Deals that helped keep the family together
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, March 4, 2009
I’m dubbing Wednesday, March 4, 2009, “Honey, I’m Home Day.”
Sweetheart deals and graveling, although no one will ever admit to the latter, were the norm for one of the busiest sports transaction days in months.
All the money spent, all the deals struck, and yet there are still starving children in Idaho. Yes, Idaho. All that potential for growing starchy food, and people are still going without. It’s a shame.
But anyway, it looks like there will be no need for tearful reunions anytime soon for a few pro athletes that elected to stay with their current teams.
It’s a shame because the best drama going on TV right now has thematic elements similar to Kobe vs. Shaq. Oh well, guess we’ll just have to make do.
Today on “The List,” we’ll look at players that decided looking at greener grass was not for them.
3. Ray Lewis. I know he’s the same old Ray, but how about working out a new celebration dance to show your adoring fans in Baltimore? Assuming nothing falls through, a deal worth at least $20 million that Lewis agreed to Wednesday will keep him in Baltimore for three more years. The most important thing in this re-signing is that Lewis will finish his career with the same team he began it with, something that happens as often these days as a half-off discount at a gas station.
2. Kurt Warner. Let’s break this down. Matt Leinart, who is supposed to be carrying the Arizona Cardinals by now, signed a rookie deal with $14 million in guaranteed money over six years. Warner’s new deal will pay him a guaranteed $19 million for the next two years, $14 million of that up front. Kids, see what stocking grocery shelves will eventually get ya? I don’t know whether to laugh or cry over this situation. Probably the only other person that feels worse than Leinart now is Vince Young. Hold on. Kerry Collins is sending me a text message now inviting me to his “No. 1 QB in Tennessee party.”
1. Manny Ramirez. After weeks of making the Dodgers’ front office run around in circles, Scott Boras finally let his client sign on the dotted line. And cheers went up and rang throughout the land. I have just one question, though. For two years and $45 million, could the Dodgers work out a lease deal with the Clippers? Manny obviously can’t help out a whole lot on defense, but I bet he’s got a deadly outside shot.