The ReAc Theory

This is a theory that I have always held some belief in, ever since I read it when it came out. Unfortunetly, due to the wonders of the internet, the page no longer exists. But, thanks to Web Archive, I managed to find the page again! (If anyone would be willing to make it into a PDF, I'd appriciate it).

The A's though do not seem to hold true to the ReAc Theory, though I believe it deserves some creedence. After all, they signed Frank Thomas after he was released by the BlueJays. During the off season, they signed former A's Keith Foulke, Emil Brown and Kirk Saarloos. But I think it still is worth taking a look at The Reac Theory.

- Zonis

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The ReAc Theory

Introduction

Before making another trade, signing another free agent, or hiring another head coach or manager, MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL teams should heed the Reacquisition Theory.  A failure to do so has already brought about negative consequences.

Rafael Palmeiro tested positive for steroids.  Kenny Rogers assaulted a cameraman.  Sidney Ponson was arrested three times in eight months.  Juan Gonzalez suffered a season-ending injury in his first at bat of his first game of the season.  And Jose Lima had "The Worst Season In The History Of Pitching."

The examples above have at least two things in common.  Each occurred during a player's second or third stint with a particular team and each supports the Reacquisition Theory.

This article (1) defines the theory, (2) discusses why age does not explain why reacquisitions tend to disappoint, (3) proposes explanations for the theory, (4) presents certain examples supporting the theory, (5) provides certain notable exceptions to the theory, (6) concludes that teams should avoid reacquisitions, and (7) acknowledges Jeffrey Austin Brill's contributions to this article. 

I.  The Reacquisition Theory Defined

The Reacquisition Theory: Reacks tend to disappoint on or off the field. 

For purposes of the Reacquisition Theory:

"Reack" is defined as a player, manager, or head coach who was (1) traded, released, let go via free agency, fired, etc. and (2) reacquired by the same MLB, NBA, NFL, or NHL team for the same job.  "Same job" is defined as the player returning as player, the manager returning as manager, and the head coach returning as head coach.  "Non-reack" is defined as a player, manager, or head coach who is not a reack.

"Tend" is defined as having an inclination to do something more often than not.

"Disappoint on the field" is defined as a substantial failure by a reack to satisfy the reacquiring team's expectations, taking into account the reack's age, health, salary, experience, projected role, etc. at the time of reacquisition.

"Disappoint off the field" is defined as any conduct, comment, or other action by a reack that embarrasses, humiliates, or disgraces the reacquiring team. 

"On the field" is defined as (1) a player's MLB, NBA, NFL, or NHL regular season and postseason statistics and his ability to avoid significant injuries, ailments, demotions, etc. and (2) a head coach's or manager's regular season and postseason record.

"Off the field" is defined as a reack's comments, conduct, and behavior away from the field during the season and the off-season. 

"Field" is defined as a baseball field, basketball court, football field, hockey rink, etc.

"On the Field" And/Or "Off the Field": A reack who disappoints in either of the two categories satisfies, and cannot be an exception to, the Reacquisition Theory.  Therefore, a reack who does not disappoint off the field can satisfy the theory, by disappointing on the field.  See, e.g., Jim Abbott in IV.  Reacks below.  And a reack who does not disappoint on the field can satisfy the theory, by disappointing off the field.  See, e.g., Kenny Rogers in IV.  Reacks below.

II.  Why Age Does Not Explain Disappointment

"Young" reacks, such as, Jim Abbott, Rafer Alston, Mark Blount, Roger Cedeño, Todd MacCulloch, Antonio McDyess, Sidney Ponson, Ruben Rivera, James Thrash, Ismael Valdez, among others, have disappointed.  And "old" reacks, such as, Doyle Alexander, Brian Anderson, Jose Canseco, Cliff Floyd, Mike Jackson, Jose Lima, Tom Seaver, and Jeff Suppan, among others, have had post-reack success.

Age and On the Field Disappointment

A player is always older during his second stint with a team than he was during his first stint.  But advanced age does not explain a reack's on the field disappointment, because the Reacquisition Theory does not hold reacks to a higher standard than non-reacks.

"Disappoint on the field" is defined in I.  The Reacquisition Theory Defined above as "a substantial failure by a reack to satisfy the reacquiring team's expectations, taking into account the reack's age, health, salary, experience, projected role, etc. at the time of reacquisition."

Because of long-term contracts, "bidding wars," and teams' unwillingness to part with young players, reacquiring a player in his prime is often difficult.  Therefore, the pool of prospective reacks consists mostly of players past their respective primes. 

When evaluating whether to acquire or reacquire a player, a reasonable team will take the player's age into account.  No reasonable team would expect from a 36-year-old player the same production he was capable of when he was 26.  From a 36-year-old first baseman, a reasonable team  may expect a W batting average, X home runs, and Y R.B.I. in Z games.  Under the Reacquisition Theory, if such 36-year-old first baseman is a reack, he is substantially less likely to achieve W, X, Y, or Z, than if he were a non-reack.

A reasonable team will expect a 33-year-old player's on the field performance to decline X percent when he turns 34.  A reasonable team will take into account such anticipated decline, when deciding whether to reacquire such 34-year-old player. If the 34-year-old reack experiences a decline substantially greater than X percent, he satisfies the Reacquisition Theory.

To satisfy the Reacquisition Theory, the disappointment must be unexpected.  If the disappointments detailed in IV.  Reacks below had been expected, then no reasonable team would have (1) traded valuable assets to make such reacquisition or (2) given playing time, a roster spot, a long-term contract, or millions of dollars to such reacquisition.

Age and Off the Field Disappointment

"Disappoint off the field" is defined in I.  The Reacquisition Theory Defined above as "any conduct, comment, or other action by a reack that embarrasses, humiliates, or disgraces the reacquiring team." 

Teams expect a player, because he is older, to be more mature and a better role model during his second stint than he was during his first stint.  But, as illustrated in Subsections B1, B2, and B3 of III.  Why Reacks Tend to Disappoint below, numerous reacks have embarrassed, humiliated, and disgraced their respective teams off the field. 

The reacks' supposed maturity probably made the embarrassment, humiliation, and disgrace to the reacquiring teams more disappointing.  A 40-year-old reack assaulting a cameraman or testing positive for steroids is probably more disappointing than a 20-year-old reack doing the same.

III.  Why Reacks Tend to Disappoint

For misguided reasons, teams often prefer reacks over non-reacks, as discussed in Section A below.   Such a preference can cause a team to overlook a reack's age, injuries, diminished skills, recent poor performance, etc. and to overlook the possibility that no other team wants him.  But preferring a reack often leads to negative consequences for the reacquiring team, as discussed in Section B below.

A.   Why Teams Often Prefer Reacks.

1.  Glory Days and Sentimental Reasons.

Glory Days

Teams often make reacquisitions that remind them of the "glory days."  Recapturing "the magic of what used to be" becomes more important to a team than obtaining the best available candidate.  But teams that are unable or unwilling to let go of the past may struggle in the present and in the future.

If October 26, 1996 was the first night of the Yankee Dynasty, then November 5, 2001 was "The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty."  But, rather than work on building a new dynasty, the New York Yankees continue to cling to an expired one.

In October 2002, with the Yankees down 2 games to 1 in the 2002 A.L.D.S., reporters reminded Derek Jeter that the Yankees have overcome similar deficits in the past.  "Some of us have," replied Jeter.  "But this is a new group," added Jeter.

In May 2003, with the Yankees having lost 12 of 15 games, reporters asked Jeter why the Yankees were slumping.  "Everyone wants to compare years past to this year, but it's not the same team as years ago," responded Jeter.  "We have different players," added Jeter.

In October 2004, after the Yankees suffered the worst collapse in postseason history, reporters asked Jeter to explain the collapse.  "It's not the same team," responded Jeter.  "I've said that before," added Jeter.

Jeter's comments suggest that he has less confidence in new teammates than he has in ex-teammates and that a reacquisition is a good solution to any problem the Yankees may be having.  The Yankees appear to agree, having reacquired Brian Boehringer, Homer Bush, Orlando Hernandez, Tino Martinez, Ramiro Mendoza, Jeff Nelson, Ruben Rivera, Rey Sanchez, Ruben Sierra, Mike Stanton, Randy Velarde, David Wells, and Gerald Williams, among others, since the Yankees' last World Series Championship.

Whether the players the Yankees reacquired were the best available candidates at the time of reacquisition is a question only the Yankees can answer.  But what the Yankees appear to be overlooking is that the Yankees' dynasty was built with (1) homegrown talent, such as, Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, and Bernie Williams, none of whom were reacks, and (2) well-chosen imports, such as, Wade Boggs, Scott Brosius, Jimmy Key, Paul O'Neill, and John Wetteland, none of whom were reacks. 

The only reacks to play for the Yankees in the World Series in 1996, 1998, 1999, or 2000 were Charlie Hayes, 3 for 16 in the 1996 World Series, Luis Polonia, 1 for 2 in the 2000 World Series, and Luis Sojo, 2 for 7 in the 2000 World Series.

Sentimental Reasons

Teams often make reacquisitions for sentimental reasons, even if doing so means bypassing a more qualified candidate.  A team may reacquire a former star to see him retire or reach a milestone in the team's uniform.  Out of loyalty, a team may give a former player, manager, or head coach a chance to resurrect his career.  Or, feeling guilty over how the team ended his first stint, a team may reacquire him as a form of apology.

A Reack for the Fans

Teams with a bad roster, small budget, salary cap problems, etc. may also reacquire a former star, hoping that the reack will boost the team's attendance, television ratings, and merchandise sales, etc. and cause the team's fans to overlook the team's deficiencies.

Representative Reacks, "Glory Days and Sentimental Reasons"

See, among others, Kevin Appier, Al Arbour, Vida Blue, Jose Canseco, Pat Hentgen, Chuck Knox, Billy Martin, Fred McGriff, Mark Messier, Scottie Pippen, Tom Seaver, Kevin Stevens, Earl Weaver, and David Wells in IV.  Reacks below.

2.  Seemingly Easier, Cheaper, and Risk-Free.

To paraphrase Pete Palmer, co-creator of baseball's OPS statistic, teams "tend to pick a strategy that is least likely to fail rather than pick a strategy that is most efficient, [because the] pain of looking bad is worse than the gain of making the best move."  Teams often believe that a reack is less likely to fail than a non-reack.  And teams know that a reack will often be well-received by the media and the reacquiring team's players, coaches, fans, etc. 

Fearful of failure, change, and criticism, teams may consider a reacquisition the safest course of action.  And negotiating with a known commodity may seem easier, faster, and cheaper.

A team that is desperate to replace an injured player, fired manager, etc. or fearful of rejection may prefer a prospective reack.  Teams expect a reack to be able to contribute more quickly, because he has experience with the team's players, playbook, coaching staff, etc. 

A team can appeal to the prospective reack's familiarity with the team's city, players, stadium, front office, etc.  The team may also be able to convince the prospective reack to accept a below-market value contract. 

Representative Reacks, "Easier, Cheaper, and Risk-Free" 

See, among others, Roger Cedeño, Derrick Coleman, Jose Lima, Todd MacCulloch, Jeff Nelson, Sidney Ponson, Kenny Rogers, and Ismael Valdez in IV.  Reacks below.

3.  Fixing Old Mistakes.

Every team, at one time or another, has given up prematurely on a player, manager, or head coach and then (1) seen him flourish elsewhere or (2) realized that he was more important than the team realized.  When the opportunity to reacquire such player, manager, or head coach arises, the team may prefer him over more qualified candidates.

Andy Ashby

The Philadelphia Phillies lost Ashby to the Colorado Rockies in the expansion draft of 1992.  The Rockies then traded Ashby to the San Diego Padres in 1993.  Ashby's best seasons for the Padres were in 1998 and 1999, when he was a combined 31-19 (.620) with 3.56 E.R.A.

"This is a homecoming for Andy Ashby," said Phillies general manager Ed Wade, after reacquiring Ashby in November 1999.  "We let him get by in the expansion draft [of 1992], and obviously it turned out to be a mistake on our part."

Whether Ashby was the Phillies' best available candidate in November 1999 is a question only the Phillies can answer.  But the reacquired Ashby was 4-7 (.364) with a 5.68 E.R.A. for the Phillies in 2000, before being traded.

Jeff Nelson

Nelson helped the New York Yankees win 4 World Series Championships from 1996 to 2000.  But, after a contract dispute with the Yankees, Nelson signed a free agent contract with the Seattle Mariners in December 2000.  Yankees general manager Brian Cashman would later acknowledge that losing Nelson was a mistake.

Whether Nelson was the Yankees' best available candidate, when  the Yankees reacquired him in August 2003, is a question only the Yankees can answer.  But the reacquired Nelson was in a bullpen brawl with a Fenway Park groundskeeper during Game 3 of the 2003 A.L.C.S. between the Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. 

Woody Williams

Williams was a combined 30-28 (.517) with a 4.35 E.R.A. for the San Diego Padres until August 2001, when Padres general manager Kevin Towers traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals for Ray Lankford.

Pitching for the Cardinals, Williams was a combined 45-22 (.672) with a 3.68 E.R.A. in the regular season and 3-1 (.750) with a 4.46 E.R.A. in the postseason from 2001 to 2004.

After reacquiring Williams in December 2004, Towers said:

"It's not often as a [general manager] that you can make a mistake and then get an opportunity to bring that mistake back . . . I say the worst trade I ever made was trading Woody Williams.  The tough thing was watching him pitch every year in St. Louis, not only beating our tails, but pitching in the postseason, doing great things for them."

Whether Williams was the Padres' best available candidate in December 2004 is a question only the Padres can answer.  But the reacquired Williams was 9-12 (.429) with a 4.85 E.R.A. in the regular season and 0-1 (.000) with a 27.00 E.R.A. in the postseason for the Padres in 2005.

Representative Reacks, "Correcting Mistakes From the Past" 

See, among others, Rafer Alston, Andy Ashby, Jeromy Burnitz, Alexei Kovalev, Jeff Nelson, Tom Seaver, Antoine Walker, David Wells, and Woody Williams in IV.  Reacks below.

 

B.  Why Teams Should Avoid Reacks.

1.  The Ex.

Certain sports psychologists have described the relationship between Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson and Lakers guard Kobe Bryant as a marriage.  The media have compared Larry Brown to a lover who jumps from relationship to relationship.  And Tampa Bay Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella once likened the player-manager relationship to a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship.  "I'm only dating these guys," said Piniella.  "I'm not married to them."

Teams often want to acquire an ex-player, ex-manager, ex-head coach.   But the advantages of "re-dating," such as, the comfort and security that comes from a known commodity, are often outweighed by the disadvantages of re-dating.

A player, manager, or head coach may consider a team's decision to reacquire him an admission by the team that it made a mistake during his first stint. Harboring bad feelings over how his first stint ended, the reack may decide, consciously or otherwise, to make the team "pay" for its mistake.

Representative Reacks, "The Ex"

See, among others, Rafer Alston, Jeromy Burnitz, Juan Gonzalez, Alexei Kovalev, Mark Messier, Jeff Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Tom Seaver, Antoine Walker, and David Wells in IV.  Reacks below.

2.  Old Character Flaws.

A team may sever ties with a player, manager, or head coach, because of his character flaws, such as, immaturity, laziness, a bad temper, etc.  The team may then reacquire him in the future thinking that such character flaws have disappeared.  But, back in familiar surroundings, the reack's old character flaws may resurface.

Bobby Bonilla

During his first stint with the New York Mets, Bonilla called the Mets press box during a game to complain about an error and, in a separate incident, was videotaped threatening to show a reporter "the Bronx." 

During his second stint with the Mets, Bonilla challenged Mets manager Bobby Valentine to a fight and, in a separate incident, played cards in the Mets clubhouse while the Mets were being eliminated from the 1999 N.L.C.S.

Ken Caminiti

Caminiti, third baseman for the Houston Astros, checked into a drug rehabilitation program in 1993 to fight an addiction to alcohol and painkillers.  The Astros traded him to the San Diego Padres in 1994. 

After returning to the Astros in 1998, Caminiti "return[ed] to the bottle and painkillers," before checking into drug rehabilitation program again in 2000.

Sidney Ponson

Ponson, when he was in the Baltimore Orioles' minor league system, was arrested in 1996 for driving while under the influence.  A reacquired Ponson was arrested twice for driving while under the influence, once in January 2005 and once in August 2005.

Kenny Rogers

On May 8, 1994, upset by a story a reporter had written about him, Rogers was videotaped pushing the reporter out of the Texas Rangers' clubhouse.  "It was obviously premeditated," said the reporter. 

On June 29, 2005, upset by a story a reporter had written about him, a reacquired Rogers was videotaped assaulting a cameraman.  "He walked up to me [and] pushed me out of the way," said the cameraman.

Representative Reacks, "Old Character Flaws"

See, among others, Bobby Bonilla, Ken Caminiti, Jose Canseco, Derrick Coleman, Juan Gonzalez, Alexei Kovalev, Billy Martin, Oliver Miller, Jeff Nelson, Sidney Ponson, Kenny Rogers, Roy Tarpley, and David Wells in IV.  Reacks below.

3.  Distractions.

Teams may expect a reacquired player, manager, or head coach to be a leader and role model, reasoning that he is familiar with what the team wants and expects from its employees.  But, instead of being on his best behavior like a new employee, a reack may feel entitled to say and do as he pleases.

Certain reacks have had trouble with the law.

A reacquired Kenny Rogers assaulted a cameraman.  A reacquired Chili Davis poked a fan in the face.  A reacquired Jeff Nelson was in a bullpen brawl.  A reacquired Ruben Rivera stole Derek Jeter's bat and glove.  A reacquired Billy Martin had fights with one of his players and a marshmallow salesman.  And, as reacks, Roger Cedeño (two times), Derrick Coleman, Ferguson Jenkins, Tony Phillips, and Sidney Ponson (three times) were arrested.

Certain reacks have had problems with drugs.

A reacquired Vida Blue failed a drug test.  A reacquired Rafael Palmeiro tested positive for steroids.  As reacks, Ken Caminiti and Kevin Stevens checked into drug rehabilitation programs.  And, as reacks, Leon Durham, Ferguson Jenkins, Eddie Milner, Tony Phillips, and Roy Tarpley received drug suspensions.

Certain reacks have upset team chemistry.

A reacquired Chick Gandil was the "ringleader" of the conspiracy responsible for fixing the 1919 World Series.  A reacquired Bobby Bonilla played cards in the clubhouse during the deciding game of the 1999 N.L.C.S.  A reacquired Horace Grant was a team "cancer," according to the team's head coach.  And a reacquired Rafer Alston threatened to quit.

Certain reacks have been difficult to coach.

A reacquired Rafer Alston was suspended for "conduct detrimental to the team" and was reportedly in a "fist fight" with his head coach.  A reacquired Bobby Bonilla challenged his manager to a fight.  A reacquired Oliver Miller and his head coach were often "at each other's throats."  As reacks, Chris Childs and Sidney Ponson reported to training camp fat and out of shape.  And, as reacks, Childs and Oliver Miller were sent to fat camps.

Certain reacks have said the wrong thing at the wrong time. 

A reacquired David Wells wrote a controversial, tell-all book.  A reacquired Jeff Nelson criticized his team publicly.  A reacquired Charles Oakley criticized his head coach publicly.  And a reacquired Dan Issel told a Denber Nuggets fan: "Go drink another beer, you Mexican piece of [excrement]."

Certain reacks have been difficult to trade.

As reacks, Juan Gonzalez, Rafael Palmeiro, Sidney Ponson, and Kenny Rogers used no-trade clauses to block trades.  And attempts to unload a reacquired Roger Cedeño and a reacquired Ponson failed when other players used no-trade clauses to block trades.

Representative Reacks, "Distractions"

See, among others, Rafer Alston, Vida Blue, Bobby Bonilla, Ken Caminiti, Roger Cedeño, Derrick Coleman, Chili Davis, Leon Durham, Chick Gandil, Horace Grant, Dan Issel, Ferguson Jenkins, Billy Martin, Eddie Milner, Jeff Nelson, Charles Oakley, Rafael Palmeiro, Tony Phillips, Sidney Ponson, Ruben Rivera, Kenny Rogers, Kevin Stevens, Roy Tarpley, and David Wells in IV.  Reacks below.

4.  Lacking Motivation.

A team may expect a player, manager, or head coach to have, during his second stint, the same motivation that he had during his first stint with the team.  The team will probably be less demanding of a reack, reasoning that he has already proven himself.  The reack may then become complacent.  Without motivation or a demanding employer, the reack might as well be semi-retired.

Antonio Freeman

Freeman combined with Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre for 57 touchdowns, two NFC Championships, and one Super Bowl from 1996 to 2001.

After the 2001 season, the Packers asked Freeman to take a pay cut.  But Freeman balked.  When asked whether the Packers' Super Bowl potential could convince him to accept a pay-cut, Freeman responded: "I don't know, but I've been there.  I've done that.  So it's no problem for me to step away."

If Freeman felt that he "been there" and "done that" during his first stint, he probably had less motivation during his second stint with the Packers.  The reacquired Freeman had 14 receptions and zero touchdowns in 15 games for the Packers in 2003, his final NFL season.

Mark Messier

After leading the New York Rangers to the franchise's first Stanley Cup in 54 years during his first stint, Messier was probably less motivated during his "encore" performance with the Rangers.  The Rangers did not make the playoffs in any of the reacquired Messier's four seasons.

Scottie Pippen

After winning 6 NBA Titles and becoming one of "the top 50 players" during his first stint with the Chicago Bulls, Pippen was probably less motivated during his second stint.  After often complaining during his first stint with the Bulls that he was underpaid, Pippen was probably less motivated to rehabilitate his injuries.  The Bulls did not make the playoffs with the reacquired Pippen and he retired one year into his two-year contract, collecting $10 million in salary for 23 games played.

Representative Reacks, "Been There, Done That"

See, among others, Jose Canseco, Antonio Freeman, Juan Gonzalez, Al Leiter, Mark Messier, Scottie Pippen, and Tom Seaver in IV.  Reacks below.

5.  Bad Luck.

As discussed in Section A above, a team's reasons for making a reacquisition are often misguided.  To paraphrase Branch Rickey, a baseball pioneer, if "good luck is the residue of a well-conceived design," then perhaps bad luck is the "residue" of an ill-conceived design.

Prone to Significant Injuries

Certain reacks have had bad luck with injuries, sometimes soon after becoming a reack.

A reacquired Paul Byrd suffered a season-ending injury in the first inning of his first spring training game as a reack.  A reacquired Hugh Douglas tore his rotator cuff in his first game as a reack.  A reacquired Doug Gilmour suffered a career-ending injury in his first game as a reack.  A reacquired Juan Gonzalez suffered a season-ending injury in his first at bat in his first game as a reack.  A reacquired Mike Jackson suffered a season-ending injury warming up for his first game as a reack.  And a reacquired Doc Powers crashed into a wall chasing a pop-up in the first game of the season and died two weeks later, becoming the first player in MLB history to die from a game-related injury. 

Other reacks have suffered significant injuries. 

As reacks, Roberto Alomar, Kevin Appier (twice), Brett Butler, Jose Canseco, David Cone, Sherman Douglas, Juan Gonzalez, Sterling Hitchcock, Dean McAmmond, Randy Myers, Bernie Parent, Tony Phillips, Scottie Pippen, Doc Powers, Kenny Rogers, Rey Sanchez, Gabe White, and Roland Williams have suffered season-ending or career-ending injuries.  And, as reacks, Doyle Alexander, Ellis Burks, Vlade Divac, Voshon Lenard, Antonio McDyess, Natrone Means, Don Reid, Rick Tocchet, and David Segui (four times) have missed a substantial portion of a season due to injuries.

Bad Luck On the Field

Certain reacks have had bad luck on the field, often being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

A reacquired Hank Gowdy became a World Series "goat," after getting his foot stuck in his mask attempting to catch an "easy" foul ball pop-up.  A reacquired Ralph Terry became a World Series "goat," after giving up Bill Mazeroski's series-winning, walk-off home run.  And a reacquired Brian Anderson led MLB in unearned runs allowed.

Bad Luck Off the Field

Certain reacks have had bad luck off the field.

A reacquired Urban Shocker developed heart disease during the season and died less than a year later.  A reacquired Brett Butler was diagnosed with throat cancer.  A reacquired Todd MacCulloch was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a rare genetic disorder.  A reacquired Gabe White had a "mysterious infection . . . [run] all the way up his [pitching] arm."  A reacquired Doyle Alexander missed two months of the season after punching a dugout wall.  And a reacquired Dean McAmmond was banned from 13 games because of a clerical error.

Representative Reacks, "Bad Luck"

See, among others, Roberto Alomar, Brian Anderson, Kevin Appier, Ellis Burks, Brett Butler, Jose Canseco, David Cone, Vlade Divac, Sherman Douglas, Doug Gilmour, Juan Gonzalez, Hank Gowdy, Sterling Hitchcock, Mike Jackson, Voshon Lenard, Todd MacCulloch, Dean McAmmond, Antonio McDyess, Randy Myers, Bernie Parent, Tony Phillips, Doc Powers, Don Reid, Kenny Rogers, Rey Sanchez, Urban Shocker, Ralph Terry, Rick Tocchet, and Roland Williams in IV.  Reacks below.

C.  Post-Reack Success.

The discussions in Sections A and B above regarding why teams often prefer reacks and why teams should avoid reacks can explain the post-reack improvement in performance of Doyle Alexander, Brian Anderson, Jose Canseco, and Jose Lima, among others.  When each player joined a new team, each became a non-reack. 

From Reack to Non-Reack

The "glory days," sentimental reasons, and a desire to correct a past mistake are usually not factors in a team's decision to acquire a non-reack.  The team acquires a non-reack often because he is the best available candidate.  And a well-managed team will invest time, money, and effort on an unknown commodity only if the team thinks the risk is worthwhile.

In obtaining the non-reack for the right reasons, the team improves his chances for success.  A desire to prove that his ex-team made a mistake by letting him go, along with a desire to impress his new team, may motivate the non-reack to succeed.  In unfamiliar surroundings, the non-reack may develop new good habits instead of reverting back to old bad habits.  Motivated, practicing good habits, and chosen by his team for the right reasons, the non-reack's performance and luck are likely to benefit.

Representative Reacks, "A Change of Scenery"

See, among others, Doyle Alexander, Brian Anderson, Jose Canseco, Cliff Floyd, Mike Jackson, Jose Lima, Tom Seaver, and Jeff Suppan in IV.  Reacks below. 

V.  Certain Notable Exceptions and "Limited Purpose" Reacks

Reacks who do not disappoint on the field or off the field are exceptions to the Reacquisition Theory. 

The list below (1) focuses primarily on modern-era exceptions to the Reacquisition Theory, (2) is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all the exceptions in MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL history, and (3) is subject to change, based on, e.g., new information, a reack's future statistics, a reack's future health, etc.

Certain Notable Exceptions:

• As a non-reack, Harold Baines hit a combined .288 in 7,956 at bats for four teams from 1980 to 1995.  As a reack for the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles, Baines hit a combined .293 in 1,952 at bats from 1996 to 2001.

• A reacquired Vinny Castilla led the National League in R.B.I. for the Colorado Rockies in 2004.

• A reacquired Sean Elliott and a reacquired Avery Johnson helped the San Antonio Spurs win the 1999 NBA Title.

• A reacquired Tony Fernandez hit .306 in the regular season and .326 in the postseason, helping the Toronto Blue Jays win the 1993 World Series.

• A reacquired Gail Goodrich was a four-time All Star for the Los Angeles Lakers and averaged 22.5 points per game from 1971 to 1976.

• A reacquired Rickey Henderson helped the Oakland Athletics win the World Series in 1989 and was American League M.V.P.
  

• A reacquired Steve Nash was the NBA's M.V.P. in 2004-05, averaging 15.5 points and 11.5 assists per game during the regular season and 23.9 points and 11.3 assists per game during the postseason, leading the Phoenix Suns to the Western Conference Finals in 2005.

• A reacquired Mark Recchi was the Philadelphia Flyers' leading scorer in 3 of 5 seasons from 1999 to 2004.

• A reacquired Fran Tarkenton was a Pro Bowler in 1974, 1975, and 1976 for the Minnesota Vikings.

"Limited Purpose" Reacks.

Teams considering a reacquisition and want to diminish the likelihood of disappointment should preference to a low-expectations reacquisition, i.e., a "limited purpose" reack, such as, Jeff Conine, Lindsey Hunter, Claude Lemieux, and Phil McConkey.

Limited purpose reacks are less likely to disappoint, because reacquiring teams hold them to a lower standard.  The higher the standard the more likely the reack is to disappoint.

With high expectations, the Baltimore Orioles reacquired Sidney Ponson, signing him to a three-year, $22.5 million contract to be the ace of the team's starting rotation.  In 2004, the reacquired Ponson was 11-15 (.423) with a 5.30 E.R.A. and was arrested for assaulting a judge.

With low expectations, the New York Yankees reacquired Orlando Hernandez, signing him to a one-year, $1.5 million contract to be the team's "rotation insurance."  In 2004, the reacquired Hernandez was 8-2 (.800) record in the regular season with a 3.30 E.R.A., before suffering a "dead arm," limiting him to one postseason start.

The Yankees have enjoyed success with other limited purpose reacks.  A reacquired Tino Martinez hit 10 home runs in 12 games in May 2005.  A reacquired Ruben Sierra had numerous clutch hits.  And a reacquired Luis Sojo had the series-winning hit in Game 5 of the 2000 World Series.  But some limited purpose reacks have disappointed the Yankees.  See, e.g., Jeff Nelson, Ruben Rivera, Rey Sanchez, Mike Stanton, and Gerald Williams in IV.  Reacks above.

Low expectations do not guarantee that a reack will avoid disappointing the reacquiring team.  Chris Childs, signed to a two-year, $3.5 million contract to be a backup point guard, reported to training camp fat and out of shape. Pat Hentgen, signed to a one-year, $2.2 million contract to be a fifth starter, was 2-9 (.182) with a 6.95 E.R.A.  And, Ruben Rivera, signed to a one-year, $1 million contract to be a reserve outfielder, stole Derek Jeter's bat and glove. 

For limited purpose reacks who have disappointed on or off the field, see, among others, Chris Childs, Pat Hentgen, and, Ruben Rivera in IV.  Reacks above.

VI.  Conclusion

Steroid suspensions, criminal behavior, underachievement, season-ending injuries, and losing records are a few of the many disappointments that  might be avoided if MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL teams heeded the Reacquisition Theory.

The Reacquisition Theory states that reacquired players, managers, and head coaches, i.e., "reacks," tend to disappoint on and/or off the field.  MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL history offers ample proof in support of this theory.  But teams continue to prefer reacks, often choosing them over more qualified candidates. 

A team may make a reacquisition to relive its "glory days" or for sentimental reasons.  Or a team may reacquire a former star to boost the team's attendance or appease the team's fans.  Reacquiring a known commodity often seems easier, cheaper, and risk-free.  And, when a team underestimates a player, manager, or head coach, the team may reacquire him hoping to correct its mistake.  But a reacquisition often leads to negative consequences for the reacquiring team. 

The reack-team relationship is similar to a marriage.  Upset with how the "first marriage" ended, a reack may still harbor ill will towards the reacquiring team.  Back in familiar surroundings, the reack's old character flaws may resurface.  And he may also lose motivation, believing that he has already proven himself to the reacquiring team.

Feeling no need to impress the reacquiring team, a reack may decide to say and do as he pleases, becoming a distraction and upsetting team chemistry.  And, reacquired for misguided reasons, a reack may become prone to bad luck.

Advanced age does not explain the tendency of reacks to disappoint on and/or off the field.  When choosing between a reack and a non-reack, a team will always take into account the player's age.  And, if a reack's underperformance were so predictable, no reasonable team would waste time, money, a roster spot, or other valuable resources on such reack. 

When a reack joins a new team and becomes a non-reack, the reasons for his disappointing stint as a reack usually no longer apply, as demonstrated by the post-reack success of numerous reacks.  Teams looking for  undervalued players should consider other teams' reacks. 

Certain notable reacks have not disappointed on or off the field, making them exceptions to the Reacquisition Theory.  But teams should limit themselves to low-expectations reacks, i.e., "limited purpose" reacks.  A limited purpose reack is less likely to disappoint, because he will be held to a lower standard.  When, e.g., a limited purpose reack suffers a season-ending injury, the reacquiring team's disappointment is not as great as when an expensive, high-profile reack suffers the same injury.

Until MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL teams cease making reacquisitions, the number of team victimized by the Reacquisition Theory will continue to grow.

VII.  Acknowledgment

Jeffrey Austin Brill.

I would have never scaled this Mount Everest without your support, guidance, and encouragement.

Your contributions to this article were a godsend.  My writing, research, and analysis benefited greatly from your knowledge and expertise as a sports fan, experienced editor, and published author.  And I will never forget the many sacrifices you made to help "The Reacquisition Theory" become a reality.

For the foregoing reasons, I am forever grateful.

I left out the ReAc List that was compiled in the article because it was too long and AN keeps breaking when I do it. So there ya go.