Taking a Gamble - Sosa, Piazza and the Big Hurt

The Hot Stove has been somewhat tepid lately and I don't expect any rise in temperature in the coming few weeks.

The only thing that keeps me heading back to MLB.com at the moment is my eagerness to know what is going to happen to the big three names that are left on the free agent list, if indeed anything happens to them at all.

I refer, of course, to Mike Piazza, Sammy Sosa and the Big Hurt Frank Thomas. I have sat eagle-eyed at the computer screen waiting for some news of who is going to take the gamble on these three. And believe me it is some gamble to take, let's go over the trio.

Sosa
Last year Sosa picked up a cool $17,875,000 to underperform as an Oriole. He was unable to live up to his hard-hitting reputation and hit just 14 long balls and 45 RBIs in a disappointing season.
Due to his increasing age and decreasing skills I don't think he would add much pop to many line ups. To be honest I don't think Sosa has much to offer any team in any position. He no longer holds the attributes that made him so valuable. He strikes out consistently, is not a dependable hitter and has only average fielding skills. I think at this point in time, Sosa is probably the least valuable of the big three.
The only team that seem to want to take their chance on Sosa so far is the Nationals whose GM Jim Bowden said he was interested in the aging slugger. The move would see Sosa shift from right field to left but I don't think it would be a good move for Washington.

Thomas
Minnesota have popped up as the likely candidates to sign the two-time MVP as they have made it clear they are looking for a DH. The Twins were also said to be interested in Piazza but have since rebuked those claims so a deal with Thomas looks more likely.
Unlike Sosa the big question mark hanging over Thomas is not his ability. He is still a consistent hitter of the ball and can still scare pitchers with his power. The major concern about Thomas has to be his health. Last season Thomas underwent ankle surgery the results of which are likely to render him a liability on the bases. That is a major drawback and, although I am a huge White Sox fan, I can only put him as the second most valuable of the three.

Piazza
I think that Mike Piazza still has a lot to offer in the MLB. He is experienced and past his best but he could fill a DH roll nicely and the rest from being a full time catcher may improve his form at the plate.
His form as of late has been far from fantastic but he would make a nice reserve catcher and a steady bat. The Angels have caught wind of this and have already expressed their need for a part-time catcher and DH and right-handed power hitter.
For my money Piazza is the best of the three and I think his influence and experience will make as big a difference to the team he signs for as his performance at the plate.

Of course after reviewing the three it is clear that they all have their drawbacks. The big question is whether the teams interested in these players would rather field a rookie, who can only get better, than take a chance on these ageing superstars. Only time will tell.