Bob Horner?

The Philadelphia Daily News had a special treat waiting for us today- a quick poll of the worst trades, draft picks and free agent signings in recent history. What better way to follow up reading about another desultory night at the ballpark- as the Phillies second loss in a row took the paltry shine off the glow their recent semi-decent play had generated? Nothing like a quick tour through desultory decision making.

All the folks I loved to boo are there! Lance Parrish! Kevin Allen! Shawn Bradley! The last one hurts the most- because you at the time Lance and Kevin arrived in Philadelphia, you could make a cognizant argument they could play. But serious person thought Bradley could- at least never at a level justifying him being taken second overall.

Interesting that Ryne Sandberg is not on the list. But his departure, as a throw in for Ivan DeJesus, has ever rattled the locals that much. First, DeJesus was one of those late season bandage players teams add to get to and succeed at the post-season- and it worked that year for the Phillies. The Phillies made the World Series. Second, I- and a lot of other Philadelphians- never got Ryne as a “great player”.

Forget the defense. Anyone who is a plus-asset defensively is going to have to play somewhere other than second before I believe he’s really, really helping. He sure had some good years with the bat- but before I say he was in Joe Morgan’s league, I wonder long and hard about the Riverfront/Wrigley duality. Still, good power numbers for a middle infielder. I dunno. He was a good player- and even a single MVP award, even if it was a career year, is a huge step toward being a great player. However, that was his only real run at it (finished fourth twice, never close otherwise).

But again, you probably would have hesitated before trading say, Bob Horner, straight up for him any time during Horner’s first eight years or so. Sandberg, sort of, in a way, is like Cal Ripken, Jr.- a guy whose simple longevity and health really, really help his credentials- albeit Cal isn’t in yet. And there ought to be a higher standard for Hall of Famer players that that, right? But Ozzie Smith is in there- a light hitting guy I wouldn’t have traded the Sarge straight up for- so what can you do?