But what choice do they have if they sign Beltran? Isn't anybody giving this any thought whatsoever? Causes and effects?
So they have the same agent. So what? Who cares? I've read it in three NY papers now.
I'm reaching this conclusion based on the following assumptions:
- Giambi will not be able play first base full time.
- Giambi is untradeable.
- Bernie is worth more in trade value than he is sitting on the bench as a fourth outfielder and occasional DH.
If Giambi can play 1b full time, then it's a non-issue. Beltran cf, Bernie dh, Giambi 1b. Even when completely healthy, Giambi is a pretty bad fielding 1b. Torre sticks him out there because he thinks that it keeps Giambi's head in the game and helps him at the plate. Whatever. I can't seriously foresee Brain Tumor Giambi returning to full time 1b.
Giambi will not be traded. He has 4 years and $80 million left on his contract. Assess the situation. You think it's a big risk to wait and see if he gets healthy and partially lives up to his big contract? You think it's a big risk to wait and see if he ever returns to form? It's a much bigger risk to trade him and pay $60 or $70 million of that contract just so he hits 45 hrs and drives in 120 for another team.
Most realistically, Beltran will play cf, Giambi will dh, Olerud or somebody else will play 1b. So where does that leave Bernie? Fourth outfielder and pinch hitter? Is that really what the Yankees want? Is that really what Bernie wants? What's the point?
Oh, and let me add another bullet point: 4. Bernie can not play first base.
Holy moley. What the heck have you people been watching the past ten years? Look, I love Bernie, but this guy plays with his head in the clouds. The idea of Bernie Williams in the infield, a mere 90 feet from the batted ball ... I shudder to think.
How's this for a realistic win-win: Bernie, Vazquez, and Brown to AZ for Unit and Quinton McCracken.
I don't know about the legalities and no-trades that would have to be waived, but I think that's a somewhat realistic trade. Bernie has slipped noticeably from his prime, but he's still a very good offensive cf. AZ wouldn't want Giambi, he clearly belongs in the AL, and they've already got Richie Sexson.
Emotionally, I have mixed feelings about the notion (yes, I really do have "emotions" sometimes). Bernie belongs in Pinstripes. But does it do anybody any good to put Bernie in Pinstripes and give him 150 at-bats over the course of the season?
If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it's yours to keep. If it doesn't come back, it was never yours in the first place.
Born free / As free as the wind blows / As free as the grass grows ...
Fly, Bernie, fly! Spread your wings and fly!
1 comment:
Deep down, I know you're right. They haven't even signed Beltran yet and maybe Giambi can play first base.
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