Latest PED Clinic Bust to Benefit Cubs, Alfonso Soriano?

By now if you are even just casually in tune with sports news in general, you are aware of the latest PED scandal that MLB is having to deal with. Prominent MLB names such as Alex Rodriguez, Gio Gonzalez, Nelson Cruz, and Melky Cabrera have already been connected with the Miami based clinic, with Cabrera having already served a PED related suspension this past season. It remains to be seen how MLB will react in terms of suspensions or fines for those that have been specifically named as clients of this shady clinic.

So how does this affect the Cubs? All of the information currently disclosed has yet to name a current Cubs player or organization member. To be clear, I am not implying that there will be once the dust settles. But it is still too early to say that every player in the Cubs system is free and clear.

July 19, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano (12) hits a home run in the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

On a more positive note, the fallout from this PED black eye could actually benefit the Cubs. The wish to deal away Alfonso Soriano has been a broken record for a few seasons now. Despite a resurgent year from the veteran left fielder in 2012, a year which saw him crack the 30 HR and 100 RBI benchmarks, the interest in the slugger has remained almost as mild as it has ever been. This despite his improved defense and now just two years left remaining on his mega contract. The last whisper regarding Soriano trade rumors was that the Rangers and Orioles were still interested some what.

If Cruz of the Rangers faces a suspension from MLB in relation to the PED scandal, it would be logical to see a spike in interest from Texas regarding Soriano. The Blue Jays, who are associated with the mega blockbuster trade with the Marlins this off season, may also become interested if Cabrera is further penalized by MLB for his connection to this current PED mess. Toronto is obviously looking to win now in the tough AL East, and the loss of Cabrera for a good part of the 2013 season via suspension may allow the Cubs and Blue Jays to pull up chairs to the trade table.

Soriano’s wish may be to remain with the Cubs and win, but the time is now when his stock is as high as it figures to get, to deal him.