(St. Louis) There was probably some truth to the theory Max Scherzer wanted to pitch for the Cardinals. Being from St. Louis and pitching at Mizzou, it was an easy connection to make.
But in the end, as it always does, it comes down to the dollars. The Cardinals would have enjoyed the luxury of the future hall of famer in their rotation. But what they could not stomach, along with most other major league teams, was paying him $1.5 million dollars. Per start!
The 37 year old right hander landed with the New York Mets for an annual average of $43 million over 3 seasons. New Mets ownership was intent on making a big publicity splash in a city they share with the Yankees. The most dedicated Cardinals/Scherzer fan would admit a contract like that was a non-starter for their team.
But in an effort to beat an expected lockout by the owners in December, the high-end talent went quickly. Dodgers shortstop Corey Saeger signed with the Rangers for 10 years at an average of 32 million per season.
American League Cy Young winner Robbie Ray left Toronto for Seattle. He will scrape by on just over $23 million per year through 2027.
There are others. But if there was any doubt about whether sentiment would ever rule over getting the most cash possible, Joe Pesci summed it up in the movie, ‘Casino’. It’s always about the dollars.
