Orlando Hernandez, a Forgotten Titan?

Granted that he is not Reggie Bush and, his girlfriend is not Kim Kardashian. But, when "El Duque" was with the New York Yankees, well, he was pretty well known too.  

Even so, his achievements in the Bronx were reduced to a still of about two seconds in the big screen at the farewell of the old stadium last year.

At 43, his real age, like many other veterans in the major leagues, Orlando Hernandez does not have a job. And to be honest, it's his health what's been in question for the past year and a half, not his talent, to make a comeback.

In a recent interview for a local Spanish television station in Miami, where millions of Cubans reside, Hernandez was asked how he felt, and if he would consider playing for the local National League Florida Marlins. His answer was: "I feel great, and...yeah, why not? You never know."

His response, about playing for the Marlins, was not convincing at all. But the fact that he could be recuperated from a surgery that removed a bunion on his right big toe, was.

Yankee fans, and Yankee "haters," lets go back to 1998 for a moment. In a bizarre incident, David Cone's Mom's dog bit him in his pitching hand, and he could not make his start. To fill the hole, Hernandez was called from the minors, and never looked back.

"El Duque" went on to post a 12-4 record starting in June with an average of 3.13, including, a Titanic performance in game four of the ALCS against the mighty Cleveland Indians with seven shutout innings. All this, ten months fresh out of the boat that took him from Cuba and into the US, risking his life. 

After that, in 1999, Hernandez enjoyed a 17-9 record, with 157 strikeouts, and was selected the Most Valuable Player in the ALCS.

Oh yeah, let's not forget his impressive numbers with team Cuba, 126-47 with a 3.05 ERA and a gold medal at the Olympic games in Barcelona Spain 1992.

No wonder, this "rookie" in 1998, has now a 90-65 record in the Majors with an ERA of 4.13, and a 9-3 in the post season, starting at 8-0. One of the best pitchers in the playoffs, ever!

God knows what his numbers would have been, if he had come to the United States much early in his career, privilege that all other players from around the world enjoy when they're found by scouts. All others, but the ones from the communist Island of Cuba.

Recent new comers, or should I say new refugees like White Sox's Alexei Ramirez and Dayan Viciedo, could steal the spot light from legends like Hernandez, but the truth is that they have a long way to go before they can even begin to compare their achievements to his.

It is frustrating to think that four World Series rings later, the same as Yankee captain and future member of the Hall of Fame Derek Jeter, Orlando Hernandez might have to say goodbye to the game he adores off the field.

Dominican Pedro Martinez for example, would have the opportunity to "audition" for a job with the Mets and Dominican GM Omar Minaya in the next World Baseball Classic starting in April 2009. "El Duque," because of political reasons, does not get the same chance and cannot even defend the colors of his flag.

If Pedro can make a comeback, if the Yankees can resign Andy Pettitte, I believe "El Duque" can as well.

If healthy, I even hope to see "El Duque" in that separate spring training camp for unsigned players that MLB is planning to have. I think it's a terrific idea, not only for stars like Manny Ramirez to stay in playing condition, but to help players like Orlando Hernandez demonstrate that he is healthy and can still help a team win.

I'm not saying Hernandez could star for the Yankees, I believe the Bronx Bombers should be cover by the signings of C.C Sabathia and AJ Burnett, but what I can say is that aside from Joba Chamberlain and Mariano, the Yankee bullpen looks to be mediocre just like last year, and could use another sure strike man.

It would be a dream come true, I am sure, and an honor for a man like "El Duque" to retire with the spikes on the field. And who knows, with a fifth World Series ring in his hand. I believe he also deserves one last chance.