Rosenthal: Ryan Braun Suspension Might Be Best Outcome

Read More: Ryan Braun (LF - MIL)

Sometime soon, we'll find out where Yoenis Cespedes is going to go. And maybe before we find out that Yoenis Cespedes is going to the Marlins, or maybe after we find out that Yoenis Cespedes is going to the Marlins, or maybe at the same time that we find out that Yoenis Cespedes is going to the Marlins, we'll find out about Ryan Braun's suspension appeal. Is the 2011 NL MVP going to miss 50 games? The 2011 NL MVP really doesn't think he should miss 50 games.

Ken Rosenthal wrote about the situation. He has an interesting perspective:

Want to know the strangest part about the Ryan Braun case? The best outcome for baseball might be if a three-member panel upheld Braun’s positive drug test, forcing him to serve a 50-game suspension.

That’s right, baseball might be better off if the reigning National League MVP missed nearly one-third of the season than if he reported to spring training as if nothing ever happened.

At issue is the integrity of baseball’s drug-testing program. Some will question that integrity if Braun is cleared, suggesting the sport maintains a double standard for its superstars.

Rosenthal obviously doesn't believe that Braun should be suspended regardless. If he made a successful appeal, he made a successful appeal, and he deserves to play. But for PR reasons, it would be hard to argue that baseball's steroid policy is toothless if it's willing to suspend a guy like Braun rather than look the other way.

Of course, for PR reasons, Ryan Braun getting suspended could also be a black eye on the sport. This is all so complicated! Rosenthal lays it out.