You think that buying that girls five drinks and not hooking up with her was a bad investment? Wait til you see what some of these franchises paid for rising stars in the league that never quite lived up to their hype.
10. CARLOS LEE
In 2006 the Houston Astros decided on giving Lee a 100 million dollar contract, over six years. Carlos Lee is a one dimentional player and those types of contracts should only be handed out to either a really good pitcher or a player with different fascets to his game. With pitching and defense being the trend around baseball, the Astros have a liability in left field with Carlos Lee. While he has been a very productive player, driving in at least 100 the past three seasons, his lack of versatility is good enough for him to land on this list.
9. VERNON WELLS
At the end of a great year in 2006, the Toronto Blue Jays awarded their All Star centerfielder with a huge contract. Vernon’s contract is known for being just a terrible signing. The terms were seven years, worth 126 million dollars, making him the franchise player for the only MLB team left in Canada. In 2007 he was riddled with injuries and his production fell, maybe it was the pressure of that huge contract. In 2008 Wells also missed some time on the DL ending his season with 20 homeruns and 78 batted in. Last season his struggles continued at the plate and in the field, while also dealing with injuries. It seems as if ever since Wells signed that contract its been nothing but bad.
8. GILBERT ARENAS
Whether its been voided or not, the Washington Wizards should have never given Arenas a contract that was worth 111 million dollars over a six year period. For some reason I’ve always felt that Arenas was bit overrated. He was never the purest shooter, but his slashing ability is what made him dominant. His injuries, lack of productivity, and dumb mistakes makes him an easy choice at number eight. The Wizards made him the face of the franchise and are now paying the consequences after all that transpired in late 2009.
7. ALBERT HAYNESWORTH
The terms for Haynesworth’s deal was seven years, worth 100 million. There were a bunch of incentives also, and if all are met then it would increase to about 115 million. Haynesworth is a great defensive force, and prior to Washington Haynesworth lead the Tennessee Titans to an outstanding 2008 season. His 2009 campiagn was not as dominant, and many Redskins fans were dissapointed with only four sacks from their 100 million dollar man.
6. MICHAEL VICK
The Falcons decided on giving Vick a ten year deal worth 130 million, 37 of that guaranteed. Even with all that has happened to Mr.Vick aside this contract signing was ridiculous. I think signing any player to a ten year deal, especially in the NFL, is simply crazy. Even before the prison sentence, Vick underperformed under his contract. His winning percentage was .500 after the deal. In 2006 Vick did set a record for most rushing yards as a Q.B. I think the length of this contract is the main reason why it was so bad.
5. DAVID BECKHAM
Soccer is not the most popular sport in the U.S. I know, stating the obvious. So when the L.A Galaxy brought in David Beckham it could have created some interest, but to no avail. Instead of “Bending it” like him the few of us who cared to pay attention watched David as he hit the injured list. I understand that he is the biggest soccer star there is, butthe question is why would the Galaxy pay him 250 million over five years? And if anyone cares, the Galaxy did not improve once the superstar joined the club. In 2009 he didn’t even play in the first half of the season, which angered the fanbase.
4. ALAN HOUSTON
Alan Houston is one of the most beloved Knicks. He was part of the glory days for the New York Knicks and New York fans don’t forget how clutch he was for their team. Houston is also remembered for signing a large contract, and never really played after signing. In 2001 he signed a deal worth 100 million, spanning six years. Houston’s injuries slowed him considerably, making him force to retire in 2005. The contract was mainly the Knicks management’s fault. There were no serious suiters trying to lure Houston out of New York. The Houston signing was the beginning of bad management decisions for the Knicks.
3. ALFONSO SORIANO
Alfonso Soriano and the Cubs agreed to a long term contract, it was an eight year deal worth 136 million dollars. Soriano’s skill set was weakened after the Washington Nationals moved him to the outfield. As a second baseman, for the Yankees and Rangers, he became one of the most powerful and dynamic players. But as an outfielder, his talents were not as rare to find. His streakiness and fielding is why he lands on this list, because he has had productive offensive years with the Cubbies. Last years offensive struggles is why he comes in third. In an injury filled 2009 he batted .241, striking out 118 times. The Cubs and the Wrigley faithful wanted bigger things from Soriano. How can anyone live up to his contract?
2. BARRY ZITO
The San Francisco Giants threw big money at Barry Zito and they got there man. Zito’s agent is of course super agent Sottt Boras, because Zito would not have gotten those dollars without him. In 2002 Barry Zito won the Cy Young Award while pitching for the Oakland A’s. He did have great years under the tutelage of pitching coach Rick Peterson. Zito hired Boras in mid 2006, preparing for his free agent eligibility. In December of 2006 Zito signed with the Giants, and at the time was the highest paid pitcher ever. The contract was a seven year deal worth 126 million. In 2009 Zito rebounded after two sub par years, putting pressure on himself after the lucrative contract. The fact is that Zito is a middle of the rotation guy who is making 18 million a year, which is why the Giants could not add a solid bat over the past few years.
1. MIKE HAMPTON
Mike Hampton is the only reason why Barry Zito does not land at the top spot. Mike Hampton was one of the anchors for the New York Mets in their run to the World Series in 200o. After that season, he was the hot pitching free agent and Hampton chose to go the Colorado Rockies. The terms were eight years worth about 121 million, which at the time, was one of the largest contracts ever. In his first year in Colorado he went 14-13 with a 5.12 era. Hampton’s second season as the Rockies ace went even worse, posting a 7-15 record with a 6.15 era. The thin air of Colorado and Hampton did not mesh well, and it ended in November when the Rockies traded him to the Marlins. He then was traded to Atlanta and rebounded to respectable numbers for Bobby Cox in 2003 and 2004. Injuries then overcame Hampton for a number of years, and never lived up to the huge contract.
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