Braves Forget the Alomar

Jason Michael Barker

There were two interesting free agent signings on Tuesday, and no, I'm not talking about stathead favorite Roberto Petagine inking a deal to play in Japan. In two of the biggest so moves this off-season, Cleveland signed 2B Roberto Alomar and the Braves locked up OF Brian Jordan.

Despite having super-prospect Enrique Wilson waiting in the wings, the Tribe felt the need to plug a perceived hole at second. Wilson could have done the job for a fraction of what they're paying Alomar ($32M over four years), but on the whole the deal makes sense. Alomar is one of the best in the game at his position both at the plate and in the field, and considering the contract Jose Offerman signed with the Red Sox earlier this month, the money is right.

Roberto Alomar
Year	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	TA
95-97	132	506	89	162	30	4	16	73	59	51	19	4	.320	.386	.493	.895
1998	147	588	86	166	36	1	14	56	59	70	18	5	.282	.347	.418	.731

Curiously, Cleveland seemed to be the only team seriously persuing Alomar. Whether this is because of his perceived attitude problem (i.e. the spitting incident), his off-year in 1998, or because Alomar himself only seriously considered Cleveland, we'll never know. Regardless, Cleveland now has an even more dangerous lineup, and perhaps the best defensive infield (Fryman, Vizquel, Alomar) in baseball.

Brian Jordan
Year	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	TA
95-97	106	383	61	113	20	2	13	65	20	61	17	5	.294	.340	.458	.771
1998	150	564	100	178	34	7	25	91	40	66	17	5	.316	.368	.534	.885

Meanwhile, the Braves plugged a real hole in RF by signing Jordan, who will be 32 next March, to a five-year deal worth $40M. Although the former NFL cornerback provides an immediate upgrade over the departed Michael Tucker, this is the sort of signing which might end up a huge failure.

Jordan has been plagued by injuries throughout his playing career, including missing most of both the 1994 and 1997 seasons. Last year marked the first time in his career he was able to play in 150 games. Factor in his age, and his health is a serious concern.

Then there's his ability. Jordan enjoyed a career year at the plate last season, slugging .568 with a .360 on-base percentage, but as we well know, players who have career years at age 31 aren't likely repeat them. In addition, Jordan has never shown himself to be a good judge of the strike zone, with a career K:BB ratio of nearly 3:1.

"So what?" you're probably saying. OK, on to the interesting part.

As recently as a few weeks ago, the Braves were in dire need of a second baseman. To fill the hole, they traded P Denny Neagle, Tucker and P Rob Bell to the Reds for 2B Bret Boone and P Mike Remlinger. Most people agree that this was far too much to give up for an overrated second sacker and a journeyman reliever, but the Braves praised Boone's glove and power and cited an excess of starting pitching.

Now consider this scenario: Instead of making that trade, what if the Braves had simply signed Alomar? They would be far better of at 2B, and only slightly worse off in RF with Tucker instead of Jordan. They would also still have Bell, a top pitching prospect, not to mention Neagle and Tucker, who could have been packaged for an upgrade in the outfield (Larry Walker? Bobby Higginson?).

Unless it's really the case that Alomar has his heart set on playing in Cleveland and wouldn't sign elsewhere, it appears that the Braves dropped the proverbial ball on this one.

Four years of Alomar, who has a history of success and has remained relatively injury-free, is a much better bet than five years of Jordan, who has a spotty success record and a history of injuries. Alomar also plays a position at which it is much tougher to find a decent replacement. In theory, it all works out nicely. But as we all know, baseball often strays from the rational.

Just ask Woody Woodward.

 

about the author

Jason Michael Barker is still bitter about Felipe Lira. Not about any trade or anything involving him, just about Lira himself. Sympathize at jmb@strikethree.com.