Follow Up

A couple years ago I made a pitched an idea that seemed to make a lot of sense. I detailed a plan that would give the Twins its stars for YEARS while paying them very little money.

It went something like this:

Every bright talent you have and are promoting to the majors, you immediately sign them to a long-term deal and then have a three year option at the end of the deal. You end up having an entire roster of starters under contract for up to eight years (their PRIME years) of service before you even have to worry about free agency or arbitration.

Well guess what? The Houston Astros have decided to give my plan a try!

Jon Singleton, a 22 year old first baseman was given a 5 year deal worth $10 million BEFORE he even had a major league at bat. NO TEAM has done anything like that before. They also signed him to a three year deal worth $20 as an extension on his first contract as an OPTION. If he's a bust, they won't have to pay him the big money. If he is good, they get him at a reasonable rate for a few years before he can become a free agent.

It's win-win.

And the Astros are looking to do the same thing with their other minor leaguers that show extreme promise. Imagine an entire starting line up that costs you less than $20 million a year? You could invest in free agent pitching to match your young stars without breaking the bank.

AND if you have to pay a few of your guys guaranteed money that don't work out, it's still better than playing a weak hitting first baseman $25 million a year for a decade. It's a low risk, high long-term reward for the Astros. Agents and the players association may not like it but It's hard to tell Jon Singleton and others who will soon be like him that he shouldn't be a multi-millionaire at 22.

He can buy a REAL nice house right now and buy one for his momma, too. And still get rewarded in the future if he proves himself.

Like I said. Win. Win.

I'm glad somebody listens to me. Thanks Astros!