Just when the San Francisco Giants were getting their lineup to 100%, they lose one of their best hitters to a 50-game suspension for PED's. Cabrera was suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball "for testosterone," presumably meaning that his levels were artificially increased. It's effective immediately, and the Giants are reeling. So are their fans.
Over at McCovey Chronicles, Grant Brisbee talks about the frustrations Giants fans are feeling right now:
For the second season in a row, the Giants lose one of their best hitters for the rest of the year in the middle of a pennant race. Last year was a freak injury. This year is freak stupidity or ... hell, I don't know what. I'm not sure if Melky would be the Melky we know if it's not for the extra testosterone. Maybe we should just be thankful for the illicit wins we already nabbed! Cough.
I have no words right now. Anger, denial, bargaining, midday drinking ... all of the classic signs of grief are wrestling around in my head. Just as the lineup was whole again, just as everything was about to click ... jeez.
Pablo Sandoval, Buster Posey and Melky Cabrera have played a grand total of one game together this season, a number that won't increase unless the Giants make a deep run into the 2012 playoffs.
Of course, Cabrera's suspension is going to make that a lot harder to accomplish than it already was.
Check out McCovey Chronicles for updates about the Giants and be sure to follow more MLB coverage at Baseball Nation.