Outrageous free agent signings

[slugger33]

Post in here the most outrageous contracts for 2008. So far we have a ridiculous one. Todd Jones signed to a 1-year $7 million deal.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Well, I guess it is outrageous in that he isn't impressive anymore and that he'll be 40 by the time next season starts.

[JordanDL3891]

what ever a-rod gets!

[Mike D.]

I think JC Romero's 3 year, $12 million deal qualifies.

[JordanDL3891]

no - thats 3 million a year.

[SamtheBravesFan]

no - thats 3 million a year.

You mean $4 million. And I wouldn't say that's a bad deal

[Mike D.]

You mean $4 million. And I wouldn't say that's a bad deal

A three year contract for a mediocre (108 career ERA+) lefty handed specialist with a 1.499 career WHIP and a 4.30 career ERA in their early-mid 30's?

That is the very definition of a bad contract. Sure, the total dollars aren't huge, but for what you're getting, it's a bad deal.

[Erik Bedard]

Not entirely true. Romero had an outstanding year last year by ERA+, and aside from 2006 and 2003, he's been solid to very good every year since 2002. In a market heavy on relief pitching, and with a lot of teams needing it, this may turn out to be a steal.

[MyDogSparty]

Post in here the most outrageous contracts for 2008. So far we have a ridiculous one. Todd Jones signed to a 1-year $7 million deal.

The Tiger's hand was forced when Zumaya hurt his shoulder falling off an ATV...cough, cough...helping move some boxes out of his parents house during the California fires.

[Paulypal]

what ever a-rod gets!

Nothing can be further from the truth. Arod is a cash machine for whatever team that signs him. Seasons tickets go up, road attendance goes up, and the all time home run champ is on the team.

By the way dont count the Yanks out of the Arod race yet. The three blind mice may yet come to their senses.

[Milt on Tilt]

Not entirely true. Romero had an outstanding year last year by ERA+, and aside from 2006 and 2003, he's been solid to very good every year since 2002. In a market heavy on relief pitching, and with a lot of teams needing it, this may turn out to be a steal.

So what your saying is that, aside from when he's been bad, he's been good. I agree with the sentiment that 3 years $12 Million is outrageous for what he will do. He had a very good year in 2002, and then a very good half in Philly. The four and a half years in between, he was mediocre to bad. If there's one thing I'm sure, his 1.1 WHIP and .130 average against in Philly were flukes. However, you are correct that relief pitching is at a premium and even an average pitcher like himself is valuable.

[John Shoemaker]

Nothing can be further from the truth. Arod is a cash machine for whatever team that signs him. Seasons tickets go up, road attendance goes up, and the all time home run champ is on the team.

By the way dont count the Yanks out of the Arod race yet. The three blind mice may yet come to their senses.

I agree - A Rod is worth every penny.

[SamtheBravesFan]

However, you are correct that relief pitching is at a premium and even an average pitcher like himself is valuable.

That's the whole point. This is why even Ron Mahay's rumored to get a long-term contract that could run into his Age 40 season.

[The Splendid Splinter]

If Posada really did get the 4 years/52 mil... I think this would qualify as outrageous (considering his age and the position he plays and after his career year on offense at age 36)... I'm not sure if posada got 4 years left in him at catcher and while he can DH towards the end of the contract, i just wonder if it's gonna hurt the Yankees or not in the end of it.

[TonyStarks]

If Posada really did get the 4 years/52 mil... I think this would qualify as outrageous (considering his age and the position he plays and after his career year on offense at age 36)... I'm not sure if posada got 4 years left in him at catcher and while he can DH towards the end of the contract, i just wonder if it's gonna hurt the Yankees or not in the end of it.

He'll probably do 2-2.5 years as the catcher.
He's been catching maybe 120-130 games a season and he's never really been hurt.

[Paulypal]

If Posada really did get the 4 years/52 mil... I think this would qualify as outrageous (considering his age and the position he plays and after his career year on offense at age 36)... I'm not sure if posada got 4 years left in him at catcher and while he can DH towards the end of the contract, i just wonder if it's gonna hurt the Yankees or not in the end of it.

This signing is as much about saving face in the NY media as anything else. Yes they need Posada. He is without a doubt a big part of the team, but that 52 million is cooling everyones jets. Torre gone, ARod probably gone, who knows with Mo, Pettite may retire....this signing was about stability. That last year or so is on the house..How many 40 year old catchers have ever been paid 13 million.

[TonyStarks]

This signing is as much about saving face in the NY media as anything else. Yes they need Posada. He is without a doubt a big part of the team, but that 52 million is cooling everyones jets. Torre gone, ARod probably gone, who knows with Mo, Pettite may retire....this signing was about stability. That last year or so is on the house..How many 40 year old catchers have ever been paid 13 million.

It was also necessary to keep Posada from listening to Omar Minaya's offer.
Now that offer would probably have included a 5th Year!

[Paulypal]

It was also necessary to keep Posada from listening to Omar Minaya's offer.
Now that offer would probably have included a 5th Year!

Very true. If the Yanks lost Posada across town...that would be a much bigger blow than if he went to Chicago lets say. Posada and his agent used the Mets as leverage this past week against the Yankee Ass.....oh sorry I meant Brass.

[The Splendid Splinter]

How many 40 year old catchers have ever been paid 13 million.

how many catchers made 13 mil a year...?

[Mattingly]

This signing is as much about saving face in the NY media as anything else. Yes they need Posada. He is without a doubt a big part of the team, but that 52 million is cooling everyones jets. Torre gone, ARod probably gone, who knows with Mo, Pettite may retire....this signing was about stability. That last year or so is on the house..How many 40 year old catchers have ever been paid 13 million.
From what I understand, yesterday (Monday) was the last day of exclusivity between free agents and their last ballclub. On Tuesday (or possibly Monday after a pre-determined time), all 29 other clubs were allowed to talk money and deals.

The Mets' GM Omar Minaya, seeking a new starting catcher, offered Posada 4 years, but I don't know for how much. I guess Minaya wasn't too crazy about Paul Lo Duca anymore.

Anyway, the Yanks had wanted 3 years, but Minaya forced the Yanks' hands, and he'd wanted a 4-year deal, as his agents talked to Minaya. Ridiculous, and I'd agree that it's about stability. With Torre gone, A-Rod off the books, Pettitte and Rivera being uncertainties to return, the only two constants would be Posada and Jeter. How many other teams (other than Houston, of course) can say they've had the same two starting infielders since 1996?

[Mattingly]

It was also necessary to keep Posada from listening to Omar Minaya's offer.
Now that offer would probably have included a 5th Year!
A *FIFTH* year? Minaya is infamous for having given Pedro Martinez a 4th year, which was something Boston refused to offer him after the 2004 season when he'd become a free agent.

I can stretch things into 4 years, but if Posada wants 5 years, then the Yanks are up the creek, since we can't replace a backstop of his offensive production. We've got enough problems trying to get a new 3Bman, 1Bman, ace, #3 pitcher, mid-reliever, etc.

[Mike D.]

So what your saying is that, aside from when he's been bad, he's been good. I agree with the sentiment that 3 years $12 Million is outrageous for what he will do. He had a very good year in 2002, and then a very good half in Philly. The four and a half years in between, he was mediocre to bad. If there's one thing I'm sure, his 1.1 WHIP and .130 average against in Philly were flukes. However, you are correct that relief pitching is at a premium and even an average pitcher like himself is valuable.

Of course, Romero also isn't a "standard" reliever, he's a lefty specialist. Last year he threw 56.3 IP....in 74 games.

Pitching this little also makes ERA a bit deceptive for him. If he's brought in to face a lefty, and they get out, he's got 1/3 of an IP scoreless. If he's brought in to face a lefty with men on base and he gets a hit, driving in a run, he's still scoreless as far as ERA is concerned. If he comes in, faces a lefty with the bases loaded, gives up a triple, allowing 3 runs to score, then is relieved, and the next pitcher ends the inning, you guessed it...scoreless for Romero.

He had the low BAA, but look at the WHIP and walks allowed. This is a contract based on 3 good months at the end of 2007, not on his career numbers. It might work out for the team, but I won't be shocked if it turns out to be $12 million down the drain.

[KCGHOST]

I haven't seen an outrageous deal yet, though the Posada thing could explode in the Yankees faces.

[placount]

posada will probably catch less than 2 years

[TonyStarks]

Ridiculous!
How do you pay a 39Yo Closer $15M per?!

I love what Mo's done for this team and all, but this is now retribution.
This is a paycheck for all of Mo's past accomplishments.

Ladies and Gentlemen...I think we have a Winner.
Mariano Rivera, 3 Yrs for $45M.

If I'm Cashman I say, "Look Mo, I love ya and all. Love everything you've done for this organization but I simply cannot pay you $15M per season. Not being a 39 Closer who had a VERY shaky season for Mariano".

[SamtheBravesFan]

That's way worse than anything ARod gets.