Jack Clark could never say no to a luxury car and eventually, his penchant for motorized toys had him in bankruptcy court. For Boston, this was supposed to be a perfect match as Clark was a power hitter from the right side. Clark was also a strikeout machine from the right side as he led the National League three times in whiffs.
The Red Sox viewed Clark as an opportunity to spend money and get a possible 30/100 in return and they came close – for one season. Clark signed with Boston in 1990 for a reported three years and $9 Million and that first season saw 28 home runs and 87 RBI which made a .249 average somewhat palatable. Clark had an fWAR of 2.4. Then it fell apart.
The 1992 season was Clark’s last in the majors. Watching Clark at bat was simply brutal as he hit just .210 with five home runs and 33 RBI. The fWAR went to -0.3 and the Red Sox finally waived Clark, who eventually signed with the Expos, but never returned to MLB.
Clark resurfaced as a radio talk show host and his mouth cost him. Clark accused Albert Pujols of using PED’s and mentioned as his source Pujols’ former trainer. Defamation lawsuit threats soon followed and Clark eventually had to recant his story.