Abreu: Play me or trade me

At age 37, Bobby Abreu isn't exactly washed up as a Major League Baseball player. If he's hid in a good lineup he could still produce. Not at a high level, but he can still produce. Put him with the Detroit Tigers at DH or in leftfield and I think he could go for 15-20 homers and a .275 average. I just don't think he's an everyday player at this point in his career.

Don't tell that to Abreu. He still wants to be an everyday player and if the Los Angeles Angels don't give him that chance he wants to be traded.


"I'm an every-day player. I can still be in the lineup for a Major League team," said Abreu from his native Venezuela. "I will not be on the bench knowing that I can play.


"If the Angels don't have a position for me, then the best thing is to trade me. It would be the correct (thing) to do. I won't be able to do nothing sitting in the bench."


"I want to play, and I believe I can help this team. But if there is no spot for me, then I would prefer to play somewhere different," said the left-handed hitter and two time All-Star.


At this point Abreu is no more than a platoon player. He can still be an effective player, just not an everyday player. I'm not saying he is ready for spot duty, but if he wants to play everyday it might be as a DH.

Iverson gets a contract offer...from indoor soccer league

It looks like another obscure indoor sports league is making big news again. After Terrell Owens signed with the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League, the Rochester Lancers of the Major Indoor Soccer League announced they have offered a contract to former NBA star Allen Iverson. 

Under the contract offered, Iverson would make $20,000 per game, with a $5,000 bonus for each goal scored. There would also be win bonuses and merchandise bonuses. There's only one problem. There are only two games left in the season.


"Allen Iverson is one of the premier athletes of our time," said Rich Randall, Lancers vice president.  "With his athleticism and competitive hunger, I think he can be a great fit with our team and fans as we make an important playoff push, while also driving interest to an exciting, growing sport."  


I find it nothing more than a ploy to get your team and league in the news. I guess any publicity is good publicity in this case. Don't look for Iverson to be kicking it on a soccer field near you. Even though Iverson has been reported to be in dire straits financially, the money wouldn't be enough to satisfy Iverson and his lavish lifestyle. But if he wants to stay over here in the U.S. this would be his chance.