I am shocked, shocked to find there was performing enhancing drugs involved with the Bartolo Colon resurgence. Yes, everyone’s favorite overweight pitcher has tested positive for testosterone usage. Who knew? As per Major League Baseball’s drug testing program, Colon will be subjected to a fifty game ban, effective immediately.
Colon, who underwent somewhat controversial, yet MLB-approved stem cell therapy for ligaments in his shoulder and elbow back in early 2011, has long been under public PED scrutiny. His career appeared to be on its last legs after struggling through several injury plagued seasons following a 2005 effort that culminated in a Cy Young award. 1 Colon would instead prove quite useful on the mound for the Yankees and Athletics in what appeared to a be a triumphant return to form for the Dominican right hander.
Did I say triumphant? Because I meant despicable. What had always been surmised about Bartolo Colon is now proven fact. He is a cheater. He was once a Yankee and helped my favorite team to a number of wins, but facts are facts. Colon broke the rules and will be punished as such. Colon’s suspension now leaves the possibly playoff bound Oakland A’s with a sizable hole to fill in their rotation. Oakland has a considerable surplus of young arms to fill in Colon’s vacated slot, but it’s never easy replacing a 2.8 WAR player. Hopefully, for the sake of one of baseball’s best stories, Oakland can overcome the loss.
As for Colon, his career might be over. Good riddance, I say. Maybe he and Melky Cabrera can use all their new found free time to start a website together!
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1. That shameful ’05 Cy Young ballot represents the peak of old school, pitcher-wins dominated voting doctrine. What a crock.
