Nelson Cruz retired Thursday after 19 years within the large sport. What adopted was a gentle stream of tales recalling Cruz’s passing abilities and clubhouse presence – each plain information. However as a aspect observe – if that’s the case – it has been the case in many of the reporting his involvement within the 2013 Biogenesis steroid scandal. And even within the tales that point out his 50-game suspension, what’s conspicuously lacking is the truth that Cruz, after getting back from his PED suspension, had one of the best years of his profession.
Earlier than his mid-season 2013 suspension with the Texas Rangers, Cruz had hit 30 dwelling runs in a season as soon as (33 in 2009 for Texas). After his suspension, from 2014 to 2016 – and from ages 33 to 38 – Cruz recorded three consecutive seasons of 40-plus dwelling runs (one with Baltimore, two with Seattle), including a fourth in six years in 2019 for Minnesota. Within the two seasons by which he didn’t attain the 40 mark, he hit 39 and 37 lengthy balls respectively.
Not unhealthy for an getting old slugger who is taken into account “clear,” do not you assume?
After all, nobody is speaking about this now, as Cruz, who performed for eight groups, takes his 464 profession dwelling runs and rides off into the sundown. We realized a very long time in the past that nobody in baseball – whether or not they’re MLB managers, staff officers, gamers, media or followers – actually cares about juice within the recreation. However that does not change the truth that I’ve by no means heard a great rationalization for a way a participant of Cruz’s caliber can return from a PED suspension and carry out at a better stage than earlier than he was caught doping.
In all probability as a result of there is not one. Besides, properly, you understand.
For many gamers who’ve returned after being nailed for PEDs, manufacturing plummets. At finest (I am taking a look at you, Ryan Braun and Alex Rodriguez) they handle to place up numbers which are respectable however properly beneath what they posted for a brief time period, whereas presumably doping. Which brings us to one in all three attainable assumptions in relation to Cruz. I am going to let the readers select:
1. PEDs don’t assist enhance efficiency. (Editor’s Word: they do.)
2. Cruz is the best slugger within the historical past of the sport, and his uncooked expertise was so overwhelming that he was in a position to do what virtually nobody on the highest stage has been in a position to do: carry out higher clear than on PEDs. (Editor’s observe: If that is your selection, we want to know if you’re on this bridge we now have on the market.)
3. Cruz did not cease utilizing PEDs, he simply stopped getting caught utilizing PEDs.
I am not going to spoil it – or danger a libel go well with – by making a gift of my favourite reply to this riddle. I am going to depart that to the Baseball Writers of America when Cruz and his gaudy numbers – the previous DH compiled a .274/.343/.513 slash line for two,053 hits and 1,325 RBI – grow to be eligible for the Corridor of Fame in 5 years .
It will likely be fascinating to see how that dialog goes and whether or not all of the hosannas have pale by then. Let’s simply say that, as one of many few individuals nonetheless troubled by the thought of athlete doping, I am not optimistic.