12/21/24
December 02, 2003
Meet the new Boss. Same as the old Boss?: ESPN's Olney reports that indeed, George is taking the helm and making all the decisions now, just like he did in the 80s. This isn't a good idea.
posted by jerseygirl to baseball at 01:15 PM - 5 comments
Many moves they're making seem to be high-risk ones, making an old and injury-prone team older and more injury-prone. Tom Gordon got a lot of money for someone who has a history of season-ending surgery. They bring back Aaron Boone, who has a career .780 OPS. Gary Sheffield is a truly great player, but all the previous names have in common with Sheff is that they're on the wrong side of 30.
Now, word is George is going after Paul Quantrill (35) and Kevin Brown. If all those players stay healthy, that would be a formidable lineup -- but what are the chances of that? I think this reflects The Boss' inability to say no to free agents, even when cooler heads should prevail.
posted by jeffmshaw at 04:08 PM on December 02, 2003
It could be worse. But yes, I do think they're going out after big names when they could get smaller cheaper names in many cases. I for one don't mind the Boone signing - I am pretty sure Brosius had the same if not a lower OPS. And Boone is a good glove, despite his WS folly. To be honest I think a big part of the failure in the past 3 years has been character and he'll bring that to the team. They've become a hitman for hire multinational team of individuals and teams like that can be beaten by a tight team of people having fun like the Marlins. The Sox had the character thing nailed this year - it led to people performing beyond their wildest dreams and should have led them to the World Series. I hate to sound like an idiot bobblehead but I do think that there's something to be said for it, and it's why I agree that maybe the best available numbers-wise isn't always the best option. So far none of the rumored trades/signings have been BAD, which is what I was expecting after Schilling, but they still seem a bit hasty. I'm sensing that Cashman is still maintaining a bit of influence there to keep him from running wild and just pulling the trigger on whatever comes along...
posted by Bernreuther at 04:23 PM on December 02, 2003
SpoFi: sounding like an idiot bobblehead. I'm not sure how people can knock attempting to acquire Brown in exchange for Weaver. Yes, Brown is 39 and makes $15M, but what difference does that make to the Yankees? The money is inconsequential, and he can't be any worse than Weaver, can he?
posted by wfrazerjr at 06:22 PM on December 02, 2003
I'll get you my pretty... and your little pennant, too...
posted by forksclovetofu at 11:02 PM on December 02, 2003
Maybe it's good news for you Red Sox fans.