Free-Agent class of 07′ getting a boost
By Punch N. Judy
BaseballBigMouth.com baseball news
A mediocre free-agent class appears to be gaining a little strength as Jorge Posada, Curt Schilling, Mike Lowell and perhaps even Andy Pettitte are kicking off the flip flops in anticipation of putting their toes the pool other wise known as the open market.
Sure the bigger story here is A-Rod or more to the point his agent Scott BorASS, but does anyone really believe these two phony’s didn’t have a couple of sure things on the go before they robbed the World Series’ thunder with their opt out announcement? Truth be told, I had the sneaking suspicion that Mike Ilitch and the Tigers would be one of a handful of suitors ready to help Alex bust down the $30 mil a year door. I guess that speculation ended with the Edgar Renteria signing that, after further consideration, I now endorse.
In the case of Posada you’d have to wonder what the thinking is in the Bronx if they don’t move swiftly to get something done before Nov 13th when their exclusive negotiating rights disappear, allowing teams such as the Mets to woo a player who has called only one place home. While Mike Lowell would indeed be wise to see what’s out there, it would be fools gold for this guy’s career if he used free agency for any other purpose than leverage. Simply put he was made for Fenway the same way Rico Petrocelli was 30 years ago. When you can target the Wall for extra bases and not just the greater glory of a home run and do it consistently, Fenway can be very friendly to the other side of your baseball card. Throw in a wad of cash, a sprinkle of cult hero worship and a consistent shot at the Series’ every year and you’d have to be nuts to sign elsewhere.
When Curt Schilling yapped off the other day about teams he would consider joining, I had to cringe when I heard him mention the Tigers. Good grief, he’s the last guy we need. Don’t let a decent October fool you folks, this guy is done with a capitol “D.” The only vet the Tigs need to sign is ol’ sticky fingers, Kenny Rogers.
Despite claims by Andy Pettitte that the honorable thing for him to do would be to return to NY or retire, I’m just not buying it. Any good friend of Roger Clemens just doesn’t deserve the benefit of the doubt. I’m not saying he’ll bolt to LA to pitch his game 2’s there, I’m just saying I don’t believe a word that comes out his mouth due to his friendship Rock Head er . . . Rocket.
Punchouts
Its funny how three off-seasons later, Maggs for Manny wouldn’t have been such a bad deal after all. Actually the edge might go to Maggs based on his ability to manage his flowing locks a little better than Manny. Jeez, how do you allow yourself to get thrown out in a playoff game because of your hair?
Paul Byrd seems like a hell of a nice guy, but remember folks Jason Giambi used the old pituitary gland line two years ago.
If the DH was adopted at the turn of last century would Cobb and Ruth’s records even be in jeopardy?
How many Japanese middle relievers will find themselves toiling in the Bigs after the exploits of Okajima?
I hope the NL continues to stink. I hated em’ in the 70’s and 80’s and laugh at em’ now.
Joe Girardi managing the Marlins for one year and getting fired isn’t that much more experience than Don Mattingly being Torre’s right hand man. That said, if you want to manage on merit and not reputation, a stint in the bushes is the way to go.
Clown of the Week – Scott BorASS. The super agent actually said in a recent interview that had Mo Rivera got those last three outs in Boston in 04,’ people would be talking about A-Rod in the same breath as other playoff heroes from the past. Sure they would.
Quote of the Week – “The Red Sox have always been the boys of summer, it’s the fall that’s given them trouble.” Dan Shaughnessy, Boston Globe.
Editor’s note - Baseball and Eggs will appear every Thursday, and serves as a form of self–therapy for this clinically insane baseball fan. The baseball part is self–explanatory. The eggs however, could pertain to just about anything on Punch’s mind from Thursday to Thursday.