Unless baseball is implementing a radical new rule change for the 2006 season, Jack Flynn has a numbers problem – too many center fielders! Less than a month after signing David DeJesus to a five-year contract extension, St. Jack's completed a long-term deal with Grady Sizemore on March 29 that will keep the rising star in a Demons uniform at least through 2011. If you're keeping score at home, that's two center fielders locked up for at least the next five years – and only room for one in the outfield!
As if the DeJesus/Sizemore conundrum wasn't enough, St. Jack's also has Vernon Wells signed through 2007 and Juan Pierre signed through 2006. What does this all mean? "Run the numbers, stupid!" Flynn churlishly snapped at inquiring reporter earlier today. "Someone's got to go!"
Team insiders believe that Pierre is the most likely to be traded, given his flexible contract status. However, a down year at the plate and in the field has left the fleet footed center fielder with a 39/33 and a 3e4 in the field. Pierre will likely be marketed as a pinch runner with no injury who is a prime candidate for a comeback in 2006. It is believed St. Jack's will be so happy to relieve some of the
current center field logjam that they will accept just about anything to be rid of Pierre, even if it's just a mid-round draft pick.
Still, that won't solve the two-headed monster of DeJesus and Sizemore. Both are left-handed singles hitters, although Sizemore is generally considered to have more potential, speed and power than DeJesus. Wells is not likely to be affected, as he is the right-handed and the best defender among the three – making him the perfect platoon partner and defensive replacement. Sizemore will start the season with the big club while DeJesus will be plying his trade in Pearl River, hoping for a call-up or a trade to a team struggling for help in center.
Posted by nylistratleague
at 9:19 PM EDT
