FanNation

“Over the hill” – a term that a gander at a dictionary shows means “too old to be useful.” It’s a term used loosely by baseball writers and analysts to describe players who are no longer effective and no longer can endure the grueling baseball season. Here’s my list of the top 10 players who are “over the hill.” Note: I based my rankings on age, (in)ability to succeed at the major league level and potential injury.

10. Jason Isringhausen, Pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals. Age 35

The 35 year old righty no longer has the same zip on his fastball and has withdrawn himself from the closer’s role. He blew a league high 10 saves in 2006, though he had a productive 2007. But he might be getting to the point injury-wise and production-wise that two seasons is all he has left.

9. Keith Foulke, Pitcher, Oakland Athletics, Age 35

Flash back to the 2004 World Series. Boston closer Keith Foulke is the man no one wants to face. With a stifling .094 ERA and 19 K’s in only 14 innings of work, Foulke is a force not to be reckoned with. Back to the present. After battling a series of injuries Foulke lost the closer role in Boston to rising star Jonathon Papelbon and is now just a setup man with faltering numbers in Oakland. His susceptibility to injury has prevented a return to his former success. A full return is highly doubtful.

8. Steve Trachsel, Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles, Age 37

Selected as an All-Star in 1996 Steve Trachsel’s career has had many ups and downs. Recently, however, it’s been more downs than ups. When healthy Trachsel can be an effective finesse pitcher, but when unhealthy, he doesn’t make the grade. During the last few years Trachsel has spent time in both the major and minor leagues. He was signed in 2008 to provide a veteran presence to a young pitching staff, but his 6.75 ERA does not appear to be teaching the young pitchers much at all.

7. Mike Piazza, Catcher, Free Agent, Age 39

Considered one of the best hitting catchers of all time, Mike Piazza provided us with numbers never before seen from a catcher. The problem is that at age 39, Piazza can no longer provide the same offensive spark. When he retires he will leave the game with a plethora of awards, including 14 All-Star appearances and a Rookie of the Year award.

6. Mike Mussina, Pitcher, New York Yankees, Age 39

An inability to perform in the playoffs made Peyton Manning a goat for so many years, and the same syndrome plagues Mike Mussina. His performances have been so bad, in fact, that he lost his starting role in the 2007 playoffs. And his fastball has lost nearly 5 MPH.

5. Jim Edmonds, Outfield, Free Agent, Age 37

Affectionately dubbed “Jimmy Baseball” by Cardinal fans, Jim Edmonds, during his prime, hit 30 plus home runs while maintaining a respectable .280 Batting Average. Since then, dark times have loomed for the once Gold Glove center fielder. In the last four years he has hit below .265 and has not racked up 10 assists in any one season. On May 9, 2008 the Padres released Edmonds after he hit a measly .178. The Cubs have picked him up, but it shall be seen if he has anything left.

4. David Wells, Pitcher, Free Agent, Age 44

Nearly ten years removed from being only the 15th pitcher ever to throw a perfect game, David Wells has more or less vanished. Battling injuries and ineffectiveness, Wells has had stints with five teams in five years. He is actively trying to sign a contract with the Yankees to make his third appearance there, but it may be too late as 44-year-old pitchers are no longer a hot commodity in the MLB.

3. Jaime Moyer, Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies, Age 45

Jamie, you’ve had a great run throughout your 22-year playing career. However, your ERA is consistently around 5.00, and you’ve allowed close to 35 home runs each year. Your resume no longer fits that of a Major League pitcher, “Hit the showers, Jaime.”

2. Frank Thomas, Designated Hitter, Oakland Athletics, Age 40

Needless to say “the big hurt” has been getting a little hurt far too often to sustain an MLB career. Thomas can no longer play the field and his batting statistics are on a serious decline. His brief stay with the Blue Jays came to an abrupt halt when Thomas complained about playing time and was subsequently released. He is now the fill-in DH for the Oakland Athletics, I guess until they get sick of his complaining.

1. Barry Bonds, Outfield, Free Agent, Age 43

No list of “over the hill” players would be complete without the inclusion of Barry Bonds. Considered by many to be the best player to ever play the game, Barry’s time has come. With a laundry list of off the field issues, including a pending perjury trial, Bonds is a free agent that no team will sign. As attractive as your 762 Home runs, seven MVP awards and numerous All-Star Game appearances are, the cleats have already been hung up for you, Barry.