After the rosy glow of Christmas morning fades we usually begin to think about the gifts we bought. Did we really need to spend $400 on the new computer gaming system that's only marginally better than the $200 system we bought 2 years ago? Then there are the gifts that you look back on and just can't figure out why they were needed or wanted. Which brings us to baseball's free agent market. A few observations:
Pennants aren't won with free agents: One player doesn't turn a team around and when it happens it's usually a younger position player who changes the dynamic in a lineup. Think Miguel Cabrera with the Marlins, Andruw Jones in Atlanta, or Albert Pujols with the Cardinals Free agency is about aging pitchers who are treated by general managers like the first women at the docks after the fleet comes in from a six month cruise. The only difference making hitter in this year's market was Paul Konerko who resigned with the WhiteSox. At $12 million a year for 5 years he is probably a little overpriced but not by much.
Don't Drink and Sign: Obviously general managers are tanked up when they sign multi-year deals with pitchers over 30 years old. There can be no other logical explanation Think of it this way, would you rather have a nine year old BMW or something newer and more serviceable?. GM's take the used BMW every time, then spend most of the year following the deal explaining why they did and trying desparately to trade away their mistake. As Kenny Rodgers once said, "you've got to know when to walk away and when to run." The Tigers didn't know that and signed a 41 year old Kenny Rogers to a $16 million 2 year deal. Last year he struck out 87 batters and walked 53. Don't rush to buy tickertape in Detroit.
Oh, What A Relief It Isn't: Consistent middle of the lineup run producers are as scare as compassionate conservatives or liberals with children in the military. Relief pitchers arrive in cartons that aren't counted in the warehouse. You lose one, break one, don't sweat it. We'll mail you another one tomorrow, no charge. Yet the Phillies, after getting out from under Billy Wagner's contract, are paying Tom Gordon $18 million over 3 years to be their closer. Yes, that Tom Gordon, the 37 year old setup man whose strikeouts fell below IP for the first time last season.
Then again, the Cubs are paying $3.7 million a year to Scott Eyre and $4.0 million to Bobby Howry on the theory that their bullpen problems last year weren't somehow related to Dusty Baker's handling of his relievers. That's $7.7 million that isn't available to sign a center fielder and leadoff man ("where have you gone Johnny Damon, the Cubs nation turns it lonely eyes to you..."). How about Jose Mesa as a $2.5 million closer in Colorado. That should be more fun that an arsonist in a fireworks factory.
You Shouldn't Be Ashamed To Save Money On A Generic: Brad Ausmus calls a good game and can throw a little. He cost the Astros $7.5 million over two years. They could of had gotten the same type catcher in Gary Bennett for $800,000 or Einar Diaz for $625,000. The Cubs could have passed on Eyre and gotten Mike Myers to fill the same role for $1.25 million (which the Yankees did).
A Smart Shopper Can Still Find Quality Merchandise For Less: The Saint Louis Cardinals are going to get close to 100 RBI next season from Juan Encarnacion for $5 million. They have Bennett coming in as a veteran catcher for $800,000. And they got Braden Looper back for $4,500,000 giving them a top setup reliever and insurance for Jason Isringhausen. The Yankees of all people made three smart signings without much expense. If Octovia Dotel ($2 million) comes back strong he can pair with Myers to make it tough on opponents in the 7th and 8th innings. The Bernie Williams signing ($1.5 million) is a relatively cheap price to pay for a quality hitter and veteran backup. Put it in context. That's just $250,000 more than the Giants are paying Jose Vizcaino to come off their bench.
It's Not The Top Salaries That Are Excessive, It's Those Just Below. The Yankees get Damon for $13 million. A 34 year old Brian Giles cost San Diego $10 million. A.J. Burnett cost the Jays $11 million annually. Kenny Rogers comes with an $8 million price tag to Detroit. Rafael Furcal changes the Dodgers offense for $13 million. Ramon Hernandez doesn't change the heartbreak that is an Orioles season for $6.87 million a year.
Small Town Homies Don't Play That: A serious flaw in the system is that teams like the Pirates and Royals overpay for players like Joe Randa and Mark Grudzielanek just to fill positions. The Reds, Brewers, and Twins are not now nor ever will be places agents will try to move players to. Most major league teams sell game worn jerseys for charity at inflated prices. The Marlins leave the player in the jersey and donate them to more fortunate teams in larger markets.
And so it goes. The rich get richer, the GM's get dumber, the Orioles get no respect, the Astros are used to up the bid before the player signs elsewhere, and everything Scott Boras touches turns to gold. Here's hoping some year GM's learn to keep their pockets in their wallets and spend some money on scouting and development or at least ready cash for mid-season trades.
