To the delight of all Milwaukee Brewers fans, yet simultaneously to the dismay of baseball purists, Friday brought news that Brewers left fielder and reigning National League MVP Ryan Braun had won his appeal against the 50 game suspension that Major League Baseball was poised to hand him following his failing of a performance enhancing drug test in October of 2011.

“Today is for everybody who has ever been wrongly accused,” said Braun at a news conference held at the Brewers training facility shortly after. “The simple truth is that I’m innocent. The truth is always relevant, and the truth prevailed.”

Braun, whose test results uncovered elevated levels of testosterone in his system that were made public in a December episode of ESPN’s “Outside the Lines,” became the first player in baseball history to successfully appeal a drug-related sentencing. Braun vehemently denied ever taking any sort of performance enhancer from the beginning of this entire process and continued to echo that same sentiment on Friday.

“If I had done this intentionally or unintentionally, I’d be the first one to step up and say I did it,” Braun said. “I would bet my life this substance never entered my body.”

MLB officials were livid with the arbitrator’s ruling, considering that Braun’s winning case argued against the fashion in which the procedure was handled, as opposed to claiming wrongful tampering took place or that the test was simply incorrect. Two unnamed sources vouched for Braun, stating that the urine sample that he provided on October 1was not delivered by the collector to FedEx until two days later.

MLB’s drug testing policy requires that all samples make their way to FedEx the very same day. The sources identified the collector as Dino Laurenzi, Jr. and testified that he left Miller Park with the sample at 5 P.M. on Saturday, October 1. It was said to be in a triple-seal container.

Laurenzi, Jr. then allegedly decided to take the sample home and not deliver it to Fed Ex until 1:30 P.M. on October 3, feeling that it would not be sent out to the lab in Montreal until Monday anyway. He supposedly placed it in a cool, dry area during that time period, and the lab chief told ESPN’s Lester Munson that the sample had not been tainted in any way and that the positive test result was indeed valid.

However, Braun still focused on the delay of the process, referring to it as “fatally flawed,” and questioned what could have happened to the sample during the 44-hour window between pickup and delivery.

“Our program is not fatally flawed,” said MLB Executive Vice President Rob Manfred in a statement. “Changes will be made promptly to clarify the instructions provided to collectors regarding when samples should be delivered to FedEx based on the arbitrator’s decision.

Neither Mr. Braun nor the MLBPA contended in the grievance that his sample had been tampered with or produced any evidence of tampering.” Because MLB did not follow protocol the way that they should have, there was not enough sufficient evidence to rule Braun guilty.

“I’ve lived this nightmare every day for the last four months,” Braun said. “At the end of the day, the truth prevailed. I’m the victim of a process that completely broke down.”

Sources are now saying that MLB may look to appeal the ruling in federal court.

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It is a shame to admit, but the Baseball Writers’ Association of America must revoke Ryan Braun’s MVP Award, following reports that he tested positive for performance enhancing drugs in October. The BBWAA’s awareness of that sentiment is exactly why they claimed just a few days later that they would not be taking such action. Voters are hoping that the situation will simply go away on its own – but this is not the case at all. Allowing Braun to maintain the award would first do a major disservice to Major League Baseball and the recent progression it has made in diminishing steroid use within the game.

A few years ago, when Commissioner Selig implemented extremely severe suspensions for policy violators, it was clearly a statement that cheating would not be tolerated even one bit. Well if it is that serious, then it would make no sense for the BBWAA to let Braun keep the game’s highest annual individual honor knowing that he was not 100 percent clean.

Even if Braun is being truthful and the synthetic testosterone found in his system did not come from an illegal performance enhancing drug, it should not make a difference. The fact would still remain that he took something that gave him an unfair competitive advantage. Doing so unknowingly really does not change much.

Another case to make against Braun involves the current struggles of former players like Rafael Palmeiro and Mark McGuire. These two have obviously not been inducted into the Hall of Fame for the last few years because of their connections to steroid use. Now, the NL MVP may not be as prestigious as a spot in Cooperstown, but there is still one undeniable similarity between the honors. Just like getting into the Hall of Fame, winning the MVP of the league means that a player will always have their own special place in baseball history that will allow their name to live on forever.

That whole idea is very powerful when looked at closely. The circumstances may differ immensely when it comes to McGuire and Palmeiro, but the focal point is still the same. If they are being punished for cheating, then there should be no exception made for Braun. The baseball writers need to set a strict precedent so players will be more aware of both their actions and the consequences that will ensue.

We also definitely cannot forget about Matt Kemp. The Dodgers center fielder had the year of his life in 2011 and finished a close second behind Braun in the voting. He hit 0.324, stole 40 bases, scored 115 runs, had 195 hits, smacked 39 homers, and drove in 115 runs. Now, although Braun only beat him out in one of those categories with a 0.332 average, the award was still considered well-deserved. After all, he did play an intricate role in the Brewers winning 96 games and their first ever National League Central title.

Kemp’s Dodgers, on the other hand, only won 82 games. Suddenly, however, Kemp appears to be much more deserving. As far as we know, he was able to eclipse all of those numbers without the aid of a performance enhancer.

Meanwhile, the baseball writers should ask themselves a few interesting questions after news of Braun testing positive. Would Braun’s numbers have come close enough to Kemp’s without the synthetic testosterone? Would Milwaukee still have won the division? Would that even be a determining factor if Kemp’s numbers were substantially higher in comparison?

The BBWAA has to take all of these morals and possibilities into consideration and take the award back. Major League Baseball and its fans will be thankful in the long run.

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The NL Central has been one of the most surprising and competitive divisions in the Major Leagues this season. Surprisingly, the Pittsburgh Pirates are the leaders of the pack, but St. Louis, Cincinnati and Milwaukee all have very reasonable chances of taking the division.

Although all of these teams are playing very good baseball and are determined to make it back to the playoffs, there is only one team that seems as though they could be legitimate contenders in the National League.

Milwaukee Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin has put together a balanced team that seems to be one of the few serious contenders to take down the Philadelphia Phillies, who are of course the strong frontrunner to make the World Series.

Though the standings don’t reflect it at the moment, this roster undoubtedly has the talent and camaraderie to make a late summer push.The one thing this Brewers squad has that past one’s didn’t? A reliable rotation.In the playoffs, teams need their aces to go out there and shut down some of the most power packed lineups in the game. This rotation has a few guys that can do that.

The addition of former Royals ace Zack Greinke has made all the difference. Though his ERA is a bit high, sitting up over five this season, all of the rest of the numbers are there. With a low WHIP, high strikeout to walk ratio, and the ability to go deep into games, Greinke has finally snatched the opportunity to be a playoff ace. The post season experience is non-existent for him, but anyone with that good of stuff is bound to find some success.

In adding Greinke at the top of the rotation, Yovani Gallardo and Shaun Marcum are able to move to the two and three spots and face some easier competition on the mound. Both pitchers also have low WHIP’s, comparable to the Brewers ace, and have the ability to rack up strikeouts in key situations.

Even Randy Wolf, the veteran journeyman is having a pretty successful season and is able to give Milwaukee some good starts to keep the rest of the starters fresh on a week-to-week basis.

Although Trevor Hoffman, the all-time major league saves leader, is a indeed a tough arm to replace in the bullpen, John Axford has done an admirable job in following up the future hall of fame pitcher. He has quickly become one of the better closers in the National League, and possesses both a cannon for an arm and a curveball which will leave hitters spinning themselves into the ground late in games.

Up until recently this season, Milwaukee’s biggest problem was finding someone to bridge the cap from the starters to the young gun in the ninth. Now, after acquiring Francisco Rodriguez from the New York Mets, they’ve got that too.

“K-Rod” was not too long ago the most feared closer in the game. In 2008 he set the single season saves record for Anaheim with a whopping 62. After a few up and down years with the Mets, and a gigantic contract, he began to become somewhat of an unnecessary piece for New York, allowing them to move him. Though the Brewers were forced to pay a hefty contract and give up two future prospects, they made a great move for the present, and it could land them atop their division at the end of the year.

The funny thing about how good Milwaukee’s pitching is, is that it’s probably not even the best attribute of their team. For a National League lineup, the Brewers pack a serious punch.

Led by first baseman Prince Fielder, a perennial 40 home-run, 100 RBI guy (at least) and one of the best outfielders in the game, Ryan Braun, the middle of this lineup is sure to wreak havoc on any opposing pitcher.The team had always struggled to put solid role players around these two in the past few years, but as their young talent grows, as does their wins total.

Corey Hart, Nyjer Moragn, and first-time all star Rickie Weeks have provided sparks for Ron Roenicke’s ball-club that he probably didn’t even expect.The biggest problems for these Brewers is their struggles on the road early on in the season, and their uncanny ability to go on long streaks for both wins and losses. Fortunately, their manager has confidence that as the team gel’s and the season comes toward its end, these guys will figure it out.

“They expect to win every day,” Roenicke said, “and that’s really what I appreciate from them.”

That attitude creates the kind of team that makes it deep into the playoffs. Look for a late season win streak from Milwaukee and some serious contention in the National League.

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July 31^st is the date that many Major League Baseball teams are looking forward to: the trade deadline. This will be the last day teams can swap with one another to either bring in or get rid of some of their players in efforts to improve for the future. Depending on where some of these teams rank in the standings usually determines whether they will be shopping for players to bring in, or getting rid of them. Either way, the following teams are most definitely looking to make a big splash.

Buyers: The teams that just need one more piece to make that deep run in the fall.

Philadelphia Phillies: Already a World Series favorite, what more could the Phillies need? Well, since Brad Lidge went down, the closer role has been somewhat of a question mark. Ryan Madson and Antonio Bastardo did well as a stop gap, but they belong in the 7^th and 8^th inning. Heath Bell’s name has come up in rumors for Philly. Also, although their lineup is quite powerful already, they are looking to upgrade for the eventual replacement of Raul Ibanez in left field. Melky Cabrera, who is having a terrific year for Kansas City is a definite option for them.

New York Yankees: The Yankees have reportedly sent scouts out to many ballparks around the league throughout the past few weeks looking to find that one piece that can take them over the hump. They certainly will be in a tight race with Boston for the division lead come seasons end, and the roster they have now doesn’t really compare. Although Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia have done a wonderful job for now, who knows how long the veterans can keep that up. The Yankees have apparently been in talks about Ubaldo Jimenez from Colorado, but if they can’t land him expect them to go after someone else of that calibur. Also, with the struggles of Jorge Posada at DH, don’t be surprised if they go after an extra bat to be the Austin Kearns of 2010.

Atlanta Braves: Atlanta is in a tough position. They are one of the best teams in the National League, and yet really don’t have much chance of surpassing Philadelphia to take the pennant. Regardless, this is a playoff team with a lot of young talent. They should be able to find themselves in the playoffs, but might have to race to get there, which is where the deadline may come into play. A lot of pieces could be added to this team since the bullpen is the only spot that is flawless on the roster. Don’t expect them to shake up their team chemistry too much, but someone like Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran could find himself in a rental situation for the Braves.

San Francisco Giants: The 2010 World Series champions have been somewhat forgotten around the league, and yet they still find themselves with a sizable lead in the NL West. San Fran has been getting by with outstanding pitching, but the lineup is lacking. Not only did Buster Posey leave them with a gap behind the plate, but he was quickly becoming a force with the bat in the middle of their lineup. They might be another suitor for Beltran, but if not, they will surely try to pickup some power wherever they can find it.

Milwaukee Brewers: This is probably the most interesting team in terms of buyers. They probably already have made their big splash by landing former Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez, but apparently they’re not done. Again, offense is of priority here, especially in the outfield. Carlos Gomez just went down with a broken clavicle so General Manager Doug Melvin may look to add some depth there. Milwaukee is finding themselves in one of the tightest races in baseball, so they’re probably just one of the teams in the NL Central looking to make a buy.

**BONUS** Pittsburgh Pirates: Now this team is interesting. Nobody expected Pittsburgh to be in contention in August, and if you say you did, we all know you’re lying. Pittsburgh has claimed that this could be their year, and they might be willing to make a big deal so long as it doesn’t compromise their long term goals. As I said, don’t be surprised if every team in the NL Central makes a move. People might just be waiting for this team to implode, or might have genuine interest, either way all eyes will be on these Pirates.

Sellers: These clubs are packing it in, get rid of all of your over-performing short-term assets for some young talent.

New York Mets: Oh, the Mets. What can I say about this team? Realistically they haven’t been too bad this season. They’ve been hovering around .500 much of the year, and if they were in the NL Central too, they might find themselves as buyers rather than sellers. Alas, they are not, and it’s time to start thinking about who to move. “K-Rod” is gone and so is his gigantic contract, and supposedly the next to go will be Beltran. At this point, you would think they would be fielding calls for just about anybody, and yet that apparently is not the case. First year General Manager, Sandy Alderson has publicly insisted that star shortstop Jose Reyes is not on the trading block in his contract year. This is a bit puzzling considering the value they would be able to get for him right now, but maybe he is just trying to instill confidence in his players and ball-club. Maybe they really do think they can sign Reyes long term at years end. Regardless of whether or not he goes, more players are definitely on the way out.

Houston Astros: The Astros are not good, and haven’t been so for a few years now. It’s time to start thinking about the future, and although many people thought that future began with outfielder Hunter Pence, the organization has struggled mightily to put anybody around him. His days in Houston are probably numbered since they should be able to get some decent prospects in exchange. Also, starter Wandy Rodriguez has generated a bit of interest from a few clubs, and at this point nobody on Houston is off limits. They’ll take whatever they can get, its rebuilding time.

Chicago Cubs: Year in and year out the cubs have found a way to disappoint the north side of Chicago. They are not in contention this year, but do have some pieces that could attract some of teams who are. Carlos Zambrano seemingly has been on the block for a decade, but in his last year as a Cub he could, at the very least be a nice rental for a playoff team. Aramis Ramirez has continued to put up good numbers all throughout his time in Chicago, and though he makes a nice tandem with Starlin Castro on the left side of that infield, he won’t be around forever. Alfonso Soriano has probably the most untouchable contract in baseball, so though they probably would love to move him for a prospect, they probably won’t even be able to do that. Wrigley Field will become somewhat of a Flea Market for the next week. Buy at your own risk.

Tampa Bay Rays: What happened to the Rays? The same thing that happens to them every year. It’s sad to see such a talented team go down the drain because of financial issues, but those are the woes of the small-market team these days. Before the season began they got rid of most of their star players and reloaded with young talent. Unfortunately it didn’t workout all that well and they now find themselves in an impossible chase of the Yankees and Red Sox. Apparently James Shields could be shopped, and as he is arguably a Cy Young candidate this season, that could make for the biggest blockbuster of the deadline. B.J. Upton also might be on the block, and more than a handful of teams would be interested in his talents. I feel bad for Joe Maddon, but the Rays will get back to contention sooner or later, we just might not recognize many of the names of the roster when they do.

San Diego Padres: Lastly, but surely not least, we find the Padres. The only competition they have is for last place in the NL West with the Dodgers. San Diego might possess the biggest pitching commodity on the market in Heath Bell. Should they choose to get rid of him, they will be able to get some serious prospects in return, and have a hand in swaying the balance of power in whatever league they decide to deal him to. The Phillies will undoubtedly have interest, and if they can land him, every other National League team may as well hit the golf course already. Power-packed outfielder Ryan Ludwick could also be packaged will Bell, or moved in his own trade before July 31^st. No need for home runs when you’re 15 games out of the race.

The trade deadline is perennially one of the most fun times of the baseball season. Big time names should be on the move this season which surely will have serious implications come playoff time.

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