Greer Outlook Not Rosy

Rusty Greer will undergo four separate surgeries this off-season, including "Tommy John" surgery. He will definitely miss 2003 and may never be able to recuperate to the level where he can play major-league baseball again.

He played only 51 games in 2002 and only once since June 3. One June 3, he was only available for pinch-hitting duties since he had made two fully-extended diving catches in left field the previous game against Kansas City and his back was sore. He quickly went on the DL with a bone bruise and hyperextended back. Greer was activated on July 11 (and was replaced on the DL by John Rocker of all people), played one game relieving Kevin Mench in left, quickly complained of a sore back, and returned to the DL for the remainder of the season.

Greer made $6.8 M this season and has two years remaining on his contract ($7 M in 2003 and $7.4 in 2004) plus an option with a yet to be determined buyout for 2005. Expect the Rangers to make him an offer he can't refuse to buy him out and to provide him with a long-term coaching, scouting, and/or advisorial position in the near future.