Past is Prologue

,Wholesale Texas Rangers Hats
One thing that hurts Berkman in terms of money happened early in his career. Lance did not become a regular until age 24,cheap Florida Marlins Hats,General Knowledge Pt. XIV, meaning he would not hit free agency until he was 30. That very well may have played into his taking a six-year,San Diego Padres Hats, $85 million contract from the Astros to buy out his arbitration and five years of free agency before the 2005 season. If instead,Cheap Scarves, Lance was hitting free agency after the 2003 season,Cheap Baltimore Orioles Hats, two years earlier,cheap Pittsburgh Pirates Hats, he might have taken his chances with the market. A switch hitter at the height of his abilities, who could still play a little outfield,Famous stars Hats, Berkman might have commanded $18 million a year for six years. Today especially, a 30-year-old free agent is not that attractive to clubs. Players who get to the majors young,Cheap Players Authentic Hats, age 20 or 21,Atlanta Braves Hats, can bring in a lot more money in their careers,Cheap Music Hats, simply due to reaching free agency during their peak years. I suspect that was a big reason the Rays signed Evan Longoria to a long term contract early. It’s also why,Wholesale Monster Energy Hats, in terms of controlling spending,cheap Famous stars Hats, it’s good for teams to keep good players in the minors until they are 23 or 24.
Jack Moore wonders how much money Lance Berkman will make as he approaches the twilight of his career. He’s still a very valuable hitter,Chicago White Sox Hats sale, so far aging quite well as he approaches his age 34 season. The Astros do have an option on Lance for 2011 which will cost them $15 million,Minnesota Twins Hats, but with the ownership seemingly in flux,Cheap Chicago Cubs Hats, they may take the $2 million buyout instead.