Biogenesis bounce-backs: A-Rod, Cruz, Peralta have regained All-Star form
Two years ago Wednesday, Major League Baseball announced the suspensions of 13 players for their ties to the Biogenesis investigation.
Chief among them was Alex Rodriguez, who was banned for the remainder of the 2013 season as well as the entire 2014 season. A-Rod was the only player from this group who appealed -- and the only player not given a 50-game penalty -- and he finished the 2013 season before ultimately dropping his legal battle and agreeing to sit out all of 2014.
But Rodriguez was hardly the only big-name player tainted by the scandal. Nelson Cruz, Jhonny Peralta and Everth Cabrera were All-Stars that July but banned that August. (Ryan Braun, Bartolo Colon, Melky Cabrera and Yasmani Grandal already had served/were serving 50-game suspensions in connection with the Biogenesis case.)
As dark a day as that was for the sport and the players involved, it wasn't a disaster. In fact, several of the sluggers haven't missed a beat -- or a fastball -- since returning.
Two years later, a look at the Biogenesis Baker's Dozen and how successful each player has been since serving his time:
THE FANTASTIC
Alex Rodriguez: It's tough to say what's been more surprising: his semi-return to grace with fans, or his return to semi-elite status at the plate. Not only was A-Rod facing the long odds of returning after a lost season, he was doing so at age 39 on two surgically repaired hips -- and for a franchise that tried its best to rid itself of him. Yet the now-DH ranks in the top 10 in the majors in OPS.
Nelson Cruz: After eight seasons with the Rangers, Cruz signed with the Orioles prior to the 2014 season for the bargain price of $8 million. All he did was lead the majors with 40 homers and finish fourth with 108 RBI. He has been among the few bright spots for the Mariners this season, again ranking among the major-league leaders in homers (31), RBI (67) and OPS (.984), among other things. He's been an All-Star each of the past two seasons at DH.
Jhonny Peralta: The Tigers' loss after the 2013 season was the Cardinals' gain for at least the past two. Not only has Peralta returned to form offensively, he has proven he still can play shortstop at a high level. Also an All-Star this season, Peralta is well above his career averages in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. His 16 homers and 54 RBI both lead the team.
Francisco Cervelli: Again serving as a backup in 2014 with the Yankees, Cervelli hit a career-best .301. Then, like Russell Martin before him, Cervelli joined the Pirates, with whom he has flourished in regular duty this season. Among catchers, he ranks in the top three in batting average and on-base percentage, and he is just five RBI shy of his career high.
THE FORTUNATE
Antonio Bastardo: The Phillies' former setup man was traded to the Pirates after the 2014 season, when his ERA jumped to 3.94 from 2.32 in 2013. Bastardo has become a serviceable cog in Pittsburgh's bullpen, averaging nearly a strikeout per inning and posting a sub-4.00 ERA. However, his 1.45 WHIP would be a career-worst over a full season.
THE FADING
Jesus Montero: Even before his suspension, Montero's 2013 season was a nightmare. He was demoted to Triple-A by the Mariners, then came a knee injury, then came the move from catcher to first base, then came the Biogenesis ban. In the past two seasons, Montero has played 16 games for Seattle, continuing to fall well short of expectations.
Everth Cabrera: Although he stuck with the Padres for the 2014 season, Cabrera's numbers dipped dramatically in just five fewer games from his All-Star season of 2013. The shortstop's batting average went from .283 to .232, his on-base percentage from .355 to .272, his stolen bases from 37 to 18. The Orioles, who signed before this season, released him in June after he hit .208 in 105 plate appearances. Cabrera then signed with the Giants, with whom he is playing in the minors.
Jordany Valdespin: A talent who never developed for the Mets, Valdespin was hitting .188 when the team sent him to the minors about three weeks before his suspension. The outfielder moved on to the Marlins that offseason and hit .214 with three homers and 10 RBI in 113 plate appearances in 2014. This season, he played only two games in the majors for Miami, who designated him for assignment last month.
Cesar Puello: Ranked the No. 77 prospect by Baseball America before the 2011 season, Puello has yet to reach the majors. The outfielder had a marginal season at Triple-A last season for the Mets, but it appears that's where his journey might end. The organization tried to release him in April, but Puello successfully claimed he had a back injury and instead was placed on the disabled list.
THE FORGOTTEN
Fernando Martinez: The former Yankees farmhand failed to catch on with another organization after playing in the Dominican winter league in 2013. The outfielder surfaced in the Mexican League this year, playing seven games.
Jordan Norberto: A free agent at the time of the suspension, Norberto remained without a franchise before joining the Rays' Triple-A affiliate this year. The left-hander has a 4.96 ERA in 33 games (two starts).
Fautino De Los Santos: Also a free agent when MLB disciplined him, De Los Santos tried to revive his career in the Venezuelan winter league in 2014. But the right-hander failed.
Sergio Escalona: The Astros parted ways with the minor-league left-hander after the 2013 season, and he last pitched in the Venezuelan winter league in 2014.
