MONEY, MONEY AND MORE MONEY

“Hamels' deal beats Johan Santana's $137.5-million six-year deal, making it the second-highest ever given a pitcher. CC Sabathia's $161-million, seven-year deal is the record.

Hamels' new contract gives him the same annual salary as his teammate and friend Cliff Lee, who has a $120-million, five-year deal.” – Jon Heyman of CBS Sports

Cole Hamels and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a $144 Million deal 6-year contract extension, or cool $24 million a year! This is in spite of all the trade rumors that Hamels would be traded. Does this mean that the Phillies are still in the race as far as they are concerned, that they may be buyers? Is Shane Victorino staying? Do the Phils think that they are not out of the wildcard race, now that Ryan Howard is returning as well as the return of Chase Utley?

The contract makes sense if you look at him without the money coming into play. He is 28-years old and a 6-year contract for a pitcher of that age: one with his talent is smart. Do they really mean to commit so much money over the long haul of six years is my question. What happens if he is injured, or drops off in say 4 or 5 years? I guess we could play what if with a lot of the players today, but this is a lot of money, committed for 6 long years.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers seem to be getting better and better all the time, picking up three time all star and golden Glove shortstop Hanley Ramirez. The departure of Ramirez from Miami is not surprising, and I didn’t expect him to stay in Miami, with Jose Reyes playing at his position.

The Dodgers will be adding about $38 million in financial commitments, for Ramirez, the 2009 National League batting champion.

The Dodgers will assume all of what remains on Ramirez's contract who, is still owed about $6 million of his $15-million salary this year. He will earn $15.5 million next year and $16 million in 2014, the final year of his contract.

What this means is that the Dodgers new ownership is willing to spend the big bucks to win and win now. This is in contrast to another team that also had financial trouble and saw their way out of them yet has not made any significant moves, namely, the New York Mets.

That’s all I wrote, folk!