Rob E Dangerously 0 Report post Posted July 14, 2003 http://espn.go.com/mlb/news/2003/0713/1580117.html Gonzalez told The Dallas Morning News that he has fired agent Jeff Moorad and replaced him with Fernando Cuza of SFX Sports Group. The newspaper reported that Hart already has been in discussions with Cuza, who was Gonzalez's agent earlier in his career. Hart told ESPN that he wants to make sure Cuza and Gonzalez are aware of all options regarding the player's future. Hart also said Gonzalez wants to remain in the American League, preferably for a team that plays on natural turf. That would rule out the NL's Dodgers, reportedly one of the teams initially making inquiries. One team fitting that criteria is Kansas City, which in 1995 replaced the artificial surface in Kauffman Stadium with natural grass. The Royals reportedly are interested in Gonzalez, according to the Morning News, and can offer the sort of young pitching that would make the trade attractive to the Rangers. The Royals might appeal to Gonzalez because Kauffman Stadium is more of a hitter's park (the fences were moved in and lowered in '95) and Tony Pena is one of the few Latino managers in the majors. Pena is from the Dominican Republic; Gonzalez is from Puerto Rico. The Yankees apparently would also love to have Gonzalez, who entered Sunday tied for fourth in the AL in home runs with 23 and seventh in RBI with 66. The Post reported that a Yankees-Rangers deal could be finalized if the two teams can solve financial and personnel issues. Gonzalez makes $12 million this season, but $4.5 million of that is deferred. According to the Post, the Yankees would like to pick up the remainder of Gonzalez's contract this season, which would be around $3.75 million. But perhaps the biggest hurdle with the Yankees would be Gonzalez's willingness to play in New York. He rejected a deal in 2000 when he was in Detroit. Two years later, Gonzalez spurned the Mets as a free agent. Cuza, however, might be able to work on Gonzalez's New York state of mind. One of the agent's clients is Yankees reliever Mariano Rivera, and the SFX group represents Roger Clemens, Mike Mussina, Jason Giambi and Hideki Matsui. Ya know.. this must be the first time in years that a big name star could end up in Kansas City. Although I would prefer that Juan come here and we keep Beltran. It'd certainly add power to the lineup. It's flattering. Although, does Juan still want a new contract from his new team for 2004? or will he end up in New York? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted July 14, 2003 His Agent will sell him straight to NY no matter what... Gonzo would be interesting in Kansas though... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Lightning Flik Report post Posted July 14, 2003 Gonzo in KC would be quite an interesting tale. Although, as CO said, his agent will sell him HARD on NYY. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest cpac Report post Posted July 14, 2003 Gonzo in NY???????? What crack pipe is everybody smoking around here????? This is a guy who turned down a trade to the Yankees back in 2000 when he was playing with the last place tigers. Then last year he screwed the Mets over. Then this year he turns down a trade to the Expos because he would rather play with the crappy Rangers. This guy had a loser mentallity, I'll pass thank you very much. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob E Dangerously 0 Report post Posted July 14, 2003 "I like New York, but on weekends only. There are too many pressures there: owners, players, fans, press. There are a lot of bad vibrations in that city. I'd like to stay in Arlington for my entire career." --- Juan Gonzalez, Texas Monthly, April 1999 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Lightning Flik Report post Posted July 14, 2003 "I like New York, but on weekends only. There are too many pressures there: owners, players, fans, press. There are a lot of bad vibrations in that city. I'd like to stay in Arlington for my entire career." --- Juan Gonzalez, Texas Monthly, April 1999 I must say that at least Gonzo has more loyalty (if you can call it that) than most pro sports players. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob E Dangerously 0 Report post Posted July 14, 2003 then again, he was traded to Detroit and he played a year in Cleveland after saying that. But, he did come back to Arlington. So, that works out. Lets hope he also keeps his word and vetos the pinstripes Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bored 0 Report post Posted July 14, 2003 There was a brief mention in the San Francisco Chronicle today that the A's are one of the teams in the Gonzalez sweepstakes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
