Here we go again
20 November 2008The rumors are swirling. From 6-years and $100 million to no offer what-so-ever.
I have several concerns:
1. 6-years. The Yankees can risk it - if he flops, they can deal with the wasted money. Not our Giants. With one terrible long term deal already on the books, another would be catastrophic.
2. If you knew nothing else, would you bet $100 million on this guy staying healthy for the next 6 years?
3. What would this mean for the future of Matt Cain? I’d hate to buy an expensive free-agent in order to trade away a young, cheap superstar for someone like Prince Fielder.
4. In 2008, the Giants starting pitchers allowed opponents to hit just .256 — the 6th lowest in baseball. Also in 2008, the Giants averaged just 3.95 runs per game — the 2nd WORST in baseball. I’m no genius, but it’s pretty obvious where the Giants need the most help. Couldn’t Adam Dunn be had for fewer years and less money? Far less money? Isn’t Cain and Dunn a better, cheaper (and 400 pounds lighter) duo than Sabathia and Fielder?
All that said — I do believe the Giants will make Sabathia an offer. Whether he accepts or not is totally irrelevant, to be honest. I think, more than anything else, this offer will demonstrate the philosophy of the Giants ownership — that filling the seats (i.e. money/profitability) is more important than winning. Of course, winning is the BEST way to fill the seats, but winning is hard. Signing Sabathia is easy.
