The Toronto Blue Jays are proving that nobody is perfect and will offer players a second chance to redeem themselves and repair their tarnished image in the friendly Canadian confines.
The most obvious case in point is the free agent signing of outfielder Melky Cabrera inking him to a two year $16 million deal this past off-season. Cabrera was punished for performance enhancing drugs last season as a member of the eventual World Series winning San Francisco Giants. Cabrera and his camp then attempted to create a cover-up website to falsely advertise that the supplement he was using was legal. At the time of this debacle “The Melkman” was leading the National League in hitting with a .346 average. Cabrera would miss the remainder of the season and was not reinstated for the play-offs.
Just prior to the signing the Blue Jays purchased the contract of minor league pitcher Jeremy Jeffress from the Kansas City Royals. Jeffress a former 1st round draft pick in 2006 has had issues with that little green cigarette that smells funny. Jeffress has served both a 50 and 100 game suspensions for marijuana use while in the minors, the last suspension in 2009. Jeffress has major league stuff but he is out of options as he competes for a spot in the Blue Jays bullpen.
Highly touted pitching prospect Marcus Stroman who was taken in the 1st round of the amateur draft last year is also serving a 50 game suspension for performance enhancing drugs. Stroman was impressing in Double A when the positive drug test reared its ugly head ending his first season in professional baseball.
Blue Jays General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has publicly stated he believes in second chances and it is apparent he will continue to offer them if he feels a player can help his budding squad win.
Here’s hoping Melky and Mary Jane can keep their noses clean this season.