greasywheels121 Posted April 28, 2005 Share Posted April 28, 2005 Getting a Big Check Without Producing the Goods Baseball's First Annual Gold Watch Team By RICHARD JUSTICE, AOL This week, I'm introducing our first annual Gold Watch team. To make this team, you've got to have a high salary and low production. And it helps if you've celebrated a lot of birthdays. You're what those of us in this business might also call "a mistake.'' More of these players can be found on teams at the top because they apparently have money to waste. My list is my list. It's probably not your list. Let me here from you. Baseball fans love to vent about the bums their hometown teams gave too much money to. Here's your chance. Here's the top of my list... Jason Giambi, Yankees, 1B Age: 34 Salary: $13.4 million Statistics: .220 batting average, 3 HRs, 6 RBI. Note: He wanted to prove he could be productive without steroids. He wanted to prove he wasn't broken down at 34. He has shown that there's not much left. He's one of the game's truly nice guys and a sad, sad case. David Wells, Red Sox, LHP Age: 41 Salary: $4 million Statistics: 2-3, 4.91 ERA. Note: The Red Sox had hoped to sign Pedro Martinez and Carl Pavano. They were forced to settle for Matt Clement and Wells. So far, it hasn't worked out. The Baltimore Orioles ought to be feeling pretty good about their chances of winning. Kevin Brown, Yankees, RHP Age: 40 Salary: $15.7 million Statistics: 0-2, 8.25 Note: Maybe he should punch another wall. At least, he'd have an excuse for performing so poorly. Jaret Wright, Yankees, RHP Age: 29 Salary: $5.7 million Statistics: 2-2, 9.15 ERA Note: Age is not the issue in this case. His 15 victories for Atlanta last season represented a remarkable comeback for someone who suffered a pair of shoulder injuries. But one season didn't justify the kind of money the Yankees gave him. Now his shoulder has blown out again. Sidney Ponson, Orioles, RHP Age: 28 Salary: $8.5 million Statistics: 3-1, 6.85 ERA Note: Another bizarre signing. He doesn't keep himself in shape, he's not reliable and he has massive bouts of immaturity. This is not a guy a pitching staff should be built around. General managers get signed for such decisions. Cristian Guzman, Nationals, SS Age: 27 Salary: $4.2 million Statistics: .203 batting average, 1 HR, 3 RBI Note: Baseball people began second-guessing this contract from the moment the ink was dry on the contract. Turns out, they were right. Nationals GM Jim Bowden showed he hasn't lost his magical touch at making stupid deals. Chan Ho Park, Rangers, RHP Age: 31 Salary: $15 million Statistics: 2-1, 4.25 ERA Note: He has won 16 games in four years since signing a five-year, $65-million contract. He helped show new Rangers owner Tom Hicks what he didn't know about baseball. Darren Dreifort, Dodgers, RHP Age: 32 Salary: $13.4 million Statistics: Disabled list Note: He has won nine games in three seasons since signing a five-year, $55-million deal. He helped get general manager Kevin Malone fired. Ken Griffey, Jr., Reds, OF Age: 35 Salary: $10.4 million Statistics: .247, 0 HRs, 7 RBI Note: When he was healthy, he was the best player a lot of baseball people have ever seen. His last five seasons have been a nightmarish string of injuries. Now it appears those injuries have taken a toll. He's going to the Hall of Fame, but a lot of people may remember these tough final years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Critic Posted April 28, 2005 Share Posted April 28, 2005 Where is Magglio Ordonez??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperSteve Posted April 28, 2005 Share Posted April 28, 2005 Seems like there are a few guys missing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalapse Posted April 28, 2005 Share Posted April 28, 2005 Jermaine Dye. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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