So it was leaked by ESPN that the Founder of the Biogenesis clinic in Miami, Anthony Bosch, is going to start naming names. It was also reported that the MLB is going to go hard on anyone involved in the scandal. The names include players such as Ryan Braun, Alex Rodriguez, Gio Gonzalez, Nelson Cruz, Jesus Montero, and 14 other players. This would be the biggest bust in the history of any sport if it comes to fruition.

Let’s start off with the credibility of Mr. Bosch. For months he has denied any of these players were involved and even came out to support Braun’s claim that he was only consulting about his previous PED arbitration. So out of nowhere he is now ready to toss these guys under a huge bus. In ESPN’s report: “Bosch has been feeling pressure from both the MLB lawsuit, which claims tortious interference, and a potential criminal investigation, and that he sees full cooperation with MLB as one of his only refuges. Several attorneys have said they don’t think the lawsuit could survive a legal challenge, but Bosch likely would have to put up a costly fight in order to have the case dismissed. Several sources have told ESPN that Bosch is nearly broke, living alternately with family members and friends, and has tried unsuccessfully so far to revive his ‘wellness’ business.” In his deal, MLB agrees to drop its suit against Bosch, “indemnify him for any liability arising from his cooperation, provide personal security for him and even put in a good word with any law enforcement agency that might bring charges against him.”

So feeling broke and knowing he couldn’t afford to take on MLB, Bosch gives in. Now he can cooperate, then go ahead and write a book that everyone will want to buy, in a “get rich fast scheme.”

Also in the reports, they are going to try and go after A-Rod & Braun for 100 game suspensions. Problem with this is, neither guy has ever been suspended before. Technically Braun tested positive once, but it was tossed out with no suspension. So they both should only get 50 games apiece, if they are guilty. In a previous report, Gio Gonzalez had only received legal substances from the clinic. Colon, Cabrera & Grandal are the only players that have served a 50 game suspension for testing positive, so they if they are guilty, are going to get the 100 game suspensions.

My Thoughts:

Let me start of by saying I am, and always will be, against NOT having the likes of Bonds, McGwire, Sosa, Clemens, A-Rod & others being placed in the H.O.F. Barry Bonds is the single greatest hitter of all-time steroids/PED’s or not. The same argument could be made for Clemens being one of the best pitchers of all time. The late 90’s has the horrendous title of “steroid era” matched to it. In a time when it was legal, guys were just trying to make an impression to keep their job because a hot prospect could be called up at the 1st sign of a struggle on their part. Why not give steroids a try? Why not when you look around the locker room and other guys are using. The Sosa/McGwire chase single handily saved baseball; you couldn’t turn a channel on that wasn’t covering the moments leading to these guys breaking Ruth’s record.

Steroids were part of the game then and will always be a part of this game. Somewhere right now, as I am typing this, people are finding ways around the testing by finding loopholes and other “drugs” that help produce an advantage. Bud Selig is as guilty as they come, if you ask me. This guy knew about what was going on, and though I don’t think he liked it per se, he still knew. What was he going to do? Baseball was coming off the strike and was struggling big time, so why not sit back and be quiet about this. Ratings were as high as ever; the buzz was about baseball again. But now we are in a time where we are past the issue of him knowing and trying to put a stop to it. I can’t blame him for this, but he isn’t innocent by any means.

We could rush to judgment here and automatically convict these guys, as is done these days, or we could sit back and watch the evidence unravel. The MLB has a monumental case on their hands and it could mark the end of A-Rod’s career in baseball. It will also bring the opportunity for the Yankees to try to void his contract, which could save them millions of dollars. If he does serve the 50 games they would save around 15-16 million dollars this year alone. The Yankees could stand to benefit from this just as much as MLB does.

Other Big names with implications:

Ryan Braun – Who previously tested positive, is going to be dragged into the dirt by MLB, peers & writers everywhere. After “beating” the system last time he stands to lose a lot more than anyone outside of A-Rod in this situation. This will, of course, tarnish his career forever and stain the MVP award that he won. More importantly, he will be even more disconnected to the fans than he already is, as he is already booed in cities across the majors.

Melky Cabrera – It will be interesting to see if the MLB will go after him for 100 games, or if this will be connected to his most recent suspension. Luckily for the Blue Jays they signed him to a low risk contract at the beginning of the season.

Gio Gonzalez – They say his name was cleared when this originally came out. If he is suspended it may be hard for the Nationals to compete without him.

Nelson Cruz – He has been a valued contributor to the Rangers for years now. The Rangers already lacking power and hitting in their lineup, could find it hard to contend in the AL playoff picture without him.

Bartolo Colon – He as well as Melky could get hit with the 100 game suspensions after being suspended last season. He is pitching really well for the A’s this season but I think their depth would make the team okay without him.

Those are some of the bigger names involved in this fiasco. Only time will tell what happens, but remember you can all but guarantee that these guys are going to appeal these suspensions. That would mean we could be here for quite a while before something comes to fruition.

The MLB Players association made a statement saying the following: “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.”

The MLB better hope they have a solid case to build against these guys, because if not, they will come out looking a bit foolish.