This is a discussion on Juan Gonzalez eyeing return. within the Hot off The Wire forum at Strike 3 Forums; http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/9976916 Former MVP Gonzalez hopes to return to majors ...

HollywoodLeo · **Juan Gonzalez eyeing return. -** 02-05-2007, 09:40 PM

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/9976916

Former MVP Gonzalez hopes to return to majors

Two-time AL MVP Juan Gonzalez returned to the Puerto Rican winter league this offseason in hopes of landing a contract with a major league team.

Gonzalez said "some" big league teams have showed interest in him, although he would not name them.
"There are some teams interested, but we'll wait and see what happens," the former slugger said Monday before Puerto Rico played Mexico in the Caribbean Series. "My goal is to play good baseball here and try to win."

Molina00 · 02-05-2007, 10:39 PM

I would rather the Rangers have brought back Gonzalez instead of Sosa, but I hope Gonzo can get into a good situation and show he still has some left in the tank. He was a future HOF'er for sure until his career was derailed by all these injuries.

browntown653 · 02-05-2007, 11:19 PM

This is laughable. Juan Gonzalez couldn't hit for shit with the LONG ISLAND DUCKS last season.

Dr.Funk · 02-06-2007, 02:37 PM

Why do these former great players feel the need to turn themselves into utter jokes?

brewersfan19 · 02-07-2007, 12:22 AM

Heres why-- two words-- BIG MONEY!!!!!

HollywoodLeo · 02-07-2007, 01:05 AM

You think Juan Gonzalez can get big money at this stage of his "career"?

Dr.Funk · 02-07-2007, 02:16 AM

Originally Posted by brewersfan19

Heres why-- two words-- BIG MONEY!!!!!

Minor League Contracts aren't big money.

DravenX · 02-07-2007, 02:20 AM

Might not be big money but how many of them have a degree? I don't know, if someone could look it up. What if they blew all there money already and needed money. Baseball might just be all they know if they don't have a degree.

HollywoodLeo · 02-07-2007, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by DravenX

What if they blew all there money already and needed money.

Not saying it can't happen, but anyone who makes millions of dollars a year that's out of money needs to change the way they spend their money.

redsrbetter · 02-07-2007, 11:56 AM

A-greed. Greed is seperated from the "a" for a reason. Nah but on a serious note, I am not making excuses for these guys at all, but they get so used to spending big money on extravagant things and keeping up with the Jones' they feel like they never get to the point where they have to budget anything. But once you buy your mansion and your cars, you should still be able to live the big money life without going broke.

The reason why they say they have to feed their kids is because they buy a home with a mortgage that exceeds the average amount after they get a bigtime "long-term" 3 year deal and they get used to being able to make that payment. Then they get old and nobody wants to pay them that kind of money again and they still have to chalk up the mortgage. Talk about a mega paycut. This is why you go into it with the mindset of not taking on a mortgage and paying off your home upon purchase.

Sorry for the finance lesson. But this is how I see these guys getting into these so-called binds. Now tell me, did they bring it on themselves?

HollywoodLeo · 02-07-2007, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by redsrbetter

but they get so used to spending big money on extravagant things and keeping up with the Jones' they feel like they never get to the point where they have to budget anything.

that's exactly what they need to NOT do.

redsrbetter · 02-07-2007, 12:35 PM

My whole spill on major league contracts is simple. I simply don't get why people complain about how much money they make. As I said before, they may not spend it wisely, but that is besides the point. The aggravated people are simply mad because these guys make a lot of money for playing a game and they hold out on signing a contract until they get the best possible deal. Wouldn't you? Unless I were playing for a team I loved to play for, I think I would take the money that is being offered.

Baseball is a fantastic business if used correctly. I do believe it needs a salary cap, but other than that it is a business that flourishes off revenue. The revenue is still down and the players are getting bigger contracts. This just means that the owners are chalking up the cash to try and win a championship. No harm for us, right? Now some people complain about ticket prices going up because contracts are going up. Outside of Yankees and BoSox games, name a stadium that does not have a $3-$5 ticket. They may be bad seats, but can you see the game live? And if that is too much, watch the games at home.

I am just saying that baseball is a business that sees its profits regardless of how many fans it loses and how much players make. And in the long run, it doesn't cost us (the fans) a thing outside of wasted breath complaining about it.

HollywoodLeo · 02-07-2007, 12:37 PM

I don't know, I think i'd be happy to play baseball for a living for 1 mil per year, regardless of who was paying me that. Less, really.

That's not to say i'd demand only that. If an agent could get me more, then more power to me.

But if it takes holding out to get more...that's where i'd draw the line.