So Luis Gonzalez wants to finish up his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks.  The team that defines his career.   A nice thought to be sure.  The fans love him and that love is returned.  It’s a genuine relationship.

Let’s all hope that’s as far as it goes.

Look, I’m a sentimental guy.  I cried during Field of Dreams (I still get weepy when Ray Liotta tells Burt Lancaster “hey rookie, you were good”).  Gonzo finishing up his career with the D-backs is a warm and fuzzy finish.

But I’m also a practical guy.  And this wish of his just doesn’t pass the test.  It’s just not practical.  Not for a team with a tight budget and high expectations coming off a failed season.  They have to be lean, mean and lacking any and all pleasantries.  Another season like last and a big heaping help of doubt creeps in.

And the truth is this…there is nowhere to put him.  Where’s he going to play?  Who does he displace?  With Eric Byrnes as your fourth outfielder, barring a trade, where does Gonzo get his at bats?  If you’re going to have a fifth outfielder, you need one who can play multiple positions, who brings speed to the table and can be a defensive replacement in the late innings.

And that isn’t Gonzo.  He’s a left handed bat who would be a good clubhouse guy.  And that’s it.  And that’s not enough.  

If the Diamondbacks actually pursue this they would be bowing down to the Casual Baseball Fan.  The CBF was miffed when Gonzo wasn’t invited back.  The CBF was thrilled when the somersaulting Byrnes was vastly overpaid (how did that one work out?).   The CBF would love to have Gonzo back and that’s what scares me.  If the D-backs sense that this move puts butts in seats or eyeballs on the TV, then they might buy into it.

Make him a coach.  A broadcaster.  Build a statue.  Retire his number.  Change the name of the team to the Gonzo’s for all I care.  He deserves all of it.  His legacy is secure. 

But come September I’d much rather have a warm baseball team than a warm heart.