Maybe it’s impatience from a fan of a team that is constantly being mentioned in the rumor mill. Maybe it’s a little too much free time to wonder DJ Gallo like sentences such as “why isn’t what i think should be going on going on.” Or maybe it’s just because the remaining high-priced items on the free agent market have fundamental flaws that are creating hesitation around the league. Maybe everyone is just waiting for President-elect Obama to force his $1 trillion bailout to stimulate the economy. For whatever reason, it seems to this writer that the Hot Stove season is unusually luke warm in 2008.
Mark Teixeira, to put it kindly, is a very good first baseman. He is not great, nor do I believe he ever will be. Would I pay $160-$200 million as an owner of a MLB team to have Albert Pujols for the remainder of his prime? Yes, without thinking. Mark Teixeira … really? His stats are good, but other players put up very comparable numbers. Maybe they don’t supplement their offense with gold glove defense like Tex, but still. Someone will sign him, but I think the fact that nobody has speaks volumes about the concern. When teams really want someone, they’ll pay the extra to get him. See: Sabathia, CC. Nobody is stepping up to the plate yet for Teixeira.
Manny Ramirez and Scott Bora$ would love the owners, GMs, and fans to remember his half season in the National League. Unfortunately, there are too many who simply can’t forget the first half theatrics that preluded his resurgance in LA. What is stopping Manny from pulling that trick again? Nothing. MLB proved it by doing nothing about it the first time. So of course, I would be reluctant as a GM to pursue a moody, childlike slugger who is expecting A-Rod money and Teixeira years. Bottom line is Manny is still on the wrong side of 30, at least since BALCO has been disbanded.
The other big names are mostly replaceable, and the market for them tends to work itself out the longer time goes on. Maybe I’m overreacting to the lack of action, but the speculation gets a little overwhelming at times. I’m ready for some action! What are your thoughts? Why is the free agency season moving at such a slow pace?
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
