Maybe It Wasn't the Juice

Top Braves' prospect Jordan Schafer was suspended for 50 games for "using" HGH. Now, MLB did not have proof that he used, when he used, if he had any HGH, or if he ever bought it. However, I'm not naive enough to think Braves players are above using PED's, but his suspension sounds a little absurd. Even if Chipper was found using steroids, I would accept it if there was proof. Oh well, back to the subject of the blog. Jordan Schafer is back from his suspension and has taken off from where he ended last season. He's had hits in his first two games back including a triple, 3 RBI's, and two walks. Maybe it wasn't HGH after all. It's just two games, but I'm going to cheer for the young man to do well. Would I feel differently if he didn't play for the Braves? Probably, I'll admit some bias here, but his suspension was based on hearsay, and for all we know it could have been from jealous players. I just want to see some concrete evidence before we punish everyone. We already have enough suspicion in baseball without this sort of thing. Anyway, if he did use, then I hope he learned his lesson. If he uses after this, then I think he should be banned from baseball.

That takes me to another point about baseball's steroid policy. Supposedly, they have the best tests of any professional sport, but I don't think the penalties are stiff enough. Now, you are suspended for 25 games the first time, 50 games the next, and a year for the third. Honestly, if they are really cheating the game, then they be punished harshly. For a first time offense, they shouldn't play for a season. The next time, they're gone (like Pete Rose gone). If they've already been caught and then do it again, they can't be trusted and will probably do it again. If the MLB wants to really crack down, then harsh penalties with substantial fines would do the trick. Obviously, with Tejada and others still getting jobs, the public embarrassment is not enough. Now, let's try hitting their wallet.