It was supposed to be a big year for Marlon Byrd. A big, bounce-back year. After disappointing in 2011, Byrd showed up to camp in outstanding physical shape. Then he couldn't hit at all with the Cubs and got traded to the Red Sox. Then he couldn't cut it with the Red Sox and he got designated for assignment and subsequently released. One report said that Byrd was receiving "a number of inquiries" as a free agent, but anybody who was interested in signing Byrd is going to want to re-evaluate things.

Monday:

Free agent OF Marlon Byrd has received a 50-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

— MLB Public Relations (@MLB_PR) June 25, 2012

Freddy Galvis was recently suspended for testing positive for a steroid, and he'll get to serve his suspension while he's on the disabled list. Byrd can't very well serve his suspension as a free agent, so he can only begin serving after somebody signs him. Which means whoever might sign Byrd wouldn't be able to use him until 50 games have passed. I'm not saying Byrd's career is over, but this suspension isn't going to do his career any favors.

Byrd tested positive for Tamoxifen. Interestingly, Tamoxifen is used for cancer prevention, among other things, and as far as performance enhancement is concerned, Byrd owns a .488 2012 OPS. But rules are rules, and Byrd will pay the price, barring a successful appeal. If that's even a possibility at this point.