D-backs’ Bloomquist on MLB suspensions: ‘The harsher the better’

PHOENIX — Major League Baseball players are still reacting to the suspension of Ryan Braun.

The Milwaukee Brewers star and former 2011 National League MVP will miss the remainder of the season because of his ties to performance enhancing drugs.

While visiting children at Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix on Wednesday, Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Willie Bloomquist said he agrees with the suspension.

“It’s obviously disappointing what’s happened,” Bloomquist said. “No matter how hard we as a players union are trying to crack down and make the field an even playing field, there’s still people who think they can cheat the system. It’s unfair to everybody else who is doing it the right way.”

There are several news reports that New York Yankees superstar Alex Rodriguez could face a lifetime suspension for his involvement.

“I don’t know if all of the evidence has come out on that,” Bloomquist said. “But it’s definitely unfortunate when guys are trying to beat the system. The harsher punishment…the better.”