You Have Got to Get Something

When you have a pitching staff that consists of Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner and Barry Zito there is going to be that time when you may not be able to pay one of these members.

It is for this reason that the Giants' front office has to get someone in a trade for the pitcher they cannot come to agreement with on a new contract.

What disturbs me is the idea that some team carelessly overpays someone (see Barry Zito) and this becomes the new standard for what a pitcher is "owed."  When really what should be factored into the equation is: Has the pitcher established that he is a winner -and- Is his team usually in the game when he starts? 

Get a ring and then you should be treated like royalty.  Eric Byrnes, the other night on his KNBR talk show, said, "You get paid for what you have done."  And he's right.  But the people who get together to determine the player's worth must not go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to the number of years figured into the contract.

Keep it at 3-years and you will generally get your money's worth.


Kevin J. Marquez