SPORTSWRITERS GONE WILD
Apparently Phil Rogers is running out of things to write. Because this has to be one of the most insane things I have read all hot stove season.
Rogers writes about the Garland for Cabrera trade today and offers a few thoughts on it. Deep breath, Sox fans. Here’s one of them:
Or maybe Cabrera would snap up the offer they made to Fukudome — $50 million over four years. That wouldn’t be a bad thing, either, as it would secure a position at which the Sox have few attractive internal options.
Cabrera is a fine player. He’s excellent defensively. He can steal a base. Likely will hit for average. A bit of pop in his bat. But overall he’s fairly average offensively and he would be 34 when this extension kicks in. I don’t know of too many shortstops who are worth $12 million+ per year at age 37. Of course, I don’t think he would be worth that in 2009.
If the Sox were to spend that type of money, wouldn’t investing in a younger pitcher like Garland be more appropriate?
Cabrera is good. Just not that good.
Rogers adds: “Signing Cabrera through 2011 would add some direction to an organization that needs it.”
What’s the quote–don’t confuse activity with achievement?
Indianapolis Colts to win Super Bowl
What’s the difference between Cabrera making that kind of money at that age and Fukodome?
they are 3 years apart to begin with. And also Cabrera won’t likely have the offensive impact Fukudome will in relation to on-base or slugging.
As I wrote above, I don’t know of too many shortstops who are worth $12 million+ per year at age 37. Fukudome is a corner outfielder. Big difference between that and playing gold glove caliber shortstop at a later age.
Why is there a big difference? You still have to be fast and have good reflexes for either position. Who’s to say Cabrera couldn’t become a 2nd baseman in a few years?
well he could. But why would you want a $12 million who at that point will struggle to get to 750 OPS? The main point in all of my salary issues is basically VORP. And I don’t mean the direct stat but just generally. You could get a farm system kid to do what he can do in those years for about 11 million less.
And that’s my point about Fukodome as well. Given the likely stats he will accumulate, the Cubs could fairly easily fill his shoes in a corner outfield position over the final two years of his deal for MUCH less money. My guess is that his signing was more about him being a left handed bat and making Cubs merchandise more marketable to the Japanese American community.