Pedroia’s Extension
Yesterday, it was announced that Pedroia would be signing a 7-year/ $100 million extension, meaning he’ll be signed with the Red Sox through 2021. He’ll be 38 years old at that point. This is the first $100 million contract signed by a second baseman in MLB history.
I’m thrilled that Pedroia signed the extension, especially the fact that he signed before seeing what Robinson Cano will get in free agency after this season. Pedroia plays the game well and with a driven spirit; the way every team wishes every player played, and the way fans love to see these men play. Pedroia has heart, and he wears it on his sleeve. You can tell he loves playing the game and that he loves playing in Boston.
Pedroia was originally signed through the 2014 seasons with a team option of $15 million for the 2015 season. With the extension, Pedroia will be paid approximately $14.29 million a season, which is very team friendly, in my opinion. It’s estimated that Cano could demand about $20 million a season. Statistically, Pedroia and Cano are comparable; but honestly, I think Pedroia means more to the Red Sox than Cano means to the Yankees.
An interesting note, the Red Sox have only given out four $100 million-plus contracts, including Pedroia’s deal. The other three players were all traded to the Dodgers (Manny Ramirez, Adrian Gonzalez, and Carl Crawford).
I don’t see that happening with Pedroia. In fact, my bet is he gets the “C” put on his jersey sooner rather than later.
I have to add this comment that The Boston Globe included in their article A television reporter asked Pedroia if his teammates would treat him differently now that he had the hefty extension, Pedroia delivered a classic response: “Not really. They still have to look down at me.”
Braun’s Suspension
Ryan Braun was suspended by Major League Baseball on Monday for the remainder of the season without pay for his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal. It was a total of 65 games. Suspensions of other players are going to follow, reportedly next season, after appeals are handled.
Braun is essentially losing $3.4 million, a drop in the bucket of his 5-year/ $105 million extension he signed in 2011. The Brewers are in last place in the NL Central Division and 20 games out of first, so there’s really no hope the Brewers will be making a comeback this season.
Does the suspension hurt Braun financially? Not really. Does the suspension hurt Braun’s reputation? Yes. Does the suspension hurt other accused players chances of successfully appealing their own suspensions because of the Biogenesis link? Definitely.
The fact that Ryan Braun took his suspension without appealing shows MLB had significant evidence against him. If they didn’t, I’m sure Braun would’ve fought the suspension, especially after he successfully appealed his last suspension. With Braun serving his suspension without appeal, it’ll also give more credential to the employees at Biogenesis who are cooperating with MLB’s investigation.
Braun’s Suspension’s Effect on Alex Rodriguez
In connection to Braun’s suspension is Alex Rodriguez. There have been so many rumors floating around about what, if any, suspension A-Rod (A-Roid?) will be serving; I’ve heard anywhere from 150-games to a lifetime ban.
This is for sure, the fact that Rodriguez impeded MLB's investigation shows more guilt than if he just kept quiet. It’s been widely reported that MLB has more evidence against A-Rod than they had on Braun.
If I were a part of the Yankees organization (and thank goodness I’m not), I’d be looking for a way to void Rodriguez’s contract. FAST.
Buchholz to the Rescue in September?
As mentioned on Monday, Clay Buchholz visited Dr. Andrews. Buchholz was given reassurance by that he didn’t have structural damage to his shoulder, and he just had inflammation. Dr. Andrews also said that Buchholz wouldn’t cause any damage by pitching with the inflammation. Good news, right?
Well, Buchholz went on record yesterday saying he hoped to make 4 to 5 starts the remainder of the season. The guy hasn’t pitched since June 8th, so I understand that he needs to build his arm up again. But, if he had no damage and it’s taken so long for him to get a second opinion, part of my wonders what would’ve happened if Buchholz had been checked out by Dr. Andrews earlier. Could he be pitching now?
In my opinion, the Red Sox need to get another starting pitcher. Garza went to the Rangers on Monday, so that really only leaves Peavy and Norris. The Sox seem to be more inclined with Peavy, at this point.
If the Red Sox land a starting pitcher, they can go to a six-man rotation for September. This, I feel, would be a great thing for the team. It’ll give the starters more rest between starts to keep them fresh for the playoffs. Plus, it’ll also have the starters in a sort-of competition for those starting positions in the playoffs.
That’s what I have for today. It was a longer post, but so much had happened the past couple days, I had to comment on it all. Let’s hope for another Red Sox win tonight!
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