If you have been living under a rock for the last few weeks, then let it be known that the Lincecum extension had taken place to the tone of 40.5 million dollars in two years. The two years buy out the final years of his arbitration, which means after the contract is done, he will be a free agent. Apparently, the Giants offered a 100M, 5 year deal that Lincecum declined. Lincecum has said that it's not because he doesn't want to stay with the Giants, but rather that he wants to keep his options open. Notably, the Lincecum deal is also the highest paying deal of a player who has less than 6 years MLB service time. The next is Derek Jeter, who was paid 18.5M per year when he had less than 6 years of MLB service. The deal is the most expensive deal on a per-year basis in San Francisco Giants history. Not even both the Barry's, Zito and Bonds match up to Lincecum's contract. This is remarkable especially because Barry Bonds was easily the most feared hitter to ever play the game and Barry Zito's contract has gone down in history as one of the worst busts.
On the other hand, Matt Cain is looking to be resigned at less than 20 million a year. Matt Cain would very preferably stay in San Francisco and is willing to give quite a substantial hometown discount. Matt Cain might even more important to the franchise than Lincecum, being the most consistent Giants pitcher over the last 5 years. As Andrew Baggarly once said on Twitter, "Lincecum is the girl you date, and Cain is the one you marry." These two pitchers are absolutely essential to the Giants team, without them, I would hardly expect the Giants to be above .500. The Giants management knows that and they are willing to spend enormous sums of money keeping them by the way. At the beginning of the offseason, they made it quite clear that they were going to focus on keeping their pitchers before dramatically improving their offense. And seeing by the lack of payroll flexibility after these re-signings, Lincecum and Cain are going to have to carry the team yet again. Although, this season, albeit, with a little more money in their pockets.
If you have been living under a rock for the last few weeks, then let it be known that the Lincecum extension had taken place to the tone of 40.5 million dollars in two years. The two years buy out the final years of his arbitration, which means after the contract is done, he will be a free agent. Apparently, the Giants offered a 100M, 5 year deal that Lincecum declined. Lincecum has said that it's not because he doesn't want to stay with the Giants, but rather that he wants to keep his options open. Notably, the Lincecum deal is also the highest paying deal of a player who has less than 6 years MLB service time. The next is Derek Jeter, who was paid 18.5M per year when he had less than 6 years of MLB service. The deal is the most expensive deal on a per-year basis in San Francisco Giants history. Not even both the Barry's, Zito and Bonds match up to Lincecum's contract. This is remarkable especially because Barry Bonds was easily the most feared hitter to ever play the game and Barry Zito's contract has gone down in history as one of the worst busts.
On the other hand, Matt Cain is looking to be resigned at less than 20 million a year. Matt Cain would very preferably stay in San Francisco and is willing to give quite a substantial hometown discount. Matt Cain might even more important to the franchise than Lincecum, being the most consistent Giants pitcher over the last 5 years. As Andrew Baggarly once said on Twitter, "Lincecum is the girl you date, and Cain is the one you marry." These two pitchers are absolutely essential to the Giants team, without them, I would hardly expect the Giants to be above .500. The Giants management knows that and they are willing to spend enormous sums of money keeping them by the way. At the beginning of the offseason, they made it quite clear that they were going to focus on keeping their pitchers before dramatically improving their offense. And seeing by the lack of payroll flexibility after these re-signings, Lincecum and Cain are going to have to carry the team yet again. Although, this season, albeit, with a little more money in their pockets.
Interesting blog Nathan. Great analysis of the both players...made me realize just how essential they are to the Giants. Sounds like the Giants are in big trouble if Lincecum does not re-sign with them. On another note, did u see the warriors blow a 20 point lead the other day...or the Tony Romo leading the Cowboys to another WASTED, pathetic season
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed seeing the financial aspect of baseball. It pleases me to see blog entries regarding athletes and their salaries because it allows me to see the monetary value of these people in respect towards their skills and talents. Having a set cash value enables me to get an accurate idea of how much these players are worth in the eyes of their experienced owners and not the biased fans. And although i'm not a follower of baseball, just seeing these players getting signed to deals that are worth over 1000% than that of the annual income of the average American, I am getting a glimpse on how the public really values sports and their athletes.
ReplyDeleteGreat update as always, I am glad that you brought up Cain as well, because to me it always seems that Matt Cain's extension has been completely overshadowed. But now, that Lincecum has been signed, more than ever it is imperative that they lock Cain down and solidify their All Star Rotation. Great coverage sir, and I am so saddened to hear about the Cowboy's and the continued disappointment by that Romo guy, my heart goes out to you Dallas fans, keep on fighting the good fight :')
ReplyDelete