Possible for Right Field

by helen on Feb 8, 2006 1:33 PM CST

Well, I haven't heard his name mentioned, so I thought I'd point out that Tim Salmon will be looking for a job this spring. I'm hoping the Cubs are gonna be watching, he'll be right down the road in Tempe, and if healthy, could be a nice add.

Salmon's had bad knee problems the last couple of years, and had surgery last year to correct them. He's reportedly crushing the cover off off the ball now, but really there's no place within the Angel organization for him since Vlad is in right.

Salmon's a dying breed: a one team guy. He's been given a non-roster invite to Spring Training with the Angels as a thank you for a great career, but has no illusions about his chances of making the team. He knows that part of his spring will be determining if he can actually play, if his knees will hold.

Full story, LA Times: http://tinyurl.com/aarl3

So, I figure he might be a good pickup this spring, if he's healthy, for a one year contract. If a Cubs scout can spend a day or two a week in Tempe, they can get a good idea of how realistic him playing again might be.

The guy really can hit, though his range in right is suspect. A platoon with Jones might work, but my fear is that if we get another outfielder, it'll be Murton who sits.

Your thoughts?

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I can't see it...

... Salmon missed all of last year, and in 2004 he played only nine games in the outfield.

So it's been three years since he spent any significant time in the outfield -- I think he'd be worse than a statue out there.

If the NL had the DH rule, sure. Otherwise -- nope.

by Al Yellon on Feb 8, 2006 1:38 PM CST reply actions

Timmy Salmon

Will not be playing the outfield, ever again, for any team.

by escapegoat on Feb 8, 2006 1:53 PM CST up reply actions

Salmon

could barely play outfield before the shoulder and knee surgery. He's pinch-hitter/DH material only.

But to say something nice about the guy, he's was a heck of a player in his day, and very under appreciated, Rookie of the Year notwithstanding. Honestly, I think he edges out Kirk Gibson as the greatest post-war player to never make an All-Star team, and that's a shame. (Although I'm not crying over the fact that both started for World Series Champions.)

Salmon really belongs in the Ray Lankford Wing of the Hall of Fame. A fine, fine player who could really hit. If he wants to go one more season pinch-hitting and DHing for Tampa Bay or Kansas City, then more power to him. But "ripping the cover off the ball" in late-January does not mean one can still do that in April. He's 37 years old and he hasn't played in 18 months. If there's anything left in his tank, it will be a minor miracle.

Baseball can be summed up in one word--you never know--Joaquin Andujar

by Josh Timmers on Feb 9, 2006 2:16 AM CST reply actions