Felix Hernandez has just pitched MLB's 23rd perfect game. I didn't see the whole game, but his last 4 strikeouts were filthy good. It's been an interesting day in Baseball today, hasn't it?
All my Yankee friends came alive on twitter about how he has to become a Yankee now. This was the reason I was even aware it was going on, Yankees fans desperate need for everyone else's talent.
That and the fact the Yankees are about the only team that can afford everyone else's talent Man, does the MLB need a salary cap.
If you are a Giants fan then let me preface what I am about to say with an "I'm sorry." As a Braves fan I find this hilarious, especially after the way he acted in that last series in Atlanta. When the Braves had him he came in overweight, out of shape and generally lazy. Not really a surprise he would take a shortcut to make himself better instead of trying to do the real work required.
Yeah, his entire career he was an ok, but not great player. The fact that he rose to be so good is what was surprising. That he used steroids is honestly the best explanation and the punishment is completely deserving since he would have left some team on the hook for millions of dollars that he only would have gotten because he used steroids.
But do we question everyone now who has a good year when they have historically been average? What kind of policy is that for a sport trying to clean up it's act and 20 years of stariods in the game (Maybe more). I think they need to be a lot harsher than the 50 games.
Just to clarify he was busted for testosterone not steroids. For a first time offender I'd say 50 games was accurate. Melky didn't argue either and pretty much admitted to rolling the dice so to speak. In response to you, there is no "policy" on questioning players like Melky. It is human nature though. Unfortunately the precedent has been set that players performing well outside the norm will probably get a few raised eyebrows. Hell, I'll be the first one to admit that I was curious about Jose Bautista during his breakout year. I have the right to be skeptical.
I'd say do it like the Olympics. Every time you win an award, be it player of the week/month, an All Star appointment, a Gold Glove, MVP etc, you get tested. There is always going to be doubt in the game these days, but routine testing is a small price for a six/seven/eight figures a year paycheck.
"Steroids" is the catch-all term for anything in the PED world, though, be it testosterone / epitestosterone, masking agents, horse semen or whatever the hell it is that people shoot into their butts. Let's not all start thinking, though, that juicing up with some testosterone suddenly turned Cabrera into a freak of nature: He's got all of 11 home runs this season (of his 159 hits, 113 have been singles) and he's been boosted by an obscene .379 BABIP, which is completely unsustainable and 70 points above his career average. He's been lucky, unless you think that testosterone is Magic Singles Potion.
What I think is funny is that I saw a headline that said "Melky Cabrera tests positive for Testosterone." I was like... no shit! I hope he has some in his body. Glad to see him get suspended 50 games. He's a piece of shit. Too bad they can't vacate all his RBIS.
There is a lot that can be taken from this. PED's don't necesarilly have to translate into HR's for them to be effective. Melky plays in a tough home run ballpark. Melky has been a player with the reputation of being overweight and somewhat lazy. He came into this season in a contract year somewhat more tone as you can see his running the bases better this year. Melky has never been a home run hitter. His approach to the plate is that of a singles hitter with a little power to the gaps. PED's do translate into "singles potion." Bat speed coupled with a hitter's intellect can translate into a higher AVG. The ball that doesn't get through on the ground can suddenly find that hole if hit harder. Those flyouts in the gaps can find that hole as well. That fastball that you are late on and foul off is now snaking down the line for a double. The improvement's aren't easily quantifiable but they are there. It should be no suprise that Melky decided to take a short cut. It's the kind of guy he is. Testosterone does a lot of things. Improves recovery, can provide energy but above all it can improve confidence which Melky has shown in abundance this year.