https://totallytigers.wordpress.com/2023/03/28/watercooler-wednesday-78/
WATERCOOLER WEDNESDAY.
Totally Tigers
Today, another opportunity for readers to discuss the hottest topics in a forum where thoughtful dialog and a variety of opinions are welcomed.
Let?s create some running conversational threads. And for those of you back in actual offices, here?s a question to take with you ? or use via Zoom ? as you talk to your co-workers.
Here is today?s topic??..
Teams are rushing to finalize contract extensions with their top players before the start of the 2023 season. Of note are rumors about Shohei Ohtani who is entering his final year before becoming a free agent. In case you are not familiar with him, he is both a starting pitcher and accomplished hitter.
Some teams are already prepping themselves financially in advance of Ohtani?s free agency in case the Angels do not extend him. They are already committed to a lengthy contract with Mike Trout.
For the record, the Angels have not been to the playoffs in 9 years. Their last season over .500 was in 2015.
Ohtani is expected to command a contract of at least 10 years and worth over $500 mill. Many consider him to be MLB?s best player.
But it begs the question about whether paying 1 player a record amount of money is a sound decision. Is it better to add a contract similar to what Ohtani is expected to get (and pay your other players less) or is it better to spread your payroll out over a number of players?
Would you prefer to sign a superstar player like Ohtani just to be able to watch him regularly and be able to claim that he plays for your team?
As you know, the Tigers had a number of very expensive contracts and 2 of particular note: Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander.
When the Tigers become highly competitive again, if you are the owner or GM would you be tempted to throw a record amount of cash to 1 superstar again? Or is it better to spread that cash out among multiple players?
How would you allocate a significant amount of roster payroll?
1. I would be willing to give a significant portion of payroll to 1 superstar player.
2. I would spread out a large chunk of payroll among multiple players.
VOTE
