Last Wednesday, the San Francisco
Giants clinched their third World Series title in the last five years. The
series featured a dramatic Game 7 that included a scoreless relief appearance
from Giant’s pitcher Madison Bumgarner, who had already earned wins in Game 1
and Game 5 starts. Bumgarner, the series MVP, was also awarded a 2015 Chevrolet
Colorado from the now famous “Chevy Guy” Rikk Wilde.
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| Photo courtesy usatoday.com |
With such an entertaining season
now in the books, most fans now turn their eyes to the “Hot Stove League” to
dream about the possible moves their favorite teams should make this offseason
that will earn them that coveted championship trophy. In fact, starting
tomorrow free agents have the ability to sign with any major league club. The free agent market this offseason features
Starting Pitchers Max Scherzer and Jon Lester, 3rd Baseman Pablo Sandoval, and Shortstop Hanley Ramirez.
As like any fan, I too was taken
back with excitement when the Tigers signed free agent 1st Baseman
Price Fielder (9 years/$214 million) in 2012, and resigned Justin Verlander
(7years/$180 million) last year and Miguel Cabrera (10 years/$292 million) this
past spring. Owner Mike Ilitch has made a point to express his “win now” at all
costs attitude. However the performances of these deals so far has been alarming.
Fielder only lasted two years before fans grew tired of his carefree attitude
and was dealt to the Rangers, Velander has been inconsistent at best after
resigning; and Cabrera has struggled with injuries almost, as it seems, before
the ink ever dried on his new contract.
Now enter Scherzer, who declined
the Tiger’s offer of 6 years and $144 million this spring. He’s now reportedly seeking a 7 year contract anywhere from $175 to $200 million. So one might ask
why would any GM pay this much for a 29 year old pitcher, who during his
seventh season in the big leagues this year finally pitched his first major league
complete game? Surely given his awkward delivery, which sure looks like it
places strain on his arm, will one day lead him to permanent spot on the disabled
list. The answer… there will always be those teams who think an all-star
pitcher will put them over the top as the final missing piece.
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| Image courtesy of flckr.com |
Baseball, unlike the other major
sports, has no salary cap. It does however have a luxury tax, which can penalizes
a team 17.5% if it exceeds the set $189 million threshold. So any team making
an offer to a top tied free agent better do their homework first. Think I’m
kidding? Just ask any Yankee fan how much they still love the declining skilled
Alex Rodriguez, who at 39, is still owed a whopping $64 million over the next
three years.
I now cringe when hearing about any multi-million dollar contract that goes beyond four years. After all, it’s us fans who will end up paying for it in the end. One box seat for $96 anyone?
References
I would open that check book and give whatever to whoever that can make this team get "over the hump." They have their stars locked up, which is dangerous enough as it is. Keep loading up with talent -- regardless of cost -- and get Mr. I that ring. Then tear it all down, and keep a few stars.
ReplyDeleteI agree the Tigers are still in a win at all cost mode. Spending is fine. If I was Dombrowski, I just wouldn't go past 5 years for any big dollar contract.
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