MLB Rumors: Should the American League Be Awarded Home Field Advantage in the World Series After MVP Melky Cabrera’s Suspension?
Not since the days of Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds has the game of baseball been affected so much by the usage of steroids.
San Francisco Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera tested positive for testosterone, a banned substance, and received a 50-game suspension which would prevent him from playing in the first five games of the postseason should he qualify.
Ironically, however, it was Cabrera who earned the Most Valuable Player honors in the All-Star Game in July. The 28-year old belted a three-run homer in the first that led to an 8-0 victory for the NL.
So against all odds, it could be the Giants who earned home-field advantage in the World Series, should they reach the playoffs and advance that far, thanks to a home run from a player who was cheating.
Unconfirmed reports have surfaced that the Giants knew before the All-Star Game that Cabrera had failed his test, which is one of the reasons why they went after All-Star outfielder Hunter Pence, who they acquired in a trade from the Philadelphia Phillies.
If Cabrera failed his test before the All-Star Game, should the National League have to forfeit its home-field advantage in the World Series?
It’s definitely something that commissioner Bud Selig, who was furious over Cabrera’s positive test, will consider. But I don’t think he will, or should, do it.
The game ended in an 8-0 score. Cabrera’s blast was the highlight of the game but it did not win the game for the National League. Take away the home run and the National League still leads 2-0 after one inning, and wins 5-0.
If Selig awards the American League home-field advantage in the World Series, he’s more or less playing God in the game of baseball. That’s not fair.
Besides, I don’t think the Giants will make the playoffs now that they have lost their best hitter for the season’s final 50 games. So if the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Giants’ biggest rival, make the World Series, should THEY be punished for a mistake by their RIVAL?
Absolutely not.
Cabrera’s positive test is a low moment in the 2012 baseball season. But you can’t change history.
If Selig did, where would he draw the line in the future for cheating?
The All-Star Game has been played, the National League won easily, and they should be awarded home-field advantage in the World Series.
This article was written by Bryn Swartz, the top writer for the Philadelphia Eagles and a featured NFL columnist on Rant Sports. Bryn has written more than 1000 articles in less than two years as a member of Rant Sports. His blog, Eagles Central, was named the 2010 Ballhyped Sports Blog of the Year. To read a portfolio of Bryn’s best work, click here.
