To al, Previously according to SamME himself, their were SEVERAL clubs competing for his services. <_< While I simply can't imagine any organization wanting his services on a daily basis, I could see perhaps a platoon system for him on a small market team perhaps. Does anyone have any educated guesses here? Best regards, Cle


MLB Baseball Rumors

Pirates Interested In Sosa

Emailer Joe tipped me off to a blog referencing an article from a Dominican news service. The article discusses Pittsburgh's interest in Sammy Sosa.

Despite my pathetic grasp on the Spanish language, here's what I've pieced together from Rob Rossi's article.

With Joe Randa in tow as the Pirates' third baseman, they'd like to make one more free agent acquisition this winter. Now that first choice Eric Byrnes has a tentative agreement with the Diamondbacks, Sammy Sosa is the primary target for right field. Apparently several teams desire Sosa's services (I must've translated that part wrong.)

The Pirates plan to bat Randa sixth, and they'd like Sosa to hit fourth or fifth in the lineup. Pirates' management has the money available to sign Sosa. As far as I can tell, Rossi thinks the Pirates will be an improved team under the management of Jim Tracy. The reunion of Sean Casey and Joe Randa and improved defense are key components.

If there are any Spanish-speaking readers who'd like to offer corrections to my translation, I welcome it.

In case the Pirates missed it, Sosa hit a woeful .221/.295/.376 in 380 at-bats for the Orioles in 2005. It was his worst year since 1991, when he had a wispy mustache and hit .203/.240/.335 in 316 at-bats for the White Sox. Since I like to point out the hidden positives occasionally, Sosa did manage a .288/.370/.471 line in 104 at-bats against lefties in '05. Honestly I think he would've made an entertaining platoonmate for Jacque Jones. Now that would've been humbling.

Anyway, signing Sosa would seem to make Craig Wilson the odd man out in Pittsburgh. The 29 year-old doesn't deserve this fate, as he boasts a career line of .268/.363/.488 in 1593 at-bats and can play catcher, first base, left field, and right field. Expect some team far more intelligent than the Cubs or Pirates to make a deal for Wilson this winter.

Cle,

Personally I think Sosa will be insulted by any offers forthcoming by a ML team and will opt to go to Japan.

Joe

Dear Joe, Insulted or not, won't he want to add to his dinger total and further cement his chances for induction to the Hall, at least is his own mind? If he gets 600 home runs, it'll be hard to keep him from enshrinement, steroid speculation or not. However, I suppose the thousands of fans clamoring to see SamME in the far east might be too large a temptation for the almost ultimate larger than life ego. Best regards, Cle

Cle,

I don't know if Sammy can reign in his ego to be a platton player on a team like the Pirates. Even if they guarantee him a starting spot everyday I don't see him getting much in terms of guaranteed money. Not like he could get in Japan anyway.

Doesn't Sammy already think the HOF has got his spot in Cooperstown reserved? :D

Joe

The Pirates have probably lost interest in Sosa since they are close to signing Burnitz, whose deal with Baltimore apparently fell through.

Hey, cle.....

You remain one of the most prominent and respectable posters on any board. And, I am very proud to consider you a friend. Thank you so very much for your kind remarks and congratulations to our University of Texas Longhorn National Football Championship. You are too kind. Alas, we meet again early next season; and, it appears that Ohio State is the team to beat! I look forward to doing just that!

;)

Regarding the ilk Sosa....the corker and juicer who lied to all fans as he juiced his way through the debacle of 1998. It did not "save" baseball! It still reaks of teh stench of Mark McGwire and the rest.

If Japan will have them, good riddance to these losers. To heck with them in MLB.

They don't deserve the right to wear an MLB uniform, in my opinion.

Or, as Jacque Jones is fond of saying, "Sammy Who?"

B)

I predict Sammy signing a life long contract with his living room couch.

Roids?

I think Sammy gets his stuff from the same guy that supplies the WWF.




......now there's a thought for you, Sammy! Why not go Pro Wrestling?