Green was a highly touted young talent, showing speed, power, and excellent defensive ability. He hit .283 in 76 games in 1982 and .284 with 34 stolen bases in 1983. The Giants obtained him with Jose Uribe, Dave LaPoint, and Gary Rajsich for Jack Clark, and hoped he would be a capable successor to Clark at first base. He wasn’t. Personal problems, including fear for his family in strife-torn Nicaragua, led to his decline. After flings in the Mexican and Japanese leagues (1986-87), a glimmer of his potential shone again in September 1987. The Cardinals recalled him during their successful pennant drive to substitute for the injured Clark, and Green hit .267 and slugged .500 in limited action.
