He's given Kansas City a lot of solid years, and though I'm sad to see him go I feel this is a good decision by Royal management. Injuries have only permitted him to play half-seasons for the last couple years, and Ryan Shealy and Ross Gload and Billy Butler have shown good potential to be everyday players either at first base or in the DH position. In short, the Royals kinda don't need Sweeney around anymore. He was terribly expensive anyways.
He's signed with the Athletic's organization now, so hopefully he'll have a good spring and be able to hang out on Oakland's bench this season. Of course, he also has the option of retiring, but that wouldn't be any fun for anybody.
There are two things I remember best about Mike Sweeney:
1) DC Talk's "Jesus Freak" used to be his come-to-bat song.
2) In a game in 2002 he lost his mind and charged then-Tiger pitcher Jeff Weaver.
That was a good fight, if such a thing can be said.
I suppose he could still do these things in a Sacramento River Cats uniform, but it just wouldn't be the same.
But if I ever find myself missing him too badly, there's always the Mike Sweeney bobblehead that sits atop the bookshelf in my livingroom, overseeing all with a thumbs up and a wry smile.
Looks just... like him?
