The man who holds the major league record for clubbing 60+ home runs in three different seasons. The man who won the 1998 National League MVP. The man who, along with Mark McGwire, put on the greatest home run chase between two players in baseball history (never mind the two were "probably" on steroids, and Sosa corked his bat [at least in 2003]).
But unlike McGwire, Sosa was more the more popular transcendent major league superstar. McGwire may have set the home run record with 70 dingers in 1998, (which was later broken in 2001 by Barry Bonds who hit 73) but Sosa was the more popular figure throughout his career. The kisses, the fist pumps, the smile and the sprint out to right field made baseball Sammy Sosa's game in the late 90s and early 2000s.
Granted, he's not what he once was, and didn't even play last season. But shouldn't a small market team give him a chance?
"I still don't have an offer, and I shouldn't be looking for offers out there," Sosa told the Dominican newspaper Listin Diario. "Any team who wants to sign me should have the initiative to make me an offer."
Arrogant? Yes. But off base? No.
In his last full season, the 2007 campaign, Sosa hit .252 with 21 home runs and 92 RBI for the Texas Rangers. And he could have done even more damage, had the Rangers not opted to give Jason Botts Sosa's spot in the lineup to see if he was in their future plans late in the year. That season included Sammy's 600th home run, which he appropriately hit against the club that made him famous, the Cubs. His 609 career home runs rank him fifth on the all time list, only behind Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, and Willie Mays. Even if he's a slight downgrade from those 2007 numbers, he's guaranteed to sell you tickets.
Royals? Pirates? Nationals? Are you listening?
There are those that will make the argument that signing Sosa just retards the development of some prospect for one of these small market teams because a 40-year-old Sosa would be taking his spot. But couldn't Sosa DH for an American league team? And, would it be the worst thing to cut playing time from Coco Crisp, Steve Pearce, Brandon Moss, or Elijah Dukes?
He may be a superstar that has seen his better days. But he's still a figure who would provide interest to any team that signs him. He would likely be a cheap financial investment, and the potential reward could be far greater than the risk of losing a few hundred thousand dollars. He'll sell tickets, at least for a while. And if he's bad? Release him.
Does that sound so bad?
The Royals, Pirates and Nationals are going to stink anyways. And at least if they're going to stink, they should at least stink with some intrigue. Sosa provides that, and potentially a formidable hitter in the middle of the lineup. He says he's in good shape, and truly believes he can be a threat.
So take a look at him, token last place teams. Let Slammin' Sammy Sosa swing again.
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