Brad Lidge avoided arbitration (or even the exchange of numbers) Tuesday by agreeing to a one-year deal that nets him a 1.375 million dollar raise.
While your immediate reaction is that 5.35 million is a lot of money for six blown saves and a 5-something ERA, a quick look around indicates that if you have any kind of faith in a return to form for Bradley, this is not stupid money.
These are the guys who posted more than Lidge's 32 saves in 2006:
| Closer | Salary |
|---|---|
| Francisco Rodriguez | 7 million simoleons (2007) |
| Trevor Hoffman | 6,500,00 clams (2007) |
| Bobby Jenks | 340 Grand (2006), but in line for a large raise |
| Billy Wagner | 10,500,00 beans (2007) |
| BJ Ryan | 5 million bucks (2007) |
| Todd Jones | 5,190,841 berries (2007) |
| JJ Putz | 415 Large (2006), but deserving of a substantial payhike |
| Jonathan Papelbon | 335,400 coconuts (2006), but tell me you wouldn't wanna be his agent |
| Tom Gordon | 7 million smackers (2007) |
| Mariano Rivera | 10,500,000 pesos (2007) |
| Bob Wickman | 6,500,000 aces (2007) |
| Jason Isringhausen | 8,750,000 bones (2007) |
| Joe Nathan | 5,250,000 washingtons (2007) |
| Huston Street | 339 G (2006), but looking to cash in on the bright young resume, I'm sure |
| Joe Borowski | 4,250,000 greenbacks (2007) |
In addition, several of these guys are promised money in '08, or even beyond.
Put it this way: Would you rather pay Brad Lidge 5-3/8 mil for one year, or Joe Borowski 8 and a quarter for two?
Loading comments...