Major League Baseball is in the infancy stage of another offseason and that means ball clubs are revving up their checkbooks. Every year there are several teams that dole out millions of dollars for overpriced free agents. In just a few days, it appears that this offseason will be no different.
On Wednesday, the Red Sox were the highest bidders in the race to sign Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka. The BoSox ante was $51 million for first rights to sign Matsuzaka. Can anyone say Hideki Irabu, Hideo Nomo and Chan Ho Park? Boston is also apparently interested in former Dodgers outfield J.D. Drew. Drew’s price tag is reportedly four years for $56 million. If the Red Sox sign him that means that they were willing to spend more on Drew then they were on Johnny Damon, who wanted four years and $40 million. Interesting, considering that Drew is just as injury-prone and is only two years younger than Damon.
The Mercury News is reporting that the Padres are interested in Barry Bonds. Bonds’ price tag might be somewhere in the $15 million range for one season. Lets see, last time I checked San Diego was still in the National League. So, that means that Bonds would still have to play in the outfield on two bad knees and a chicken wing for a left arm. For only $15 million! Where do I sign?
Two guys that are going to bank after having just one good season are Frank Thomas and Gary Matthews Jr. ESPN.com is reporting that Thomas is set to sign a two-year deal with the Blue Jays that could exceed $30 million. Sounds like a lot for a DH who just choked mightily in the ALCS with what? No hits? And I guarantee you that Matthews fools some sucker into giving him millions on for that .313, 19 HR, 79 RBI season he is coming off of. Never mind the fact that the guy is a career .263 hitter.
More to follow as more wallets widen.
