During this dull time prior to spring training, baseball analysts tend to dig deep for news stories.
Jayson Stark of ESPN recently posted a story regarding the “most creative clauses of the offseason.”
According to the story, some players received unique clauses when they signed this offseason, such as Jayson Werth’s contract, which granted him the No. 28, even though teammate Mike Morse already had the number (Morse will now wear No. 38 in 2011)
And then there’s Will Ohman, Jesse Crain and Takashi Saito, all of whom signed this offseason and received a contract clause that awards them between $10,000-$25,000 if they are named the starting pitcher in the All-Star Game. Unfortunately, all three are relievers and have a combined zero starts during their tenures.
When J.C. Romero re-signed with the Phillies this offseason, the need for a left-handed specialist disappeared, and the club could now focus on filling out their bench and developing their home-grown talent.
His signing of a one-year, $1.35 million deal in early January was known throughout the Philadelphia area, but what most people didn’t discover was the absurd, mind-boggling contract clause offered in his deal.
If Romero can win a Silver Slugger award this season, he will earn $50,000 in incentives. (no, this is not a typo).
Considering that Romero has appeared at the plate just four times in his 12-year career, the chances of him being named as the National League’s top hitter in 2011 is… well, let’s just say there’s a better chance at winning the lottery.
On a side note, Romero has recorded one hit in those four at-bats (a double off of Julian Tavarez nearly 10 years ago).
* To read more about some of the craziest contract clauses, visit ESPN.
