December 7, 2004
Nice Guys Finish Last?
By Ray Mileur
Two months, after a season in which he tied a career high with 13 home runs and helped his team reach its first World Series in 17 years, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder and nice guy John Mabry and his fans felt sure he would be offered a raise.
"I don't think John Mabry's in any danger of not having a job for spring training," his agent, Dale Reichley, said bravely.
Mabry, a fan favorite signed with the Cardinals as a free agent last February for a one year deal. The 34 year old outfielder/infielder played for the Cardinals from 1994 - 98 and he made the Cardinals opening day roster in 2001 before his contract was sold to Florida Marlins on April the 9th that year. Mabry appeared in just five games before moving onto Florida for the rest of the season and then he went on to play for Phillies in 02 & Seattle in 03.
A very valuable bench player for the Cardinals this season, Mabry finds himself without a contract for next season as the arbitration deadline hits here Tuesday.
This season Mabry appeared in 87 games for the Cardinals and hit nearly .300 with a .296 batting average with 13 home runs and 40 RBI. It's pretty amazing the amount of playing time Mabry got this season when you consider how deep the Cardinals roster was with Reggie Sanders, Jim Edmonds, Larry Walker, So Taguchi, Roger Cedeno, Ray Lankford, Marlon Anderson, Hector Luna & Colin Porter all finding playing time in the outfield this season.
A stat that stands out to me from his 2004 season was .363 on base percentage (15 points higher than leadoff hitter Tony Womack) and his slugging percentage of .504% (a 103 points higher than Edgar Renteria).
But the numbers don't tell the real story about Mabry. Mabry is one of those soldiers who will always give you his all and will give himself up for the good of the team. An example, when the team didn't need him, he was sent down and played in 31 games at Memphis, where he hit another 10 home runs and hitting a blazing .366
and not once did you hear him whine or complain about his role or his contract, before getting the call back to the Cardinals. This is the kind of guy we talk about all the time in terms of what a professional matelote should be and how they should conduct themselves both on and off the field. This is the kind of player we say we want, so where's his contract?
I know John is and will be the #24 or #25 man on the team and as such signing him is not a top priority, but it wouldn't kill the Cardinals to reward this faithful, loyal soldier with a new contract with a raise. As a matter of fact it would be a nice thing to do.
Here's my bottom line I'd rather start a team with nine John Mabrys than nine Barry Bonds, call me crazy but that's my bottom line.
Personally, I don't like seeing the nice guys finish last and Mabry's one of those guys. Let's get him signed.
Giter Done.
