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Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Yep. He's Still Big.

After reading how the Red Sox had signed former Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon to a minor league deal, I was hoping against hope he'd spent the winter like Manny; working out like a maniac.

Today, he arrived at Spring Training. I think he may have eaten Shrek.

Now, being in top shape is not a requirement for a pitcher: see Schilling, Curt and Wells, David for further proof. But you'd like to see a guy who, even though he won the Cy Young and went 21-5 in 2005, coming off 2 injury plagued, frustrating years, at LEAST show up looking better than the guy you just saw leaving the grocery store with a case of Pabst Blue Ribbon and an extra large bag of pork rinds.

Don't get me wrong; I think this is a great move by Theo. Knowing Schilling is out until at least the All-Star break and not completely sure how far they can push Buchholz, Colon is an insurance policy. If he can pitch, great. If not? No harm, no foul.

It's sort of like which came first, the chicken or the egg? Did the extra weight cause the injuries, or did the injuries cause the extra weight? Personally? The guy can look like he just left the all you can eat buffet at Golden Corral if he can still get guys out. To quote Al Davis, Just Win, Baby.

Besides, the Red Sox could use another El Guapo.

Something tells me if he makes the team, Rakes has a new favorite player.

14 comments:

Tex said...

after losing so much weight 7 yrs ago...then gaining it back this past 2 yrs...i can tell ya all the injuries and illnesses i had worsen with weight gain. So I'm sorta on the fence with Colon.

Just because Beckett is a Pitching Pod right now doesn't mean he will always be. I hope Colon comes in and works hard to produce for us. But I'm not depending on him.

Ted D said...

Tex, I guess my point is a guy whose job is to be an athlete, with enough money not to worry about anything else, could have showed up in better shape. However, his injuries and problems could prevent him from working out like he needs to. Trust me, I'm not making fun of him for being big. Well, maybe a little.

And I'm not counting on him either. It's a nice piece to have in the bag just in case though.

Tex said...

yah I definitely believe athletes who are paid have an obligation to take care of themself.

Ted D said...

Tex, that is what I was trying to say.

Badly, yes. But that was it.

Have you heard anything from Hayes about the hotel room?

Tex said...

ive been so busy I forgot to email her. Ill do that now.

Ted D said...

Please do.

You aren't missing Tedapalooza over a hotel room, young lady.

HorshamScouse said...

You're right, multi-million dollar contracts come with an oblicgation to stay in shape.
My real gripe with the Colon deal is this: there has to be someone out there for this insurance role better than Colon with all his baggage (pun intended), and what did Theo see in this guy that the freakin' Royals couldn't see?

HorshamScouse said...

Obligation. Blogger needs a spill chucker:)

Ted D said...

Good question, Horsham.

Like I said, to me it's basically an insurance policy. Nothing more, nothing less.

And blogger definately needs a spill chucker. :)

Tree Newt said...

The Shrek comment cracked me up. That dude is LARGE.

Redbeard76 said...

Large and in charge. I think he's going to surprise some people. And to think we got him for a steal.

Ted D said...

Large is a good choice of words, Mattie.

Ted D said...

Stephen, I've got to refresh before posting a comment.

If he pans out, this will be looked at as one of the best moves of the offseason. If he doesnt?

No big deal.

~**Dawn**~ said...

I am having this flashback of last Spring Training. And Schill was so big, he looked like he'd eaten Pedroia for a pre-game snack. You couldn't even see Dustin standing behind him at 2B!