Melky “The Melkman” Cabrera kind of spoiled his stay in San Francisco didn’t he?
The Giants best player through the first half of the season was suspended 50 games, which amounts to the rest of the regular season, without pay Wednesday after testing positive for testosterone, a substance that is in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Leaves a rotten taste in your mouth, I know. Makes your insides curdle. Just plain stinks.
The Giants (it has been reported that the team had no knowledge of Cabrera’s failed test prior to Wednesday) addressed the issue as expected, releasing a statement shortly after the league’s ruling.
“We were extremely disappointed to learn of the suspension of Melky Cabrera for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention & Treatment Program. We fully support Major League Baseball’s policy and its efforts to eliminate performance-enhancing drugs from our game. Per the protocol outline by Major League Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement, the Giants will not comment further on this matter.”
Cabrera, too, released a statement that was issued by the MLB Players Association.
“My positive test was the result of my use of a substance I should not have used. I accept my suspension under the Joint Drug Program and I will try to move on with my life. I am deeply sorry for my mistake and I apologize to my teammates, to the San Francisco Giants organization and to the fans for letting them down.”
Cabrera, who was acquired by the Giants in a trade with the Kansas City Royals during the offseason, had been a consistent spark in the Giants’ offense. Before saying so long to the season, his 159 hits were a league best and he held a .346 batting average with 11 home runs and 60 RBIs out of the three spot.
Cabrera, 28, quickly became a fan favorite in San Francisco and was voted as a starter for the National League All-Star team. He won the game’s MVP in an 8-0 National League win.
Before Wednesday’s 6-4 loss to the Washington Nationals, the Giants were tied atop the National League West with the rival Dodgers. Los Angeles now holds a one-game edge in the win column entering play this weekend.
It will be interesting to see whether Cabrera is still beloved should the Giants make the postseason and should he be reinstated into the lineup.
If San Francisco does make the playoffs, Cabrera would be eligible to return five games into the postseason.
It’s tough to speculate on what exactly Cabrera’s thought process was. The strict testing policy isn’t at all forgiving. Offenders will get caught eventually.
Based on his statement, Cabrera knowingly took the performance enhancer, blatantly breaking the rules in the process. Wrong on so many levels. And really not smart. Random testing is there for a reason: To stop cheaters and to forever prevent another craze of doped-up players. It was a brazenly dishonest and dishonorable move on Cabrera’s part, and completely disrespectful to Major League Baseball, the Giants organization, his teammates and fans.
He cheated everyone. He blew it.
There’s a ‘now what?’ reaction that comes along with something like this. Now what do the Giants do? What are my feelings about this player?
Not cool, Melky.
One strike and you’re out? Do we forever scorn him? I don’t think so. But I don’t feel bad for him. He chose this. It wasn’t an accident. Many have made mistakes before him. Another Giants left fielder comes to mind.
But this changes perspective. How much were his career-year numbers inflated by his PED use? What would an non-juiced Cabrera produce?
Coincidentally, contract negotiations between San Francisco and Cabrera were shelved a couple weeks ago. With the latest incident, is a Cabrera investment worth it? For his play, perhaps, but from an organization’s reputation, maybe not.
Parting is such sweet sorrow. Well, bitter is this case. And so, it appears, the Melkman era has expired by the Bay.
