Which Baseball player took the most money for nothing? [Archive]

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jbellis74

05-19-2009, 01:22 PM

I am having one of those really busy days at the office today. :rolleyes:

Who do you think took the most money for the least amount of playing time?

I will start off with Carl Pavano 2005-2008 Yankees

4 Years 39.95 Million

75 K's - $533,333.333 Per K
9 Wins - $4,444,444.44 Per Win :eek:
145.2 Innings pitched - $275,862.06 Per Inning

At least Cleveland ONLY paid him 1.5 Million for this year.

Vintage Collector

05-19-2009, 01:29 PM

That is tough to beat!

CusTM

05-19-2009, 01:30 PM

not 100% on this but...Barry Zito? Have no idea what hes getting paid but from the standings he came from to SF...to do the ultimate FLOP, must have gotten a pretty penny :cool:

brett06

05-19-2009, 01:32 PM

Mike hampton a few years back for the braves. PISSES me off. If I recall, never started for than 18 games, and then was injured, injured some more, some surgery, cookies and milk, a slip, and gone. He got alot of money as well. Just don't recall how much.

nephinfan

05-19-2009, 01:38 PM

I gotta go with Barry Zito as well. Showed some amazing stuff early on in his career but it's vanished. I'm an A's fan and I was not disappointed to see him go.

Vintage Collector

05-19-2009, 01:48 PM

How about Kei Igawa???

fm8418

05-19-2009, 01:54 PM

did Juan gonzalez get a big contract

jbellis74

05-19-2009, 02:29 PM

I believe Zito got a ton

7 Years 126 Million but he is still pitching lol

fungi2510

05-19-2009, 02:33 PM

Mo Vaughn??? Pretty sure that was one of the all timers. Pavano is right up there though. I would have to say that was the Yankees fault though.

37Jetson

05-19-2009, 02:35 PM

No the Bonehead Turned down 8 Years $144 Million from the Tigers. I don't think he even made $50 Million in the following years. Doh!!!:eek:

did Juan gonzalez get a big contract

jbellis74

05-19-2009, 02:43 PM

The Mets did trade for Mo Vaugn in 2001 and paid him

2002 - $12,166,667 - 139 Games - 26 HR's - 72 RBI's
2003 - $17,166,667 - 027 Games - 03 HR's - 15 RBI's
2004 - $17,166,667 - I believe there was some kind of pro-ration involved

jstapleton71

05-19-2009, 03:21 PM

Jason Schmidt...Dodgers...

Highcheese4U

05-19-2009, 03:39 PM

bmc398

05-19-2009, 03:42 PM

Mike Hampton takes the cake on this one...he didn't pitch for something like 3 years out of his contract and still got PAID. Like buy your own yacht paid.

dartguy180

05-19-2009, 04:11 PM

what about kevin brown the year of his back problems. he left dodgers and went somewhere else. then right to the DL. i think he went to the yankees after his dodger days.

ohiomike

05-19-2009, 05:16 PM

There are so many in this category... you guys have noted some of the more recent contracts but there were others before...

Kevin Brown
Mike Hampton
Albert Belle -biggest bust of '90s
Chan Ho Park
Pedro
Clemens (07/10 gms/$28M)
Andruw Jones
Darren Dreifort (whatever happened to this guy??)
Brien Taylor - biggest Boras Bust!

What??? I've heard some crazy things stated on this board, but I think this statement takes the cake. How was Albert Belle the biggest bust of the 90's?? He was one of the best hitters of the 90's. His body broke down to the point where he couldn't play anymore after the 2000 season at the relatively young age of 33. But during the decade of the 1990's, he hit for .300 Avg, .950 OPS, 350+ Home Runs, and 1000+ RBI. Albert Belle was one of the most unlikeable players in the majors during the 1990's, but he was without a doubt one of the top 10 hitters of the decade... arguably one of the top 5!!!

Pack_The_Ripper

05-19-2009, 06:11 PM

Didn't Nick Esasky sign a $6,000,000 contract with the Braves then only play 5 or 6 games before sitting out a few years and then eventually retiring due to Vertigo?

ChicagoCubsWS

05-19-2009, 06:28 PM

Denny Neagle comes to mind for me.

Didnt the Rockies sign him as 1st pick for 45M then he does nothing?

Nodie27

05-19-2009, 06:55 PM

how many of these guys were Boras clients?

37Jetson

05-19-2009, 08:25 PM

I have continued to think about this thread today and have a few more for your enjoyment/disgust:

Jason Giambi - Yankees should have sued him for fraud
Biff Pocaroba - The beginning of overpaying for players (albiet $600K in the early 80's)
Bobby Bonilla - Nothing after he left the Mets
Nate Robertson - This 4 Year $28M+ deal is looking bad right now
Roger Clemens - About a Million a Start to destroy team chemistry (uh, plus the roids)

Highcheese4U

05-19-2009, 09:29 PM

What??? I've heard some crazy things stated on this board, but I think this statement takes the cake. How was Albert Belle the biggest bust of the 90's?? He was one of the best hitters of the 90's. His body broke down to the point where he couldn't play anymore after the 2000 season at the relatively young age of 33. But during the decade of the 1990's, he hit for .300 Avg, .950 OPS, 350+ Home Runs, and 1000+ RBI. Albert Belle was one of the most unlikeable players in the majors during the 1990's, but he was without a doubt one of the top 10 hitters of the decade... arguably one of the top 5!!!

Sorry you feel offended. He was good but he was also a punk!...and he signed that 5yr - $65M deal, played maybe the first two then was forced out due to his injury. He was a bust... Why was this so? Because he collected the salary for the final 3 years of the contract despite never playing a game!

He's probably still a punk today though lol!

nymets575

05-19-2009, 10:05 PM

Barry zito

wolffer12

05-19-2009, 11:59 PM

What??? I've heard some crazy things stated on this board, but I think this statement takes the cake. How was Albert Belle the biggest bust of the 90's?? He was one of the best hitters of the 90's. His body broke down to the point where he couldn't play anymore after the 2000 season at the relatively young age of 33. But during the decade of the 1990's, he hit for .300 Avg, .950 OPS, 350+ Home Runs, and 1000+ RBI. Albert Belle was one of the most unlikeable players in the majors during the 1990's, but he was without a doubt one of the top 10 hitters of the decade... arguably one of the top 5!!!

You beat me to the punch. Albert Belle was a top 5 hitter in the 90's and if you think he was a bust you are on some great drugs you need to pass this way. He got totally f'ed out of the 95 MVP because of how much the media hated him. He was the only player other than Babe Ruth with 50 homers and 50 doubles in the same season that year. God, Cleveland hasn't had a power hitter since him. Can we please get John Hart back?

thekramers5

05-20-2009, 11:49 AM

What??? I've heard some crazy things stated on this board, but I think this statement takes the cake. How was Albert Belle the biggest bust of the 90's?? He was one of the best hitters of the 90's. His body broke down to the point where he couldn't play anymore after the 2000 season at the relatively young age of 33. But during the decade of the 1990's, he hit for .300 Avg, .950 OPS, 350+ Home Runs, and 1000+ RBI. Albert Belle was one of the most unlikeable players in the majors during the 1990's, but he was without a doubt one of the top 10 hitters of the decade... arguably one of the top 5!!!

No positive tests...

But doesn't Albert Belle's career smell like STEROIDS ?

Now, I have no idea, but I don't think I've ever heard his name come up in the discussions (I may have missed it), but he sure does sound like a candidate for the "suspicious list".

By the way, didn't anybody read the original post about taking money for nothing? The original comment didn't say ANYTHING about him being a bust in the 90's or that he wasn't one of the most feared hitters... I would say paying a player $39 million (or close) for 0 games in 3 years qualifies for this thread...

Highcheese4U

05-20-2009, 02:35 PM

BAMBAM

05-20-2009, 02:55 PM

Zito has actually been pitching pretty well this season. Adam Eaton and Freddy Garcia come to mind. Eaton is just a lazy stiff who pouts and points fingers. Garcia wasn't 100% when signed and he went down after only 1 or two starts.

Albert Belle was one of the most feared hitters in baseball for almost a decade. Wether he was a douche or not doesn't change the fact he was a big time masher.

davebo

05-20-2009, 03:39 PM

I think Darren Dreifort by far. Not sure he pitched more than 5 games after signing his enormous contract.

Highcheese4U

05-20-2009, 03:56 PM

I think Darren Dreifort by far. Not sure he pitched more than 5 games after signing his enormous contract.

What happened to this guy? What were the terms of his deal?

thekramers5

05-20-2009, 04:08 PM

What happened to this guy? What were the terms of his deal?

5 year, $55 million contract signed in 2001 (in spite of the fact his career record was 39-45 at the time). Can you say W-T-F was the deal with the Dodgers giving him that contract - well, you can say BORAS.

Anyway, he appeared in only 86 games, pitched only 205.2 innings and had a W-L during the contract of 9-15 and had a 4.53 ERA.

Apparently, everybody close to him commended him on his willingness to play through pain, work harder than almost anybody else, and actually was somewhat remorseful for getting paid to not play.

Fact remains - (a) he didn't do anything to earn the contract and (b) didn't do anything once he got the contract. He has to be near the top of the list (again, can you say B-O-R-A-S ??).

Go back to Albert Belle and others ... at least they had some history to show they SHOULD receive a ridiculous contract ... even if they didn't "fulfill" it.

ter

05-20-2009, 04:42 PM

As a Reds fan: Eric Milton. For the lower payroll teams signings like him kill.

frozenntimesports

05-20-2009, 04:49 PM

But doesn't Albert Belle's career smell like STEROIDS ?

His injuries are consistent with players who abused anabolic steroids, but so are Jeff Bagwell's, and no one accuses him.

Highcheese4U

05-20-2009, 04:52 PM

5 year, $55 million contract signed in 2001 (in spite of the fact his career record was 39-45 at the time). Can you say W-T-F was the deal with the Dodgers giving him that contract - well, you can say BORAS.

Anyway, he appeared in only 86 games, pitched only 205.2 innings and had a W-L during the contract of 9-15 and had a 4.53 ERA.

Apparently, everybody close to him commended him on his willingness to play through pain, work harder than almost anybody else, and actually was somewhat remorseful for getting paid to not play.

Fact remains - (a) he didn't do anything to earn the contract and (b) didn't do anything once he got the contract. He has to be near the top of the list (again, can you say B-O-R-A-S ??).

Go back to Albert Belle and others ... at least they had some history to show they SHOULD receive a ridiculous contract ... even if they didn't "fulfill" it.

Agreed. I remember when Dreifort was in college and playing against us...he had a bright future and all so I remember him well. Also remember when he first got to LA...there was a lot of hype on him then...apparently the pain was too much for him!? Yeah he may very well be the biggest BORAS bust!

ohiomike

05-21-2009, 12:29 AM

No positive tests...

But doesn't Albert Belle's career smell like STEROIDS ?

Now, I have no idea, but I don't think I've ever heard his name come up in the discussions (I may have missed it), but he sure does sound like a candidate for the "suspicious list".

By the way, didn't anybody read the original post about taking money for nothing? The original comment didn't say ANYTHING about him being a bust in the 90's or that he wasn't one of the most feared hitters... I would say paying a player $39 million (or close) for 0 games in 3 years qualifies for this thread...

My response was to the person who brought up Albert Belle's name, not to the original poster. And not because his name was included on his list of contract busts, but because he called him the biggest bust of the 90's. You can put him on the list if you want, but having an arthritic hip end your career and wipe out the contract he signed to play in the early 00's does not make him a bust in the 1990's. Albert Belle was hands down one of the best hitters of the 90's, probably ranking somewhere between #5 and #10. Calling him the biggest bust of the 90's is insane. Biggest Jerk of the 90's? Fine.

BTW - Saying Albert took steroids is like me saying Ken Griffey Jr or Frank Thomas took steroids. There is absolutely no shred of evidence, nor has his name EVER been linked to steroid use other than by casual fans who have no idea what they are talking about, but still just include any power hitter of the era that had injuries. Belle's power NEVER dropped off while he was playing and last time I checked, steroids don't cause arthritis.

Jose Canseco has been nearly 100% accurate in who he has said took steroids, naming players like Palmeiro, Clemens, and A-Rod long before anyone else linked them to steroids. Here is what Canseco has to say about Albert Belle, "one of the very few superstars of that era who never used steroids."

ohiomike

05-21-2009, 12:38 AM

His injuries are consistent with players who abused anabolic steroids, but so are Jeff Bagwell's, and no one accuses him.

How is having an arthritis in your hip consistent with injuries of players who abused anabolic steroids??? Belle was never injury prone or had his numbers drop off due to prolonged nagging injuries. He had one really serious problem and that was his hip. When he played through the pain, he remained about as consistent a hitter as you could expect given the situation. Most people that have serious arthritis problems can barely stand to simple everyday tasks. Albert Belle played baseball at a high level with that same pain. He was a grade A jerk to fans and reporters alike, but lumping him in with steroid users is beyond absurd. Griffey's injuries and drop in production are more consistent with a steroid user than Albert Belle, but everyone thinks Griffey is a golden boy and wouldn't dare question whether he was clean. Just because a guy is a jerk doesn't make him a steroid user.

KUHawk

05-21-2009, 08:04 AM

From a Royals fan's point of view 2 stick out in my mind.

Colt Griffin
Mark Davis

thekramers5

05-21-2009, 08:32 AM

How is having an arthritis in your hip consistent with injuries of players who abused anabolic steroids??? Belle was never injury prone or had his numbers drop off due to prolonged nagging injuries. He had one really serious problem and that was his hip. When he played through the pain, he remained about as consistent a hitter as you could expect given the situation. Most people that have serious arthritis problems can barely stand to simple everyday tasks. Albert Belle played baseball at a high level with that same pain. He was a grade A jerk to fans and reporters alike, but lumping him in with steroid users is beyond absurd. Griffey's injuries and drop in production are more consistent with a steroid user than Albert Belle, but everyone thinks Griffey is a golden boy and wouldn't dare question whether he was clean. Just because a guy is a jerk doesn't make him a steroid user.

You completely missed the boat...the link was never made between being a jerk and steroid user. His numbers during his hey-day (the 90s - KNOWN for heavy steroid use across MLB) and the fact his body broke down early simply "raise the flag of suspicion". Not to mention, take a look at his early baseball cards compared to his prime.

In all honesty, you have to CONSIDER all who put up big numbers in the 90s. Now, am I one of those that says "Nobody will surprise me if they test positive"? No...that is a stupid statement and comes from skeptical/negative and/or lazy people who choose not to think very often. Seriously, if you are a real baseball fan and you would NOT be surprised if you found out Jeter did steroids - you're a moron...period.

Personally, Belle was clearly one of the most feared hitters in his prime...period. But, there are MANY I have raised my personal suspicion for, and he happens to be one of them.

Think about it, he IS Barry Bonds in every way ... but retired before all the steroid issues came about.

And no, Griffey's injuries are in line with a person who (a) never had a work-out routine due to ridiculous natural talent, as is very well documented, and (b) played the game as hard as anybody ever has.

thekramers5

05-21-2009, 08:35 AM

His injuries are consistent with players who abused anabolic steroids, but so are Jeff Bagwell's, and no one accuses him.

Actually, Bagwell is definitely under the cloud. Living in Texas and specifically in Houston for the last 2 years while he played (2004-2005), his name and the potential of steroid use have been brought up together MANY times.

I've also heard on national media on several occasions that his career and health issues may be an indicator.

drfunke

05-21-2009, 09:31 AM

You completely missed the boat...the link was never made between being a jerk and steroid user. His numbers during his hey-day (the 90s - KNOWN for heavy steroid use across MLB) and the fact his body broke down early simply "raise the flag of suspicion". Not to mention, take a look at his early baseball cards compared to his prime.

In all honesty, you have to CONSIDER all who put up big numbers in the 90s. Now, am I one of those that says "Nobody will surprise me if they test positive"? No...that is a stupid statement and comes from skeptical/negative and/or lazy people who choose not to think very often. Seriously, if you are a real baseball fan and you would NOT be surprised if you found out Jeter did steroids - you're a moron...period.

Personally, Belle was clearly one of the most feared hitters in his prime...period. But, there are MANY I have raised my personal suspicion for, and he happens to be one of them.

Think about it, he IS Barry Bonds in every way ... but retired before all the steroid issues came about.

And no, Griffey's injuries are in line with a person who (a) never had a work-out routine due to ridiculous natural talent, as is very well documented, and (b) played the game as hard as anybody ever has.

Actually, it's much more stupid to try to guess which players were on steroids/PEDs than to simply admit that no one is above suspicion. Just take a look at the best documented PEDs evidence that we have - the Mitchell Report and actual positive tests from MLB testing. Are you telling me that you just *knew* that Denny Neagle and Fernando Vina were juicing? It's patently ridiculous to say with any certainty that *any* player is 100% innocent. Why? Because PEDs are taken for different uses and have different effects in different players.

There's no evidence that Jeter ever took steroids, but there's nothing to rule out that possibility either. Belle is the same way. He was a big guy, but he was that way when he was drafted. His weight fluctuated between 210 and 225 during his playing days - hardly a suspicious increase.

As for his injury, there is no linkage between degenerative osteoarthritis (Belle's hip condition) and steroids.

Back to the original topic though, I hardly think of Belle as a bust because when he played, he earned his money and when he didn't play, the Orioles didn't lose money (they were reimbursed by an insurance policy). His situation to me, is very different than a Barry Zito or a Mike Hampton - guys who actively hurt their teams by tying up team funds and performing below average when they are on the field.

SinepTaf

05-21-2009, 02:35 PM

100% Mike Hampton

2000 22nd largest contract in the history of sports. 121 million 8 years with Colorado.

2003 Atlanta inheirted the contract.

2006 - 0ip 0k ~16 million to sit on bottom.
2007 - 0ip 0k ~16 million to sit on bottom.
2008 - 78ip 38k ~16 million to sit on bottom.

Still have a sour taste in my mouth.

BAMBAM

05-21-2009, 05:43 PM

As a Reds fan: Eric Milton. For the lower payroll teams signings like him kill.

Eric Milton is attempting a comeback and is on a minor league roster. Stop laughing I kid you not. No really...I swear...you can look it up.

wolffer12

05-21-2009, 05:48 PM

He actually pitched the other day for the Dodgers Bam..

ohiomike

05-21-2009, 05:48 PM

Eric Milton is attempting a comeback and is on a minor league roster. Stop laughing I kid you not. No really...I swear...you can look it up.

I think he made a start the other night for the Dodgers. I saw his name in the probable starters scroll and thought he had been out of baseball for a while.

BAMBAM

05-21-2009, 05:57 PM

He actually pitched the other day for the Dodgers Bam..

I saw his name on Baseball America's Blast from the Past section a few weeks ago. They said he was doing well but I didn't know he got called up.

Highcheese4U

05-21-2009, 06:24 PM

Wow...is all I can say! lol

thekramers5

05-22-2009, 04:24 PM

Actually, it's much more stupid to try to guess which players were on steroids/PEDs than to simply admit that no one is above suspicion. Just take a look at the best documented PEDs evidence that we have - the Mitchell Report and actual positive tests from MLB testing. Are you telling me that you just *knew* that Denny Neagle and Fernando Vina were juicing? It's patently ridiculous to say with any certainty that *any* player is 100% innocent. Why? Because PEDs are taken for different uses and have different effects in different players.

There's no evidence that Jeter ever took steroids, but there's nothing to rule out that possibility either. Belle is the same way. He was a big guy, but he was that way when he was drafted. His weight fluctuated between 210 and 225 during his playing days - hardly a suspicious increase.

As for his injury, there is no linkage between degenerative osteoarthritis (Belle's hip condition) and steroids.

Back to the original topic though, I hardly think of Belle as a bust because when he played, he earned his money and when he didn't play, the Orioles didn't lose money (they were reimbursed by an insurance policy). His situation to me, is very different than a Barry Zito or a Mike Hampton - guys who actively hurt their teams by tying up team funds and performing below average when they are on the field.

DAMN...when did you get the actual results from MLB Testing ???

Last I heard, A-Rod's name was leaked and the others are sealed for the most part. Please give me the other 104 (ish) that are on the positive list since that is the "best documented PEDs evidence" and you apparently have the results.

NOBODY said with 100% certainty that anybody is innocent. Maybe I should start a poll in a new thread...would you be more surprised if (a) Derek Jeter or (b) Albert Belle tested positive for steroids? Does that help you understand the gist of the comments...? If not, I'll be glad to clarify...

Let's try this one just in case...if 3 months ago, the same poll had been taken between Albert Belle and A-Rod ... who do you think would have had the higher percentage?

And lastly...for Albert Belle to receive $39 million for never stepping on the field for 3 years CLEARLY qualifies for the intent of this thread. HE earned $39 million for doing nothing. Do you believe the Orioles increased their "active" payroll by $13 million each year because of the insurance reimbursement? If so, got some great land I'd love to sell ya... Published payroll amounts have absolutely NOTHING to do with insurance reimbursements, which are common among all teams all the time.

thekramers5

05-22-2009, 04:27 PM

Oh yeah...the Mitchell Report...

"In addition, the report names 89 MLB players who are alleged to have used steroids or drugs."

Guaranteed there are a lot of accusations that are confirmed to be true ... but let's not confuse this with positive drug tests...OK???

drfunke

05-23-2009, 01:26 AM

DAMN...when did you get the actual results from MLB Testing ???

Last I heard, A-Rod's name was leaked and the others are sealed for the most part. Please give me the other 104 (ish) that are on the positive list since that is the "best documented PEDs evidence" and you apparently have the results.

NOBODY said with 100% certainty that anybody is innocent. Maybe I should start a poll in a new thread...would you be more surprised if (a) Derek Jeter or (b) Albert Belle tested positive for steroids? Does that help you understand the gist of the comments...? If not, I'll be glad to clarify...

Let's try this one just in case...if 3 months ago, the same poll had been taken between Albert Belle and A-Rod ... who do you think would have had the higher percentage?

And lastly...for Albert Belle to receive $39 million for never stepping on the field for 3 years CLEARLY qualifies for the intent of this thread. HE earned $39 million for doing nothing. Do you believe the Orioles increased their "active" payroll by $13 million each year because of the insurance reimbursement? If so, got some great land I'd love to sell ya... Published payroll amounts have absolutely NOTHING to do with insurance reimbursements, which are common among all teams all the time.

What I said is that the best (not flawless or perfect) evidence that we have of PED use in baseball are (a) publicized positive MLB steroids tests so far (Steroid suspensions by MLB (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/legendary/steroids_baseball.shtml)) and (b) the Mitchell Report. Sure, the Mitchell Report isn't perfect, but it's more reliable than the gut feelings.

I understand perfectly what you're saying, I just don't agree with it. You think Albert Belle took steroids and you think that Derek Jeter didn't. You think that a poll of fellow collectors would show that many people believe this. Fine. What I'm saying is that there is no more real evidence on Belle than there is on Jeter. I'm not saying that Jeter is steroid user - what I'm saying is that if you're skeptical of Belle (in the absence of any real evidence), you might as well be skeptical of Jeter too.

What makes you think Belle was on the juice when you're so sure that Jeter was not? So what if Belle was a jerk? What does that have to do with steroids? So what if Jeter isn't a power hitter? Look at the list of guys who have tested positive. Lots of different types of players, not just bashers (or even mostly bashers). So what if Derek Jeter is a hard worker? Barry Bonds was widely described as one of the hardest workers in baseball.

Your suggested Belle/Arod poll illustrates my point exactly. Three months ago, most people were talking about how Arod would have the 'clean' HR record to wipe Bonds' dirty record off the books. Most people polled would have said Arod was clean, but he wasn't was he. Despite all the scrutiny and everyone thinking they are a steroid expert, almost everyone was wrong (except the minority who either (a) said Arod was juiced or (b) said that it was silly to try and guess).

You are right that Belle did get a lot of money for not playing. Mo Vaughn made out with more (about $43 million given all his missed time), but Belle was up there. I was more responding to the earlier discussion about how Belle was "one of the biggest busts of the 90s", which was wrong on so many levels. First, Belle played through 2000 - he was one of the *best* hitters of the 90s. Second, he didn't really hurt his team financially - they got their money back. Third, he didn't really hurt his team on the field since he was injured (better not to play than to suck).