This is what Santana can command on the open market

[dkgojackets]

Re: This is what Santana can command on the open market

That salary is ridiculous for someone who might play 35 games at most.

[bergie56]

Re: This is what Santana can command on the open market

IDK. Maybe its because I'm an A's fan, but I have a hard time giving large amounts of money to a guy that helps you every fifth day. At least a guy like Arod can help you every game. And I think its been proven that young, cheap pitching is out there. Hell look at the Twins themselves. Lariano is a stud (when he comes back) that is probably making close to the league minimum.

I agree with this. Santana won't be worth the money he gets.

[ComfortablyLomb]

Re: This is what Santana can command on the open market

That salary is ridiculous for someone who might play 35 games at most.

Depends on the team. If you're the Sox or Yanks then it's not that big a deal in terms of what you have left to round out the roster. If you're the A's then you have no chance of building a team with a $30 million a year contract on it.

As for only pitching 35 games, having the best pitcher in the game is tremendously valuable and moreso in the playoffs. You could argue a similar point about position players in that they're only at the plate one of every nine times.

[rsox]

Re: This is what Santana can command on the open market

That salary is ridiculous for someone who might play 35 games at most.

It's what he does in those 35 games that will get him a huge contract.

In the past 4 seasons (including this season) Santana has won at least 15 games, struck out 200+ batters, pitched 200+ innings and in the last 3 seasons has finished with an ERA below 3.00 (still has a chance to get his ERA below 3.00 this season). Barry Zito does not have that on his resume and neither does Carlos Zambrano and look at the money that they got.
Giving big contracts to pitchers is always a huge gamble and more often than not never pan out the way the team hopes but some team will be more than happy to take the chance on Santana.

[dkgojackets]

Re: This is what Santana can command on the open market

Barry Zito does not have that on his resume and neither does Carlos Zambrano and look at the money that they got.

True, and I think they are vastly overpaid as well.

[sportsdude]

Re: This is what Santana can command on the open market

IDK. Maybe its because I'm an A's fan, but I have a hard time giving large amounts of money to a guy that helps you every fifth day. At least a guy like Arod can help you every game. And I think its been proven that young, cheap pitching is out there. Hell look at the Twins themselves. Lariano is a stud (when he comes back) that is probably making close to the league minimum.

what are you smoking? Young, cheap pitching is out there? If that's true then why did Gel Meche get the contract he got?