New York Yankees’ third baseman, Alex Rodriguez, has received a 211-game suspension for using performance enhancing drugs and trying to cover up wrongdoings. The suspension will be effective Thursday, but Rodriguez has announced that he will appeal the suspension, allowing him play the rest of the 2013 season.
But now that A-Rod is no longer using steroids and is supposedly ‘clean’, is he worth having on your roster?
Anabolic steroids do help you in the short term, as they give extra testosterone, increasing the muscle mass and strength.
Many athletes have played exceedingly well, performing at a higher level than they have in the past, like Toronto Blue Jays outfielder, Melky Cabrera.
Cabrera was a mid to high .200 batter in his first five years in the majors. Then, in 2011, he broke out, batting .305 with 18 home runs, 87 RBI, and 20 steals. Melky only hit double-digit home runs once before 2011, showing an increase in power. Then in 2012, Cabrera had an MVP caliber season before it was cut short with a 50-game suspension. After returning from his suspension, Cabrera signed with the Blue Jays, and is currently having a mediocre season.
However, there has been documented evidence that show steroids have dangerous side effects on your body.
“The potential side effects are varied and severe, including hypertension, heart problems, and increased risk of injuries, to name just a few.” (Buzzfeed)
One of the biggest side effects with consuming steroids is liver failure. If you get Peliosis Hepatitis, a condition in which blood-filled cysts replace the liver and spleen tissue, it can lead to liver failure. The cysts could create tumors during the use of steroids, as they could later create a life-threatening abdominal hemorrhage.
Another big side effect that is associated with steroids is joint and ligament damage. Steroids do not effect the joints and ligaments upon consumption, increasing the chances of severe injuries in the shoulders or knees. The athletes, like A-Rod become frail after steroids, as they could land on the disabled list often.
After you stop taking steroids, your body will go through withdrawal, as it suffers from not getting it’s daily amount of testosterone. “The ‘bridge’ is a term used to describe the gap in time from when AAS are eliminated from your system, to when the body again starts the production of natural testosterone.” (steroidabuse) You need to do is talk to a doctor, so you have a smooth recovery or at least a less painful one. If this does not happen you could suffer like a withdrawal from drinking or smoking.
Now, let’s re-assess the question on whether Rodriguez should be on a major league roster.
The answer is that he is not worth signing. After serving his suspension, A-Rod will not be in shape to be a regular contributor for any team. When he tries to work out and get back into shape, he faces many challenges, like getting injured.
If he gets back to the majors, Rodriguez will need to keep up his health, hoping he will not land on the disabled list. However, with many awful side effects, A-Rod’s chances of getting injured often is very high, so signing him will likely be a waste of money.
Follow Charlie DiSturco on twitter: @DiSturcoCharlie