Crawdad Chronicles 61.02 - Juan Rivera to test Free Agency

[JimBob2232]

OF Juan Rivera announced that, if he does not retire, he will test Free Agency again.

The 43 year old OF joined the Crawdads on a 1 year 15M deal. In a surprise to just about everyone, including Rivera, he became New Orleans 1B for most of the season. He didnt play particularly good defense, but whenever him and fellow octagenarian Juan Donestavez (41) were not hurt, Donestavez took the DH slot while Rivera took 1B.

Rivera had a -2.4ZR at 1B in 137 games. Only made 6 errors. But his bat made up for it (mostly). In his one season in New Orleans, Rivera hit .287 with 23 HRs. Those 23 HRs cemented his place as 3rd all time in the HR category - still 30 behind HOFer Larry Stinson, and an incredible 100 behind the great Felix Roman.

No doubt Rivera will make the HOF. Those counting stats aside, he has 4 MVPs, 15 time All-Star, and 2-time Landis winner.

At 43, it might be time to hang it up...but then again, most 43 year olds arent hitting 23 HRs and stealing 26 bases!

[Krathan]

Rivera had a really nice year for you. It’s crazy to think that he has put up more WAR since turning 40 than some guys put up in long careers. Like Carlos Gutierrez, currently on the Flyers, who has played almost 1,500 games in the BBA but has barely put up more that half of the 15+ Rivera has posted the last 3 years.

[Trebro]

Rivera is a freak of nature.