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A Sammy sanctuary: protected in the lineup and free of the baggage that piled up on him in Chicago, Sammy Sosa will have no excuses if he fails with the Orioles.
It's all on Sammy Sosa now. If he can't revive himself with the Orioles, he never will.
The fans in Baltimore are the most patient in the Northeast Corridor. Orioles manager Lee Mazzilli isn't nearly as imposing a personality as the Cubs' Dusty Baker. And Camden Yards, though not as much of a hitters park as Wrigley Field, is favorable to righthanded sluggers.
Baltimore still is two starting pitchers short of presentable, but the Orioles finished sixth in the American League in runs last season without Sosa, and their power-packed lineup should be even better with him in it. The A.L. East stage will be suitably grand for Sosa--the Orioles play nearly one-fourth of their games against the Yankees and Red Sox--but not oppressive. Put it all together, and Sosa, 36, couldn't have asked for a better outcome.
The Orioles were his No. 1 choice--yes, even ahead of the Mets, the team that showed the most early interest. The fan and media pressure in New York, combined with the demands of the city's Dominican community, would have been difficult for Sosa to bear. It's telling that he didn't require a contract extension to waive his no-trade clause for the Orioles. He almost certainly would have required one from the Mets.
Clearly, this isn't only about money; Sosa is forfeiting $22.5 million to escape Chicago, confident he'll restore his earning power with a big year. This is his chance to prove he's still Sammy. That he can slug even under more rigorous steroid testing. That he can subjugate his ego with a new team. That he is a better player--and person--than he was last season, when it all blew up with the Cubs.
Memo to Sammy: Turn down the boom box. Acknowledge that shortstop Miguel Tejada is the Orioles' leader. Shut up, show up, and play. Sosa's fall from grace has been so pronounced, few are even aware that he's just 26 homers shy of 600. Some of the criticism of Sosa is unjust, considering all he has accomplished over the past 16 seasons. But when you cork a bat, feud with a popular, charismatic manager and generally transform yourself into Sammy Diva, then walk out on your team on the final day of the season, you lose your right to a fair trial.
Not that it matters anymore. Sosa's divorce with the Cubs is official. Opening ...
- Sammy Sosa Commemorative Online Auction Set for Sept 30, Bidhit.com Auction...
- Press release article from: Business Wire September 29, 1999 700+ words
...announce the items to be featured in the Sammy Sosa Commemorative Online Auction. Bidding...this is a "one-day only" event. Sammy Sosa star outfielder for the Chicago Cubs...to be auctioned are as follows: - Sammy Sosa 1995-96 Game Used black Rawlings...
- Chicagoland Starbucks Go to Bat for Sammy Sosa Foundation.
- Press release article from: PR Newswire September 18, 1998 700+ words
...This weekend, saying "thanks" to Sammy Sosa and helping underprivileged kids...Starbucks location in Chicagoland. The Sammy Sosa Foundation is teaming up with Starbucks...Venti" sized blended beverage to the Sammy Sosa Foundation. All 106 Starbucks Chicagoland...
- Sammy Sosa arrives on time for a change, ready to reinvent himself.
- Newspaper article from: Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL) February 19, 2003 700+ words
...Sullivan MESA, Ariz. _ Timing is everything, as Sammy Sosa seems intent on proving at the outset of the Dusty...his favorites while burning candles. Baker wants Sammy Sosa to be Sammy Sosa, and what would Sosa be without his music. "Really...
- Sammy Sosa Hits 'Home' Run for Habitat for Humanity.
- Press release article from: PR Newswire August 28, 2000 700+ words
...going ... gone!" You can count on Sammy Sosa, home run slugger and four-time...aluminum industry is distributing the Sammy Sosa "Make Every Can Count!" spot in...for Habitat for Humanity. I'm Sammy Sosa and I recycle aluminum cans in my...
- Facts are being obscured in Sammy Sosa Matter.
- Newspaper article from: Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL) June 6, 2003 700+ words
...Morrissey CHICAGO _ Three days after Sammy Sosa was uncorked and otherwise decanted...s transgressions. This is about Sammy Sosa, even if there has been a public...possible, let's keep our eye on Sammy Sosa. Try not to wander. ___ (c...
- Sammy Sosa appears to be a changed man.
- Newspaper article from: Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL) March 29, 2007 700+ words
...love-with-life hops that were Sammy Sosa's trademark when he was the toast...with his work ethic. I know what Sammy Sosa can do, and that's all I care...thing. He's starting to believe in Sammy Sosa. That's what matters." When...
- SAMMY SOSA BATEADOR CON CORAZON.(jugador de béisbol)(TT: Sammy Sosa, a batter...
- Magazine article from: Américas (Spanish Edition) Heuer, Robert March 1, 1999 700+ words
...cuatro aos con el jardinero derecho Sammy Sosa. Dinero perdido, dijeron los escpticos...beneficencia del beisbolista. La Fundacin Sammy Sosa auspici un proyecto inmobiliario...un centro comercial en San Pedro. Sosa haba visto a muchos nios acudir a...
- Sammy Sosa lauds Piniella, hopes for Hall of Fame induction.
- Newspaper article from: Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL) April 17, 2007 700+ words
...strange convergence of circumstances brought Sammy Sosa's life full circle. The "next Sammy Sosa" started his Wrigley Field career as the real Sammy Sosa was winding his down a few miles to the south...