We know Eric Chavez has pondered retirement, but his agent Scott Leventhal told Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald the third baseman hopes to play in 2011. Chavez is having strenuous workouts five days a week at Athletes Performance in Arizona and Leventhal says he's "completely healthy." Chavez, 33 next month, has endured two back surgeries and three shoulder surgeries in his career. Recently he dealt with bulging discs in his neck.
The Dodgers are one team that has considered asking Chavez to work out for them, reports Silverman.
Let’s see him play a little. Some winter games against live competition.
This guy isn’t going to quite until his body completly disasembles during a game has to be picked up by the grounds crew and thrown into a wheelbarrow.
Joe Crede #2
He can have Brian Giles locker in spring training
Honestly, good for Chavez. I hope he finds a team willing to take him on and has some success. The guy was such a good player from 2001-2006… hopefully he can at least have a decent year or two and end on his own terms rather than due to some crippling injuries.
Always loved watching Chavez play… good luck, Eric.
Agreed. The guy was a very good player at one time, it’s tough to see him struggle with so many injuries. I have bulging disc problems in my neck too and I can tell you it can be quite painful at times, and it’s not just limited to the neck. The pain from the nerve radiates down into the shoulder and arm, down the back and into the chest. I can see why that could be debilitating for a professional ballplayer. If Chavez can get himself into shape well enough to DH and plays reasonably well I’d be happy for him. And you’re right, I’m sure he’d like the opportunity to be able to go out on his own terms rather than have his injuries force him into an early retirement.
White Sox should give him a look. He would be insurance if Brent Morel isn’t ready to take over full time at 3B. No way I want to see Vizquel play everyday at 3B in 2011, or even Viciedo/Teahen. The Sox were lucky Vizquel survived all season for them being 43 years old. If Chavez looks good enough, sign him to a minor league deal.
why were the sox lucky. Omar has never really had injury problems and has kept his body in great condition. Honestly the dude looks like he is in his thirties. If a player does not have an injury history and keeps their body healthy and in amazing shape there is no reason they shouldnt be able to play a position on the diamond(not catcher or pitcher) for a long time. Baseball is a very low wear and tear injury….Also Brent Morel is ready to take over baring an injury in SP. He prroved it last year he could handle the defense yes his bat needs to come around but I’ll deal with teh MLB growing pains of that while he is in the bigs. Omar is the super sub back up next season, you are assuming teahan even makes the club(SHOULD BE DFA’D) and Vicedio actually was not that bad at all at 3rd last season, mess up some plays but also made some great ones.
IF he is to be able to come back, he CANNOT play third! His body can’t take the punishment. Speaking from a former Chavy fan.
IF he is to be able to come back, he CANNOT play third! His body can’t take the punishment. Speaking from a former Chavy fan.
Eric Chavez attempting to stay in one piece*
Hey, call Theo Epstein. As long as Chavez has a note from the “home”, he’ll give him a shot.
Because the Cubs need more aging guys, they should ask. Maybe he could AT LEAST come in and teach Aramis Ramirez what that glove is for.
He could go to 3B and Ramirez could play 1B since Chavez is better defensively, or Chavez could be the 1B since he is injury-prone.
Jim Hendry could do a lot worse with a league minimum or minor league contract.
yes he could do a lot worse and you can bet he wil….ohhh zing!!!!!!!
I can’t see it. I doubt Chavez is going to want to change leagues at this point and I doubt anyone is going to sign him with the idea that he could play the field. He’s going to get a make good contract (if any) and he’s probably going to want to DH for a team that plays in a small park. The Rangers come to mind if Vlad leaves and they have a reasonable option available when/if Chavez goes down. Maybe even the Angels if they don’t land another high profile bat or two.
Just don’t see anyone in the NL going after the guy unless they plan on using him like the Rockies used Jason Giambi.
Anyone assuming if Chavy signs with your team will be extremely disappointed to know that if he is anything but a DH, he won’t make it past the first month of the season.
Anyone assuming if Chavy signs with your team will be extremely disappointed to know that if he is anything but a DH, he won’t make it past the first month of the season.
Assuming Chavez’ back holds up and he actually gets into a few MLB games, the Dodgers fans could change “Mannywood” to “Eric Chavez Ravine”.
This is sad, but I see him as one of the best options for the Cubbies. 1 year deal, league minimum plus small incentives?
I know the Cubs are bumping up against their payroll limit but I gotta think they’re aiming a bit higher than Chavez. Nothing against him but he can’t be brought in and then be counted on to be able to play. Of course we heard awhile back that Hendry was checking into Nick Johnson so you never know.
I gotta say, if the Cubs did get either one of those guys as their primary 1b it would be the second most obvious stupid move that Hendry ever made, second only to Milton Bradley. I mean, if there was someone who didn’t know how that signing was going to turn out as soon as it happened then they don’t have any business being a baseball fan. What does that say about Jim Hendry?