nullifying them.
flickadave
Barry Bonds was better and he still isn’t in the HoF. Bogus stats are worthless.
Kayrall
Bonds SHOULD be in the HoF.
$3513744
but he’s not.
Kayrall
So you’re saying the Baseball HoF system works?
$3513744
do you think Bonds should be left out of the HOF?
Kayrall
Nope.
hediouspb
No he shouldn’t. Fake numbers and no regard for the game. MLB was unwilling to punish him and others for their actions at the time but that’s no reason to let them into the hall. Keep owners and gm’s out too.
NickinIthaca
Bonds was a Hall of Famer before steroids. Would he be a record breaker? Maybe, maybe not. But he was clearly a hall of famer.
hediouspb
mattingly was a hall of famer before his back
ankiel ws a hall of fame pitcher before he lost the plate
prior and wood were hall of famers before their arms fell off
doc gooden was a hall of famer before his drugs derailed him
darrly strawberry was a hall of famer before his drugs derailed him.
shoeless joe and pete rose were hall of famers before disrespecting the game they loved
bonds and clemens were hall of famers before their drug use tainted their careers.
you can’t only use a portion of career to call some one a hall of famer.
$3513744
he also cheated all the way through each and every one of those accomplishments.
Steve_in_MA
A-Rod should not be offered a suspension that is less than 1 full season. I guess that’s a maximum of 183 games, through the WS. On top of using PED’s and facilitating the use of PED’s by others, he tried to buy the evidence against him, tampering with the witnesses. I’m against offering him anything less than being barred for all of one season for the most egregious instance of PED involvement in the history of the sport.
SluggerBro
When can we except Red Sox fans to have such strong opinions on steroid use about their very own David Ortiz? Oh wait let me guess, you believe he never took PEDs right?
Steve_in_MA
If there was concrete evidence that Ortiz was dirty, then I’d support him being suspended just the same. The fact is, he has PASSED every drug test he has been administered under the plan, and there exists no extraneous evidence of drug use by him, whatsoever. Ortiz, since at least 2006, is clean and has been clean of banned and tested substances. Come up with some evidence, rather than speculation, and you’ll have my support. The evidence in A-Rod’s case is concrete and irrefutable. It relies on no speculation.
Jim01702
Show me where arod has failed a drug test since 2006? Also Ortiz HAS FAILED the same test arod did in 2003. I love you Red Sox fans who think Ortiz is clean even though he’s failed a test.
Red Sox fans always deny when it’s their player but opposing players who used get called cheaters, steroids chanted. Yet Ortiz is treated like god.
Steve_in_MA
As I said, the proof against A-Rod is irrefutable and doesn’t come from any test. He’s on video tape using, he’s in the records of the lab as using, his bank records show he paid for drugs, it’s all there. No test necessary for A-Rod.
$3513744
i dunno. lance armstrong comes to mind.
Mikenmn
Short of A-Rod being handed a complete victory by Horowitz, at this point, there’s no reason for him not to keep at it. He can try to get an injunction, claiming irreparable harm (and it’s possible he would get it) or he could just take the suspension and continue the rest of his lawsuit against MLB and the Yankee’s doctor. I simply don’t see it ending quietly because he’s not the type, and because I don’t think he wants a ruling that acknowledges he took steroids. Should he be caught again, it would boost the penalties. A-Rod can only take one more suspension in his career and meet the remaining milestones. This one is it.
northsfbay
MLB is prepared to go the distance. Does ARod want to answer questions in court under the penalty of perjury?
NickinIthaca
Does Selig want to either? And do MLB owners want to risk the airing of their dirty laundry in a public court room? MLBs anti-trust exemption gives them a lot of liberties to operate how they want – they don’t want the details of that getting leaked to the public. The whole thing is a billion dollar game of chicken.
jed_hoyer
is the next hearing scheduled? there’s evidence he bought steroids from another place besides biogenisis
MrSativa
You know and I know A-Rod’s threat of taking legal action will force these guys to settle.
I bet he gets an even lesser sentence and somehow they figure out how to allow the Yankees Luxury tax relief.
Either way Fans lose.
Macfan01
Alex Rodriguez suspension will have zero bearing on the Yankees moves still to be made, luxury tax be darned. Since it sounds like they are in on Tanaka heavy it would be irrelevant if Rodriguez is suspended and for how long. Hal Steinbrenner has stated that if they are going to be over the luxury tax threshold they will go way over, not over by a couple of million, but go all out. Its heading that way inevitably, given they need another big time starter for the rotation at the least.
Allen in SC
This goes to show you that if you got lots of money these things can dragout for a very long time. He does deserve a suspension but my guess is he’ll only get a fraction of what was given to him. Everyone knows if he doesn’t get his way he will continue to take his massive wealth along with that of the MLB players union and continue to drag this out. Which I’m guessing means he will continue to get paid and will be able to continue to play.
homer 2
I thought the arbitration process was agreed upon between players and management in the Union contract. If true how can Arod appeal the findings when the parties agree the findings are binding?
NoAZPhilsPhan
Because A-Rod is special, just ask him he’ll tell you
MeowMeow
I can’t wait, because no matter what the result is, a lot of people are gonna be really mad!
jljr222
162 for A-Rod. PEACE!!!!!!!
Marky Mark
A-Rod Got 162 games according ot nightengale