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Was Melky Cabrera’s 50-Game Suspension Harsh Enough?

Melky Cabrera will be missing the rest of the regular season after failing a drug test and violating MLB’s drug policy. After testing positive for testosterone, however, should he be facing down a tougher punishment?

The Giants are in the heat of a playoff race, and enter Friday night trailing the Dodgers by a 1/2 game in the National League West and back one game in the wild card race.

Cabrera, the league leader in hits, was an integral part of the team’s offense and they will miss him. However, if the Giants are able to hold off their challengers and make a run to the playoffs, Cabrera would be eligible to return to the lineup once his 50 games are up. Some might see that as unfair.

On the one hand, the league’s 50-game penalty is a significant one and the Giants could struggle to play at a high level without the outfielder. On the other, the possibility of letting the Melkman return at all and play for a championship seems a little bit unfair. Is Major League Baseball doing enough to punish Cabrera for cheating?

What should the punishment be for a first-time positive test for PEDs?