Sometimes we, as people, are quick to judge. Someone makes one mistake and we permanently banish that person to the doghouse, completely disregarding all the good they have done through the years.
Here is what we know about Ryan Braun:
1. He was named Rookie of the Year in 2007 and MVP in 2011. He is a five-time All-Star (2008-12) and a five-time Silver Slugger Award winner (2008-12).
2. He has 211 career home runs, 681 RBIs and a .312 career batting average in seven big league seasons, and has been on the disabled list once — a thumb injury that cost him 36 games last season.
3. He was suspended without pay 65 regular-season games for his connection to the Biogenesis clinic that allegedly provided performance-enhancing drugs to MLB players.
One of those items sticks out more than the others. No matter how much Braun already has done for the Brewers, or for you as a fantasy owner, the stigma of that ban will follow him around for the rest of his career, and rightfully so (he cheated). But, Braun also has served his time, admitted his wrongdoing (even if it took him a while to do so) and is looking to continue his career.
The truth is, we don’t know exactly what Braun did or when he did it. Let’s be honest, we’re drafting a fantasy baseball team, not deciding if he will be in the Hall of Fame. There are just two questions to be answered: Where should Braun be drafted, and can he perform like the superstar we knew him as before the performance-enhancing drugs? In seven exhibition games, Braun is 8-for-14 (.571) with two doubles, two homers, three RBIs and a 1.79 OPS. If that is any indication, the 13.0 average draft position on fantasypros.com, which averages a players draft position in Yahoo, ESPN, CBS and MockDraftCentral, is justified.
Brand him with the Scarlet letter, but he’s still going to play and he’s still a talented player who will help your squad. He should be drafted early, despite the risks and judgments that come with him. Here’s a look at some other players suspended last year and what they bring to the table:
Nelson Cruz, Orioles: Use the same strategy the Orioles did when they opted to sign the 33-year-old outfielder: Wait! The PED association deflates his draft position (134.0 ADP), but this is still a power hitter moving from one hitter-friendly ballpark to another. Picking him in the middle rounds is worth it.
Everth Cabrera, Padres: Despite his ban last season, Cabrera’s value (114.6 ADP) really shouldn’t change all that much. He remains a Top 10 shortstop who will get on base to score runs and steal bases. He is a mid-round pick at a position lacking superstars.
Jhonny Peralta, Cardinals: Just because the Cardinals overpaid (four years, $53 million), doesn’t mean you have to. He’s a solid player who will add depth to your roster late in the draft (223.6 ADP).
Francisco Cervelli, Yankees: His bat is hot this spring (.474, three HR, five RBIs), but unless he is traded to a team where he doesn’t have a stud catcher ahead of him on the depth chart, Cervelli is only valuable if you’re in an all-Venezuelan league.
Jesus Montero, Mariners: It’s hard to believe this chubster was once a prized prospect, a guy whom Roto Files recommended as one of the up-and-coming youngsters in the game last season. Ouch! The only reason to draft Montero is if “Pies Eaten” is a statistical category.
Alex Rodriguez: At the time this article was written, Rodriguez was actually owned in 1 percent of ESPN leagues. In other fantasy news this week, A-Rod bought stake in about 50,000 ESPN fantasy teams.
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