Other Sports How tragic washed up players might not get millions

**RNR** · 01-03-2009, 12:16 PM

Seven great players, all but forgotten
Rough free agent market may force Griffey, Pedro, others into retirement

In the record book and the minds of Hall of Fame voters, they are prominent figures.

But on the list of still-available free agents in this slowest of slow-to-develop markets, they are afterthoughts who must wait their turn.

Beginning as soon as 2014, it’s likely that several of them could be making acceptance speeches in Cooperstown.

But in the winter of 2008-09, they are at career crossroads: To continue as part-time players for low-risk, low-guaranteed contracts, or to just gracefully follow Greg Maddux and Mike Mussina out the door.

Welcome to the worlds of Ken Griffey Jr., Pedro Martinez, Trevor Hoffman, Ivan Rodriguez, Jeff Kent, Frank Thomas and Omar Vizquel.

Randy Johnson, 45 and still firing, has found a new home in San Francisco. Tom Glavine and John Smoltz have health issues that are holding hostage any aspirations to continue pitching.

But a new year is upon us, and Griffey Jr., Martinez, Hoffman, Rodriguez, Kent, Thomas and Vizquel — seven players who have helped define a generation — don’t have teams to play for in 2009.

If it stays that way — and it probably will for at least a few of them — the class of first-timers on the ballot in 2014 that already includes Maddux and Mussina could be epic.

And that will come right on the heels of the mega-controversial class of 2013 that at this point will include Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Roger Clemens, Mike Piazza and Craig Biggio.

Ken Griffey Jr. (39): There’s really nothing left for him to prove, no great milestone readily within reach. He passed the 600-homer mark last season, and sits 49 behind Willie Mays. The 320 hits he needs to 3,000 also are a stretch — no thanks to so many lost at-bats due to injuries.

Not that numbers ever have been a big motivation for him anyway. That missing World Series ring would be nice, though, and that’s why he took a shot with the White Sox last season.

But he’s at most a platoon player fit only for a corner-outfield or DH spot. An AL contender would be his ideal final landing spot, but that possibility hasn’t emerged. And it may not, other than perhaps in Tampa, not too far from his Orlando-area home.

Will he be willing to accept something else, say a farewell tour in Seattle? He’s already a Hall of Fame certainty — the clean exception in a dirty, tainted era.

Pedro Martinez (37): The Mets reportedly have shown some interest, although that was before reports of them reaching a deal with Derek Lowe. Chances are, they still could bring Martinez back as a back-of-the-rotation possibility.

But here’s what has to happen for him to continue to add to his scintillating 214-99-2.91 career line compiled in a slugging era. He must show more willingness and adaptability to making the transition to a finesse pitcher.

He’s 17-15 with a 4.73 ERA in 48 starts over the last three seasons, including a career-worst 5-6-5.61 in 2008. His fastball mostly sits in the low-to-mid-80s. It’s now or never for that Maddux/Mussina-like post-dominance phase.

Trevor Hoffman (41): He did save 30 games with a 3.77 ERA last season, so he still can get big-league hitters out. He also is a tremendously conditioned athlete. But he clearly has lost a lot off his fastball, which sets up his devastating changeup.

His 2008 ERA actually was far better on the road (2.87) than at home (4.25), so leaving Petco Park may not be as big a deal as you might think.

But what should happen here is he and the Padres work out their differences, and he enjoys a farewell season or two in which he is gracefully eased out of the closer role by Heath Bell or another successor.

The financially strapped Padres are in for another down season, and they need whatever positive vibe that can be created by one of their all-time greats.

If not, there will be another possibility or two — and Hoffman says he is willing to make that move if necessary. One drawback: He is a Type A free agent.

Ivan Rodriguez (37): This much we know — Pudge isn’t ready to say goodbye. No 37-year-old volunteers to ‘play any position necessary’ for the Puerto Rican entry in the World Baseball Classic if he isn’t serious about continuing his career. Especially one who is 395 hits away from 3,000.

The problem is Pudge is nothing more than a platoon catcher at this point — one whose arm still is above average, but other aspects of his game have waned.

He’ll go where there is the promise of the most playing time, because the fierce pride and drive that has made him a great player for so long is telling him there is enough left in the tank.

Jeff Kent (40): Signs that the end is very near emerged late last season in Los Angeles, and he doesn’t appear to be part of the Dodgers’ 2009 plans.

If he wants to come off the bench, or maybe fit into a platoon-DH situation somewhere, there could be a final landing spot. But nothing has developed that we know about.

If not, he’ll take his second-base-leading 377 home runs, 1,518 RBI and .290 career average back to the ranch.

Frank Thomas (40): There wasn’t much to his 2008 season — the ugly divorce from the Blue Jays, then two long DL stays with the A’s and only 27 games played after May 28th.

He says he wants to play two more seasons, but his market is extremely limited at best — especially if the A’s aren’t interested, as expected.

But retiring now assures Big Frank of a .301 lifetime batting average to go along with 521 homers, 1,704 RBI, a career .419 on-base percentage and 1,667 walks.

Omar Vizquel (41): He began last season as the active hit leader, only to be surpassed by Griffey Jr.

Edgar Renteria will take his place in San Francisco, but Omar wants one more year to break Luis Aparicio’s mark for most hits as a shortstop, as he’s only 21 away.

The last of 11 Gold Gloves came two years ago, and the offense is way below acceptable. So this could be it — although San Diego is a possibility.

If nothing materializes, let that If-Ozzie-got-in-shouldn’t-Omar? debate begin.

Why wont someone throw millions at these poor guys?

Johnny Vegas · 01-03-2009, 01:05 PM

Its hard anymore for these 'old' guys to come in and make an impact that a lot of these younger guys. I've been a Griffey fan since I was 8 years old and watching him every year is another decline in one of his attributes. His speed, durability, hitting, presence, are all down from what he used to have. Obviously due to his age and to me it sucks it has to be that kind of technicality that prevents us from predicting if he'll pass certain records or not. I think he'll get signed to a contender with very little money attached. I think Griffey will go to another AL team. I also think he'll play a role where he's a utility player doing a DH one day and OF the next. Hell if he can do 1st base that might give him more years. If he's at the point of no return I think he's a first ballot nominee. Check, sign and stamp it. Approved.

**RNR** · 01-03-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badmajama

Its hard anymore for these 'old' guys to come in and make an impact that a lot of these younger guys. I've been a Griffey fan since I was 8 years old and watching him every year is another decline in one of his attributes. His speed, durability, hitting, presence, are all down from what he used to have. Obviously due to his age and to me it sucks it has to be that kind of technicality that prevents us from predicting if he'll pass certain records or not. I think he'll get signed to a contender with very little money attached. I think Griffey will go to another AL team. I also think he'll play a role where he's a utility player doing a DH one day and OF the next. Hell if he can do 1st base that might give him more years. If he's at the point of no return I think he's a first ballot nominee. Check, sign and stamp it. Approved.

If it was not for injuries no telling what he may have done. It is just rather funny in times where people are losing jobs stuggling to get by this article acts as if these wealthy overpaid men are victims. They had their day and got crazy paid for it. Grow up move on and let the youngsters have their turn.

Johnny Vegas · 01-03-2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedNeckRaider

If it was not for injuries no telling what he may have done. It is just rather funny in times where people are losing jobs stuggling to get by this article acts as if these wealthy overpaid men are victims. They had their day and got crazy paid for it. Grow up move on and let the youngsters have their turn.

Definitely need to have the youngsters get their turn, but these 'old' guys getting put to the bottom of the shelf because of age is a tough pill to swallow for a long time fan and the player them self. It is part of the business now.
I don't think Griffey is a victim and didn't get that out of the article. Its not about the money these guys are not getting its the last nail in the coffin for them and their career because of being a 39 year old athlete.

MIAdragon · 01-03-2009, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedNeckRaider

If it was not for injuries no telling what he may have done. It is just rather funny in times where people are losing jobs stuggling to get by this article acts as if these wealthy overpaid men are victims. They had their day and got crazy paid for it. Grow up move on and let the youngsters have their turn.

yep that’s what irks me as well, I’ve seen articles state that these guys could play next year but is 2-3 million "worth" it to play, give me a break!

Johnny Vegas · 01-03-2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIAdragon

yep that’s what irks me as well, I’ve seen articles state that these guys could play next year but is 2-3 million "worth" it to play, give me a break!

****in' A! Griffey though was never a guy to decide over that decision. He had the Reds pay him less money so they could buy another player to the roster. Very commendable.

Hammock Parties · 01-03-2009, 01:25 PM

Wow when did Pedro lose his smoke?

01-03-2009, 12:16 PM	Topic Starter
RNR America is great assholes~ Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: In some people's mind~ Casino cash: $10027990	How tragic washed up players might not get millions Seven great players, all but forgotten Rough free agent market may force Griffey, Pedro, others into retirement In the record book and the minds of Hall of Fame voters, they are prominent figures. But on the list of still-available free agents in this slowest of slow-to-develop markets, they are afterthoughts who must wait their turn. Beginning as soon as 2014, it’s likely that several of them could be making acceptance speeches in Cooperstown. But in the winter of 2008-09, they are at career crossroads: To continue as part-time players for low-risk, low-guaranteed contracts, or to just gracefully follow Greg Maddux and Mike Mussina out the door. Welcome to the worlds of Ken Griffey Jr., Pedro Martinez, Trevor Hoffman, Ivan Rodriguez, Jeff Kent, Frank Thomas and Omar Vizquel. Randy Johnson, 45 and still firing, has found a new home in San Francisco. Tom Glavine and John Smoltz have health issues that are holding hostage any aspirations to continue pitching. But a new year is upon us, and Griffey Jr., Martinez, Hoffman, Rodriguez, Kent, Thomas and Vizquel — seven players who have helped define a generation — don’t have teams to play for in 2009. If it stays that way — and it probably will for at least a few of them — the class of first-timers on the ballot in 2014 that already includes Maddux and Mussina could be epic. And that will come right on the heels of the mega-controversial class of 2013 that at this point will include Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Roger Clemens, Mike Piazza and Craig Biggio. Ken Griffey Jr. (39): There’s really nothing left for him to prove, no great milestone readily within reach. He passed the 600-homer mark last season, and sits 49 behind Willie Mays. The 320 hits he needs to 3,000 also are a stretch — no thanks to so many lost at-bats due to injuries. Not that numbers ever have been a big motivation for him anyway. That missing World Series ring would be nice, though, and that’s why he took a shot with the White Sox last season. But he’s at most a platoon player fit only for a corner-outfield or DH spot. An AL contender would be his ideal final landing spot, but that possibility hasn’t emerged. And it may not, other than perhaps in Tampa, not too far from his Orlando-area home. Will he be willing to accept something else, say a farewell tour in Seattle? He’s already a Hall of Fame certainty — the clean exception in a dirty, tainted era. Pedro Martinez (37): The Mets reportedly have shown some interest, although that was before reports of them reaching a deal with Derek Lowe. Chances are, they still could bring Martinez back as a back-of-the-rotation possibility. But here’s what has to happen for him to continue to add to his scintillating 214-99-2.91 career line compiled in a slugging era. He must show more willingness and adaptability to making the transition to a finesse pitcher. He’s 17-15 with a 4.73 ERA in 48 starts over the last three seasons, including a career-worst 5-6-5.61 in 2008. His fastball mostly sits in the low-to-mid-80s. It’s now or never for that Maddux/Mussina-like post-dominance phase. Trevor Hoffman (41): He did save 30 games with a 3.77 ERA last season, so he still can get big-league hitters out. He also is a tremendously conditioned athlete. But he clearly has lost a lot off his fastball, which sets up his devastating changeup. His 2008 ERA actually was far better on the road (2.87) than at home (4.25), so leaving Petco Park may not be as big a deal as you might think. But what should happen here is he and the Padres work out their differences, and he enjoys a farewell season or two in which he is gracefully eased out of the closer role by Heath Bell or another successor. The financially strapped Padres are in for another down season, and they need whatever positive vibe that can be created by one of their all-time greats. If not, there will be another possibility or two — and Hoffman says he is willing to make that move if necessary. One drawback: He is a Type A free agent. Ivan Rodriguez (37): This much we know — Pudge isn’t ready to say goodbye. No 37-year-old volunteers to ‘play any position necessary’ for the Puerto Rican entry in the World Baseball Classic if he isn’t serious about continuing his career. Especially one who is 395 hits away from 3,000. The problem is Pudge is nothing more than a platoon catcher at this point — one whose arm still is above average, but other aspects of his game have waned. He’ll go where there is the promise of the most playing time, because the fierce pride and drive that has made him a great player for so long is telling him there is enough left in the tank. Jeff Kent (40): Signs that the end is very near emerged late last season in Los Angeles, and he doesn’t appear to be part of the Dodgers’ 2009 plans. If he wants to come off the bench, or maybe fit into a platoon-DH situation somewhere, there could be a final landing spot. But nothing has developed that we know about. If not, he’ll take his second-base-leading 377 home runs, 1,518 RBI and .290 career average back to the ranch. Frank Thomas (40): There wasn’t much to his 2008 season — the ugly divorce from the Blue Jays, then two long DL stays with the A’s and only 27 games played after May 28th. He says he wants to play two more seasons, but his market is extremely limited at best — especially if the A’s aren’t interested, as expected. But retiring now assures Big Frank of a .301 lifetime batting average to go along with 521 homers, 1,704 RBI, a career .419 on-base percentage and 1,667 walks. Omar Vizquel (41): He began last season as the active hit leader, only to be surpassed by Griffey Jr. Edgar Renteria will take his place in San Francisco, but Omar wants one more year to break Luis Aparicio’s mark for most hits as a shortstop, as he’s only 21 away. The last of 11 Gold Gloves came two years ago, and the offense is way below acceptable. So this could be it — although San Diego is a possibility. If nothing materializes, let that If-Ozzie-got-in-shouldn’t-Omar? debate begin. Why wont someone throw millions at these poor guys?
Posts: 31,085

01-03-2009, 01:05 PM	#2
Johnny Vegas MVP Join Date: May 2008 Casino cash: $3164814	Its hard anymore for these 'old' guys to come in and make an impact that a lot of these younger guys. I've been a Griffey fan since I was 8 years old and watching him every year is another decline in one of his attributes. His speed, durability, hitting, presence, are all down from what he used to have. Obviously due to his age and to me it sucks it has to be that kind of technicality that prevents us from predicting if he'll pass certain records or not. I think he'll get signed to a contender with very little money attached. I think Griffey will go to another AL team. I also think he'll play a role where he's a utility player doing a DH one day and OF the next. Hell if he can do 1st base that might give him more years. If he's at the point of no return I think he's a first ballot nominee. Check, sign and stamp it. Approved.
Posts: 5,098

01-03-2009, 01:25 PM	#7
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $790478	Wow when did Pedro lose his smoke? __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 297,469