SF Giants and Upton, Cespedes, Fowler

Update 1/16/2016 Chris Davis has received offer from Baltimore. Cespedes and Upton still weighing options according to this video courtesy of MLB.com

The 2016 MLB spring season will start in about a month. There are several really good free agents still available. Reports on the major sports sites including Bleacher Report speculate as time goes by these players might choose to sign one year deals and see what happens next season in terms of getting long term big money contracts. Barring injury or poor performances during 2016 this is one route to go, but to this San Francisco fan and blogger it seems a bit risky.

If I was fortunate enough to be a great MLB player, I would consider where I want to play long term and go with a very good deal rather than hope a super deal might happen next year. Three players most mentioned in the category of waiting for big pay days are Yeonis Cespedes, Dexter Fowler and Justin Upton.

For fun, I will pretend to be one of these great players. If the Giants came to me and said, Michael we really like you as a player and want to offer you a long term contract. We would really like to offer the $100 million plus you are seeking, but with our recent acquistions it's not in our budget. Can we work something out that works for both of us? I would listen and ask what have you got in mind? If it came down to waiting a year or signing a contract that was $70 million with bonus incentives instead of say $100 million, I would sign now. Those incentives could add up to be as big a payday if not bigger, especially if you consider the possibilities below.

Number one is you really don't know what is going to happen with your health and your ability to play. That may seem like a small risk, but the risk is there.

Number two, when you sign for a club like the San Francisco Giants who knows what other long term unseen financial gains might come into play later? As a Giants fan I see how loyal the organization is to its players even when those players are not at their peak performance. This can be a long term gain. And after your career the organization is full of ex-great players from coaching to the broadcast booth. Who would not want that?

Number three, who would not want to play for a club doing their best to win another World Series? And there is financial gain in being part of a team contending and even bigger financial possibilities if another World Series does happen during your tenure.

Number four, Giants fans love their players and will do anything to make them and their families feel at home in the Bay Area. Literally priceless.

So Mr. Upton, Mr. Cespedes and Mr. Fowler call your agent and tell them to work out a good deal with the San Francisco Giants. I suggest you guys make it a contest to see who calls the Giants front office first. Tell them Michael sent you so I can get my big pay day of maybe a ticket or two with a bratwurst and beer thrown in for being such a loyal fan.

Best regards,
Michael