Colorado’s Baker picking right time to get hot
Advertisement
Text size: small | medium | large
By Jeff Christian
Published: July 28, 2008
Jeff Baker, who played his high school baseball at Gar-Field, has gotten hot and in a big way for the Colo-rado Rockies.
Sunday, Baker went 3 for 6, with his ninth home run of the season, a pair of RBI and three runs scored in an 11-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds.
Over the Rockies last eight games, Baker has played in six of them.
During that time, Baker is batting a sizzling .560, going 14 for 25, with 11 runs scored, a double, a triple, three home runs, six RBI and three walks.
Baker has played when and where ever asked to. So far this year, Baker has played 17 games at first base, 37 at second, three at third, two in right field, three as a designated hitter and 15 times as a pinch-hitter.
With Thursday’s trade deadline rapidly approaching, could Baker be on his way out of Colorado? This is a contract year for the former Clemson Tiger.
Have the Rockies put him in the lineup due to his hot bat? Or, are the Rockies showcasing him for a possible deal?
If they are looking to trade him, his bat has gotten hot at the right time.
Entering Monday night’s game in Pittsburgh against the Pirates, Baker is hitting .302 and his nine home runs gives him 18 for his career.
SPEAKING OF THE TRADE DEADLINE... Did you hear the rumor that the Boston Red Sox may trade Manny Ramirez?
Strange, but true.
If the BoSox trade Manny, who could afford his $20 million contract?
Try the New York Mets, or the Philadelphia Phillies. The Mets could send Moises Alou to Boston, while the Phillies could trade Geoff Jenkins and Class AA catcher Lou Marson, who Philadelphia has told others was off limits.
LOCALLY, THE NATIONALS and Orioles could be busy between now and Thursday.
The Washington Nationals could deal second baseman Felipe Lopez since the team has announced that in-coming Emilio Bonifacio will be the everyday second baseman for the 2009 season.
For Lopez, it shouldn’t be that big of a loss. In fact, he should welcome a trade from one of the worst teams in baseball. The Nationals are not a good baseball team and will not be one for a long time.
As for the Orioles, they are fielding calls about second baseman Brian Roberts, outfielder Jay Payton, des-ignated hitter Aubrey Huff and relievers George Sherrill and Chad Bradford.
President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail has said if any team wants to talk to the Orioles about any of their veterans, he will be glad to listen to any offers.
That’s another team that is in need of a new owner and a new roster.
Sell the team to Cal Ripken, Peter, please!
Jeff Christian is the assistant sports editor for the Potomac News/Manassas Journal Messenger. He can be reached at
Post a Comment
The commenting period has ended or commenting has been deactivated for this article.
Can't find what you're looking for? Try our quick search:
