Frankly, I don’t suspect Ryan Braun will play for the Brewers again. Remember, the ACTIVE Commissioner (Bud Selig) is not only from Wisconsin – but used to be a partial owner of the Brewers. They are what the Red Sox were to Giamatti. Braun pissed in the pool of the man with the most emotional and professional investment in his team. This is probably why the decision on Braun was the swiftest thus far.

Also – a considerable amount of active players despise Braun for sneaking through a loop-hole last year – and want to see a lifetime ban for him. This is huge – bc the MLBPA is one of (if not) the strongest labor unions in the US. If Braun continues to create division within these ranks – he is easier lost from the sport than risk compromising union solidarity (from the vat age point of the MLBPA).

Most contracts have “outs” for violations, degradation of the image of the team, etc. Pretty confident the Brewers will not need to recognize his contract if they don’t want to. Someone will sign him – if he is released from the Brewers. Maybe a line of .271/21HR/78RBI/14SB looks reasonable for him san-steroid. Like the Bonds argument – he still had to hit the pitches – which in itself has a 70%+ failure rate. The difference is that Bonds cheated AFTER already being one of the best in the game. According to reports, Braun has potentially been using since college – so his actual natural ability/ceiling is skewed beyond belief.

I would be willing to bet in his first AB back from his suspension Braun is drilled – a symbolic walk/trot of shame to 1B. A ceremonial “FU” from his peers for coming back.

Here is the press release Giamatti made regarding his decision on Pete Rose. Prior to acting as Commissioner he taught English and was the President of Yale. It is pretty profound and heartfelt. Would love to hear his take on this shit.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/p_roseb.shtml