MLB's Top Salaries
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by Audino237
Recently, my articles have dealt with possible trades, free agents, and looking into the future of all sports, but primarily baseball. It is my favorite thing to do, the projecting, so if there are any ideas, specific players, or any specific teams you would like to see featured in one of my articles, don't hesitate to tell me. Now, the last few years I have paid a lot of attention to the economics of baseball, and I think that I have become pretty adept at projecting a contract and the demands for a player (unless your name is Gil Meche). Here is a list, which I got from USAToday.com, of the top 25 player salaries in 2007, and whether they deserve it or not. I am discounting Roger Clemens and his $28M pro-rated deal. And, no, I don't think he's worth it.
1. Jason Giambi, 1B/DH, Yankees- $23.43M: In the first few years of his backloaded contract, the Giambino put up MVP type numbers, finishing 5th and 13th. He had a nice bounceback year in 2006, but this year played in only 83 games. He managed 14 homers and 39 RBIs, not bad but not good for the money he was making. He is one of many good left-handed power hitters, so the verdict here is that he certainly is not worth the money.
2. Alex Rodriguez, 3B/SS, Free Agent- $22.71M: The former Yankee is in line to win his third MVP award in the coming weeks. He famously has opted out of his contract and in all likelihood won't be back in the Bronx. Rodriguez stands to reel in a contract worth 8-12 years at about $30 million a pop. With his numbers and the revenue he brings in, he deserves this money.
3. Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees- $21.6M: The Captain batted .322 this year in his #2 spot for the best offense in baseball. However, his numbers don't reflect his influence to the fans and the clubhouse. He will always be associated with the Yankees. People will always back The Stadium, but he is a big reason that this is so. He signifies the influx of homegrown talent that the Yankees produced on their way to a string of titles. If you gave him the name Player X, he would not be worth this money. But he is Derek Jeter, and is worth every dime.
4. Manny Ramirez, LF, Red Sox- $17M: The last 2 years, the best hitter in baseball has battled injuries. When healthy, he always produces. His antics and polarizing personality are two reasons people love or hate the Sox. In Boston's 2 titles in the last few years, Manny has come up big. That's why he is paid the big money and worth the 17 mil.
5. Todd Helton, 1B, Rockies- $16.6M: Maybe I am putting too much emphasis on the sentimental meanings of these players, but Helton symbolizes the Rockies. He is a career .332 hitter who has been a good soldier since he came up. His power numbers have certainly decreased. Not to be ignored is the fact that he serves as a complement/bodyguard to the righty swinging Matt Holliday. Helton is worth the deal.
6. Bartolo Colon, SP, Free Agent- $16M: Yes, he won a Cy Young a few years back in LA. But he has been plagued by injuries lately and pitched very poorly this year in limited action. Not worth it.
7. Andy Pettitte, SP, Free Agent- $16M: The southpaw recently declined an option for 2008. In 2007, he was their most solid pitcher with a 15-9 record and a 4.05 ERA. He also came up big in vital games. On another team, Pettitte would not be worth this money. On a Yankees team that needed his warrior's mentality and was stocked with young players, especially pitchers, he was important in the clubhouse. The Yankees need him to come back.
8. Jason Schmidt, SP, Dodgers: $15.7M: Schmidt pitched in only 6 games this year, and not very effectively. He is on the payroll for 2 more years and is getting up there in years. However, he has pitched less than 200 innings only twice since 2002. A healthy Schmidt will not only help out the young pitchers, but elevate an already formidable rotation. Teaming him with Billingsley, Lowe and Penny forms a top 4 as good as any. Surprisingly, I say that he is worth it.
9. Barry Bonds, LF/DH, Free Agent: $15.53M: Bonds, of course, is now the all-time home run king. He was probably the only thing that kept people coming to see the dreadful Giants. He did not play regularly, and his services are not highly sought after. A team in need of a lefty slugger (calling all Angels) could greatly benefit from his presence, his eye, and his power still. He was probably worth that money twice over this last year.
10. Richie Sexson, 1B/DH, Mariners: $15.5M: Sexson has an infamously low career average but outstanding power. He is a righty and an above-average fielder. He is not that far removed from MVP consideration, but he is starting to age. Sexson showed that he is still not worth this boatload of cash when he was replaced in the lineup by Ben Broussard though. Ben Broussard.
I just realized after this 10th spot that the list was taken very early. It does not include Carlos Lee, Barry Zito, or Alfonso Soriano. I'll leave it at ten for now, and try to sort it out another day. But it's 5 pm on a Friday night on campus, and there seems to be better things to do!
