Now, this is interesting. I'm not one to say that this was the driving force in making this trade immediately, but the Rangers are about to get stuck with a pro-rated pain in the wallet.
But take a look at Pudge's performance bonuses, and this is what you'll see:
$200K each for 350, 375, 400, 425, 450 plate appearances; $150,000 each for 90 games, 100 games; $200,000 for 100 games played.
Where is Pudge in this? As of this morning, 344 plate appearances and 93 games played. The Astros have already paid Pudge $150,000 for the 90 games, but six more plate appearances and that's another $200K. I'm not sure how they'll break up the pro-rated amount, but that's...interesting.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
