How Much Are Cards Paying Tavarez?

[WinstonSmith]

How much?

[ironman]

Cardinals Sign Tavarez

Two years, $4.2M for RHP Julian Tavarez.

Yesterday I spent far too much time crying over the opportunity the Cubs lost when they traded away Terry Adams. Today, another former Cub has found a new home and I don't feel the same way. I actually started following Julian Tavarez when he came over to the Giants in the Matt Williams/Jeff Kent "I am not an idiot" trade.

(As an aside, guess what? Sabean was right -- he was not an idiot.)

Anyway, Tavarez had sparkled in Cleveland, and he showed promise in San Francisco, but he also showed a volatility and tendency to lose his head on the mound that I have to assume drove Dusty Baker crazy. After three seasons, he was placed on waivers and claimed by Colorado, who decided to try him as a spot starter. He put up good numbers, but left Denver as soon as possible and found his way to Don Baylor's Cubs.

Now, I have to think that as much as Tavarez annoyed Baker, he must have driven Don Baylor. My #1 memory of Tavarez as a Cub is a shot of him in between innings, pouring rubbing alcohol on a towel and rubing the towel on his head (to cool himself off, I guess), and then sneaking up behind Baylor and surprising him by shoving the towel under Baylor's nose. Sort of an impromptu smelling salt for Baylor. Is there any wonder he ended up in the trade that brought Alfonseca and Clement to the Marlins?

My #2 memory of Tavarez as a Cub, by the way, was his complete and total inability to throw the ball to first base when he fielded a bunt or comebacker. He'd get the ball, take a few steps toward the bag, and then toss a lob toward poor, stumpy Matt Stairs that Richie Sexson couldn't have caught. Every time. It was uncanny.

As to whether he can help the Cardinals, well, maybe. But even if they think he's going to shore up their middle relief, why give him a two-year contract? Middle relievers are about the most fungible asset in baseball today, right up there with back-up catchers. I wouldn't expect any but the absolute best to get multi-year contracts, and Tavarez certainly doesn't fall into that category.

Source

[WinstonSmith]

That's what I thought, but I hoped my mind was failing me.

Sick.

[Damtoft]

DeJean - too expensive.

Tavarez - AOK.

Walt's a joke.

[bombay]

Originally posted by WinstonSmith@Feb 23 2004, 03:22 PM
How much?

Not enough. He deserves a raise and an extension.




PS: I'm his sponsor

[FAR52]

Winston:

As I recall, his salary is much higher in year 2 -- but I don't recall the exact split.

Setting aside the money for a moment, I think he was a good pick up for the Cards. He's a ground ball pitcher who, last year, only gave up 1 dinger. Quite a difference from last year's pen.

But you are right -- the contract did seem a tad bit high. If he helps shore up the bullpen, however, the money issue will be forgotten -- at least in my opinion.

Thanks

[ironman]

Far ... those numbers are right on.

The guy runs a great site called The Transaction Guy.

[FAR52]

Originally posted by pgrote@Feb 23 2004, 04:20 PM
Far ... those numbers are right on.

The guy runs a great site called The Transaction Guy.

Pgrote:

I agree that the 2 year contract is worth $4.2 million. I just don't recall how that money was split between the two years. I was thinking that he might make $1.5 million the first year -- but I'm not entirely sure.

[ironman]

Originally posted by FAR52@Feb 23 2004, 04:28 PM
I agree that the 2 year contract is worth $4.2 million. I just don't recall how that money was split between the two years. I was thinking that he might make $1.5 million the first year -- but I'm not entirely sure.

Cool. I didn't mean to come off as an ass. I reread what I wrote and it seems that way. Sorry about that.

I am just pumped up this guy's site. It's incredible.

[FAR52]

Originally posted by pgrote+Feb 23 2004, 04:29 PM-->

QUOTE(pgrote @ Feb 23 2004, 04:29 PM)

[ironman]

Should we hug now?

[kah2523]

Winston, were you ripping them last year for building a bullpen on the cheap?

[davhaf]

Originally posted by pgrote@Feb 23 2004, 04:35 PM
Should we hug now?

Get a room you two.

[bigJOE]

Originally posted by FAR52+Feb 23 2004, 04:28 PM-->

QUOTE(FAR52 @ Feb 23 2004, 04:28 PM)