Bochy supports efforts to end use of PEDs
SAN FRANCISCO -- The news of 13 suspensions Monday in the wake of Major League Baseball's Biogenesis investigation elicited strong opinions from many players, and Giants manager Bruce Bochy said he understands the ire of players who have competed fairly.
"It's not like it's just coming into the game," Bochy said of MLB's efforts to rid the game of PEDS. "This has been going on now for a few years and there's been testing and the fact that guys are still trying, they should be upset. It's time to end this."
"We had to go through it like most of these clubs did last year," Bochy said in reference to Melky Cabrera's 50-game suspension a year ago when he led the National League in hits.
In the days leading up to Monday's official announcement, multiple reports surfaced with names, but no Giants were listed.
"I didn't have any concerns," Bochy said.
The Giants, with a 49-61 record entering play Monday, trail the Los Angeles Dodgers by 12 games and have a tough road to the top of National League West. Perhaps the division race will be affected by the Biogenesis findings, as Padres starting shortstop Everth Cabrera was among the 13 players suspended.
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez received the stiffest penalty -- a 211-game ban without pay through the end of the 2014 regular season. Rodriguez, 38, has appealed the suspension, which is to begin Thursday. His case will be heard by arbitrator Fredric Horowitz. Rodriguez's discipline, MLB said in its written announcement, is based on his use and possession of numerous forms of prohibited performance-enhancing substances, including testosterone and human growth hormone, over the course of multiple years. Rodriguez's discipline under the basic agreement is for attempting to cover up his violations of the program by engaging in a course of conduct intended to "obstruct and frustrate" the investigation.
The other players who were handed 50-game suspensions include the Padres' Cabrera, Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz, Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta, Mariners catcher Jesus Montero, Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli, Phillies reliever Antonio Bastardo and recently demoted Mets utility man Jordany Valdespin. Minor Leaguers Fernando Martinez, Jordan Norberto, Fautino de los Santos, Cesar Puello and Sergio Escalona were also suspended.