Maddon: Marte's suspension proof that system works

After learning Tuesday of the 80-game suspension handed down to Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Starling Marte following a positive test for Nandrolone, a performance-enhancing substance, Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon couldn't help lauding the efficacy of the league's joint drug agreement.

"My initial reaction is that the system is working and that it's good," Maddon said on MLB Network Radio. "I mean, that's what we need to have a level playing field regarding, literally, better baseball wins. I've felt that from the time I began as a manager in 2006 with the (Tampa Bay) Rays."

Marte, a newly minted All-Star now in the fourth season of a six-year, $31-million extension, is the 13th big-leaguer suspended for performance-enhancing drug use since the league adopted a harsher drug policy ahead of the 2015 season that included an 80-game ban for a first positive PED test. In 2005, when first-time offenders received only a 10-game suspension, 11 players received bans for PED use.

Though Maddon said he's encouraged by the league's recent efforts to eradicate PED use, the 63-year-old is still surprised players continue to try to beat the system.

"Why do guys continue to do it, I really don't understand why," Maddon continued. "It seems that they might be getting bad advice; it seems like you're trying to get a large contract, somehow, and then just ride that out; I don't know what the motivation is, but with the testing in place it seems to be foolish anymore to think that you're going to get away with anything."