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Fallen star Baerga wants to shine again
By MARC TOPKIN © St. Petersburg Times, published February 26, 2000 ST. PETERSBURG -- Carlos Baerga is hoping a fresh start allows him to get back to his old form. A three-time All-Star second baseman with Cleveland in the early 1990s, Baerga has struggled for much of the past four seasons, slowed by injuries and weight problems. Now healthy and apparently back in shape, Baerga, 31, says he is ready to re-establish himself. He agreed to a minor-league deal with the Rays with the understanding he is likely headed to their Mexico City affiliate, but he actually isn't planning on going anywhere. "I think I can help this team," Baerga said. "I still have a chance. The fire is there. When you're healthy, you can do a lot of things and you can come back. I see a lot of players come back from slump seasons, and I think it's time for me to come back again and show that I can do it." At his best, Baerga was one of the game's top infielders, hitting over .300 for four consecutive seasons while averaging 19 homers and 97 RBI. But he began to slip in 1996 and was traded in midseason to the Mets, struggling there for 21/2 seasons. He bounced around three organizations last season, spending more time at Triple A than in the majors, playing 33 games for the Padres and 22 for the Indians. He said he was playing well in Puerto Rico before a left knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery, and is again ready to go. Although there was interest from San Diego and Cleveland, Baerga said he liked the situation here. "I'm in great shape and I'll be ready when the opportunity comes," he said. "I told them I can play the outfield, I can play first base, I can play anywhere -- even catch." Baerga said the Rays told him he has a "really good chance" to make the team, but it isn't going to be easy. "We're going to throw him out there and see," manager Larry Rothschild said, "but obviously he has his work cut out for him."
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