Former Chicago Cubs Outfielder Matt Lawton has tested positive for steroids. Major League Baseball made the announcement on Wednesday. Lawton was an All-Star while with the Cleveland Indians. Lawton was acquired by the Cubs from the Pirates for Outfielder Jody Gerut and made his Cub debut on August 2nd against the Phillies. Lawton was traded to the Yankees on August 28th for Minor League pitcher Justin Berg.
Lawton becomes the 12th player penalized for violating the league’s steroid policy. Lawton hit .244 in 19 games for the Cubs. Why are these guys doing this? Do they not realize they are going to get caught?
The Cubs really avoided trouble by getting rid of Lawton. The Cubs tried to add a lead-off hitter, but once they realized they were not going to make the playoffs. They traded him away. I thought the Cubs were pushing the envelope by trading for Lawton to begin with. They did not really play him or utilize him in the lead-off role. Jim Hendry was right in the fact the Cubs needed a lead-off hitter, but Lawton was not the answer.
Cheating is cheating and Lawton will have a hard time finding a new team. Matt is a free agent and now will a 10 game suspension to start the season, will anyone give him a chance? I am glad the Cubs do not have to deal with this one.