Sometimes the best deals are the ones not made
By Rick McNair
"Sometimes the best deals are the ones not made."
After The Trade the Boston Red Sox were flush with cash. 300M to spend either with a rashness that would give any Congress Critter a smile or to practice restraint – a unique concept for the Red Sox. May 6, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Boston Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington prior to a game against the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Star power sells. Just reading the book “Francona” shows that some decisions were made to get that “sexy” player that would drive branding, ticket sales and, most importantly, NESN ratings. After all, the team owned 80% of NESN and advertising dollars fluctuate based on ratings.
A super star was available – Josh Hamilton. His story of rise and fall and rise again is well documented. Hamilton’s numbers are impressive. This is The Big Catch in the free agency market place and the Red Sox are notorious high end shoppers. Hamilton was the bling some prophesied they needed.
Hamilton was coming off a monster season. A .285 average with legit power – 43 home runs and 128 RBI. But to some of the metrics geeks there were warning signs. Average sinking. Contact shrinking. Age creeping up. Caveat Emptor. The Sox passed and the Angels went 5/125M. Ouch!
Ben Cherington ignored the local blogs, talk shows and media GM’s who pontificated for the signing. I’m sure Ben did kick the tires and look under the hood. Bottom line – he passed on Hamilton and the rest is history.
Sep 7, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Josh Hamilton (32) and center fielder Mike Trout (27) high five first baseman Mark Trumbo (44) after a 2 run home run the first inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
The Sox used their newly acquired wealth to shop diligently. Backed off of Tiffney’s and checked out Target for lower cost items of interest. The pocket book conservatism also allowed what amounts to a lifetime contract for perpetual team MVP Dustin Pedroia. The extra cash allowed the fiscal flexibility to take on the contract of Jake Peavy.
When the plus and minus of the Cherington regime is finally totaled, the passing on Hamilton will squarely be in the plus column.
"Sometimes the best deals are the ones not made."