Did Melky Cabrera’s Positive Test Occur Before the All-Star Game?
On Wednesday, San Francisco Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera received a 50-game suspension for failing the league’s substance abuse policy. Obviously, this is just another case for all of the controversy surrounding baseball players connected with PEDS—but Cabrera’s incident may end up being one of the most controversial of all.
Even though the suspension was announced on Wednesday, a source close to Rant Sports has brought to our attention that Cabrera actually tested positive before this year’s All Star game in Kansas City. Not only is this controversial since Cabrera went on to win MVP of the game, but the win gave the National League home-field advantage for the 2012 World Series.
If the MLB knew about Cabrera’s failed test before the All Star game and still allowed him to play through the appeal process, this could end up being one of the most controversial World Series baseball has ever seen.
Another interesting question comes to mind: Did the Giants know the Melky Cabrera suspension was coming? It wouldn’t be surprising considering San Francisco’s acquisition of Philadelphia Phillies’ outfielder Hunter Pence at the trade deadline.
Either way, the fact that the MLB allowed this to happen is an absolute disgrace and proves once again the league needs to come up with a better system on how to deal with these types of problems.
Cabrera is still eligible to play this season. If the Giants reach the postseason, Cabrera would miss the first five games and be able to play after that. There clearly needs to be a higher penalty that the current 50 game suspension for a first positive test.
Cabrera is in the contract season, and was setting himself up to make a ton of money which would have been guaranteed if he hadn’t tested positive until after the contract was signed. I’m guessing he would have quit using once he got what he was looking for.
PEDs are a huge problem for this sport and the risk, at least for some, is worth the reward. That needs to change, or these positive tests simply won’t go away.
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