Saturday, December 11, 2004
SMOKE AND MIRRORS
The Sox interest in Pavano, given his market and track record, did not make much sense. It was against the organization's philosophy. The quick signing of Wells Beach Whale may demonstrate that the Pavano visit was more for show than anything else.
Under the terms of the agreement, Wells would receive a $3 million signing bonus and have a base salary of $2.5 million in 2005 and 2006. He also would have the opportunity to earn an additional $5 million in performance bonuses in each year of the contract.
Unless the performance bonuses are very easily attainable, this is an incredible deal for the Sox. As one of the most valuable pitchers over the last three seasons, David Wells is bargain at only $8 million guaranteed for two years.
Wells wins with great control. He just "pounds the strikezone." He ranked 6th in MLB with a 5.05 K/BB last year, 3rd in 2003 at 5.05 again and in 2002, Wells ranked 12th at 3.04. Wells will make a fine #3.
According to Baseball Prospectus VORP stat, Wells was the 29th most valuable pitcher in MLB last season, 28th in 2003 and 38th in 2002. The only pitchers that scored better than Wells in each of the past three seasons are Tim Hudson, Curt Schilling and Pedro Martinez. Not bad company and hopefully, three of those four will have BOSTON across their chests. If he replaces Lowe instead of Petey and Wells performs like last season, he would be a 5 win improvement.
The Sox interest in Pavano, given his market and track record, did not make much sense. It was against the organization's philosophy. The quick signing of Wells Beach Whale may demonstrate that the Pavano visit was more for show than anything else.
Under the terms of the agreement, Wells would receive a $3 million signing bonus and have a base salary of $2.5 million in 2005 and 2006. He also would have the opportunity to earn an additional $5 million in performance bonuses in each year of the contract.
Unless the performance bonuses are very easily attainable, this is an incredible deal for the Sox. As one of the most valuable pitchers over the last three seasons, David Wells is bargain at only $8 million guaranteed for two years.
Wells wins with great control. He just "pounds the strikezone." He ranked 6th in MLB with a 5.05 K/BB last year, 3rd in 2003 at 5.05 again and in 2002, Wells ranked 12th at 3.04. Wells will make a fine #3.
According to Baseball Prospectus VORP stat, Wells was the 29th most valuable pitcher in MLB last season, 28th in 2003 and 38th in 2002. The only pitchers that scored better than Wells in each of the past three seasons are Tim Hudson, Curt Schilling and Pedro Martinez. Not bad company and hopefully, three of those four will have BOSTON across their chests. If he replaces Lowe instead of Petey and Wells performs like last season, he would be a 5 win improvement.
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