Hall of Fame free agents

By Tom Holzhauer

When Tony Gwynn and the San Diego State Aztecs come to town this weekend, I suggest asking Gwynn one question: How did you do it?

Not only did he hit .338 with 3,141 hits over a 20-year career, he did it all with the same team. Team loyalty has definitely taken a back seat to the almighty dollar.

It's possible that the absurdly talented 2004 free-agent class has a Hall of Famer at every position, with the exception of shortstop and third base. The starting rotation would be anchored by six-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens and four-time recipient Greg Maddux. Need some postseason experience? How about Andy Pettitte? He has won four World Series titles.

The free agent outfield: Vladimir Guerrero, Gary Sheffield and Juan Gonzalez, have hit 1,042 home runs between them.

The World Series MVP, catcher Ivan Rodriguez, exemplifies the modern age best. He left the world-champion Marlins for the Detroit Tigers, who came close to setting the all-time record for losses last year, and was the only team to offer the oft-injured Rodriguez $10 million per year.

In the infield, Roberto Alomar and Rafael Palmeiro were up for grabs. Alomar, a 12-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove Award winner and four-time Silver Slugger at second base, is a lock for the Hall. And Palmeiro, a first baseman, brings a lot to a team - 528 homers, 1,687 RBI and an unlimited supply of Viagra.

In addition to quality, there was also quantity. The St. Louis Cardinals had a league-high 16 free agents this year. 12 were let go. Keep in mind that there are only 25 men on a roster. Not only do the fans have to acquaint themselves with new players - the team must build chemistry. After losing several friends to free agency, the Cards' best player and MVP runner-up, Albert Pujols, turned down a five-year, $55 million offer. Pujols, a fourth-year player, three years away from free agency, explained why he would not give the Cardinals a hometown discount: "What do you mean? This is business."

The free agency age has decimated numerous rosters. It's important to remember the loyal stars of the past who sacrificed a few extra million for the fans.

Get out to Buck Shaw this weekend to cheer on not only the Broncos, but Gwynn, the San Diego "Iron Man."

û Sports Editor Brian Betz's column will return next week. Contact Tom Holzhauer at (408) 554-4852 or tholzhauer@scu.edu.