Big Money, Little Results So Far

The Angels made quite a splash this off season with the signing of Albert Pujols for a rather astonishing 10 years and $240 million. They also added C.J. Wilson, snagging the starting pitcher from their division rival Texas Rangers with a 5 year / $77.5 million free agent deal.

On the opposite coast, the Miami Marlins looked to make headlines to coincide with opening a new  stadium. They went the free agent route to pick up shortstop Jose Reyes (6 years / $106 million), starting pitcher Mark Buehrle (4 years / $58 million), and closer Heath Bell (3 years / $27 million). And they were willing to take volatile pitcher Carlos Zambrano off the Cubs hands in the final year of his current contract, one that pays him $18 million.

So, how are things panning out thus far for these teams that spent lavishly on big name players?

Both are in last place in their divisions as of this writing, the Angels at 8-15 and Miami 8-14.

Sure, there is plenty of time left and few really believe these teams will be sub-.500 by late summer. But it’s a pretty safe bet that the Angels’ brass didn’t expect to be 9 games back of the Rangers at this point. They also could not have anticipated  Pujols would be homerless with 4 RBI through the first 22 games, providing no punch to an offense that has struggled mightily out of the gate.

Many fans and writers questioned the length of Pujols deal when it happened, figuring he would no longer be an impact player midway through the contract. Could it be that he’s already not an impact player? Time will tell but this isn’t a good start, that’s for sure.