Alex Rios’ Valentine to Toronto
Alex Rios has every reason in the world to be excited for April 12th, 2010. Whether or not the fans feel the same way remains to be seen, but he will be coming back to the city where he became the face of a franchise.
Rios will star in the second most anticipated return of a former Blue Jay when the Jays take on the Chicago White Sox in their Home Opener and Alex returns to his former stomping grounds.
After a less than impressive debut with the White Sox mid-way through the 2009 campaign, he’s looking to turn things around in his first full year on the south side of Chicago.
ADVERTISEMENT
Often accused of lacking focus, apparently Rios got an early jump on Spring Training and went to Miami earlier in January to work closely with White Sox hitting coach Greg Walker to fine-tune his swing for the upcoming season.
I constantly ask myself if the Blue Jays made the right move by giving up on Alex Rios. If his first few months in Chicago are any indication of what’s to come, then yes.
However, just like his former teammate Vernon Wells, I think we have seen the lowest of the low when it comes to Alex Rios. He will either rise to the occasion or become a $59 million dollar paperweight on the White Sox bench.
Surprisingly, I’m actually eagerly anticipating seeing what happens to Alex Rios this year. In my mind, he still has all the tools to make him an All-Star, but lacks the drive and focus to make him a day-in and day-out five tool player.
Rios will also be on my radar when it comes to draft day for my fantasy baseball league, so I will likely have to live through the very same highs and lows that the White Sox do this coming season.
I might be in the minority here, yet I consider myself one of the few who will be looking forward to seeing Alex Rios play again in Toronto, even if it’s for the opposing team. Knowing my luck, Rios will probably knock in the game-winning hit at the Blue Jays Home Opener just to rub it in everybody’s face.
So even if Alex doesn’t give a fuck, I still do.
Who gives a fuck?
What category of former player does Rios fall into?
Boo the shit out of like Shitske, boo for no reason like Zaun, or who gives a fuck?
Matty, I'd have to say option C: who gives a fuck. People don't hate Rios like they hate Shitske, but I fully expect him to get heckled at the Home Opener.
I can't wait to see how many "Who Gives A Fuck?" signs will be there on Opening Day.
I miss Rios, and I don't give a fuck who knows it.
Prior to this season, PECOTA only had him at a 18.3 VORP and 3.0 WARP – a very slight trend upward from 2009 – despite only being age 29 in 2010. I imagine his horrible year this past season will have a very bad effective on his projections going forward.
Anon, me too … me too.
Steve, most outlets like CHONE and Bill James have Rios projected only slightly higher than his 2009 stats, so I guess most experts aren't really expecting Rios to "break out" again …
Bill James:
.278 AVG, 16 HR, 73 RBI
CHONE:
.270 AVG, 18 HR, 75 RBI
Bring Rod Barajas Back! BTW he is not signing elsewhere so fuck the B draft pick, he might go to Japan instead……..
Barajas might end up having to go to Japan after all. I feel bad for the team that ends up signing him!
When Alex Rios is on the field I expect everyone to scream "ALEX YOU CHILD MURDERING FETUS EATING BUM!" I know I will. Right up against the first row or 2 just to make sure he hears. Only person worth getting thrown out of a ballgame over.
I don't think I'll heckle Rios – my seats are near right field, so I think I will just watch in awe that our right fielder now plays for the White Sox.
But he's in centre field now, isn't he? Oh well … I'm sure there will be lots of Alex Rios signs at the dome.
Rios is rockin' in Chicago!