Too often, the media easily harps on owners and management that continue to spend little money, while their teams continue to lose on the field, court, or rink. Too many owners in sports today play cheaply as they seem to be more concerned about the almighty dollar and profits, rather than placing emphasis on winning.
You may suggest that those teams are hardly competing. Idealistically, every owner would have the intention of going out and paying money for good talent, with the number one goal being to win.
Yet, it is also the teams responsibility to play the game smart. Tom Hicks certainly did not play it smart by signing Alex Rodriguez to a 10-year, $256 million contract. Coming close in stupidity is the signing of free agent Pedro Martinez by the New York Mets. Martinez was introduced by the Mets on Thursday, agreeing to a four-year deal for $53.5 million.
Are the Mets insane? It wouldn't shock me if they are close, considering they continue to be a distant second place to the Yankees in New York baseball in terms of popularity and media coverage. The last four years have been plagued by continuing losing seasons. It would make sense for the Mets to go out and acquire an established veteran such as Pedro.
There is no problem in signing Pedro, if the deal was for one year or two at the most. Three years is too much, but four? It is safe to assume that Pedro's better days are behind him. His 3.90 ERA in 2004 is the highest in his professional career. If I'm the Mets, I have to worry about his health, and what's left of him by 2008. His arm is nearly shot.
Boston wanted him to come back, but there was no way they were going to offer him a fourth year. They were reluctant to offer him a third year, but they gave in and offered that to him for $44 million. In this situation, you can't blame Boston for not giving in, as a guaranteed four years is way too much of a gamble. Why should I believe Pedro is going to last for the next four years? While I don't wish him any misfortunes, I must think realistically.
Pedro is use to playing in a winning environment. The Mets have fallen into some hard times, dating back to their last appearance in the World Series in 2000. With Pedro pitching in the National League, he will now have to bat, which simply won't help his arm. He also isn't quite familiar with many of the hitters in the National League.
If you prefer to view this angle with the glass being half-full rather than being half-empty, there are a few positives to take note of. Pedro is a well-established veteran, who will add some ease to Tom Glavine and the rest of the Mets' pitching staff. Pedro is a winner, and maybe his mentality will rub off on the other players in the dugout. While he won't be as familiar with the hitters in the NL, those same hitters won't be familiar with Pedro and it will take time for them to figure him out.
Pedro should not have much of a problem with the fans in New York. Mets fans are different than Yankee fans, so any stunts or quotes used while a Red Sox towards New York, were directed towards Yankee fans, which probably won't have any bearing on what Met fans will think of him.
If Pedro can stay healthy for the majority of the time, and produce good outings, even if his game steps down a stroke or two, then the signing will be good for the Mets. Anything less, however, will allow the perception to be that this deal was a huge mistake, and that the Mets are going to pay.
By the time Pedro's contract expires, Americans will have elected a new President into the White House, the Expos/Nationals organization will still be without a permanent home city, and Alex Rodriguez will still have two years left on his 10-year contract. Watch yourself, because 2008 will be here before you know it.
Any questions or feedback may be e-mailed to [email protected]. For more about Martin, please visit his personal website, Martin's Access.
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