Francisco Rodriguez just signed a big-money contract with the Mets, who have missed the playoffs the last two seasons. CC Sabathia chose to become the highest-paid pitcher in baseball history, signing with the Yankees in spite of the fact that they play in what is considered the toughest division in baseball and failed to make the postseason in 2008. What drew Sabathia to the Bronx and K-Rod to Queens? It wasn’t a near-guarantee to return to the playoffs, which they could have had with the Angels. They didn’t grow up in New York dreaming of wearing Yankee Pinstripes and Met blue and orange one day. There’s only one thing it could be: money – $161 million for seven years of Sabathia and $37 million for three years of Rodriguez.
I’m not saying Sabathia is a bad person or a bad role model. He’s active in the RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program, hasn’t gotten in trouble for his behavior off the field, and seems to genuinely enjoy playing baseball, which counts for a lot in my book. In all likelihood, CC would be happy no matter where he ended up, but it doesn’t make me feel any better about his decision. It is truly sad that money is more important to some players than loyalty and playing for a winner. It almost makes me love the great game of baseball just a little less.
On a side note – and without delving deep into the state of the economy – can someone please explain to me how it is that top free agents (Sabathia and Teixeira) are still going to get ridiculous contracts to play a game for a living?
A.L. East teams take on each other’s identities
In following the 2008 baseball season and especially in watching the playoffs, I couldn’t help but notice an interesting metamorphosis of sorts: the underdog Rays are the new Red Sox and the wealthy Sox are the new Yankees. The Red Sox have become perennial contenders and have resembled the Evil Empire more than the Yankees themselves over the last few years. Now if only the Orioles could start playing like any of the other teams in their division…
