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Biogenesis

MLB Suspends Ryan Braun For Remainder Of Season

By Steve Adams | July 22, 2013 at 4:40pm CDT

Major League Baseball has suspended Ryan Braun for the rest of the season due to his involvement in the Biogenesis PED scandal, and he has accepted the deal, according to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. ESPN's T.J. Quinn tweets that MLB confronted Braun with "volumes" of evidence from Biogenesis founder Tony Bosch, including text messages. Braun's suspension is effective immediately, meaning that the total penalty is 65 games. He will not be paid during that time. Braun

The 29-year-old Braun won 2011 NL MVP honors when he batted .332/.397/.597 with 33 homers. Reports that he failed a drug test surfaced shortly afterward, but he denied the allegations and won an appeal to overturn his suspension as a result of improper handling of his urine sample. Since that time, Braun has adamantly denied using PEDs, but acception of a 65-game suspension seems to indicate otherwise.

Recent reports surrounding the Biogenesis investigation have suggested that players would be able to negotiate shorter suspensions if they were to agree not to appeal the punishment, which appears to be the road that Braun elected to take. Braun issued the following statement regarding his suspension:

"As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect. I realize now that I have made some mistakes. I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions. This situation has taken a toll on me and my entire family, and it has been a distraction to my teammates and the Brewers organization. I am very grateful for the support I have received from players, ownership and the fans in Milwaukee and around the country. Finally, I wish to apologize to anyone I may have disappointed — all of the baseball fans especially those in Milwaukee, the great Brewers organization, and my teammates. I am glad to have this matter behind me once and for all, and I cannot wait to get back to the game I love."

Meanwhile, MLBPA executive director Michael Weiner issued the following statement regarding Braun:

"I am deeply gratified to see Ryan taking this bold step. It vindicates the rights of all players under the Joint Drug Program. It is good for the game that Ryan will return soon to continue his great work both on and off the field."

As Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports points out on Twitter, Braun is earning $8.5MM this season, meaning that his suspension will cost him $3.4MM.

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Additional Names Coming In Biogenesis Scandal

By Steve Adams | July 19, 2013 at 11:48am CDT

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports that there are still many unreleased names in the ongoing Biogenesis scandal, and that the mystery surrounding the identity of these players will likely be a story throughout the season's second half.

None of the unreleased players are believed to be big names or superstars, according to Passan, but that doesn't mean that the unknown names aren't significant. Any pending free agents, extension candidates or trade candidates could have their stock significantly altered by a connection to Biogenesis.

Passan adds that Major League Baseball has not yet finished interviewing players connected to the clinic, and as a result, any hopes for an expedited process appear unlikely. Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Braun, Nelson Cruz, Everth Cabrera, Bartolo Colon and Jhonny Peralta are just some of the notable Major League players connected to the clinic thus far, and suspensions are sounding like an inevitable outcome. The date and length of those suspensions has yet to be determined, however.

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AL West Notes: Vargas, Burnett, Mariners, Rangers

By Steve Adams | July 18, 2013 at 9:30pm CDT

We're less than two weeks away from the non-waiver trade deadline, and with the rumor mill heating up, here's the latest out of the AL West…

  • Angels lefties Jason Vargas and Sean Burnett aren't likely to return before the trade deadline, tweets Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com. The duo could return shortly after July 31, however. Both southpaws would have been attractive July trading chips, as Vargas is a free agent at season's end, and Burnett is on the first year of an affordable two-year, $8MM contract.
  • Larry Stone of the Seattle Times writes that Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik and manager Eric Wedge are in a tricky position. The duo will likely be judged based on the team's record, which would be better if they hang onto Kendrys Morales, Joe Saunders, Raul Ibanez and the rest of the team's trade chips. However, that also does little to build for the future, leading Stone to say that they could be in a lose-lose situation.
  • In addition to their talks with the Cubs regarding Matt Garza, the Rangers are also seeking a right-handed bat, GM Jon Daniels told reporters today (including Todd Wills of ESPNDallas.com). Alex Rios and Alfonso Soriano "have been mentioned as possible acquisitions," according to Wills, who adds that the Rangers aren't yet ready to give Manny Ramirez a chance at the big league level.
  • From that same piece, Daniels adds that the Rangers aren't panicking over Nelson Cruz's connection to the Biogenesis scandal.
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Michael Weiner Talks Biogenesis

By Zachary Links | July 16, 2013 at 4:50pm CDT

4:50pm: Furthering Passan's quote below, Knobler writes that players could be suspended for any number of games. Knobler quotes Weiner: "In theory, a player in the Biogenesis case could be suspended for five games or 500 games." Players will likely be able to negotiate shorter punishments by agreeing to serve a suspension without filing an appeal.

Knobler adds that it's not clear whether or not names will be released prior to the appeals process. MLB feels that a clause in the Joint Drug Agreement makes this possible, but the union disagrees, so the issue could end up going to an arbitrator. MLB will not rush to get suspensions announced prior to the trade deadline and insists that the investigation is not complete. The union maintains that it is not yet aware of all players that MLB will attempt to suspend.

Meanwhile, Shaikin writes that the commissioner's office and the union still need to discuss how to handle an unprecedented amount of hearings in an efficient manner. David Prouty, general counsel of the players association, told Shaikin that hearings are mandated within 10 days of a suspension's announcement, and the arbitrator's decision is mandated within 25 days of that hearing. However, because MLB will be using a single arbitrator, Shaikin reiterates that suspensions aren't likely until 2014 for players who wish to challenge their suspension.

12:12pm: MLBPA executive director Michael Weiner told reporters today he expects Biogenesis suspension announcement discussions to take place between the players' union and MLB within the next month with appeal hearings getting underway "as soon as September" (Twitter links).  Players are expected to be able to play while under appeal.  Meanwhile, Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times hears it is unlikely suspensions will be announced this week.

Furthermore, Weiner explained that suspensions are subject to negotiations with the league office and without an agreement between the two parties, it's unlikely players will miss time in the 2013 season, tweets Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com.  The MLBPA chief added that 50-game suspensions may not apply to non-analytical positive results, with the length of suspensions open for discussion, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports tweets.  

Last week, Weiner spoke out against the leaks that have come out in recent weeks regarding the Biogenesis situation.  The most recent leak was a sizable one as T.J. Quinn and Mike Fish of ESPN.com reported that the commissioner's office was planning to suspend Ryan Braun, Alex Rodriguez, and as many as 20 players sometime after the All-Star break.  Commissioner Bud Selig expressed displeasure with the leaks, adding that they "do not come from us."

On a non-Biogenesis note, Weiner opined that the current schedule "sucks" and said that it will be a big topic in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement, Knobler tweets.  The current CBA will be in effect until December 1st, 2016.

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Michael Weiner Condemns Biogenesis Leaks

By Tim Dierkes | July 11, 2013 at 9:58am CDT

Reporters continue to dig up details on the Biogenesis story, and MLBPA executive director Michael Weiner doesn't like it.  In a statement issue today, Weiner said, "The leaking of confidential information to members of the media interferes with the thoroughness and credibility of the Biogenesis investigation.  These repeated leaks threaten to harm the integrity of the Joint Drug Agreement and call into question the required level of confidentiality needed to operate a successful prevention program."

Weiner later added, "It would be unfortunate if anyone prejudged the results of the investigation based on unsubstantiated leaks that are a clear violation of the Joint Drug Agreement."  The latest report came from T.J. Quinn and Mike Fish of ESPN, who wrote, "Commissioner Bud Selig's office is expected to suspend Ryan Braun and Alex Rodriguez Rodriguez, along with as many as 20 players sometime after next week's All-Star break, for their roles in the Biogenesis case."

The big question: how will the inevitable appeals play out for those players?  FanGraphs' Wendy Thurm wondered today if Selig himself might be the only person hearing appeals and making the final decision, but Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports writes,"All would be heard by a single arbitrator, Fredric Horowitz."  Horowitz was appointed baseball's arbitrator last summer after Shyam Das was fired.  Rosenthal pictures a drawn-out appeals process.  Furthermore, Ronald Blum of the Associated Press wrote today, "Lengthy proceedings make it nearly a certainty most, if not all, suspensions would be served in 2014."

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MLB To Suspend Braun, Rodriguez, Others

By Zachary Links | July 9, 2013 at 5:21pm CDT

5:21pm: An MLB spokesperson tells Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (via Twitter) that the news on Braun is premature and no decisions have been made.

5:07pm: Major League Baseball is expected to suspend Ryan Braun, Alex Rodriguez, and as many as 20 players connected to the Biogenesis clinic sometime after next week's All-Star break, several sources told T.J. Quinn and Mike Fish of ESPN.com. Commissioner Bud Selig's office is considering 100-game bans for Braun and Rodriguez, the punishment for a second offense, despite neither player receiving a previous suspension for violating MLB drug rules.

Suspensions appear to be a certainty for both players and the only issue in question is the length of time that they'll be sidelined.  One source said that the league's argument would be that they, and possibly other players, committed multiple offenses by receiving PEDs from Tony Bosch's clinic and lying about it.

As Quinn explains on Twitter, suspensions are usually levied, appealed, and ruled upon by an arbitrator months later before becoming public, but MLB is allowed to announce suspensions publicly because case has been public.  Players who appeal the forthcoming suspensions may continue playing until an arbitrator rules, however.

Braun, who has repeatedly denied using PEDs, refused to answer questions during a recent meeting with the league office about his connection to Bosch, according to sources.  Rodriguez will meet with baseball officials on Friday, sources familiar with the meeting tell Michael O'Keeffe, BIll Madden, Nathaniel Vinton, and Teri Thompson of the Daily News.

Late last month, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported that suspensions were likely in the Biogenesis case.  Nelson Cruz, Everth Cabrera, Jhonny Peralta, Jesus Montero, and Bartolo Colon were among the other players linked to Biogenesis in the initial report.

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Suspensions Likely In Biogenesis Case

By Steve Adams | June 19, 2013 at 10:54am CDT

Major League Baseball has begun interviewing players connected to the Biogenesis PED scandal, and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that people who have spoken with MLB investigators feel it's likely that some suspensions will be issued.

MLB has yet to interview either Alex Rodriguez or Ryan Braun, according to Heyman, because the league considers them its primary targets and wants to ensure that enough evidence has been built against the pair before conducting those interviews.

Heyman reports that the MLB will claim the Joint Drug Agreement legally allows them to issue suspensions prior to the appeals process, because the names involved have already been leaked. This would obviously be a large point of contention for the MLB Players Association, who will argue that suspensions cannot be issued or announced until a player has had the opportunity to appeal.

MLB is also interviewing Porter Fischer, the former Biogenesis employee who is responsible for leaking Biogenesis founder Tony Bosch's notebooks and records to the Miami New Times. MLB has reportedly interviewed Fischer three times now in an attempt to stockpile evidence. Heyman reminds that there are varying degrees of mentions in Fischer's documents; for example, Rodriguez's name allegedly appears alongside mentions of specific PEDs, while Braun's name only appears next to dollar amounts.

Nelson Cruz, Everth Cabrera, Jhonny Peralta, Jesus Montero and Bartolo Colon were among the other players linked to Biogenesis in the initial report. Earlier this month, ESPN's Buster Olney stated that it could be months before suspensions are handed out due to the appeals process, so the ability to circumvent that process would be a significant step for MLB in this case.

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The Latest On The Biogenesis Scandal

By Steve Adams | June 7, 2013 at 10:59am CDT

Earlier this week, the news broke that MLB was pursuing suspensions for more than 20 players in connection to the Biogenesis PED scandal. The Players' Association issued a statement the following day. Here's some more on the scandal…

  • In his latest video piece for FOX Sports, Ken Rosenthal says that the real story isn't the possibility of suspensions or the length of those suspensions. MLB has pursuing those suspensions for months, but now they have the cooperation of Biogenesis founder Tony Bosch. However, Rosenthal also adds that Bosch "isn't exactly the most credible character to walk down the street," meaning MLB will need more than just his word to issue suspensions. Rosenthal also reports that the Joint Drug Agreement gives Bud Selig the power to issue suspensions even in the absence of a positive test, if there is "just cause" and "sufficient evidence" of their usage and purchasing of PEDs.
  • ESPN's Buster Olney appeared on the Mut and Merloni radio show in Boston to discuss the Biogenesis scandal yesterday, and WEEI's Kevin Dillon has the highlights. Olney said that if Ryan Braun is proven to have used performance enhancing drugs, he will become the Lance Armstrong of Major League Baseball given his adamant protest last February when he won his appeal of a positive test. Braun called the test collector into question and "tried to ruin this person," in Olney's words.
  • Olney feels it could be months before any suspensions are issued, if they're issued at all. He adds that Bosch will need to produce evidence such as phone numbers, text message logs and other witnesses to build a legitimate case. Even then, the appeals process will be lengthy for each player who chooses to file one.
  • MLB is conducting interviews with "tons" of people to compile enough evidence for a "non-analytical positive," writes Steven Marcus of Newsday. Canadian arbitrator Richard McLaren, who assisted on the Mitchell Report in 2007, told Marcus that "attempt to use, or possession, or attempting to possess an illegal substance," would qualify as a non-analytical positive. McLaren suggests that MLB will conduct interviews with Biogenesis employees, receptionists and others in an attempt to gain enough information.
  • Diamondbacks setup man David Hernandez tells Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic that he thinks PED users should be banned from the game: “I think you should be out of baseball. It sounds harsh but at the end of the day you’re making it harder on somebody else who is trying to make it in the game… It’s not fair to all of us who have played the game the right way."
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MLBPA Issues Statement On Biogenesis Scandal

By Steve Adams | June 5, 2013 at 11:30am CDT

Last night it was reported that Major League Baseball is preparing to suspend at least 20 players who have been connected to Miami clinic Biogenesis, which is believed to have provided the players with performance-enhancing drugs. MLBPA president Michael Weiner issued the following statement today: 

"The Players Association has been in regular contact with the Commissioner's Office regarding the Biogenesis investigation. They are in the process of interviewing players, and every player has been or will be represented by an attorney from the Players Association. The Commissioner's Office has assured us that no decisions regarding discipline have been made or will be made until those interviews are completed. It would be unfortunate if anyone prejudged those investigations.

"The Players Association has every interest in both defending the rights of players and in defending the integrity of our joint program. We trust that the Commissioner's Office shares these interests."

Among the notable names are Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Braun, Jhonny Peralta, Bartolo Colon and MLB stolen base leader Everth Cabrera. Gio Gonzalez, who had been connected to Biogenesis, is reportedly not in danger of being suspended because the drugs he obtained were legal.

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Quick Hits: Biogenesis, Ortiz, Crain, Reed, Diaz

By Mark Polishuk | June 4, 2013 at 11:46pm CDT

If Major League Baseball is really hoping to suspend the 20+ players involved in the Biogenesis scandal, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal thinks the league will need more evidence than just the word of clinic founder Tony Bosch.  It will be too easy, Rosenthal argues, for the players' representatives to claim that Bosch lacks credibility and that he is only naming names to avoid possible criminal prosecution and getting himself sued by the league.

Here are some news items from around the sport…

  • "To be honest with you, all those years I got to free agency, I never thought about going somewhere else," David Ortiz tells WEEI.com's Alex Speier.  "I feel like I'm a big part of these ball clubs. I feel like what I was asking for wasn't anything they couldn't give me. You look into situations, and I never had the feeling that I was going to go somewhere else, to be honest with you."  Ortiz is off to a big start this season and is making good on the two-year, $26MM deal he signed to remain with the Red Sox last offseason.
  • Jesse Crain and Addison Reed both aren't worried about possibly becoming trade bait this summer if the White Sox decide to rebuild, MLB.com's Scott Merkin reports.  Merkin notes that the veteran Crain is the likelier of the two to be moved, and I'd argue that Chicago would only move Reed if they received a knockout offer.
  • Aledmys Diaz is playing with a Mexican League team this summer and during the winter, MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez reports.  The Cuban shortstop hopes to sign with a Major League team in February.  Diaz drew attention from at least 10 teams last winter, though at least one team (the Twins) thought Diaz's asking price was "too high" and MLB was investigating whether Diaz was really 23 years old.
  • Nationals manager Davey Johnson told reporters (including Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington) that he expects both Henry Rodriguez and Zach Duke to be claimed by other teams.  The two relievers were both designated for assignment by the Nats today.
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