Nelson Cruz: Appeal or No Appeal

[TheRangerDude]

Come here to cry or cheer about the results of the Cruz suspension which is supposed to come down today but honestly, I wouldn't be shocked if it was delayed.

 

[TheRangerDude]

So, what do you prefer if it comes down today:
1. Cruz appeal and possibly miss some of the playoffs
2. Cruz take the suspension and be back in time for playoffs (assuming they make it with out him)
3. That he never plays for Texas again since he is a cheater.

 

[Xx srs bsns xX]

 

[Tharvot]

He would be stupid to appeal it. He is a free agent going for next season and suspension time to start next year is going to drive his price down.

He will serve it this yr, no appeal just like everyone else is reportedly doing.

 

[jaar01]

Well, looks like we're losing Cruz for the rest of the regular season. Back for the playoffs if we get there. (Although, I thought you had to be on the active roster Sept 1?)

Giants lost Melky Cabrera last season, their top RBI and HR hitter at the time, and went on to win the WS without him, so it can be done. But it sure is gonna be tougher without Cruz. Hoping Baker, E Beltre can step up in a platoon role, or the Rangers pick up a bat through waivers.

 

[Tharvot]

So, what do you prefer if it comes down today:
1. Cruz appeal and possibly miss some of the playoffs
2. Cruz take the suspension and be back in time for playoffs (assuming they make it with out him)
3. That he never plays for Texas again since he is a cheater.

That is a stance that I do not understand anyone taking at all. These players are paid based on their ability to perform. I understand the logic behind exploring any and all avenues to get that success.

Cruz was once a failed prospect that got put on waivers and literally every other team passed on him, so he made it back to TX for cheap. Suddenly, he started performing like an all-star. He basically traded a smudge on his reputation and 50 games for millions of dollars. I'd make that trade any day of the year.

 

[terpsfball09]

Hope he accepts.

 

[PDay8810]

I'm good with Cruz playing elsewhere next year and don't see his value in the playoffs after sitting two months.

adios nelson.

 

[Tharvot]

Hope he accepts.

Reports are that he will.

 

[Jbear]

I am fine with choice 1 or 2. However in an odd way choice 1 may be best for the Rangers this season. If he keeps playing the Rangers will be beat up by the press and opposing team fan bases for the balance of the season. If they make the WS, noise about this it will be at a fever pitch and will drown out most of the on-field performance of the team. Also should the Rangers win the WS this year with Cruz ducking the suspension then every time the WS win is mentioned for all of history they will also include the hint that Cruz was the key reason why they won it.

Cruz has had long-term injuries in past seasons where he missed major playing time. When that happens the Rangers suck it up and play on. So do other teams when they are faced with huge injuries involving key players. I view the Cruz situation much like an injury as far as it affects this season. We never have guaranties about who will be playing and just hope the rest of the team can suck it up until the missing player can return.

I will not blame missing the playoffs on Cruz since an injury could just as easily have caused him to miss 50 games (or more). Look no further than Harry, Colby, Feliz and Ogando. It is far easier to agree that their injuries this season are the primary reason for missing the playoffs (if we do) than a suspension of Cruz.

I am not against Cruz coming back to the Rangers with either decision he makes about a suspension. I have made many mistakes in life and Cruz has made a big one here. It will cost him in many ways and getting into this situation is largely self-inflicted. Wash made a major mistake and he is still with the Rangers. If JD can reach an agreement with Cruz then he is fine with me under the current rules of MLB.

I would prefer that MLB had tougher rules where players were informed that life time suspensions and forfeiture of contracts would be the sole penalty going forward for any infractions after a certain date. Past infractions would be subject to the existing rules BUT new ones would mean expulsion from the game. This is not going to happen though because MLB, the teams, and the players all benefit with the existing system of tiered suspensions. Money and the appeal of breaking records is addictive to all three of these parties. That means not much will change for the foreseeable future. The end result of this for fans is that the games will be entertaining but we will always wonder about why a player has a sudden good season among many bad ones.

Go Rangers and I am glad I do not have to make the decision that Cruz will be facing today or perhaps later this week.

 

[Xx srs bsns xX]

Report: Nelson Cruz expected to accept 50-game suspension for alleged involvement with Biogenesis affair | Dallasnews.com - News for Dallas, Texas - SportsDayDFW

"The suspension will cost Cruz $60,439 per game"

A little part of me died while reading that.

 

[jta4437]

The problem with lifetime suspensions right off the bat, is that so many products you by at GNC and other health stores have products and supplements that are banned as side ingredients and are easy to miss and not be aware are disallowed due to the long list of banned substances

Thats obviously not the case here, but in other instances

 

[pegasusredleg]

Team Stream came across my phone that Cruz will accept the 50 game suspension.

 

[TDs3nOut]

That is a stance that I do not understand anyone taking at all. These players are paid based on their ability to perform. I understand the logic behind exploring any and all avenues to get that success.

Cruz was once a failed prospect that got put on waivers and literally every other team passed on him, so he made it back to TX for cheap. Suddenly, he started performing like an all-star. He basically traded a smudge on his reputation and 50 games for millions of dollars. I'd make that trade any day of the year.

A couple of interesting points. While it certainly understandable that there is an incentive to cheat, it seems to me that it is up to MLB to come up with rules and procedures to eliminate (or at least minimize) that incentive.

As far as whether Cruz's development as a player is wholly attributable to PEDs, I guess that is unknowable. Personally, however, I'm not prepared to accept that as a "fact", since lots of players don't develop until later into their careers.

 

[Hambombs]

Welp. Time for engel beltre to get that chance, or josh willingham c'mon down!

 

[romeo212000]

Welp. Time for engel beltre to get that chance, or josh willingham c'mon down!

Or Michael morse. Problem is this absolutely puts Murphy in the lineup every day unless we get someone like morse.

 

[LucklessPadresFan]

Just announced that he will immediately be serving the suspension.

 

[pegasusredleg]

Report: Nelson Cruz to accept 50-game ban - Dallas Texas Rangers Blog - ESPN Dallas

 

[Duane1952]

Or Michael morse. Problem is this absolutely puts Murphy in the lineup every day unless we get someone like morse.

I don't know if JD will make a deal. Teams will be asking for to much in return.

 

[pegasusredleg]

Or Michael morse. Problem is this absolutely puts Murphy in the lineup every day unless we get someone like morse.

Will have to move Mitch up in the order to bat 5th or 6th and hope his bat gets hot again.