MLB

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Looming playoffs could force an end to negotiations in baseball’s latest drug scandal as pressure builds to impose penalties so stars can still make the post-season.

OAKLAND, Calif. – Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Melky Cabrera says he hasn’t been told by Major League Baseball whether he will face a suspension for his ties to a Florida clinic accused of distributing performance-enhancing drugs.

In question-and-answer form, a look at the issues and implications of Major League Baseball’s possible suspension of New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez:

OAKLAND, Calif. – Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons believes outfielder Melky Cabrera served his suspension and won’t be penalized by Major League Baseball for his ties to a Florida clinic accused of distributing performance-enhancing drugs.

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Major League Baseball may try to suspend Alex Rodriguez under its collective bargaining agreement instead of its drug rules, which would eliminate any chance of delaying a penalty until after the case goes to an arbitrator, The Associated Press has learned.

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Protective no more, baseball players are downright disgusted these days with doping.

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Former National League MVP Ryan Braun was suspended without pay for the rest of the season and the post-season Monday, the first penalty from baseball’s investigation of players reportedly tied to a Florida clinic accused of distributing performance-enhancing drugs.

MINNEAPOLIS – That Target Field was built on an 8 1/2-acre wedge of land in downtown Minneapolis is considered miraculous, and the resulting ballpark intimate. That snugness is part of its charm, and makes it worthy of the 2014 All-Star Game that its success has delivered.

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Torii Hunter was an All-Star rookie in 2002 when he robbed Barry Bonds of a home run and got a big bear hug from the slugger on the field. Now he’s a veteran voice in a clubhouse with a record number of newcomers.