Should Rafael Palmeiro return this season?
Much speculation around Baltimore regarding Rafael Palmeiro and whether he should return to playing baseball. At first thought it seems a no-brainer, but many are wondering if he should just retire.
If Raffy plans on playing for several more years, he definitely needs to play now. He's going to be booed mercilessly no matter where he plays, and Giambi and Pay-Rod call tell you to just get it over with and eventually it doesn't bother you. Palmeiro has never really been in the spotlight before, so this will be a learning experience for him. Throughout his career he has put up big numbers while never really catching the spotlight- he's in it now big time.
The question for Rafael Palmeiro is pretty simple then. If you are going to keep playing, get out there now. BUT, he needs to recognize a few things.
One, you will never be paid huge amounts of money again. He is certainly not coming back to the Orioles next year, and I'm not sure many teams would take him. Those that do will not pay big money, so he is going to have to live with making maybe 20% of what he is used to.
Second, he will be a huge distraction every time he takes an at-bat. He is in the declining portion of his career, which will certainly put extra pressure on him. When his numbers don't add up, critics will say "take away the juice and he's not HOF material." This will only hurt his chances of getting in the HOF.
Finally, he may realize for the good of the game he should just step away. He's got enough money, he's got a family. Who wants to have their kids subjected to seeing Daddy get booed every time he plays. Might be time to just step away.
Let's see what Rafael Palmeiro decides to do.
Much speculation around Baltimore regarding Rafael Palmeiro and whether he should return to playing baseball. At first thought it seems a no-brainer, but many are wondering if he should just retire.
If Raffy plans on playing for several more years, he definitely needs to play now. He's going to be booed mercilessly no matter where he plays, and Giambi and Pay-Rod call tell you to just get it over with and eventually it doesn't bother you. Palmeiro has never really been in the spotlight before, so this will be a learning experience for him. Throughout his career he has put up big numbers while never really catching the spotlight- he's in it now big time.
The question for Rafael Palmeiro is pretty simple then. If you are going to keep playing, get out there now. BUT, he needs to recognize a few things.
One, you will never be paid huge amounts of money again. He is certainly not coming back to the Orioles next year, and I'm not sure many teams would take him. Those that do will not pay big money, so he is going to have to live with making maybe 20% of what he is used to.
Second, he will be a huge distraction every time he takes an at-bat. He is in the declining portion of his career, which will certainly put extra pressure on him. When his numbers don't add up, critics will say "take away the juice and he's not HOF material." This will only hurt his chances of getting in the HOF.
Finally, he may realize for the good of the game he should just step away. He's got enough money, he's got a family. Who wants to have their kids subjected to seeing Daddy get booed every time he plays. Might be time to just step away.
Let's see what Rafael Palmeiro decides to do.
posted by Tom at
1:07 PM
