Spare Parts: Max Scherzer’s Big Deal; Remembering Miñoso

Since last Friday, it has felt like the Winter Meetings with all of these free-agent signings. Yesterday, which feels like days ago, Marcus Semien shocked the baseball world by signing with the Texas Rangers. While that was a surprise, it may have been even more eye-opening that the Rangers agreed to a seven-year deal for Semien. 

I’d understand why the White Sox didn’t make the same type of commitment as it would tie $25 million to a 38-year old Semien. We see how these deals don’t age well, for example, in Detroit by watching Miguel Cabrera be a shell of his dominant self. However, that would have been the 2028 and 2029 White Sox problems. Today, Semien would have significantly helped solve some of the White Sox 2022 issues. Alas. 

If you think Semien’s deal leans to the outrageous side, look at what the New York Mets are reportedly offering Max Scherzer. According to Jon Heyman, the reported agreement is three years, $130 million for Scherzer to pitch in a Mets uniform. That’s a little more than $43 million per season. 

Excluding the COVID-shorten 2020 season, Scherzer has made at least 30 starts in 11 of his last 12 regular seasons. In 2019, Scherzer was limited to just 27 starts. Scherzer is dependable, even at the ripe age of 37-years old, taking the ball every fifth day. What’s fantastic is that if Scherzer makes 32 starts for the Mets in 2022, he’ll make $1.35 million per appearance. 

One Scherzer start will be twice as much as the White Sox plan to pay Michael Kopech for all of 2022. Or better yet, the Chicago White Sox projected 2022 rotation of Lance Lynn, Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, Dylan Cease, and Kopech set to earn $45.6 million. Just a few million more combined than Scherzer. 

While there will be many who think the Mets are taking an unnecessary gamble paying a 37-year old pitcher that type of money, let’s just take a step back and look at the possibility of facing Jacob deGrom and Scherzer in consecutive days. 

Mercy. Good thing the White Sox play in the American League Central. It would be better if either Semien or Scherzer were playing for the White Sox in 2022. As the saying goes, fortis fortuna adiuvat. 

Happy Birthday, Minnie Miñoso and Vin Scully

If today is your birthday, you share it with two baseball greats. Legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully turns 94 years old today. 

Scully shared a birthday with White Sox great Minnie Miñoso. The Golden Days Era ballot voting results will be released on Sunday, and fingers crossed that the committee corrects a wrong by finally electing Miñoso into the Hall-of-Fame. 

Remembering Miñoso, the Chicago White Sox held a memorial ceremony at the original home plate location of Comiskey Park. Displaying a portrait of Miñoso along with some of his personal items provided by his widow Sharon Rice-Miñoso and his son Charlie Rice-Miñoso.