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OFF(erman) You Go!

Boston Red Sox Release Jose Offerman August 1, 2002 PLEASE NOTE: You Can't Say Offerman Without Saying O-FFER (as in 0 for 5). Jose Offerman came to Boston prior to the 1999 season after signing a 4 year, $26 million contract. The media and fans jeered the Sox and then G.M. Dan Duquette, as the signing came at the expense of popular first baseman Mo Vaughn. Duquette did not quell the fan's skepticism by stating that Offerman's on- base percentage could replace Vaughn. David Shepherd hilariously nicknamed him Mose'. Bases on Offerman's 45 stolen bases the prior season, the signing was intriguing to me, as the Red Sox have historically lacked speed. The negatives were that the Sox had a plethora of middle infielders that were already playing out of position, and the money could have been spent better on trying to keep big Mo or replacing Mo's presence in the middle of the order. Offerman was also a very ugly man. There is a spot for his photo in the all- time ugly athlete photo album. Don't get me wrong, I did not always dislike Jose Offerman, I only disliked looking at Jose Offerman. Beginning on opening day 1999, when he had a multiple hit game versus his former Kansas City Royals teammates, Offerman had a fine first season in Boston. He provided a spark at the top of the line- up and was a major force as the Sox went to the ALCS. In the 1999 ALCS versus the New York Yankees, the Sox and Offerman's luck ran out. He was involved in a baserunning play early in the series where umpire Tim Tschida called Offerman out on a phantom tag by Yankees second baseman Chuck Knoblauch (sidenote: the funniest sign I have ever seen at a baseball game was at Fenway reading "TSCHIDA TSUCKS") In the following seasons Offerman's production dropped off. Whether it was injuries to his knees, apathy or age, he became a major disappointment. His defense at second base was spotty and his range limited. He stole 45 bases during his last season in Kansas City. In Boston it was as if he was running with a large sack of money slowing him down. His on- base percentage plummeted. He could not even get a sacrifice bunt down. Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy went so far as to call him "a piece of junk" in a 2002 column. Whatever positive contributions Offerman made seemed to be followed by something equally negative. The best move he made during the 2002 season was shaving off his cheesy mustache. Even as he struggled, Red Sox managers maddeningly continued to play him. Despite all of the opportunities, he became a favorite of Fenway's boo- birds. It was a rare occasion when a player who became a goat to the fans also looked like a goat. Personally, there was no one I enjoyed booing more. He played the game as if he'd rather be somewhere else. Now he'll get that opportunity. On August 1, 2002, as the Sox arrived in Texas following a trip to Anaheim, Offerman was released. The trading deadline acquisition of Cliff Floyd made a roster move necessary. The release was especially surprising considering the threat of a players strike. If the players striked and Offerman was released, he would receive the remainder of his salary. In essence, for a .232 avg. and 27 RBI's Offerman would be guaranteed $6.5 million, even while active players could potentially strike and receive no pay. Regardless, when informed of his release, Offerman, who's offseason home is in California, reacted angrily. He unleashed a profanity- laden tirade at Sox GM Mike Port. Jose was overheard shouting ""Why didn't you tell me when I was in Los Angeles?'' Considering unforeseen travel problems or sudden injuries to other members of the roster, the Sox waited until getting to Texas. Port brought the whole incident into perspective by saying, "It was my call. For $6.5 million, I felt he could wait another day.'' Bye bye Jose, enjoy your time off.

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