was all set to
write about something else this week when I skimmed through the Tuesday
morning paper and read that Sammy Sosa was the subject of several trade
rumors, with the New York Yankees being a potential suitor. As most of you
know, I love the "game" of baseball with a passion. But this is
the time of year when the "sport" of baseball crawls out from
beneath its ugly rock and slaps me in the face.
It’s time for teams in the "second division" to dangle what
little talent they possess in front of the contending teams. We find it
easier to write – and read – about what the New York Yankees or
Atlanta Braves need to solidify their championship puzzle because, quite
frankly, it takes less ink. A potential deal between the Cubs and Yankees
for Sosa doesn’t have small market, big market implications, only that
the Cubs are a "dumb" big market club and the Yankees a
"smart" one (except for their recent charity signing of Dwight
Gooden).
Other players supposedly on the pre-All Star game trading block include
Baltimore ace Mike Mussina, Milwaukee’s only slugger Jeromy Burnitz,
Minnesota’s "he’s not pitching like an ace" Brad Radke, and
Philadelphia hurler Andy Ashby (see Radke). All in all, some pretty
big names. But not as big as Sosa. Baseball fans everywhere (save those
teams who can afford to trade for him) should be appalled if Sosa leaves
the Cubs.
I know, I know. The Cubs could acquire some quality prospects from a
New York or Boston. Most likely, they’ll just get "quantity."
The Cubs are perpetual losers, so why should they get a break and keep
Sosa? Good point.. We’d finally get to see Sosa play in
post-season. Another good point. Sosa should be able to play for a
winner if he wants. It’s a free country. Whatever. What about the
Yankee team chemistry? Mule muffins! The Yankees have termites in
their sticks, and Sosa would make an ample pesticide.
What prompted the Sosa trade talk? Apparently, he and first-year
skipper Don Baylor aren’t exactly bosom buddies. Talk has circulated
that Sosa really wants a trade. I don’t know if this is true, or if the
propaganda hounds are merely trying to shift the focus from the despondent
Cubs to the lovable victim, Sosa.
If Sosa does want a trade, it would be further proof that players no
longer have confidence in their own ability to make a team better. It’s
easier to just skip off to a contender and ride somebody else’s
bandwagon. Heck, the fans do it. Why not the players? Certainly, Sosa can’t
be blamed for the Cub’s historical woes. But if Baylor pissed off some
people because he wanted Sosa to return to being a more complete player,
good for him. He’s the manager, isn’t he? If Sosa can’t get along
with Baylor and requests a trade because of it, take him off my list of
players to admire.
If the Yankees get Sosa, and win another title because of it, all we’ll
hear is how good a job manager Joe Torre has done again. Give me a break!
Like I’ve always said, as good as Torre is, and how phenomenal LA Lakers
coach Phil Jackson is, what would happen if Torre was saddled with
managing the Minnesota Twins, and Jackson got stuck coaching the
"other" Los Angeles pro hoops team?
It would be a welcome change if teams like the Cubs, or Pirates, or
Brewers, or Twins, could make their own deals for a superstar in
mid-season. In today’s climate, that just ain’t gonna happen. We’ll
know soon enough if Sosa or any other player will change addresses. Wouldn’t
it be nice if Yankees-Red Sox divisional race came down to who plays the
best come July, August and September and not who gets Sosa? For my buck, I’ll
cheer for the team who "doesn’t" get him. Wait. Me? Cheer for
the Yankees?
Ah, the "sport" of baseball ……..
… Today is a wonderful day for Toronto Raptor basketball fans. No
more Butch Carter. This writer hopes that the crybaby (not unlike his
football-playing brother Cris) lands in the CBA where he belongs. I
normally side with coaches regarding feuds with players, management, et
al. But this guy made his own bed time and time again.
… Staying with the NBA, good luck to supposed new Washington Wizards
head coach Leonard Hamilton. He’s gonna need it.
… I sincerely hope that Kobe Bryant will return to form before this
series is over. It would be an unfortunate asterisk for the Pacers if they
won it all.
… Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Kevin Young knocked in a
career-high six runs against the Atlanta Braves this past Monday in a
losing cause (10-8, Atlanta). So much for individual accomplishments.
… Steve Young officially retired from the NFL this week. Another
classic athlete from a diminishing era in sports hangs up his shoes.
Thanks Steve.
