With the White Sox dead in the water, there has been little to no buzz all summer at U.S. Cellular Field. That should change Monday night with the arrival of Alex Rodriguez.
The Yankees star reportedly will be suspended Monday through the 2014 season for his links to the Biogenesis anti-aging clinic accused of supplying performance-enhancing drugs. But he is expected to appeal and still make his season debut against Jose Quintana and the Sox.
According to multiple reports (and first reported by FoxSports.com), 12 other players -- including Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz and Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta -- have accepted 50-game penalties that will be handed down this afternoon by Major League Baseball.
No Cubs or Sox players were suspended.
The others who received 50-game penalties were Philadelphia Phillies reliever Antonio Bastardo, San Diego Padres infielder Everth Cabrera, New York Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli and outfielder Fernando Martinez, Seattle Mariners catcher Jesus Montero, Houston Astros reliever Sergio Escalona, New York Mets infielder Jordany Valdespin and outfielder Cesar Puello, and free-agent pitchers Jordan Norberto and and reliever Fautino de los Santos.
Rodriguez is expected to be able to play while he appeals the penalty, and Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he has Rodriguez penciled in as the starting third baseman.
Asked about his future plans, Rodriguez said only, "I'm flying to Chicago."
Buckle up, Sox fans.
