Future of the MLB?

Oct 13, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez reacts after striking out in the 6th inning during game one of the 2012 ALCS against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

With the recent release of five more players added to the list of connected players to the Biogenesis Clinic in South Florida, it’s got me thinking of the state of the MLB. All five players were under the age of 28. That’s relatively young even considering that a player can make his debut in the MLB at the age of 18. Most young players make their way up through the ranks of the minor leagues. To even get there, you have to be an elite athlete at the college level, in high school, or create some waves in the travel ball scene. More and more big name players are admitting to usin performance enhancing drugs or their names are being thrown around in rumors about using them.

When a young male grows up idolizing a guy like Mark McGwire, he dreams of hitting home runs and making the Hall of Fame. He sees guys like McGwire in the majors and he sees the big contract and the popularity and he thinks to himself, “Man, thats where I want to be.” So what’s he do? He decides he has to be the best. He decides he has to stand out and beat every single person standing in his way. So what’s he do? He finds performance enhancing drugs and he starts to take them. Sure, he might see some results. Sure, he might put up good numbers. And yes, he might even get drafted right out of high school. But what good is that for the game of baseball? It’s not.

More and more, these young players are taking performance enhancing drus. It’s not to “fit in” or “be a ball player”. It’s to get a leg up. They see the top names and instantly associate that with these drugs. They don’t think about the ramifications of taking them. They don’t think about the fact that these drugs could stunt their growth and hurt them more than the help them.

Sept 16, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (8) during the game against the New York Mets at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Something needs to change. Guys like Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun need to set an example for these young guys. It seems that there are few guys who get praised for their work ethic and instead the only players in the news are guys who get caught using PED’s. The game of baseball is in dire need of a change.

What are your takes on PED’s and the future of baseball? Comment below.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @Welch1048.