By Marvin Moore on August 12, 2014
10 Players MLB Would Be Better Off Without
Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
We all know the stories of old jocks who play past their prime, or injured athletes who attempt impossible comebacks without success. There are also more than a few personality-challenged big leaguers who embarrass the game with their actions. Here are 10 players who should never play in the majors again.
10. Grady Sizemore, Philadelphia Phillies
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10. Grady Sizemore, Philadelphia Phillies
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The three-time All-Star is a poster child for resiliency, but he has played in only 182 games over the past five seasons. The 32-year-old still has some gas in the tank, but his body just can't handle the grind of the majors.
9. Ichiro Suzuki, New York Yankees
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9. Ichiro Suzuki, New York Yankees
Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
It's always sad when a legendary player like "Ichiro" competes past his prime. The 40-year-old is just a part-timer these days and a shell of the great contact hitter that he once was.
8. Raul Ibanez, Kansas City Royals
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8. Raul Ibanez, Kansas City Royals
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
The 42-year-old slugger with 305 career home runs in 19 big league seasons has hit a combined .164 in 225 at-bats for the Los Angeles Angels and the Kansas City Royals this season. There will be no farewell tour in 2015.
7. Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee Brewers
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7. Francisco Rodriguez, Milwaukee Brewers
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The hot-head who punched his father-in-law at Citi Field a few years ago has resurrected his career this season with a league-leading 36 saves. Still, any guy who attacks the father of his wife has some serious anger management issues.
6. Brian Wilson, Los Angeles Dodgers
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6. Brian Wilson, Los Angeles Dodgers
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The flamboyant reliever used to be one of the premier closers in all of baseball when he amassed 163 saves with the San Francisco Giants from 2008-2011. Now, with just two saves over the past three seasons after a second Tommy John surgery, his shtick has no appeal these days.
5. Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies
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5. Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies
Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
"The Big Piece" is only 34 years old but injuries and a massive $125 million contract extension took its toll on the former NL MVP. The fastest player in Major League Baseball history to hit 100 home runs, Howard has played in just 264 games in the last three years.
4. Nyjer Morgan, Free Agent
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4. Nyjer Morgan, Free Agent
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Knee woes ended the season of the 34-year-old outfielder prematurely, but one of baseball's resident "Bad Boys" was spinning a nice comeback story after playing in Japan last year. Still, the volatile character who once threw a ball at a fan is not needed in the big leagues.
3. A.J. Pierzynski, St. Louis Cardinals
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
3. A.J. Pierzynski, St. Louis Cardinals
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Some guys enjoy being a jerk and the veteran catcher who has suited up for seven different franchises is at the top of that list.
2. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
2. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Cheating is one thing but the lies that Braun shoveled to family, friends and fans alike was downright evil. Even pampered rich athletes should have some morals and decentcy, right?
1. Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY
1. Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY
C'mon, admit that back in the day when A-Rod was a young stud with the Seattle Mariners that you liked the guy. Those days are now a distant memory because Rodriguez epitomizes what is wrong with shallow, pompous jocks who are full of themselves. Good riddance.
Marvin Moore is a Texas Rangers writer at RantSports. Follow him on Twitter at @SportsMarvin, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your circles on Google.