Mike Sweeney is, by all accounts, a devout man. But given his injury history, fans have to wonder why his higher power didn't give Royals management a heads-up in 2002 before signing him to a five-year contract extension worth $55 million. Viewed enthusiastically by fans at the time, Sweeney's contract drained the Royals' financial resources for someone who missed a third of every season. Sweeney, when healthy, is a good player. But his departure would free up $11 million for the Royals to spend on pitching, a corner outfielder or a first baseman who actually plays for a full season.
