Ordonez Won’t Sign on Cheap
The Cubs have stated an interest in Magglio Ordonez. But they almost certainly won’t be able to sign him to a Nomar-like deal—1 year for a relatively modest amount of money so he can prove he’s fully healthy. The San Jose Mercury News picks up a Fort Worth Star-Telegram report (T.R. Sullivan, “Agent puts high price on Ordonez,” 1/25/2005) stating that the “power hitting outfielder is not willing to accept a one-year contract and a reduced salary well below the $14 million he made with the Chicago White Sox in 2004.”
Whichever team signs him—the article mentions the Rangers, Tigers, Orioles, Mets, and Blue Jays as all interested—is going to have to be awfully certain that Ordonez’s knee is healthy.