Risky! Risky! Long Term Deals. Some Work and Some Don't!

[flounder]

I like Mets GM Omar Minaya's approach in dealing with pitchers. He got K-Rod for a 'steal'. After setting the "SAVES" record, K-Rod was looking for big $$$$$ and a long term deal. But he may get the last laugh, if ace closer, Billy Wagner fails to return or losses his effectiveness. So you might say Francisco Rodreiquez is in a favorable position. He can't lose. Excepr now as a National League batter, he better lose his 'histrionics' while on the mound. Some players might think that they're being shown-up, by his display....which could mean 'bean-ball' time.

I think that Billy Wagner will have 'Tommy John' surgery--if he already hasn't had it--early next year. So, he'll be lost for almost two years, and will also have completed his contract by then---$43M/4-yrs. They may not even resign him. Especially with K-Rod in the house.

I was really impressed when he turn down Barry Zito, who wanted a long-term deal. Now, the Giants have the headache ($126M/7-yrs). That round-house curve look good in Oakland, but not nearly as effective in San Francisco.

There will always be 'long-term' contracts in Major League Baseball, but relunctantly given. That's the nature of compeition...long-term deals and big bucks. Baseball fields are shrewed with these failed investments, but they keep coming. I've already mentoned a couple. And added to these few: The Cardinals' Chris Carpenter, $63.5M/4-yrs; Mike Hampton, $121M/8-yrs (now with the Atlanta Braves; Chan Ho Park, $65M/5-yrs. What do they all have in common? Serious problems/ leading to damaged goods. Mike Schmidt (Giants) can also be added to that list

Hopefully the Sabathia contract, as well as, the Burnett deal will work out well. Cashman is already burdened with nightmares of the Carl Pavano flop. Not to mentioin the Kei Igawa disaster.

If the situation continues, the 'opt clause' might become a two-way street---which will be strenguously fought by the Union--as an 'out' clause for either player or management.

The New York Yankees have the top four highest players in the MLB:

1. Alex Rodriquez---$275,000,000 (2008/10yrs)
1A **** Texas Rangers-$252,000,000 (2001/10yrs)'opt-out, elected to renegotiate).

2. Derek Jeter---$189,000,000 (2001/10yrs)

3. Mark Teixiera---$180,000,000 (2009/8yrs)

4. C.C. Sabathia---$161,000,000 (2009/7yrs)

5. M.Cabrea---$152.3,000,000 (2008/8yrs) Detroit Tigers

6. T. Helton---$141.5,000,000 (2001/11yrs) Colorado Rockies

7. Johan Santana---$136,000,000 (2008/6yrs) New York Mets

8. A. Soriano---$136,000,000 (2007/8yrs) Chicago Cubs



"Thanks", Z.

 

[RunawaySlave]

Add a few zeroes on those salaries

I think with the Mets, it was Wilpon caving in and giving Pedro that 4th year that's stiffened his resolve when it comes to long term contracts. Although there might still be a tinge of racism involved, since Pedro not being there will be used as an excuse for them not winning while Wagner might just ride off into the sunset without any scruntiny at all....

The bullpen will be fun to watch this season with Rodriguez and Putz. Plus we won't be playing musical pitchers anymore now that Randolph's (and in essence, Torre's) style of handling pitchers is gone.

I can remember the days of Walter Alston and his 1 year contract in LA. Wonder if we're heading in that direction with all teams.

 

[flounder]

Add a few zeroes on those salaries

I think with the Mets, it was Wilpon caving in and giving Pedro that 4th year that's stiffened his resolve when it comes to long term contracts. Although there might still be a tinge of racism involved, since Pedro not being there will be used as an excuse for them not winning while Wagner might just ride off into the sunset without any scruntiny at all....

The bullpen will be fun to watch this season with Rodriguez and Putz. Plus we won't be playing musical pitchers anymore now that Randolph's (and in essence, Torre's) style of handling pitchers is gone.

I can remember the days of Walter Alston and his 1 year contract in LA. Wonder if we're heading in that direction with all teams.

Those days lived by former Dodger manager, Walter Alston are longggg-gone. Never to be repeated. Today,managers and players alike are seeking long-term deals! Thats why agents like Boras and Tellum are so important..actually, any agent.