MLB Roundup 12/7: Rafael Palmeiro wants to come back

Rafael Palmeiro wants to make a comeback

This is easily among the most absurd baseball stories I’ve read in quite some time, and I’m sure it’s not something to be taken seriously. According to Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic, Rafael Palmeiro has shown an interest in coming back to the majors. I can’t really put what I’m feeling into words right now. This is just totally bizarre, and came out of nowhere. The former Orioles first baseman last played in 2005! There are kids in college who don’t remember him ever playing a game. There’s no chance that he’d be able to make it in this league after 12 years off at the age of 53. Absolutely no chance. He’s painting it as a chance at redemption after the steroid controversy that has followed him since he retired. Good for him for trying to make good on his career and get back into the good graces of baseball fans, I suppose, but it’s not going to work. It’s not often I’d have a strong opinion on a minor-league deal, but if Palmeiro does get a chance and the Red Sox are the ones to give it, I will not be a happy fan.

Giancarlo Stanton should make his decision soon

We’ve been waiting all winter for the outcome of the Giancarlo Stanton sweepstakes as the slugger tries to decide where he wants to play. The Dodgers remain his most desired location, but they haven’t shown the same kind of interest. Now, Stanton has to decide between going to San Francisco, St. Louis or staying in Miami. It seems the Giants expect that decision to come in the next week, though that’s not a definite timetable. This is a little annoying from a Red Sox fan perspective, only because Boston is expected to be in on every free agent bat and that market is being held up for the moment. That being said, Stanton doesn’t and shouldn’t care about how this affects other teams. He’s making a life-altering choice and has been good enough that he was able to negotiate this no-trade clause into his deal. He wouldn’t be doing his job as a player or a person if he wasn’t doing his due diligence on this move. Once this whole saga does end, the other moves should start flying.