# MLB: May 2012 **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [May 1, 2012, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514 "2012-05-01T14:36:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![MOIDALIZE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@MOIDALIZE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MOIDALIZE)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2012, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/61 "2012-05-06T19:15:33Z")
Hardly seems possible for a pitcher to throw seven shutout innings of 2-hit ball and look shaky, but Ubaldo Jimenez somehow managed it. ---
**Author:** ![etv78](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d78d45/32.png) [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2012, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/62 "2012-05-06T19:31:07Z")
Bonds signed 7/$43M IIRC. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2012, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/63 "2012-05-06T19:38:23Z")
> [@etv78](#): > > Bonds signed 7/$43M IIRC. Cool, then his contract was worth it to the Giants. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2012, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/64 "2012-05-06T19:53:45Z")
> [@etv78](#): > > Bonds signed 7/$43M IIRC. The richest deal in baseball history at the time, incidentally. How quaint that seems now. Man, I almost forgot about the Jayson Werth deal. What on earth were they thinking? ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2012, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/65 "2012-05-06T20:16:55Z")
Seems like a short list of successful long contracts: Criteria 7+ years and worked for the team that made the contract: Successes and possible successes: David Winfield: Yankees Derek Jeter: Yankees Mike Mussina: Yankees Barry Bonds: Giants Miguel Cabrera: Tigers (probably) Any others? A-Rod was a fail for the Rangers and it was their contract. Here is a list of long sports contracts: Most are baseball > **[List of largest sports contracts | Largest sports contracts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_sports_contracts#Largest_sports_contracts)** > > R – retired > Injury – While still technically under contract, injury has ended his career > \* – left team (or streaming service) before expiration of contract > ‡ – entirety of contract salary not guaranteed > (tie) – score of two or more above mentioned athletes heretofore considered equal if their contracts have been signed within a given timeframe providing negligible inflation ratio (during the same year) **Player\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Team\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Years\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Value\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Average/Year** Adrián González\_\_\_\_\_\_Boston Red Sox\_\_\_\_\_\_07 years (2012-2018)_**$154,000,000\_\_\_\_$22,000,000 Prince Fielder\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Detroit Tigers\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_09 years (2012-2020)**_$214,000,000\_\_\_\_$23,777,777 Joey Votto\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Cincinnati Reds\_\_\_\_\_\_\_10 years (2014-2023)_**$225,000,000\_\_\_\_$22,500,000 Alex Rodriguez\_\_\_\_\_\_Texas Rangers\*\_\_\_\_\_\_\_10 years (2001-2010)**_$252,000,000\_\_\_\_$25,200,000 Carl Crawford\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Boston Red Sox\_\_\_\_\_\_\_07 years (2011-2017)_**$142,000,000\_\_\_\_$20,285,714 Alfonso Soriano\_\_\_\_\_Chicago Cubs\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_08 years (2007-2014)**_$136,000,000\_\_\_\_$17,000,000 Todd Helton\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Colorado Rockies\_\_\_\_\_11 years (2001-2011)**$151,500,000$13,772,727 Miguel Cabrera\_\_\_\_\_\_Detroit Tigers\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_08 years (2008-2015) **_** $152,300,000**_\_\_$19,037,500 Vernon Wells\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Toronto Blue Jays\*_**07 years (2008-2014)**__ **$126,000,000** _\_\_$18,000,000 Barry Zito\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_SF Giants\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_07 years (2007-2013)_ **$126,000,000** _$18,000,000 Manny Ramírez\_\_\_\_\_Boston Red Sox\*_**08 years (2001-2008)**_$160,000,000\_\_\_\_\_$20,000,000 Troy Tulowitzki\_\_\_\_\_Colorado Rockies\_\_\_\_10 years (2011-2020)_ **$157,750,000** _$15,775,000 Mark Teixeira\_\_\_\_\_\_\_NY Yankees\_\_\_\_\_\_\_08 years (2009-2016)_ **$180,000,000** $22,500,000 CC Sabathia\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_NY Yankees\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_07 years (2009-2015)_ **$161,000,000** \_$23,000,000 Alex Rodriguez\_\_\_\_\_NY Yankees\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_10 years (2008-2017)_ **$275,000,000** _$27,500,000 Albert Pujols\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_LA Angels\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_10 years (2012-2021)_ **$240,000,000** _$24,000,000 Joe Mauer\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Minnesota Twins\_\_\_08 years (2011-2018)_ **$184,000,000** _$23,000,000 Derek Jeter\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_NY Yankees\_\_\_\_\_\_\_10 years (2001-2010)_ **$189,000,000** _$18,900,000 Matt Holliday\_\_\_\_\_\_\_St. Louis Cardinals\_\_07 years (2010-2016)_**$120,000,000\_\_\_\_$17,142,857 Carlos Beltrán\_\_\_\_\_\_NY Mets\*\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_07 years (2005-2011)**_$119,000,000\_\_\_\_$17,000,000 Jason Giambi\_\_\_\_\_\_\_NY Yankees\***07 years (2002-2008)**$120,000,000\_\_\_\_$17,142,857 Jayson Werth\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Washington Nats\_\_\_\_07 years (2011-2017)_ **$126,000,000** _$18,000,000 Mike Hampton\_\_\_\_\_Colorado Rockies\*_**08 years (2001-2008)**_ **$121,000,000** \_\_\_$15,125,000 Kevin BrownR\_\_\_\_\_LA Dodgers\*_**07 years (1999-2005)**$105,000,000_\_\_\_$15,000,000 Ken Griffey, Jr.**Cincinnati Reds\*_09 years (2000-2008)_$116,500,000**\_$12,944,444 Albert Pujols\_\_\_\_\_\_St. Louis Cardinals\_\_\_07 years (2004-2010)\_\_ **$100,000,000** $14,285,714 ---
**Author:** ![Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulf_the_Unwashed)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2012, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/66 "2012-05-06T21:23:32Z")
Looking at your list, and just off the top of my head, it’s hard to argue that the Pujols contract wasn’t a good deal for the Cardinals. The same with the Helton and Ramirez contracts for Colorado and Boston respectively. Griffey wasn’t a good deal, and Hampton was pretty terrible for the Rockies. Giambi wasn’t exactly a bulls-eye either. Most of the rest of them are still going on, so it’s a bit premature to tell. ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2012, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/67 "2012-05-06T21:45:24Z")
I’d count the Pujols St. Louis contract and Manny’s Boston deal as definite successes. Helton’s too. A-Rods Texas contract certainly wasn’t a fail in terms of production. I think it’s safe to say that the Soriano, Hampton, Brown and Wells deals were awful, and the Giambi, Zito, Beltran and Griffey deals borderline. ---
**Author:** ![Invisible\_Chimp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f05b48/32.png) [@Invisible\_Chimp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Invisible_Chimp)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2012, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/68 "2012-05-06T21:54:53Z")
Pujols has (finally) left the building. A two-run shot too. Just a blip in a bad season or the beginning of a monster May? ---
**Author:** ![Yorikke](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yorikke/32/4335_2.png) [@Yorikke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yorikke)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2012, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/69 "2012-05-06T22:56:15Z")
Ugggggh. Another hard-luck no-decision for Matt Cain. Puke. Joe ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2012, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/70 "2012-05-06T23:35:01Z")
Good for Pujols, and I agree that his Card’s deal was excellent for the Cards. Phil Hughes finally pitched a good game today for the Yanks. And the Yanks bats were lively. Hopefully Hughes can follow this up. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2012, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/71 "2012-05-06T23:55:20Z")
Guess which team, as of this posting, has the best record in Major League Baseball? That’s right: the Baltimore Orioles! 19-9 with a bullet, baby! Just completed a sweep of the Red Sox at Fenway (how sweet is that!), although today’s 17-inning marathon means that the Birds start their home stand against the Rangers tomorrow with a somewhat overworked bullpen. Baltimore and Boston played 39 innings over their three games this weekend. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/72 "2012-05-07T00:04:29Z")
BTW, the winning pitcher for Baltimore today was 1B Chris Davis, who pitched two innings, giving up two hits, a walk, and no runs. He now has a 1-0 pitching record to go with his .326/.371/.573 batting line. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/73 "2012-05-07T00:12:29Z")
> [@Invisible\_Chimp](#): > > Pujols has (finally) left the building. A two-run shot too. Just a blip in a bad season or the beginning of a monster May? Yeah, good for Pujols. As a Cardinals fan who was disappointed to see him go, I don’t really bear him any ill will, and I hope he has success in LA (just as long as it’s not enough to overshadow his St. Louis years). His best years may be behind him, but I expect him to be, at least, an above-average player for at least a few more years. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/74 "2012-05-07T00:26:03Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > BTW, the winning pitcher for Baltimore today was 1B Chris Davis, who pitched two innings, giving up two hits, a walk, and no runs. > > He now has a 1-0 pitching record to go with his .326/.371/.573 batting line. You might also have mentioned his striking out in his first _5_ AB’s today, then a GIDP in his 6th. Then I had to turn the radio off. Davis was the DH today. Darnell McDonald, who became Boston’s DH after PR’ing for Ortiz, was the losing pitcher. Both DH’s had to come in and pitch when both bullpens were emptied. Probably not an MLB first for that, though. ---
**Author:** ![fruitbat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/58f4c7/32.png) [@fruitbat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fruitbat)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/75 "2012-05-07T00:27:16Z")
As a Nationals fan I am obviously thrilled with this team. I am confused by Harper though. I have followed his progress closely and there were persistent whispers that he had terrific ability, but an enormous ego and arrogance issue. I remember one scout saying he was “a horrible person” and a potential train wreck. Now he is here and I see nothing of that. He plays with the focus and passion of Pete Rose and is great in interviews. His approach at the plate doesn’t speak to an arrogant teenager, he is ultra patient and takes what the pitcher gives him. I wonder if he has just matured quickly or if the anonymous naysayers were just venting sour grapes. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/76 "2012-05-07T00:27:55Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > You might also have mentioned his striking out in his first _5_ AB’s today, then a GIDP in his 6th. Yeah, come to think of it, you’re right. Those were the most important things to mention about this particular game. Sorry i neglected them. ---
**Author:** ![etv78](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d78d45/32.png) [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/77 "2012-05-07T00:35:24Z")
**fruitbat** -Harper got plunked in the 1st. went to 1B w/o incident, came around to score. ---
**Author:** ![fruitbat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/58f4c7/32.png) [@fruitbat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fruitbat)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/78 "2012-05-07T00:37:50Z")
> [@etv78](#): > > **fruitbat** -Harper got plunked in the 1st. went to 1B w/o incident, came around to score. Stole home to boot. I love this guy. ---
**Author:** ![NAF1138](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naf1138/32/3245_2.png) [@NAF1138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NAF1138)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/79 "2012-05-07T00:44:21Z")
> [@fruitbat](#): > > As a Nationals fan I am obviously thrilled with this team. I am confused by Harper though. I have followed his progress closely and there were persistent whispers that he had terrific ability, but an enormous ego and arrogance issue. I remember one scout saying he was “a horrible person” and a potential train wreck. > > Now he is here and I see nothing of that. He plays with the focus and passion of Pete Rose and is great in interviews. His approach at the plate doesn’t speak to an arrogant teenager, he is ultra patient and takes what the pitcher gives him. I wonder if he has just matured quickly or if the anonymous naysayers were just venting sour grapes. He’s growing up is all. He used to do things like taunt pitchers while rounding the bases after a home run. But he seems to have left that behind in hi-a. ---
**Author:** ![Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulf_the_Unwashed)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/80 "2012-05-07T01:01:20Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > Yeah, come to think of it, you’re right. > > Those were the most important things to mention about this particular game. Sorry i neglected them. Well, obviously the big news is the pitching-two-innings-for-the-win, and you don’t have to be an Orioles fan to appreciate that. (For the record, I don’t care one way or the other about the O’s, but I’d always root for them to beat Boston or the Yankees.) All the same, striking out five times in a row and hitting into a double play the sixth time up makes the victory even sweeter for the guy and for the team, don’t you think?? Besides, I doubt I’ve ever been in the park when someone struck out 5 times in a row–not sure I’ve even seen someone go 4 for 4 in the K department. So that’s a pretty noteworthy achievement on its own. \Just one of the many ways in which baseball can be truly bizarre. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514.md?page=5)