What is important to Jarrod Washburn? Let me rewind, what is important to all athletes? Money! So I guess Jarrod is no different than any other player between the foul lines. Before all you Washburn fans get your panties in a twist, I'm not here to hate on wishy washy himself. I just want to know why it's so easy to "flip a switch" and be great pitcher again like it was 2002 in Angel Stadium?
Money is the ultimate motivator. It's infuriating watching athletes put up big numbers in a contract year (Washburn are you listening). After cashing in on a 4 year 37.5 million dollar contract with the Mariners, Washburn has put up an ERA of 4.67 in 2006, 4.32 in 07, and 4.69 in 08. Even worse, Washburn's record was a dismal 23-43 in that same span. At least he was consistent right.
I do not want to hear the mumbo-jumbo reasons for Washburn's recent success: I switched my mechanics, worked out extra hard in the offseason, learned how to throw a new pitch, etc... People who believe that nonsense should really consider finishing their G.E.D. and shooting for the stars in Community College.
Money is the reason for Washburn's 2.68 ERA and dominance over hitters in 2009. The same reason why he was 18-6 in 2002 with an ERA of 3.15 with the Angels. It's not hard to guess which year is a contract year for Washburn. Just look at the numbers.
Very few ball players these days care about their legacy. Just ask Manny Ramirez, who doesn't give a rats ass about his suspension or reputation in L.A. I'm disgusted by players who get their big payday and no longer give a shit about playing hard, helping their team win, or laying everything on the line for the game they're supposed to love.
I'm disgusted by watching Washburn walk to the bump this year. While most fans are clapping and cheering on ol wishy washy for finally wanting to compete and win, I'll be cursing him for not earning his paychecks the last 3 years.
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Mike:
ReplyDeleteGood post. You've always thought just like me; baseball players are a commodity; assets that are bought low and sold high. The M's need to recognize that Wash's value is high right now and look to move him before he gets hurt. Right now, he's a #3 starter for a team in contention (Yankees, Twins, Indians, Mets, Phillies, Dodgers, SF, Cubs and Brewers). I would expect the M's to receive another teams top 5 prospect in return. In the right deal, the M's might get a future starting pitcher, power hitting athletic outfielder, 3B, or SS.
for another team's top 5 prospect bec
I don't think Washburn has been sandbagging the last three years just to collect a check and this year he's turned it back on because he's in a contract year. How would that help his cause? Everyone in baseball knows the writing is on the wall as you mentioned: 23-43 over the previous three years with the Ms will ultimately decide his contract fate. No GM in his right mind is going to view Wash as a no. 2 or 3 guy. He'll be a 4 or 5 at best, maybe a bullpen guy to finish out his career, and those guys don't get big bucks (unless Bill Bavasi is after them.)
ReplyDeleteHe may get picked up by a team in a playoff hunt that needs lefty help, but the chances of him getting signed to a long term deal (anything over two years) is slim to none. And that's a big "if" at that - he's only barely through the first month and a half of the season and has come out strong, no question, but there is plenty of time for him to revert to his old ways, which I fully anticipate. I think if you get 12-15 wins out of Wash this year, it would be a major accomplishment.