Ryan Braun's Name on Biogenesis Client List

It was reported in an article published by Jeff Passan and Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports, that Ryan Braun's name was listed in the records of Biogenesis clients. And it appears he was buying quite a bit of something:

At least two other documents in the trove given to the New Times by a former Biogenesis employee mention Braun. In one, his name is on a line, with "RB 20-30K" on the next. Bosch listed the amount of money owed by other players in similar notation, though the numbers were usually lower.

Well, where there is smoke, there is fire. Braun failed a drug test in 2011, but got off on a technicality. It was widely reported that MLB was quite upset that a mediator sided with Braun in the investigation last offseason. I have a feeling if MLB can prove Braun is still using, he will certainly be suspended. But, at this point in time, we have nothing but this story, and there are always two sides to a story.

I am publishing my NL-only outfielder rankings tomorrow morning at 7am, and will still rank Braun at #1. I will have more on where he will rank should he be suspended in the rankings tomorrow morning.

I suggest fantasy owners not change where they rank or draft Braun for fantasy drafts until we learn more about this report. MLB, along with the player's union, is doing their best to eliminate PED use in the game, and I see tougher penalties for failed drug tests in the future.

If there is a fantasy owner in your keeper league starting to panic over this news, toss him a low ball offer to see if he will bite.

For Brewers fans out there, here is Kyle Lobner's take on the news over at Brew Crew Ball, SB Nation's Milwaukee Brewers fan site.

Check out my NL-only outfielder rankings tomorrow morning for where I would rank Braun should he be suspended for 50 games.

UPDATE:

Dayn Perry at CBS Sports has Braun's comments to the story released this evening:

"During the course of preparing for my successful appeal last year, my attorneys, who were previously familiar with Tony Bosch, used him as a consultant. More specifically, he answered questions about T/E ratio and possibilities of tampering with samples.

"There was a dispute over compensation for Bosch's work, which is why my lawyer and I are listed under 'moneys owed' and not on any other list.

"I have nothing to hide and have never had any other relationship with Bosch.

"I will fully cooperate with any inquiry into this matter."

We still don't know why his attorney's felt Bosch was the only "expert" out there that could assist them in their case against MLB, but he does sound confident that this story has no legs. Stay tuned.