Chris

Richard

Richard declined the assignment and became a free agent. The outfielder recently had a setback with his shoulder and may need another surgery. It’s not all that likely that he’ll be ready to contribute in 2004.

Richard went 0-for-3 yesterday and is 0-for-8 since joining the Rockies. He’s not a sure thing to make the team.

It makes sense, as Richard is on what the Orioles consider the wrong side of 30 (he turns 29 in June). Richard certainly isn’t anything special, but he would be a good bet to outproduce Surhoff and Jeff Conine this season and on a “rebuilding” team, he’s more worthy of a lineup spot than either Marty Cordova or David Segui.

Richard was out of baseball last year with more shoulder problems. He’s not getting an invitation to major league camp, but if he shows he’s healthy while playing in the minors, the Rangers might give him a look at some point. A deep sleeper.

Richard, who has been troubled by shoulder problems since 2003, hit .301/.379/.489 in 362 AB for Triple-A Oklahoma last season. If needed, he might be an adequate short-term designated hitter. The Royals, though, have plenty of players ahead of him.

It’s the third surgery on the same shoulder for Richard, who is expected to miss the rest of the season.

The Rockies knew they were getting damaged goods when they acquired Richard. The move is only going to look worse once Jack Cust develops in Baltimore.

Richard wasn’t invited to major league camp after getting a minor league contract last month, but he was looking so good in an intrasquad games that the Rangers have decided to give him at-bats in ‘A’ games. It’s still very unlikely that he’ll make the team out of spring training, but he could be an option at DH if he starts strong at Triple-A Oklahoma.

Richard is expected to miss the rest of the season after undergoing another shoulder surgery this week.

Talk about not being able to catch a break. The 33-year-old Richard hasn’t played in the majors since the first month of 2003.