November 20, 2007
Money on the Table?
What money did Mike Lowell leave on the table? The Phillies supposedly offered an extra-year to Lowell, but no more money per year. If Mike just survives the three years of his contract, he should get even more money when this contract is up. Lowell's only risk here is that he has a career ending injury. If he just plays at his career averages, he gets a big raise in 2011.
It's not the money, it's the security of an extra year. Any athlete with half a brain must know that he's one false step away from ending his career. In the case of Lowell, he also knew that this was his last best chance to get the maximum deal.
Sure, he can get another payday in three years if he keeps playing well, but in sports you just never know. If I were a pro athlete, I'd be trying to maximize my security. (And no matter how much money you've got, are you turning down an extra $12 mill?)
That said, I'm not terribly surprised that he gave up a fourth year to stay in Boston. He must know that (a) this is his best opportunity to win (better than Philly, at least), and (b) he hits really well at Fenway.
He might not even have given up money. Just how much could he make in endorsements, both local and national, in Boston vs Philly? That's why A-Rod was never going anywhere but NY...