Earlier this morning, it was reported that David Eckstein had decided to retire, but Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports says that's not the case (Twitter link). Rosenthal quotes Eckstein's agent, Ryan Gleichowski: "If the right opportunity arises, he will play."
Jon Heyman tweeted earlier today that Eckstein had the opportunity to play for the Mariners last season, but turned it down. The 10-year veteran has played for five teams in his career, totaling a .280/.345/.355 triple slash line.
Eckstein didn't play in the 2011 season, so it's unlikely any team would commit a Major League contract to him. Gleichowski's quote suggests that Eckstein will likely be selective, so he may prefer to sign only with a contender or to play close to his native Florida (though that's just my speculation).
When they say “prefer to sign only with a contender,” do you think he would be interested in playing for the Columbus Clippers? Back-to-back champs, and the Indians have been actively adding to that team for another title run.
come back to the cards on a minor league deal
Does anyone remember that show “Flavor of Love” where girls competed for Flava Flav’s affection? Is this the MLB equivalent? Because honestly I can’t see how Flava Flav or David Eckstein can be selective at this point in time.
In other (still unreported) news, Kevin Millwood has signed with the Mariners.
Would have been a delight to see Eckstein play in Seattle last year. Was he afraid he’d have to bat clean-up?
If Eckstein won’t even come to Seattle.. what hope is there in Fielder?
Money.
Red Sox?
The Red Sox must have traded Scutaro so that they could clear payroll to go after Eckstein…
Go after a 37 year old hitter who has declined in his later years, while also not having a ton of money to spend anyway? That makes perfect sense. Then again, if no deal comes soon for a pitcher, the Scutaro deal would make just as much sense as signing Eckstein.
But he was a world series mvp!
Keyword: WAS
Then get Renteria.
I was thinking Orlando Cabrera but I like how you think…
Sarcasm can be hard to detect on the interwebz. Besides, we should have signed Omar!
they would probably set a record for the shortest middle infielders in history, right? 5’6″ & 5’9″
they would probably set a record for the shortest middle infielders in history, right? 5’6″ & 5’9″
I think he might be a good fit for the Rays. If the Rays go out and sign him and Derek Lee, their lineup could start to become dangerous.
Mark it down – Cincinnati Reds.
Eckstein will follow in the line of over-the-hill Short Stops (Orlando Cabrera, Edgard Renteria) that bring “veteran presence” (bad defense and not much else) to the team. Not to mention he is a former St. Louis Cardinal which Jocketty LOVES to collect).
I was thinking the same thing… unfortantly
I’m shocked the Dodgers havn’t signed him for $5 mil
Aaron Hill’s hoping that he doesn’t land in Arizona.
Ctownboy is usually negative on the reds front office but I am inclined to agree about eekstein.. If that be the case then I will have difficulty cheering for him. He was annoying during the rally monkey days and I couldn’t stand him with the cardinals. The reds would be better off coaxing o-cab in a minor league deal.or leave it alone