2008 Woodie Awards
From a Bear to a Bird: Sosa Fit for Baltimore
Jonathan Stone
Issue date: 2/9/05 Section: Perspectives
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Slammin' Sammy Sosa is in the news yet again. Over the past few years he has been on countless highlight reels for impressive homers (including his 500th career), and he has been publicly criticized for using a corked back, and for his egotistical approach toward team work. His trade from the Chicago Cubs to the Baltimore Orioles is now in the limelight, in what appears to be a win-win situation for both ball clubs.
There is no doubt Sosa's illustrious career is nearing its final act. Last season, at the age of 36, he posted a .253 batting average, 35 homeruns, and 80 runs batted in. For the future Hall-of-Famer, the only number that looks off is the .253. The rbis were expected to go down since he was batting sixth in the order, and he had more protection in the order with Lee, Ramirez, and Garciaparra.
The Cubs should be thankful they are rid of him. After he walked out on his team and his fans during the last game of the season, he became Chicago's favorite super-dud. Now, Sammy gets a fresh start in a new city. Sosa has the opportunity to compliment Rafael Palmeiro, fellow future Hall-of-Famer and member of the 500 club, in what could turn out to be one of the greatest lefty-righty duos in the history of the game.
It is obvious Sosa is the perfect fit in Baltimore. Just imagine a lineup going 3-4-5 with Miguel Tejada, Rafael Palmeiro, and Sammy Sosa. Now contemplate Melvin Mora, Baltimore's five-tool team MVP, hitting second, getting on and finding a way to get into scoring position. Then add All-Star catcher Javy Lopez into the six slot. With five men in the heart of their batting order who all possess the ability to hit over .300, hit over 30 homeruns, and drive in over 100 rbis in a season, pitchers will have many sleepless nights. Even though they have a great lineup, Baltimore is a team who is still searching for an identity. Their pitching is getting better each year, but they need to solidify first base, second base, third base, and left field with players that can be dubbed "starting [enter position here] for the next decade". In all probability, they should finish third, but come no where near the Yankees or the Red Sox.
There is no doubt Sosa's illustrious career is nearing its final act. Last season, at the age of 36, he posted a .253 batting average, 35 homeruns, and 80 runs batted in. For the future Hall-of-Famer, the only number that looks off is the .253. The rbis were expected to go down since he was batting sixth in the order, and he had more protection in the order with Lee, Ramirez, and Garciaparra.
The Cubs should be thankful they are rid of him. After he walked out on his team and his fans during the last game of the season, he became Chicago's favorite super-dud. Now, Sammy gets a fresh start in a new city. Sosa has the opportunity to compliment Rafael Palmeiro, fellow future Hall-of-Famer and member of the 500 club, in what could turn out to be one of the greatest lefty-righty duos in the history of the game.
It is obvious Sosa is the perfect fit in Baltimore. Just imagine a lineup going 3-4-5 with Miguel Tejada, Rafael Palmeiro, and Sammy Sosa. Now contemplate Melvin Mora, Baltimore's five-tool team MVP, hitting second, getting on and finding a way to get into scoring position. Then add All-Star catcher Javy Lopez into the six slot. With five men in the heart of their batting order who all possess the ability to hit over .300, hit over 30 homeruns, and drive in over 100 rbis in a season, pitchers will have many sleepless nights. Even though they have a great lineup, Baltimore is a team who is still searching for an identity. Their pitching is getting better each year, but they need to solidify first base, second base, third base, and left field with players that can be dubbed "starting [enter position here] for the next decade". In all probability, they should finish third, but come no where near the Yankees or the Red Sox.