Melky Cabrera believes he deserves World Series ring from Giants

Melky Cabrera addressed his 50-game suspension in a statement on his first day at Blue Jays camp. (Hunter Martin/Getty Images) Melky Cabrera issued a

Melky Cabrera addressed his 50-game suspension in a statement on his first day at Blue Jays camp. (Hunter Martin/Getty Images)

Melky Cabrera issued a statement Friday at the Blue Jays spring training camp accepting responsibility for the failed drug test that resulted in his 50-game suspension, but feels that he still deserves a Giants World Series ring.

The Jays signed Cabrera to a two-year, $16 million deal in November.

Under the advice of his lawyers, Cabrera kept his remarks short, especially answers to questions about his name reportedly appeared in records of the Biogenisis clinic now under investigation by MLB for selling performance-enhancing drugs.

"Last season ended for me when I admitted taking a banned substance and accepted and served my punishment of a 50 game suspension. Since that day, my goals have been to serve my punishment and to put that mistake behind me, and to work hard to be the best baseball player I can be. At the end of last season, when it became clear that I would win the batting title despite my positive test, I asked the Players Association and MLB to make sure a more deserving player won, and I am very happy that my former teammate Buster Posey won that award instead of me.

"I also accepted the Giants' decision not to bring me back for the Playoffs after I served my punishment. Instead, I continued to work hard so I could be ready for the 2013 season. I hoped and expected that I would be allowed to put my mistake behind me and to start this season fresh.

"I am aware that in the past weeks, there have been news articles written about so-called patient files from a Miami clinic, and the MLB and others are investigating those allegations. I have told MLB I will cooperate in their investigation the best I can, just as my legal counsel has told federal investigators. I have been instructed by legal counsel not to answer questions relating to the pending investigations. This statement will be the last comment I will make on the events of the 2012 season. I have put my mistakes behind me, have learned my lesson, and have served my punishment.

"I am here to play the best baseball I can to help the Toronto Blue Jays win a World Championship."

Cabrera said he was happy that the Giants won the World Series and he wasn't sure whether the team would give him a World Series ring. He said the Giants have not asked for his ring size.

"I feel like I deserve a ring," he said. "I gave everything to that organization. If they decide not to give me a ring, I'd understand that, too."