The winter is always exciting for true baseball fans. You get to watch rumors of your team talking to players and either sign them, or fall back to the next best thing. However, you can still sign the number one free agent on the market and fail. That's exactly what the Arizona Diamondbacks did, last Friday, when they picked up the top name of the 2015 off season, Zack Greinke. Greinke, among other things, (should've won the Cy Young) had a remarkable year, helping the Dodgers yet again win the National League West, and headed into this off season as the man to get. But can you spend too much on such a top-of-the-line-name? (Yes, the answer is yes)
Another top of the line free agent pitcher that was signed within the past two weeks was David Price. Price is making 217 million over the next seven years, with an opt out clause after three years. Zack Greinke is making 206.5 million over the next six years, with 60 million of it being deferred. (payed over time once the contract is over) Another thing to consider is that Price is two years younger than Greinke, which means that Arizona will be paying 27 million a year when Greinke is 38! With pitching free agents, you generally are paying them for the first four years, then whatever you get after that is extra, but you can't rely on them to be a number one, much less the guy you're paying 27 million to to go toe to toe with the greatest young arms of the generation. Not only that, but Arizona is in a delicate position right now. They're so-so, having a couple of really good players, but not really having enough chemistry or pitching to make a serious run. Now they've shot themselves on the foot by picking up Greinke. Don't get me wrong, Greinke's probably among the top three pitchers in baseball, but with that team, you don't get big name stars, especially for that much. You make trades and conserve your money, to make a good team. But the DBacks are in a rough hole now, and they're going to have to think really smartly to dig their way out.
