Sunday, December 04, 2005

"It's all about the money, boys!"

That's what Big Dan bellows during a scene in one of my favorite movies, O Brother, Where Art Thou? It makes me laugh. You know what doesn't make me laugh? Professional athletes who live by the same creed.

It seems as though Raphael Furcal will be wearing Dodger blue next season. Reports say he's agreed to a three-year, $39.5 million contract with Los Angeles. Chicago had reportedly offered five years at $50 million, and Atlanta something less than that.

The pros for playing in Atlanta? You've spent your entire career there- you've got friends on the team and ties to the community. You're playing for one of the best managers in the modern era. Your team has won the NL East the past 14 years. You've grown accustomed to winning.

The pros for playing in Chicago? Dude, you're playing at Wrigley Field. The fans love you, win or lose. The Red Sox have dumped the monkey from their backs- so have the White Sox. That Cub monkey better start holding on for dear life, because they're gonna dump it eventually, and who wouldn't want to be part of Chicago winning their first World Series in 356 years?

The pros for playing in Los Angeles?.....$39.5 million.

Enjoy your money and the L.A. night life, Raphael, because I don't think you're gonna find much enjoyment on the field.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

As a Cubs fan, I wanted Furcal to come to Chicago for obvious reasons. However, I would have also eagerly applauded him for staying in Atlanta. The Cubs and Braves are two very classy teams with a lot to offer. Atlanta is the center of the winnin universe and has been forever. And if the Cubs ever put it together - man oh man - that would be something special to behold.

But you're right. What ever is the reason to go to LA other than money? There really is none. None whatsoever. Loyalty is Major League Baseball, as we all know, is a thing of the long gone past.

BTW: Is that you in the picture? Based on the photo you look kinda like Greg Maddux.

Steven said...

Yep, that's me. I guess I do look like him. Except for the money.

The sad thing about the Dodgers deal is the fact they still don't have a manager. There's no telling who they'll sign, and with Furcal having played for Bobby Cox his entire career, he may be in for a rude awakening.