I think that the overall theme of this baseball offseason has been money, money and more money as some players have been receiving large amounts of cash to sign in new places.
It all started with the Alfonso Soriano signing with the Cubs, and now has been followed by a few more rather mind-boggling, gigantic signings:
- The Houston Astros signed OF Carlos Lee to a contract worth $100 million over a 6 year period. They also signed pitcher Woody Williams for 2 years at $12.5 million.
The Tigers did show interest in Lee last trade deadline, and his name was even mentioned a couple of times this offseason as a potential target for the Tigers. Seeing how much was thrown at him, it may very well turn out beneficial that the Tigers did not pursue him harder.
- The Los Angeles Dodgers signed OF Juan Pierre to a 4 year, 45 million dollar deal. SB Nation Blogger Andrew over at True Blue LA doesn't exactly like this deal for Juan Pierre, and I don't really blame him.
- In what could be the most absurd free agent signing of this offseason, the Angels gave former Rangers OF Gary Matthews Jr. $50 million dollars over 5 years. Halos Heaven does not like this deal. At all. And why should they? It is evident that Matthews has been a fairly mediocre player, and benefited from some flashy glove work and pretty good hitting last season.