Sunday, December 04, 2005
(Pro Jo)
"Strange as it seems, the Red Sox and Garciaparra would look to be a fit this offseason. The Sox need both a second baseman and a first baseman, and Garciaparra says he's willing to switch positions. The fan base certainly would love it. Garciaparra is still a productive hitter (he batted .321 in August and September last year, after recovering from the torn groin), and he actually figures to be one of the best players available via free agency -- and maybe one of the biggest free-agent bargains there'll be, even if his market value actually has been depressed by events of the last two years. His move off shortstop, where he's degenerated to substandard defensive levels, is a plus, too. But his return is unlikely as there's been no talk on either side of a Nomar/Boston reunion.
Be careful what you wish for, goes the old saying; it might come true.
Would that someone had told that to Nomar Garciaparra back when."
Be careful what you wish for, goes the old saying; it might come true.
Would that someone had told that to Nomar Garciaparra back when."
Bringing Nomar home would be a p.r. coup for L.L. and the duo; It would prove to The Nation that L.L. can control his temper and ego enough to put the Sox best interest above his own personal agendas and power trips.
The opinion of most fans regarding L.L. vs. Arn/Nomar has shifted in Nomar's favor after all that came to light during Theogate; The majority of fans would be ecstatic.
That being said, his age (almost 33) and injury history rules out a rich guaranteed longterm deal, and I don't think that he is locking himself into a bargain basement deal of 4 years and $20 million total when he is only one healthy year away from a big payday.I would go with an incentive laden 2 year deal-$10-12 mill total guaranteed-additonal years(2) and $$$ kickers based purely on games played. Maximum deal with all incentives met would be 4 years and 40 mill. If he's healthy, he will produce, so the risk would be minimal.
Signing him now and spinning the possibility of him moving to CF, ala Robin Yount past his prime could put pressure on Damon to sign. CF, as most of us know, is actually easier to play than the corners, assuming you have the wheels. IMHO, Nomar may be athletic enough to pull it off. Playing in the A.L. makes sense for Nomar, as he could D.H. on occasion and save on wear and tear-Papi should get 10-20 games in at 1B to prepare for the World Series. 3b,1b, or lf makes the most sense for him at this point. Most upside for the money on the FA market. Hey JWH, extend the olive branch and sign 'em up...
Or sue 'em.
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