For the better part of this season Melky Cabrera has been the most consistent offensive performer for the San Francisco Giants and among the better players in the National League.
Cabrera currently leads all of MLB in hits with 159 and his .346 batting average is second only to Andrew McCutchen of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Last month the one-time member of the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, and Kansas City Royals appeared in his first All-Star game, earning MVP honors by going 2-3 with a home run, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored.
Through 113 games Cabrera was on pace to better some of the career highs he established a year ago. Now the numbers he put up through the first part of the season will mean significantly less in the eyes of many with the news Cabrera has been suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball for testing positive for testosterone.
With San Francisco having just 45 games remaining Melky Cabrera’s 2012 regular season has come to an end and the Giants’ chances of advancing to the playoffs have taken a hit as well. Fortunately the team acquired Hunter Pence, who will remain in the middle of the lineup along with Buster Posey and Pablo Sandoval, but Cabrera’s bat will definitely be missed.
Cabrera released the following statement.
“My positive test was the result of my use of a substance I should not have used,” Cabrera said in a statement released by the players’ union. “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.”
On an individual level Cabrera will be eligible for free agency after this season if he doesn’t sign an extension with the Giants. Discussions were postponed until after the season. Needless to say, this season’s production won’t carry the same weight as the base of negotiations for his next contract now.
