Bugs & Cranks decided to put a team together comprised of the worst contracts in MLB history. The pitching staff alone will make your head spin.
Starter #1: Barry Zito
Team: San Francisco Giants
Contract: 7 years / $126M
I’m pretty sure we don’t have to get into this one…Starter #2: Carl Pavano
Team: New York Yankees
Contract: 4 years / $39.95M
His nickname is “American Idle.” Enough said.
Starter #3: Mike Hampton
Team: Colorado Rockies (and Florida Marlins and Atlanta Braves)
Contract: 8 years / $121M
Since 2004, he has made 12 starts. Over that time, he has been paid upwards of $50M. We’re all in the wrong business.Starter #4: Russ Ortiz
Team: Arizona Diamondbacks
Contract: 4 years / $33M
How does 5-16 with a 6.99 ERA grab ya?Starter #5: Denny Neagle
Team: Colorado Rockies
Contract: 5 years / $51.5M
Going 19-23 with a 5.57 ERA over the first three seasons was bad enough. Then he missed all of 2004. Then he was caught with his zipper down and a $40 hooker. Not only was he a thief, but he was apparently a cheap bastard too!
This list should be more than enough for teams not to dole out any more ridiculous contracts to free agent pitchers. Whether it’s the change in parks, clubs or even uniforms, the marquee free agent pitchers just never seem to pan out when given truck loads of money. Are the expectations too high? Barry Zito looks like he’s crumbling under the expectations. It’s almost like he’s just waiting for the wheels to come off in every start.
