Fantasy baseball Weekly Planner: Sorting out the Biogenesis mess

Allegations of involvement with the Biogenesis clinic could land Ryan Braun a lengthy suspension.

Morry Gash/AP

Biogenesis and potential suspensions were back in the headlines this week and caused some panic for the fantasy owners of the players reportedly linked to the busted South Florida anti-aging clinic this week. It is not time to overreact in yearly leagues, though.

The Players Union and the players' attorneys are going to dig in for a fight, and it should be expected most of the prominent players linked to Anthony Bosch will appeal any suspension that is delivered in the next few weeks or months. We might not hear anything else on this topic until late in the season, if not the offseason. Appeals would go to arbitration, and the Players Union is certain to defend the players' rights strongly here, because of the nature of the allegations and the actual proof that exists.

Let's break down the top alleged players who could face suspension once the dust does finally settle:

OF Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers -- He has already won one appeal, so the reports he might face a 100-game suspension are a bit overblown. If not for a thumb issue that has hampered him of late and forced him out of Sunday's game, you should capitalize on an overreacting fantasy owner and consider trading for him.

OF Nelson Cruz, Texas Rangers -- You might think the news would put a lot on Cruz's mind and lead to a slump by the streaky slugger, but he homered Sunday, his second since the report of Bosch's cooperation with baseball surfaced. This is a contract year for Cruz, so you should feel confident he is focused for as long as he stays active.

SP Gio Gonzalez, Washington Nationals -- This week's reports have Gonzalez having only acquired legal substances, so you should feel fairly confident this lefty won't be affected in fantasy. He has also improved of late after a slow start -- curse you, WBC? -- so keep riding him in all fantasy leagues, especially daily formats when the matchup is favorable.

SS Jhonny Peralta, Detroit Tigers -- He is hitting .338 and has been a multi-hit machine of late. He won't continue at this pace, but he is absolutely mixed-league worthy while going well, particularly hitting behind the likes of Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and a recently resurgent Victor Martinez.

3B Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees -- The Yankees coming out and admitting A-Rod will never produce to the level of his contract was an ominous start to last Tuesday's breaking news. It was already readily apparent to fantasy owners. This news won't delay A-Rod's rehabilitation from January hip surgery, so continue to consider him a viable stash on the disabled list.

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Fantasy baseball Weekly Planner: Sorting out the Biogenesis mess

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