I think the Red Sox made a great investment in Dice K.
A year ago, I was singing a different tune. Probably like many, when I first heard the announcement that the Red Sox were investing over $100 million (including their rediculous posting fee) in this Japanese hurler, I laughed. It looked like another crazy decision made to insure the enemy lost out in the ever-present battle between Boston and the Yanks.
But now, look at some of the pitching deals being made around the league:
- The Devil Rays signed Jaime Shields to (realistically) a seven-year deal worth $38 million.
- The Diamondbacks traded Dana Eveland and (count them) FIVE hot prospects for Dan Haren. (Four of the five were among the top 10 prospects the D-Backs had in their pocket!)
- Carlos Silva (13-14 with a 4.19 ERA last season) pulls down a 4-year, $48 million contract?!?!?! WOW!!!!! I might be able to reach those stats with a favorable trainer who'll keep his flippin' mouth shut!
- and Kyle Losche (9-12 with 4.62 ERA) looking for some love too. . .
It's pretty obvious adequate pitching is going at a premium price these days. So did the Red Sox make a good buy with Dice K, a premium pitcher at a premium price?
Yeah, I think they did. It shows how far ahead of the curve the Red Sox were thinking last year, and their return-on-investment will be measured in years, and maybe in billions.
2 comments:
Welcome Back! I was begining to think you weren't going to be posting again - how often do you put up posts so I know when to check back?
On Dice K, I'm leaning toward agreeing with you, I'm just not there yet. Certainly he had a better year than Igawa. But he did start to tire down the stretch (not used to the l onger season yet I guess). If he can build some endurance and have a solid August through September then I would whole heartedly agree. Even if he is good, he may be outshined by Bucholtz, Lester, and Beckett.
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