Anybody want Sammy Sosa? Anybody? Four or five years ago, Sosa was untouchable. He was one of baseball's premier stars. He was one of the game's most dangerous hitters, a former MVP, and a top gate attraction. He was part of everything that was good about baseball. Oh, how things have changed.
Sosa's season long run-in with manager Dusty Baker have taken the luster off the former golden child. He now looks more like pouter than player. Of course, his premature departure in the middle of Game 162 only helped further that image.
His decline at the plate, coming in the same season that MLB tested for illegal substances, has added fuel to Sosa's rumored steroid use. It's not unreasonable for people to question just how much of Sosa's prolific output was due to ability and how much came as a result of enhanced Juicy Juice? Or that enhanced bat? Or both?
Due $17 million next year, the Cubs would probably love to move Slammin' Sammy along. However, if traded, Sosa would be guaranteed another $18 million for the following year. $35 million for two years for an aging, pouting star with declining numbers? Few general managers are going to look kindly on that deal.
In 1999, I doubt any G.M. would have passed on grabbing Sosa. Now, completely redefined as a quitter who can't produce huge numbers without a pharmacist, Oprah would have a tough time giving away Sosa and his big contact. The mighty do fall. Sometimes very quickly.
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