Say it ain't so ... sa

It's been four full seasons since Slammin' Sammy Sosa last chalked up 60+ home runs in a season, which he did 3 out of 4 years from 1998-2001. I, for one, am disappointed that Sosa is, reportedly, hanging up his spikes. No, I don't really want to see Sosa get to 600 HRs. Nor do I want to watch him sprint out to right field or blow kisses to the heavens. What I wanted to see was how much further his ability had diminished from last year to this one.

Since '01, when Sosa hit a career-high .328 and ripped 64 HRs, his average has plummeted: .328, .288, .279, .253, .221. Well, that's ok, but his power numbers haven't declined similarly, or have they: 64, 49, 40, 35, 14. Granted, his games played has decreased each year, but I wouldn't play an outfielder who is a defensive liability and is hitting .221 with 14 HRs either, especially not one who does not do anything else to help your team win. I wanted to see Sosa suit up for the Nationals and try to stay above the Mendoza line while hitting 12 HRs. I don't think it would happen.


I think the Nationals are crazy offering even $500K to Sosa. Perhaps, he'd create a little media buzz for the team as he made a run at 600. Or, maybe he'd create a media buzz by corking his bat or leaving the park early. Anything to get the Nats on SportsCenter, right? Sammy Sosa's projected stats, especially playing home games at RFK, would be pitiful. I don't think the Nationals' offer was a slap in the face. It seems like a charitable offer and a chance for Sosa to revive his career. There wasn't interest in Sosa because his play didn't warrant much. Unfortunately, Sosa didn't cash in and get a lengthy enough extension to cover his decline, he earned $17 million last year as an Oriole. His skills and cash flow dried up pretty much simultaneously. Oh, to be a Kevin Brown (or in the NBA).