Will fans ever forgive Ryan Braun for using performance-enhancing drugs and lying about it? That was the big question, the one that launched a thousand hot takes about the former MVP, whether he should give that award back, how people could explain PEDs to their children, to the point of nausea if you followed along for long enough.
Surprise, surprise, the answer was for Braun to get back on the field as a performer in an entertainment enterprise and provide entertainment to paying customers.
MLB ALL-STAR GAME: Trout leads American League voting
Braun has been hurt so much by his scandalous past that he is third among National League outfielders with 446,780 votes in the first round of fan balloting for the All-Star Game, behind Rockies sensation Charlie Blackmon and reigning MVP Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates. The Milwaukee slugger is sixth overall, as Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki deservedly leads all National Leaguers with 745,823 votes, followed by Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina (640,464), Blackmon (549,394), Phillies second baseman Chase Utley (509,390), and McCutchen (469,378).
Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (349,762) leads at his position, with injured Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado (318,111) rounding out the Senior Circuit's starting lineup so far. Braun has a 20,552-vote edge on Giancarlo Stanton for the third and final outfield spot, the closest margin between a prospective starter and his nearest rival.
Braun entered Wednesday hitting .307/.340/.550 with seven home runs to help spark the Brewers to a surprising lead over the defending league champion Cardinals in the Central Division. His continuing popularity with fans is a good reminder that, as far as baseball scandals are concerned, The Simpsons — as usual — had it right all along.