Looks like things have worked out well for Scott Rolen. He gets to play in the postseason, and gets a longterm deal out of it. If the numbers in this article are correct, he agreed to the same total dollars the Phillies offered, but is getting paid out over eight years, rather than the seven Philadelphia offered. Thus the average annual salary is lower, as is the present value of the deal. Nice to see an athlete put his money where his mouth is.

Rolen, Cardinals agree to contract extension (ESPN)

The Bud Smith-for-Scott Rolen trade seems to have worked out after all, for both sides. I mean neither as an insult or a compliment, but Rolen just wasn't an East Coast sort of guy. I'm not surprised that he's taken so well to playing in America's Best Baseball Town.

$11 million per season, even if paid over eight years, seems to be just a bit below-market. I wonder if this is a sign that contract prices are going to be dropping faster than the NASDAQ this off-season.

Players for the Cards consistently sign for less than they might otherwise. Edmonds and crew actually see some value in playing for St. Louis, and are willing to forego some potential income for the environment. Players have also consistently restructured contracts and deferred compensation to help the club out with trades and such. Not something you see with most ballclubs.

[quote]Originally posted by Munson Man:
Nice to see an athlete put his money where his mouth is.

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Considering his previous "It's important to see what's offered in the free-agent market" stance, I have to steer clear--I don't know where that mouth's been.

[ September 25, 2002: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

First, Scott might already have a sense of what he'll offered in the free agent market, as I'm sure other teams have already contacted his agent.

As to "where his mouth has been", I guess he is so happy in St. Louis that he is more than willing to sign long term without going through a mating dance. Again, I think it is admirable that someone values something else besides the almighty buck. He could have signed with Philly, gotten paid more, but there is more to life than money. Besides, I've never been there, but once you're earning 12 million a year, is there that much difference between earning 10 million, 12 million and 15 million a year. It's not like the difference between making ends meet and not being able to pay for rent, utilities and food.

I guess after playing for the Phillies management that slung arrows and press leaks, St. Louis must really seem like heaven.

Best of luck Scott and congrats to the Outsporters in St. Louis.

[quote]Originally posted by scottie:
First, Scott might already have a sense of what he'll offered in the free agent market, as I'm sure other teams have already contacted his agent.

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If other teams did contact his agent, they broke baseball rules regarding tampering.

As for the rest of your argument, I can't really say any more than has already been said.

[quote]Originally posted by scottie:
Again, I think it is admirable that someone values something else besides the almighty buck. He could have signed with Philly, gotten paid more, but there is more to life than money.

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Agreed. I think baseball salaries have reached the level where players like McGwire, Edmonds, Griffey and Rolen are comfortable putting considerations other than money first.

Come on, guys. He gets to spend about 162 days a year in the same lockerroom as Albert Pujols, so why wouldn't he be happy?

The Cardinals made a great deal here. For the future, however, they really are going to need one more quality pitcher, since Finley and Benes are on their last legs (the latter literally), and Kile is no longer with us. They also will need another quick--and possibly powerful--bat to replace Tino Martinez, who in my opinion has been a bust.