Orlando Hernandez Returns and Pablo Ozuna is Suspended

Just a short time after the suspension of Manny Ramirez for violating the league's drug policy, Philadelphia Phillies infielder Pablo Ozuna has been suspended for 50 games as well. After all the bad publicity and things that went on during the "Steroid Era" the league itself and its fans were really hoping that the steroid phase was done and finished with. Apparently it isn’t.

Ozuna was caught for having a significantly increased level of testosterone in his body. While Ozuna was playing in the minor leagues, and not for the Phillies, it is still a loss for the team as he was having quite a good year so far. It also brings concerns about how much steroids might be getting around in the minor leagues, where the testing is not done as well or with as much technology.

Ozuna played in the majors for 8 years with 4 different teams, Florida, Los Angeles Dodgers, Colorado and the Chicago White Sox. He has always hit for decent average but has never been a power hitter, so there isn’t too much reasoning behind his decision to use steroids.

This suspension comes on the heels Phillies reliever J.C Romero just returning from his own 50 game suspension for using a banned substance. Whether it is a big problem in Philadelphia remains to be seen, but there will be a lot more focus on the team if any other suspensions arise.

In other news the Texas Rangers made a risky move trying to beef up their pitching staff by signing veteran pitcher Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez. They signed Hernandez to a minor league contract even though he has not pitched since 2007. Many feel that the Rangers signed Hernandez for his postseason presence. They are leading their division but need some veteran pitching to lead the young, unproven staff if they plan on making it deep into the playoffs.

Orlando Hernandez is a four time World Series champion and has always been at his best in the playoffs. In 14 starts and 19 appearances Hernandez has a postseason record of 9-3 and an ERA of just 2.55. He will be reported to the team's AAA team before he can be added to the major league roster. That is if he passes a physical and can prove that the time off from the MLB has not hindered his ability to pitch.

While some call the move risky, the Rangers did not have to invest much in the signing. If the Hernandez project does not work out then it will just be a nothing lost, nothing gained situation. However if Hernandez can provide some shut down innings and help teach the young starters how to prepare and get into the playoff atmosphere, then the signing could prove to a very wise decision. The Rangers are well on their way to walking away with their division, but they need that steady veteran, experienced presence to keep other players accountable and that is exactly what Hernandez should be able to provide, even if he doesn’t have the same velocity that he used to back in the day.