That's why Fernandez is playing for the Milwaukee Brewers this year. He's helping to fill a leadoff void and maybe transmitting a bit of knowledge as the Brewers try to decide if Ronnie Belliard can develop into a leadoff hitter. For now, Fernandez and Tyler Houston share third base while Jose Hernandez moves to shortstop to fill in for the injured Mark Loretta. But this is 2001 and that .427 was in 1999. For the record, this is a season after Fernandez figured he would be retired.
Strange things happen.
Like playing every day at third base for Toronto and batting .328 to go along with that gaudy on-base number, then finding himself the next year in Japan. Where, by the way, he hit .327. Not very good. Speaking quietly with his head down, Fernandez merely shrugs. I would have retired after last season if I had stayed over here.