Chicago White Sox: Esteban Loaiza sentenced to three years on drug charges

His time as a drug kingpin over, former Chicago White Sox pitcher Esteban Loaiza has been sentenced to three years in prison.

it was one of the more bizarre stories to come out of the baseball world last year – former Chicago White Sox pitcher Esteban Loaiza had been arrested on drug charges. He allegedly had 20 kilos, or approximately 44 pounds, of cocaine, leading to federal drug charges. Loaiza pled guilty to those charges back in August, and awaited his fate.

On Friday, Loaiza learned what his punishment will be. He was sentenced to three years in prison, ordered to surrender to authorities on April 19. Once his sentence is over, it is expected that he will be deported to Mexico.

It is quite the fall from grace for Loaiza. A relatively solid pitcher over his 14 year career, Loaiza posted a lifetime 126-114 record, along with a 4.65 ERA and a 1.408 WHiP. Over his 2099 innings, Loaiza struck out 1382 batters while issuing only 604 walks.

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Loaiza had his best seasons as a member of the White Sox. He was a two time All Star in his first stint with the team, finishing second in the 2003 Cy Young vote. That season, he won over 20 games for the only time in his career, posting a 21-9 record with a 2.90 ERA and a 1.113 WHiP, striking out 207 batters in his 226.1 innings.

He bounced around a bit in his career, spending time with eight different teams in the majors. Loaiza also spent some time in the Mexican League, although his stint there was a disaster. He also had two years in the Mexican Winter League, as he attempted to continue his career and earn an opportunity.

Now, those days of glory on the diamond are far behind him. His peak with the Chicago White Sox, those two All Star appearances, and his showing in the Cy Young vote, no longer matter. Loaiza will be in prison in just over a month, and when his sentence is over, he will be sent back to Mexico, never to return.

Esteban Loaiza has learned his punishment, as he has been sentenced to three years on drug charges. It has been quite the fall from grace for the former All Star.