The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of RCN or any other agency, organization, employer or company.
Just Imagine . . .
That I made a call this morning to Scott Boras, the sports agent who specializes in baseball. I played baseball in high school and college so I felt I had a natural affinity. I was hoping he felt the same way.
The reason I called him was to renegotiate my contract. After all, he certainly helped Alex Rodriguez, Max Scherzer, Jayson Werth, and, most recently, Bryce Harper become very wealthy.
For example, Bryce Harper just signed for $330 million for 13 years. Even though it is not divided up evenly over the years, it is still worth $25,384,615.40 a year (I wonder if the Phillies pay the 40 cents). By the way, that is $156,695 per game. That’s right – every time the Phillies play, Bryce Harper makes much, much more than your annual salary.
But, in case that is not quite enough to support his lifestyle, he gets another $50,000 if he makes the All-Star team; another $50,000 if he wins a Gold Glove; another $50,000 for a Silver Slugger award; $50,000 more if he is the NLCS MVP; $100,000 more for earning the World Series MVP award; and finally, another $500,000 if he is the NL MVP. You don’t have to add those up – it’s another $800,000! And that is each year or $10.4 million extra available to him for performance through the length of the contract.
In addition, we can only imagine how awful the hotels are for professional athletes when they are on the road. So Bryce gets his own suite for every road game. And, if he so desires, he can purchase a suite at Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Phillies. Boras couldn’t get that for him?
Now, all I want Scott Boras to do for me is walk into my boss’ office and DEMAND that I get the following:
Two hot dogs AND a Coke for every game!
Extra compensation for all overtime games.
Extra compensation for the number of people who say they enjoy our broadcasts (I’ll keep track).
A complete remodel of my suite (at home).
Man, I am having trouble even recommending things to Mr. Boras to negotiate. I hope with his experience, he can think of plenty more items that must be painful to do without. I can’t (and I’m hoping my boss doesn’t even read this – he might get mad).
ABOVE THE EARS (SOME MUSING)
- A final word about Bryce Harper. During his first press conference he was quoted as saying, he wants “to bring a title back to D.C.” I hope that’s his last error.
- Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley is currently at the NFL scouting combine working out for the NFL scouts. Do you think he can make it as an NFL quarterback?
- Speaking of NFL quarterbacks, it appears Nick Foles will be with the Jacksonville Jaguars next season. No deals can be announced until March 13. But the Jags current QB, Blake Bortles, is expected to be released, even though Bortles will make $6.5 million anyway. John DeFillipo is the Jags’ offensive coordinator. He was the Eagles’ QB coach in 2017 when Foles was an Eagle.
- It looks like the NFL may have learned their lesson from the missed pass interference call that should have been called against the Rams in the NFC Championship game. The NFL is contemplating having an eighth official as a “sky judge” who can make calls like any on-field official. All 24 owners would need to approve.
- PIAA basketball begins this weekend. Every team still playing now has the goal of winning a state championship. Our girls’ teams are Northampton, Freedom, Nazareth, Southern Lehigh, Bethlehem Catholic, and Notre Dame. The Allen, Parkland, Bethlehem Catholic and Central boys are still playing. We will be at as many venues as possible. Good luck to them all.
