Just when it seemed like San Francisco Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera might have a shot at MVP this season, it appears that opportunity has come to an end. Cabrera tested positive for the use of testosterone and has been banned from the MLB for 50 games, effective immediately, putting the chance for a Giants trip to the postseason in serious doubt. With 45 games left in the regular season, should the Giants make it to the postseason, Cabrera's suspension will also extend into it for five games, but if not, will be effective at the beginning of the 2013 season.
In a statement released by the Players Association, Cabrera said the following:
"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."
But the story gets more interesting...
According to the New York Daily News, Cabrera set up a bogus website for a fictitious product in an attempt to prove that he inadvertently took testosterone. According to Cabrera's agents, Sam and Seth Levinson, Juan Nunez "a paid consultant" spent $10,000 to have the website set up. The idea was that Cabrera's story would rely on him "ordering" a supplement that caused the positive test, through no fault of his own, from the website. His plot, however, instead of clearing his name, put the proverbial nail in his coffin, drawing attention from the Feds and the MLB Department of Investigation.
This season, his first with the Giants, Cabrera is batting .346, notching 11 home runs and 60 RBIs. Cabrera is leading the NL with 159 hits and is second in batting average to Pittsburgh Pirates' Andrew McCutchen. Cabrera was the star of the All-Star Game during July, earning MVP honors by hitting a two-run homer and a single that helped to entrench the National League's win 8-0 over the American League, which also secured the NL home field advantage in the World Series.