Dreaming of Albert Pujols as a Brave (but it’s a budget killer)
There goes another home run by Albert Pujols, who'll soon be up for bidding.
It appears the St. Louis Cardinals’ Albert Pujols will become a free agent after this baseball season, which almost certainly means we are on the verge of seeing a new record contract in baseball, as well as the next magazine cover: “Albert Inc. and the Lesser 499 of the Fortune 500.”
The other day, I threw out “a guy can dream” joke about the Braves making a bid for Pujols. Should’ve known but about a dozen folks sent me emails (and other notes on Facebook or Twitter) asking if I really th0ught that would or could happen. The short answer: no.
Pujols obviously is a great player, and first base has been a black hole for the Braves since I think Joe Adcock left. (Kids: Google). The latest hope is that prospect Freddie Freeman turns into the next great thing. If that happens, the organization is set at first for a while.
But this is Albert Pujols, the best player in the game. There aren’t that many players who immediately can turn a team into a contender. He’s one of them. Imagine the Braves’ infield of the future: Pujols at first, Dan Uggla at second, anybody at short and Martin Prado at third. Add Brian McCann and Jason Heyward and you’ve got as good a lineup as this city has seen in a while.
But the issue is money. Here’s how it breaks down.
First, the good news:
– Kenshin Kawakami ($7.3 million) and Nate McLouth ($6.5 million) come off the books following this season. That’s $13.8 million right there.
Now, the rest of the news:
– Derek Lowe, the team’s highest paid player at $15 million per season. will be entering the final year of his contract in 2012. Conceivably, the team could suck it up for a year and blow the budget out. But that’s not likely to happen. Lowe would be more trade-able in the final year of his contract but finding a team to take on a $15 million player, even a solid starting pitcher, still isn’t easy.
– Chipper Jones could be done this year. Or he may not be going anywhere. His contract calls for $13 million this season, $13 million in 2012 and a club option at probably $7 million to $10 million in 2013.
– The Braves already have made a long-term commitment to Uggla ($62 million for five years) are paying Tim Hudson ($9 million) and Brian McCann ($8.667 million) through 2012. On top of that, they have to prepare for the future major paydays of Heyward and Tommy Hanson. (We’ll leave Jair Jurrjens out of this discussion for now.)
Here’s the unfortunate truth: The Braves stick to a budget (even if we never really know what that budget is). They will commit major dollars to a limited number of players. To go after a guy like Pujols — who already has rejected an eight-year contract at $25 million per season and may be seeking $30 million annually — would necessitate blowing up the rest of the roster.
Do I think the Braves would do that? No. Do I think Liberty Media would suddenly take the clamps off the budget? No. But feel free to dream.
Thoughts? Should the Braves go after Pujols at all costs?
By Jeff Schultz
♦
Follow me on Twitter @JeffSchultzAJC; friend me at Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
167 comments Add your comment
Lowcountry Bulldawg
February 16th, 2011
9:27 am
1st!
Hankie Aron
February 16th, 2011
9:27 am
2ND
Hankie Aron
February 16th, 2011
9:28 am
oh well congrat and kudies from Mark Bradley to you Lowcountry
Athens Mike
February 16th, 2011
9:30 am
No. Second?
Hankie Aron
February 16th, 2011
9:31 am
As much as it would be dreamy, no
Athens Mike
February 16th, 2011
9:31 am
Fourth. Dang. Pujols is great, but I say give Freeman a try, if he doesn’t work out, you could find a good first baseman at a cheaper cost. Too much money is needed for Pujols.
Hankie Aron
February 16th, 2011
9:33 am
JS Question- Is a mega contract more about paying the player for his future based on his past, or paying a player for his past and hoping for the same future?
VA DAWG
February 16th, 2011
9:33 am
Pujols will be a CUB when its all said and done. So desperate to win, they will likely give him the 10 year contact he wants. Knowing their luck he’ll get hurt in his first or second year (a la D. Lee) and never be the same player again.
Hankie Aron
February 16th, 2011
9:34 am
If that even makes sense
Lowcountry Bulldawg
February 16th, 2011
9:35 am
Thank you, thank you! Third time ever I believe, but back to the topic at hand…
Pujols as a Brave? Dreaming yes, reality no. Hard to imagine St. Louis allowing him to walk. One obvious choice would by the Yankees, but with a infield of Tex and A-Roid they could not afford Pujols. How would they handle the 1B,3B,DH spots for players well into there late 30’s?
The Braves would become much more marketable if they did go after Pujols and a lineup of Heyward,Pujols,Uggla,McCann would be very formitable. The Ted would sell out every night, thus allowing them to recoup some of the money back, merchandising which I believe is shared revenue would bump some also. The Braves would have to have the “want to” to make it happen and in this day and age I beleive that is what would be lacking.
Hankie Aron
February 16th, 2011
9:37 am
I think he stays a Cardinal in the end. something along the lines of 28 million per for 8 years
lanier
February 16th, 2011
9:37 am
he would be injured by May
Diehard Braves fan
February 16th, 2011
9:37 am
He prolly end up in a NY Yankees’ uniforum when all is said and done.
Hankie Aron
February 16th, 2011
9:39 am
The Braves are little pawns to the Liberty Media money machine. They would NEVER go all out for any player
Lowcountry Bulldawg
February 16th, 2011
9:39 am
Pujols will not be a Cub. First St. Louis could not possibly allow that to unfold due to the natural rivalry. Secondly the Cubs are on the hook for 18mil annually to Soriano through ‘14. The Cubs would not risk that again.
Hankie Aron
February 16th, 2011
9:41 am
As great a player as the Poo Poo platter is, the 250 mil that Pujols wants is just too much for this economy. Arod wouldn’t get that money if in the same position
Tech Stinger
February 16th, 2011
9:44 am
Jeff
The Braves can offer Albert a 10 year 10 million dollar deal right? Or are the braves that cheap?
Paul H
February 16th, 2011
9:49 am
Like winning the lottery. Fun to dream about, not gonna happen.
FalconDawg
February 16th, 2011
9:50 am
Screw it go for it! When is the last time Atlanta sports has made claim to have the best player in any sport? Somehow we have always got by with having the majority of cheap players anyway. We just wouldn’t be able to over spend on old washed up names. Also, there is no doubt with him we would be the defending world champs. Is that not ultimate goal? Or should just continuously year after year trying to piece together some lucky formula that has only happened once in Atlanta sports history.
Jeff Schultz
February 16th, 2011
9:51 am
Hankie Aron — It’s all of the above. Sometimes you pay the player more than what he’s probably worth in years four and five of the deal, based on what he’s giving you in years one, two and three. You also need to factor in tickets sales, concessions, jersey sales, branding. There’s a lot that goes into it, other than, “But he might be hitting .240 in six years.”
Jeff Schultz
February 16th, 2011
9:51 am
Va Dawg — From Cardinals to Cubs? That would be a stunner.
Dr. Phil
February 16th, 2011
9:52 am
Fred McGriff was a decent first baseman and so was El Gatto Grande. The Cards will come up with the money for Pujols.
Jeff Schultz
February 16th, 2011
9:53 am
Tech Stinger — They probably won’t offer any contract because they know their offer will be blown away by other teams. But I could see Frank Wren making a quiet inquiry into how high the bidding will go.
Whiskey Clear
February 16th, 2011
9:55 am
No, they don’t need to, nor will they. Now if we were talking about a CF (Josh Hamilton), that would be a different story.
oh lord
February 16th, 2011
9:57 am
j hey batting third in front of Pujols? lord have mercy, he’d bat .375 with 100 doubles and 160 runs scored! he’d get fastball after fastball… man that’s delicious to consider
FalconDawg
February 16th, 2011
9:59 am
Not to mention you may have the future Hr record holder and have the record broke on your field. Imagine the ticket sales then.
Tweets that mention So I'm dreaming of Albert Pujols as the #Braves first basemen. (Don't wake me.) Click: -- Topsy.com
February 16th, 2011
10:07 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Caleb Yates, Andy Cox and Chris Brown, Jeff Schultz. Jeff Schultz said: So I'm dreaming of Albert Pujols as the #Braves first basemen. (Don't wake me.) Click: http://bit.ly/e5lTqT [...]
ga gator
February 16th, 2011
10:11 am
NO! Pujols has not produced in the playoffs and paying that kind of money for a player that age is stupid and only something the Yankees would do.
Tweets that mention Dreaming of Albert Pujols as a Brave (but it’s a budget killer) -- Topsy.com
February 16th, 2011
10:11 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by SilentButSmart, Jim Carmichael and Leo Mc., Jeff Schultz. Jeff Schultz said: Dreaming of Albert Pujols as a Brave (but it’s a budget killer) http://bit.ly/eU1ApI [...]
always high
February 16th, 2011
10:14 am
Wait a minute Schultz, you left out Rico Brogna and Robert Fick.
PMC
February 16th, 2011
10:16 am
It’s fun to dream about isn it?
That said, it’s pretty much ridiculous to pay him 30 million over 10 years when he’s 31. 30 million for that one player is way to much for most baseball budgets and it simply doesn’t bear out. The guy may well be the best player in baseball…. he’s certainly better than AROD….I’ve never understood why that guy gets paid like he does.
It’s just too much to invest in one player… the guy is a bad knee or shoulder from having 30 Million dollars on the bench.
We were crying about not having Chipper because of his 13M last year.
On one hand, I want Pujols to be paid like he is the best player in the game… but pitching and speed may be worth more as far as winning a championship and how good is Albert in the postseason?
He would make a huge difference on this team no doubt…but 300 million dollars worth? Doubtful.
Ted Striker
February 16th, 2011
10:19 am
Google Joe Adcock?
C’mon, now. Is that really what you think I use Google for?
Gimme the name of some up and coming “prospects” from Prague or Bucharest or Rio or Venice or Bogota and you’re in the Striker friend club.
K.C. Frenchy
February 16th, 2011
10:21 am
NOT a possibility, a waste of time to consider, just like always only a few teams can afford it if theyre dumb enough to overpay, why pay for what hes already done in St. Louis??? But we could use a couple of outfielders!!! FW is just a window shopper tho cause youre not getting a stud for 3 mill per year, 2 years from now when all the contracts are up & hopefully a new owner is in place its time to go shopping!!!
rm
February 16th, 2011
10:25 am
Noboby, I mean NOBODY is worth $30 million per year. Especially in this economy! But we all know the Yankees will give it to him.
Walker, Texas Ranger
February 16th, 2011
10:29 am
I think it may be a waste of time but Albert would fill seats. What is the possibility of getting him this year? You could trade Freeman and a top pitching prospect for the one year St Louis would have remaining and pay him 30 mil. You could also try to unload Lowe to the Yankees (minus Pettit) and pickup part of his salary still owed. Chipper will be done and the only big contract free agent in the future is McCann. Albert will draw an additional 5000 per game. That would bring in about 6 mil on his own.
cattle dawg
February 16th, 2011
10:30 am
How bout we see what Freeman can do this year and try an get Prince fielder next year? Hes alot cheaper and younger.
Ted Striker
February 16th, 2011
10:30 am
Google Joe Adcock?
C’mon, now. Is that how you think I use Google?
Gimme the name of some up and coming “prospects” from Prague or Bucharest or Rio or Venice or Bogota and you’re a real pal.
Walker, Texas Ranger
February 16th, 2011
10:31 am
What did the RF from Philly get from the Nationals, I think Albert is worth (no pun intended) double his salary.
Larry
February 16th, 2011
10:31 am
No. Use that 30 million on two #1 pitchers!
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
February 16th, 2011
10:32 am
what about sid bream ?
matt
February 16th, 2011
10:33 am
If they would dump Chipper, KK, McOut and Lowe they could afford him. Sinec they won’t keep dreaming.
mbatl08
February 16th, 2011
10:38 am
I wish Pujols could become a Brave, but it will never happen. Unless the fools at Liberty Media realize how much money Pujols would make for them by drawing more fans to Turner Field and maybe helping the Braves win a World Series or two. Then maybe they’d give the Braves the cash to go after him, but like I said, they are fools. It’ll never happen.
GPB
February 16th, 2011
10:40 am
No one is worth $30m. Especially over 8 years. I’d have preferred we told Chipper to take a hike and used that money to go after Crawford.
Bud
February 16th, 2011
10:44 am
Biggest Question? Is he 31 yrs old like he says? Remember Andruw Jones?
jfreak13713
February 16th, 2011
10:44 am
The problem with mid or low market teams is that if they do go after a guy like Pujols and pay the money they have little left to pay anyone else making their team really worse off than before they got the big time player. The Rangers and A-Rod come to mind or maybe the Twins with Mauer who will never hit more that 20 home runs again! I’d love to have Pujols but the Braves organization is not built to spend that kind of money on one player. I say we just keep things the way they are and build from within.
Freeman looks like a solid bat and a good glove and I’ll take that over what we’ve had recently at 1st base. I actually like having a team that has a chance to win but is not a complete playoff write-in! It makes every game more interesting to me! They ALL count!
David Granger
February 16th, 2011
10:47 am
It would sure be nice…however:
1. We don’t have Ted Turner in charge of the team anymore, and it would NOT be a justifiable “business expense,” and
2. Turner Field is NOT a good hitting park, so Pujols would probably not want to come here in the first place.
buckheaddawg
February 16th, 2011
10:48 am
everyone go buy some liberty stock
formidable braves 1B’men:
McGriff, Galaragga, A LaRoache, Ryan Klesko, and Honorable Mention goes to Sid Bream
bravo bravos
February 16th, 2011
10:49 am
No! Like rm says, nobody is worth that. It’s time owners begin realistic contracts that guarantee a certain amount and number of years, i.e. what the likely realistic production and longevity of the player is worth to the team measured against the risk of decline with the player’s health and production in the future. Beyond that add incentives based on productivity. This would address the player’s need for security while not hamstringing the team financially. Imagine Albert with likely similar production for the next 4-5 years then diminishing results the next 4-5 signed to a guaranteed base of say $15 mil for the next 5 years and $10 mil for the 5 after that with incentives for 30+ HR (add clauses for 40+ and 50+), .300 + BA, 100+ RBI, 500+ AB, MVP awards, HR titles, RBI titles, BA titles, Triple Crowns, team pennants, NLCS championship, World Series championship, and to top it off All Time HR king. Even throw in a clause that pays him based on his jersey sales. So he could still earn upwards of $30 mil per year but he has to produce. Security for the team is they have him long term. Security for him is he has more than enough money guaranteed to live more comfortably for the remainder of his life than 99+ % of Americans. And the wonder of it is that a baseball player is paid at least in part on what he produces during the season and not on hoped for results based on previous results.
meh
February 16th, 2011
10:51 am
we had some good first basemen in the 90s. Sid Bream aka “the best dude ever”, Fred McGriff, and Andres Gallaragha. Granted, none of them were around for a lot of years but if you put the tenures together that’s a good run of good first basemen.
NCBravesFan
February 16th, 2011
10:53 am
I live about 100 miles from Atlanta and have been an avid Braves fan for years and years (never mind how many). I enjoy attending a game in Atlanta two or three times a season and am otherwise ALWAYS in front of my nice HD TV when a Braves game is broadcast. The idea of Pujols as a Brave does not (and would not) make me a bigger fan of the Braves (not taking anything away from Pujols). The Braves are a TEAM of several star players. They all work together. I would hate to see one BIG star surrounded by smaller stars. And to think of who and what we would have to give up to get him. Oh, my!
T-Bone
February 16th, 2011
10:58 am
Getting Pujols is a pipe dream, but Schultzie, your dollar figures do make me think that we could find somebody else for our line-up with some pop. Uggla, McCann, Heyward, Prado, Chipper (this year, maybe another?), plus an added big bat is pretty nice. Throw in the potential of all of our young pitching . . . that ain’t bad.
Braves Guy
February 16th, 2011
10:58 am
No. Not only would it be unBraves-like but would also be contributing to a system that already doesn’t favor teams like the Braves.
DHD
February 16th, 2011
10:59 am
What a waste of an article. Spring Training has started. How about some REAL insight to the Braves in Spring Training instead of playing fantasy baseball??
Lowcountry Bulldawg
February 16th, 2011
11:03 am
NCBravesFan,
If the Braves aquired Pujols it is in the attempt to make you a bigger fan. It would be to generate more local interest to the stadium. The sidewalk fans are who the Braves would be targeting. They have you as a fan win,lose or draw. They would attract the bandwagon fans essentially with the signing, that is how they would see an increase in revenue.
D A DoubleU G
February 16th, 2011
11:03 am
Budget Killer?
Why don’t we ask the CEO of whoever owns the Braves these days if his annual bonus that outweighs the annual payroll of the Braves is really necessary……..
And let’s stop being the bargain shoppers and go get the big name.
Jeff Schultz
February 16th, 2011
11:03 am
Always high — Robert Fick. Entertaining guy.
Larry
February 16th, 2011
11:04 am
Jeff,
Better idea…let’s you and I split 1 million and let them spend the other 29 million on someone else to hit the little, round, white ball 350-400 feet about 40-50 times a year!
Deal?
Jeff Schultz
February 16th, 2011
11:04 am
Striker — I said “kids” Google, not you. Hah!
STRETCH
February 16th, 2011
11:05 am
30 million a year? and gas prices shooting up, food prices going up, teachers losing their jobs, everyday people losing homes and this guy is looking for that kinda money??? Wow…i usually dont care about these overpaid overrated sports figures, but come on…enough is enough guys!
And Supremet Court is sweating HGH and illegal drugs in baseball????? Seems to me they are worried about the WRONG things.
Gil In Mechanicsville
February 16th, 2011
11:05 am
The Braves could hire Billy Graham and still not improve their attendance figures. Let’s face it folks, people have become spoiled by TV coverage. their is a reason why the Marlins have a huge TV audience and a low “fannies in the seats” ration. Going to the games is just too much trouble vs sitting in the easy chair. Beer is cheaper too.
Say what you will, being politically correct and trying to revive a depressed area with a sports stadium and then failing to provide easy access to said stadium is not very forward thinking on somebody’s part.
So, as for Albert, Braves could have signed Texieria for a lot less and had nearly as good a player. Heck, they could have brought back Derrik Lee for another year for that matter.
Jeff Schultz
February 16th, 2011
11:06 am
Larry — You know what? Just to show you the kind of guy I am, I’ll even take the short end of a 60-40 split on the $1 million. You close the deal and I’ll sign.
Hillbilly Deluxe
February 16th, 2011
11:06 am
Albert has been a truly great baseball player and he has some good years left but anybody who signs him to a 10 year contract will be making a mistake, in my opinion.
Outside Observer
February 16th, 2011
11:07 am
Well, considering the great Bobby Cox said that Pujols is worth $50 million, I would say $30 million a year is a bargain.
Will
February 16th, 2011
11:08 am
Waste of time and space here! Not only is pujols not gonna leave ST. Louis, if for some crazy reason he does no way in hell he is gonna be a brave
benchwarmer
February 16th, 2011
11:10 am
The man wants a 10 year contract. Will anyone even offer him that? I don’t see it happening.
Tea
February 16th, 2011
11:11 am
Didn’t we already make the mistake of thinking one guy could transform our team when we acquired Tex? He didn’t accomplish that transformation (and let’s not even talk about who we gave up for his short rental period). Beside if Liberty Media was willing to consider radically changing their cost projections we would have known about it before now, right?
Dreaming of Dealing « The Grit Tree
February 16th, 2011
11:12 am
[...] Jeff Schultz at AJC posted an obligatory blog post this morning about the potential of Albert Pujols in a Braves Uniform. This is tempting to think about, but it won’t happen for several reasons: [...]
gwinnettbravesfan
February 16th, 2011
11:13 am
Trade Uggla for some prospects let chipper walk after this year or force him to retire. KK comes off so does Lowe and Mclouth. You could even trade Mccann for another decent pitcher a number 3 starter or a decent prospect or two and start D. Ross he is a very capable backup! Just my opinion. Wren are you reading this!
Jason in houston
February 16th, 2011
11:14 am
save the money – spend on heyward and hanson. That’s the next face of the Braves franchise.
Mike10
February 16th, 2011
11:15 am
Let’s face it the Braves don’t have a chance in h#ll.Cheap!Cheap!Cheap!
John Galt
February 16th, 2011
11:16 am
We’ve had Tommie Aaron, Mike Lum, Deron Johnson and Tommy Gregg at first base since Adcock- no shortage of star power there!
Our real deficit has been at short, with no one of note since Sonny Jackson, Gil Garrido, Pat Rocket and Larvell Blanks.
Robert
February 16th, 2011
11:19 am
“Biggest Question? Is he 31 yrs old like he says? Remember Andruw Jones?”
Andruw’s problem isnt his age – it’s his laziness
I wouldnt even consider a ten year deal – but if I were a GM and had some way to make the cash available, I’d feel ok about having Pujols for 7 years at $200 million
Mike10
February 16th, 2011
11:19 am
Pujols is probably the best player in the game and I would’nt blame the guy if he wants his salary to reflect that .I don’t see him taking anything south of 28 Million.
Robert
February 16th, 2011
11:20 am
“Well, considering the great Bobby Cox said that Pujols is worth $50 million”
Considering that Bobby Cox routinely says that it was “just one bad pitch” when the opposition scores in double digits – I would no attention to what Bobby Cox says
gcs
February 16th, 2011
11:20 am
Liberty Media is a huge conglomerate that makes billions of dollars a year. I don’t understand why they are trying to fool us into thinking they are a li’l ol’ mom & pop operation.
There are only a handful of teams that can afford $30M/year and that is not fair. Baseball needs a salary cap now more than ever.
.
NCBravesFan
February 16th, 2011
11:23 am
Lowcountry Bulldawg: understood, but the Braves might up their ticket prices if Pujols were acquired, and then they would be right back where they were before they acquired him (money-wise). LOL
urban redneck
February 16th, 2011
11:24 am
isn’t freeman supposed to be better than pujols, anyway?
hahaha
NCBravesFan
February 16th, 2011
11:26 am
I meant the bandwagon fans would not pay the increased ticket prices.
Jim
February 16th, 2011
11:32 am
NO. With the lineup you mentioned, if Freeman is good (doesn’t need to be great) then what the Braves need is two outfielders, one to go to LF if Prado plays 3rd, and a center fielder. They should be able to get what they need to be a contender for a lot less money than $25-30 million.
Walker, Texas Ranger
February 16th, 2011
11:33 am
Consider the buzz Heyward created when he came up. Now multiply by 10. That is the buzz Albert would create.
Lee
February 16th, 2011
11:34 am
The braves are sold on Freddie Freeman. While it would be nice to get Albert. I dont think they will drop that kind of money in his lap.
Sonny Jackson
February 16th, 2011
11:35 am
Yeah get Pujols and picth who Chipper? lol. Why not go ahead and get Barry Bonds and pitch Brooks Conrad! Real funny Jeff!
justin1
February 16th, 2011
11:39 am
I heard him on I think David Letterman the other day saying growing up the Atlanta Braves were his favorite team growing up in the D.R. Letterman proceeded to say “So St. Louis is your favorite team now?”
Pujols replies, “I guess”
feartheBraves
February 16th, 2011
11:40 am
If Pujols really is holding out for more money, the Cardinals should let him go – like they haven’t offered him plenty already. But I wonder if Pujols really wants to hold out, or if it’s just a ploy to build tension and give the media something to write about (no offense Jeff). We probably won’t know one way or another until Pujols signs a deal. If he re-signs with the Cardinals, that may prove that this was nothing more than hype. If he signs anywhere else, his reputation as a genuinely respected player may be out the window – a la Lebron.
John
February 16th, 2011
11:42 am
I agree the Braves would NEVER do this but it’s nice to dream. Somebody may have already said this but if Freeman has a good year that would be a nice showcase for other teams who could then trade for him and maybe there could be a package of Lowe/Freeman and that would help another team in the short and long term but like the article said the Braves have to worry about future contracts too and knowing the Braves they’ll build up their prospects and not mortgage the future to pay one guy $30 million a year.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
February 16th, 2011
11:49 am
I think if you gave the fans Pujols EVERYONE would pay $5 bucks more a ticket. It would show the ownership was commited to putting a viable product on the field. What people will not pay more for is status quo.
Phillisux
February 16th, 2011
11:51 am
Pujols is the best player in the game, but the Cardinals have him as well as very good starting pitching and they’ve won how many championships in the last 10 years? Problem with Pujols and a 7 year contract is that the app. $30 million per year will severely limit the Braves in making other moves. Nice dream, not so nice reality.
Braves? HA! Bronx Bomber baby.
February 16th, 2011
11:51 am
Droppin dollah dolla bills yo.
Mike B
February 16th, 2011
11:51 am
Just Posting my resume because email is blocked at work! Sorry ya’ll! Go Braves!
Michael Brunetti
14 South Baptist Street, Newport, RI 02840 halftimebrunetti89@yahoo.com 516-808-2821
Objective: To obtain the position of front desk associate at the Breakers Hotel
EDUCATION:
Johnson & Wales University Providence, RI
B.S., Sports Entertainment/ Event Management May 2010
Concentration: Sports Management
SKILLS:
7+ years customer service experience
Very easy to get along with new clients and guests
Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power point
Very determined and motivated to work in the hospitality field
Type 72 wpm
Relevant Experience:
Hotel Viking: Newport, RI
Bellman/ Valet May 10-Present
Responsible for presenting the guest’s with an overwhelming first and last impression of the hotel.
In charge of bringing luggage to room and to show everything in the room and how everything works.
Parked approximately 30-50 cars daily & assisted guests with luggage
Hotel Viking: Newport, RI
Intern May 10- Present
Interned with hotel in areas of front desk, human resources, housekeeping, sales and marketing, engineering, and management.
Shadowed the manager for each area and was taught how to properly accomplish each job through an 11 week period.
Other Work:
Big East Football Conference Providence, RI
Web Page Intern September 5-Present
Observed Big East football games and selected highlights & cropped and save to company’s website
Watch referees to appropriate log information regarding accuracy of calls
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Providence, RI
Community Service Chairman October 2006 – Present
Raised money for Toys for Tots as a part of Chairman for Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.
Raised over $60,000 over college tenure for various charities
ACTIVITIES/ HONORS:
Johnson & Wales University: Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity
Historian (’07-’08): In charge of alumni relations and submitting year-in-review of fraternity to the head of Greek life.
Grammateus (’08-’10): Fraternity secretary; in charge of taking notes, keeping records, attendance and to assist the President.
NCAA D III Wrestling team (‘06-‘08)
Intramural Sports: Flag football (’06-’10), Baseball (’06-’10)
Commentator for home wrestling matches at Johnson & Wales University (’10-present)
chief pitchanono
February 16th, 2011
11:52 am
Noooooooooooo! We should stay as far away from Albert as possible. He is a team killer for any medium to small market team, unless they have an owner with open checkbook, and most do not. If the cardinals are smart they will let him walk if giveing him the contract he wants means not being able to afford to build a contending team around him. He deserves every dollar he can get, but if he’s not gonna give the cards a discount then he is going to be limited to a handfull of clubs who can really afford him. Stay Away Braves!
Disbott 3000
February 16th, 2011
12:00 pm
Jeff, it’s a crazy dream not even worth having. Pujols is fantastic. A one-of-a-kind player. And he would be great for the Braves, but they will never be able to afford him and, if they somehow did, they’d have to sell the rest of the team away to do it, which would leave him the star of a glorified single A team. Both parties will be better off without each other, I think.
And I agree with some of the others. You are neglecting some great guys who have come through here at 1st base. Crime dog, Big Cat and Bream, if no others, deserve a little more respect. Just sayin’!
Tech Tard
February 16th, 2011
12:00 pm
Bud Selig is the worst commish baseball has ever seen. When will he look over at the NFL’s salary cap? Each team has a chance to win.
urban redneck
February 16th, 2011
12:01 pm
a washington newspaper is reporting that mcdowell went to ga tech and glavine is the new pitching coach………..uh, what????
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/feb/15/tom-glavine-named-braves-pitching-coach/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS
BehindEnemyLines
February 16th, 2011
12:08 pm
At $300 million over 10 years? At his age (whatever that really is)? Only combination that would do it is an insane GM & even crazier ownership, willing to cripple a franchise for the back half of a decade.
Smiling Jack
February 16th, 2011
12:09 pm
Pipe dream all you want. It’s fun fantasy. But, thank the Lord the Braves management has a reality grip on things and continue to bring us a competitive team we can be proud of year after year. Go Braves.
Warren Spahn
February 16th, 2011
12:10 pm
I liked your reference to Big Joe Adcock. Of course, Galarraga and McGriff provided some good efforts. Sid Bream was and is a good man. However, none of them measured up to Big Joe.
Edward
February 16th, 2011
12:11 pm
Don’t even think about it ,he’s not worth the money he’s asking for.
Call it what u want.....
February 16th, 2011
12:16 pm
Thats some weird shiz on that washington times report……lol.
Just Saying......
February 16th, 2011
12:18 pm
From a “Dreaming” standpoint, knock yourself out. From a reality standpoint, forget about it. No way would this improve your team over the long haul, paying 25% or more of your team payroll to one player is pure folly.
Albert will probably end up a Yankee or Red Sox, those teams can afford it. Plus, would having Albert offset the loss of fans once the team is out of the playoff race? With that kind of overhead you are very limited to what you can do should you have injuries or need a spark. Ask the Texas Rangers about that approach.
GL
February 16th, 2011
12:19 pm
WHEN PIGS FLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kashi
February 16th, 2011
12:20 pm
What about a big CAT, A. Galaragas in 1st base?
Kashi
February 16th, 2011
12:24 pm
why Andrew Jones is not working out in Boras state of the art GYM? I am glad Peavy deal didn’t get done. Who was the braves players included in that deal? Sad we gave up G. Blanco for nothing to Royals. With Gonzalaes being a manager do you wish we hadn’t trade Yunel Escobar? AG has no rage of Escobar in SS and too many erros.
Chopper
February 16th, 2011
12:25 pm
Reality:
The haul it would take to trade for Pujols would start with Julio Teheran and Freddie Freeman and most likely include Mike Minor and maybe another prospect. And that’s if you could convince Pujols to waive his no-trade clause, which he’s unlikely to do. He wants the ability to take the highest bid.
If the Braves want to kick the tires on Pujols in free agency it’s not likely to be financially feasible. Pujols’ price is $30 million for 10 years right now. But in free agency what will that be? Remember the Washington Nationals paid Jayson Werth twice what he’s really worth and probably $40 million more than what his next highest offer was. So you’d be bidding against that and the Cubs, at least, if not the Mets (if they get their finances back on track after the Madoff scandal) or the Dodgers if they get past the McCourt divorce. All of those could/would outbid the Braves.
coach13
February 16th, 2011
12:25 pm
GwinnettBravsFan- that has to be the dumbest suggestion I have ever heard in here.
Dale
February 16th, 2011
12:33 pm
This article is complete mental mastrubation!!! The Braves have never been in contention for any top free-agents and will not even be in the conversation about which team signs Albert Pujols! What a waste of space.
1eyedJack
February 16th, 2011
12:39 pm
Pujols? No way. Future Yankee. And while we’re at it we can start to say our goodbyes to JJ and Hanson (Scott Boras clients).
James
February 16th, 2011
12:40 pm
I can see him being a Cub especially if he feels he was disrespected by the Cardinals and wan’t to show them up by becoming a Cub.
Ryan in TN
February 16th, 2011
12:41 pm
Enter your comments here
Ryan in TN
February 16th, 2011
12:45 pm
The Braves should absolutely go after Pujols, only if the Braves raise the payroll. Before they can become serious contenders for the East and WS, they have to have a player like Pujols. Uggla, Heyward, and McCann, are great pieces and the pitching staff is ready. Big Albert would put the puzzle together.
Ted M
February 16th, 2011
12:46 pm
Most of the big spenders are set at first, the Mets are having financial issues as are the Dodgers so it will be the Cubs or the Cards. $27mil per annum in my prediction.
Ted M
February 16th, 2011
12:48 pm
Maybe the Pirates will bid on him…ha ha ha
Matt
February 16th, 2011
12:49 pm
Save the money for Heyward
Guthro
February 16th, 2011
12:50 pm
Pujols has 3-5 top years left. $300 million for 10 years would work out to $60 million per good year for a non-team player. Excellent prospect for the Yankees or Dodgers.
Gordo
February 16th, 2011
12:50 pm
Granted Albert Pujols is a great player. But I’m sorry No Athlete is worth the kind of money they are being paid today to play a GAME. Players are greedy. Baseball is a team sport, it’s not golf or tennis. If you spend all your money on one player you get nothing to go with him. Look what happen to the Rangers when they paid A-Rod all that money. It’s time to see sports for what it really is. A bunch of overpriced, greedy babies playing a GAME.
Marvin Mangrum
February 16th, 2011
12:57 pm
Crime Dog you moron, thats why you are so well read.
Jethro Bodeen
February 16th, 2011
1:02 pm
I usually dream about the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders myself!
Jeff
February 16th, 2011
1:02 pm
I would rather dream about a day when the Braves are owned by someone who cares about winning
Sweet Old Buck
February 16th, 2011
1:03 pm
What are you smoking?
Najeh Davenpoop
February 16th, 2011
1:04 pm
Fred McGriff and Andres Galarraga were pretty good. A little more than black holes, I think.
I’d love to see Poo holes as a Brave, but this isn’t 1992 (the last time an Atlanta franchise spent big money in free agency on a franchise altering player). If the Braves continue to draft pitching like they have, they will be fine without him.
tyger
February 16th, 2011
1:04 pm
Well, if fan opinion matters, I would actually buy a season ticket, if they had more than one player worth seeing.
Moose
February 16th, 2011
1:11 pm
Pujol to the Yankees…count on it. Why would anyone be surprised?
Tucker T
February 16th, 2011
1:11 pm
Someone is desperate for a column topic. Silly.
KennyP
February 16th, 2011
1:14 pm
you have officially run out of ideas to write about.
Phillistein
February 16th, 2011
1:26 pm
Must be a slow day in Florida
JSS
February 16th, 2011
1:26 pm
Why do you folks do this to yourself? It has been 15 years since any front line Free Agent of any import has been pursued and signed by any Atlanta sports franchise in the free market. Dikembe Mutombo, that was the last guy… Since then, it has been rent a trade and expiring contracts swaps. Atlanta is no longer a destination for players as a first choice… I know that hurts, but it is the reality of the moment…
Pujois will not sign here as a first choice. Two teams who should step to the front of the line should be the Angels and the Dodgers. They have fan bases who are tiring of finishing on the outside. @ Jeff Schultz, that Cubs pursuit is not far-fetched. They have a long history of raiding each other. It is just the Cardinals have generally gotten the better of the deals. (i.e. Lou Brock)… The Cardinals did this to them self…
BL
February 16th, 2011
1:28 pm
Schultz, Must be nice to get paid to clown around.
5150 UOAD
February 16th, 2011
1:28 pm
I would rather have a Lemke than a Pujolas. Lemmer hit when needed and PU only helps get you wins when they don’t matter.
stinger
February 16th, 2011
1:30 pm
Of course, if you can afford him, that’s you World Series Birth. No question..if they can afford him…get him. Now it really makes me sick to think what they are paying Chipper…that’ll probably be the reason they can’t afford Pujols
5150 UOAD
February 16th, 2011
1:32 pm
Bobby is sniffing JOCKS in FLA. He don’t want to the like BEAR Bryant and die a few months after retiring. Bobby needs life giving sweat of young men to kep him felling alive. Leave BOBBY alone. Let him run out of the stands and get thrown out of a Spring Game. It will make him feel like a younger man.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
February 16th, 2011
1:34 pm
470 million dollars….
The total values left on the contracts of A-Rod, Tex and CC.
That is why Pujols will not be a Yankee.
Red Sox….
Just signed Crawford, aquired Gonzalez, have Youkilis, and have big money tied up to Lackey and Matsuzaka. A-GON in a walk year also and is 29 compared to Pujols at 31.
If anyone would be in the market it would be a team like Anaheim,Baltimore, SF,Seattle or the Mets. The latter two have young prospects at the position which would make them unlikey to also.
Baltimore could be a fit as Angelos has plenty of young arms and had D.Lee signed as a stopgap 1st baseman as is not financially locked into current bigtime contracts. Also for him to compete in the AL East he may feel compelled to make that type of splash in FA.
Thos would be the viable suitors I would envision lining up for Pujols, but again I view it highly unlikely he ever leaves St.Louis.
S'paw_99
February 16th, 2011
1:39 pm
Normally, U have to assume that in a pure bidding war the winner is the freakin Bankees (evil empire). The other main culprits would be Bos, or Philly.
BUT None of those teams need a 1B. Bos has A. Gonzalez & Youk (playin 3B now).
The Bankees have Tex, & eventually ARod will be the DH, & Tex & Pujols won’t be happy splitting time.
The Phillies have Howard, although U never know, they might try to get Pujols & dump (trade) Howard.
Everyone has mentioned the Cubs as potential suitors, but I think another dark horse would have to be the Mets. They’ve been big spenders recently & need a 1B, but w/ until their ownership gets settled I can’t see them spending much more.
Bryan
February 16th, 2011
1:41 pm
Well if I were Liberty I would at least consider it. I think I heard a few years ago that when Liberty took over, it was only going to be for a few years then they would try to re-sell the team at a profit. If you think about it financially, if they bump our payroll to say $115-$125 million range, we might be able to go for Pujols. You would hope for a bigger increase, but still. They would have to ask themselves, is a team with Heyward,Prado, Pujols, etc. worth more to a potential buyer than a team anchored by just Heyward.
Don’t forget, when Teheran comes up next year Atlanta will be one of the most exciting teams in baseball to watch. Add Pujols to that mix and we could be a team that makes the playoffs every year for about 5 years.
Coop
February 16th, 2011
1:52 pm
They should, they won’t, and therin is the problem. Other than catching lightning in a bottle every once in a while, this team has no chance to win it all again. Simply can’t afford it.
kurula
February 16th, 2011
2:06 pm
i think the real contenders for pujols would have to the marlins, the pirates and the royals. the marlins and pirates can spend 30 million a year on pujols and their entire payroll will only be 40 million. the royals would have a similar situation AND be close to his current home. who else can afford him that actually needs a first baseman?
JSS
February 16th, 2011
2:07 pm
“I think another dark horse would have to be the Mets. They’ve been big spenders”
The Mets ownership lost more than 1/3rd of their net wealth in Madoof ponzi scheme. They will not be a player in the Pujois pursuit…
Call it what u want.....
February 16th, 2011
2:07 pm
Albert will play for us when he’s 38 and signed by Frank Wren after coming off ‘tough year’. Frank will remind us that he is a .300 hitter. (He won’t remind us which year)
Stephen
February 16th, 2011
2:13 pm
getting Pujols would allow the Braves to realistically compete against the Phillies. Oh well…….
NOTSO FAST
February 16th, 2011
2:38 pm
The problem with trying to get a great player is you are paying for what he has done more than what he might do in the future. When you give 10 year contracts to players that are 31 or 32 then you take a chance of over paying in the latter years. But wouldn’t it be fun for a while.
ATLSN
February 16th, 2011
2:41 pm
If you’re an Atlanta/Georgia Sports fan and want to talk with other fans, check out our NEW message board.
http://www.atlsportsnation.com/forum
We have team forums for the Falcons, Bulldogs, Hawks, Braves, Yellow Jackets, Thrashers, etc. Please register and post! Be apart of a huge site in the early days of existence. See ya there! We’re looking for posters, moderators, bloggers/writers. Join up if interested.
Yea right.............
February 16th, 2011
3:02 pm
Any team that pays a player 28 million per year is not a MLB club and should not be able to compete with MLB period. This is and has gotten way out of hand and I dont care what club you are. You have one team that goes after every great player and then what?
Its players like CC that will walk out on his 92 million 4 years left deal that puts a really bad taste in my mouth for the game as it is now a days. These players make me totally sick and I dont go watch when they are in town. If enough fans say enough and stop supporting these total head cases maybe the game will change. Highly doubt it but like you say, ONE CAN DREAM.
FalconDawg
February 16th, 2011
3:05 pm
I just don’t get it. All of you just keep saying we cant afford him, nobody worth that money, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!!! You are the same people who complain when we don’t make the playoffs and say the braves are afraid to pay anyone. Y’all are afraid of championship!!!! He would make us the most powerful team in the MLB. Don’t be afraid to be the best in the present because your afraid we won’t be as good in the future, UNLESS you all are content with the mediocre 90 wins every single year, which seems to be the case.
JSS
February 16th, 2011
3:10 pm
Yea right………….
February 16th, 2011
3:02 pm
“Its players like CC that will walk out on his 92 million 4 years left deal that puts a really bad taste in my mouth for the game as it is now a days. ”
You mean like the owners who “walked out” on a agreement where they were receiving $9 Billion in profits? You are insane!
Oh by the way, what contract did Sabathia ever walk out on?
Mitchell
February 16th, 2011
3:18 pm
The Braves have to win the World Series. That’s all there is to it.
There’s too much talent and potential and it’s not likely to last as long as the streak of division titles. But if it can yield just one or, God willing (and rarely has He ever when it comes to the Braves), two World Series titles in the next two or three years it would be far more meaningful and substantive than just living up to the bare minimum of yearly expectations.
Or how about just getting to the World Series? I mean, it’s not like we’re the best team in baseball like we were for about a solid ten year period. If you’re the underdog and you lose, then hey, it was a major accomplishment just to get there.
I mean, can we just win uh playoff series? How about a home playoff game?
Can we make that happen?
Give us something. We’ve been through enough. So what if there’s only 18,000 at the Ted for a crucial late September game. Give us a reason to really believe.
We don’t need Albert Pujols to make it happen.
Good God am I ready for Opening Day.
Gotta take it to the next level this year.
Fab Five Fredi G.
February 16th, 2011
3:33 pm
Can we put an end to all the senseless anticipation about Chipper and his many soon to be ailing parts. I wonder if Vegas will take bets as to which part fails on Chipper first. I wish he would make things a lot easier on the team, just go ahead and get banged up now versus later in the season when the Braves cannot find a decent LF or IF player to fill the gap that was created by foolishly expecting old and busted to do anything differently.
LawDawg
February 16th, 2011
4:06 pm
He’s twice the player Uggla is (easily) for less than twice the money.
LawDawg
February 16th, 2011
4:07 pm
I think this is Chipper’s last year. That gives about $26 million to spend after this year.
Ben
February 16th, 2011
4:08 pm
That would be a huge mistake. Uggla wasn’t the best choice but it was ok. If the Braves were to get Pujols that would make us a contender for about a year and then we would suck for a long time because we would have no money for anyone else due to the fact that we’d be giving a player on the downturn way too much money for something we can get out of someone else. The rumour is he’s older than he really is (similar to a Miguel Tejada situation) So really we would be blowing money on a soon-to-be “has been.”
Jay Stone
February 16th, 2011
4:40 pm
This is going to be really interesting, and Pujols may have overplayed his hand. As someone mentioned, Teixeira is signed to a long-term deal (through 2016), and the Red Sox just got Adrian Gonzalez. Remove the two of them from the market for Pujols’ services, and who’s left? I’m sure a couple of teams that might come up with what he’s already turned down with the Cardinals plus a buck or three. He should have taken the eight at $25m. 10 Years? It’s tough to imagine he’s going to last that much longer, and every MLB executive knows it.
mn
February 16th, 2011
4:42 pm
go for him
Nahila
February 16th, 2011
4:48 pm
Not on your life is Pujois worth what he thinks he’s worth, not even half of that. These salaries are getting out of hand and with everyone having to suck it up for the next few years to come, these spoiled ball players need to do the same.
Big D from Acworth
February 16th, 2011
6:39 pm
Too many players have used the Braves to get what they really want from another club. I hope the Braves blow this off and go about their business of building from within.
Major league needs a salary cap. I would love to see NY & Boston play on a level playing field.
Michael
February 17th, 2011
3:40 pm
you guys are obviously too young to remember that Orlando Cepeda, Willie Montanez, Chris Chambliss and Bob Horner also played first base for the Braves.
Tami
February 17th, 2011
3:43 pm
I don’t get Pujols wanting to battle A-Rod for the highest contract. At what cost? No team is likely to get into debt — especially during the present economic situation – to try to help him win. You know, he’s only a 1B. At that kind of money, he should play all nine positions simultaneously. Yeah, we know that’s impossible. No one person can be an entire starting nine. So, unless Pujols cools the competition with A-Rod and comes to his senses, he’s not likely to get the contract he’s looking for UNTIL A-Rod retires. And only the Yankees can afford him. And if he does cool the competition, while I’d LOVE to see him with the Braves, he belongs where he is with the Cards.
Shelby
February 17th, 2011
4:21 pm
If the Braves made the move to get Pujols it would be fantastic!! of course we all know its not going to happen. but if it did, they would def get their money’s worth…
nathanbuford
February 17th, 2011
5:56 pm
absolutely stupid to even seriously consider pujols for what he is asking, but since we are only dreaming, go ahead. we have a 1st baseman with great potential. what we need is outfielders to go with J-HEY. GO BRAVES
paraklete
February 17th, 2011
5:59 pm
If he goes anywhere but Cards, it is probably to the Nats. They have shown a propensity to “overspend” to change the “culture” of the team lately…
No team “should” give a 31 year old player a 10 year contract. However, “making sense” is not necessarily an baseball executive trait. Sometimes they feel, you pay what you have to pay to get what you want…
Also, if no team offers him a 10 year 30 mil. contract, the player’s union will probably cry “collusion”…
LostCAuse
February 17th, 2011
6:05 pm
Just stop talking this non-sense right now. We don’t need a first baseman, we need shortstops and outfielders. just STOP IT!
Fnff3354
February 17th, 2011
8:28 pm
Without a doubt!!!!!!! Shaeffer; Prado; Uggla; Pujols; McCann; Heyward; Gonzales; Hinske; …Hudson; Jurrgens; Hanson;
Minor/ Beachy = World Series,
Not even a question.
Sellouts, souveniers, ppublicity, $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Win, Win!
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
February 18th, 2011
12:10 am
Tami – so are you saying that Griffey Jr. should’ve stayed where he belonged and stayed in Seattle?
Obiviously, Jr. isn’t Albert, BUT he left Seattle where he was very much loved, and played for the Reds. He did return to Seattle to finish out his career (which personally, I think was awesome and deserved a chance to do that…which did in deed happen). All I’m saying is…if Albert wants to bolt, then more power to him. Doesn’t mean he can’t return to St. Louis…at some point before he retires.
jonwon1353
February 18th, 2011
9:05 am
Albert Pujols is the best player in baseball, but his best years are behind him.
Age catches up with everyone and he would be no exception. He may have a
year or three at the best and only a foolish team can make a commitment on him.
He’ll be in pinstripes or a Met in 2012 !
jonwon1353
February 18th, 2011
9:11 am
Oh, yeah !! I forgot about the Nationals…
The team that was broke in Canada can now spend millions
they didn’t have. It makes you wonder where our health care
money is going. Since Obama went to Washington, the Expos,
uh, I mean National have been loaded with extra cash. Makes
you wonder.
Dorothy Davis
February 18th, 2011
2:30 pm
PUJOLIS, A Brave team mate? Do we need another Bonds or McGuire disaster? NOT.
adam
February 19th, 2011
11:19 pm
If they entertained that idea, which i dont forsee them doing, that would be very interesting. They could still hold onto Freeman. He was a converted third baseman, Prado could play short and Freeman third. Then hope for Schafer to come through and be able to play in center or left. Then maybe another rookie come in at the other. Then for at least a few years this could be a very dangerous offense. However, you would definatly have to take your hits somewhere else. That would be in our depth off the bench and the bullpen!
chippersux
February 20th, 2011
8:15 pm
what??? chipper Jones is going to get 13 million this season!!! wow , for what ? the guy is washed up . seems like when they need a hit out of him he either strikes out or hits into double play!! what a waste of money!!!! hey chipper do the team and the fans a favor….QUIT!!!! he is only good at one thing and that’s getting “injured” oh yeah and talking about how he is better than everyone else on the team!
falconfan58
February 21st, 2011
10:04 am
ALBERT IS NOT WORTH THE MONEY. ST LOUIS WON THE WORLD SERIES HOW MANY TIMES IN THE LAST 5 OR SO YEARS. RIGHT NOW THE PHILLIES ARE THE BEST TEAM THAT MONEY CAN BUY–NOW WE WAIT FOR THE RESULTS. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BRAVES.
Bob the Blogger
February 21st, 2011
8:00 pm
Pujols is not going to be worth $25 million 8 years from now, and he’s already turned that down. If we let the competition overpay the superstars and we spend our payroll dollars prudently, we’ll be a better team for it.
DEAFGary
February 22nd, 2011
8:14 pm
I think the Braves (as well as the rest of the entire professional sporting franchises) need to stop paying multi-million dollar contracts to players, who aren’t worth the air they breath.
Sure Chipper could hit a ball – so what…he’s not worth the millons, he’ll get just for making the team this year.
Nor is Pujols worthy of lifetime financial security.