Lol ...I just have a realistic expectation of what this team is financially capable of.
I truly wish this team could afford to pay Upton 9mil this year and 14 mil for the next two to hopefully realize his potential but that just isnt the case.
Sorry but I am calling ********. If we are realistic about the finances of the Diamondbacks let's take a long look at them. In 2012 the diamondbacks were 23rd in the MLB in total salary which totaled to a little over $74 million. If we were dumping Justin (and you are correct Upton would cost $9 million next year and $14 in 2014 and 2015), why sign Cody Ross to a deal that gives him $26 million over 3 years? That pays him almost the amount that Upton would be receiving next year and still be marginal after that. In addition to this, if this trade was truly about payroll, why trade for the bloated contract of Heath Bell? IF Didi is the next Derek Jeter, why sign Cliff Pennigton (2 years, $5 million) to a two year deal when you have Willie Bloomquist ($1.9 Mil) and JMac ($1.5 mil) still under contact? Did I miss where Baseball added in another shortstop to just field and not hit?
We also have a ton of money invested in third base this year too now that Prado is going to be our starter. Prior to getting Prado, KT signed Eric Chavez to a one year, $3 million deal. Hinske was also brought in to compete for the third base job and he got over a million too.
Towers even claimed that starting pitching was a strength for the organization, but then goes out and hands a 2 year $15.5 million to a pitcher (Brandon McCarthy who caught a line drive with his face and it is uncertain if he can mentally return)? If we didn't have $9 million to invest in an all-star, MVP candidate why invest it in a starting pitcher when we have Skaggs and Corbin excelling in Triple A waiting for their shot?
If this trade was simply about dumping a "bad" contract then why has the team payroll increased? Why take on the bad contracts of Heath Bell and Cody Ross? Why not deal someone like Brad Zieglar who is making over $3 million per season for pitching one inning every week?
Quite frankly nothing Towers has done this offseason that makes sense. He has increased the payroll for next year (contrary to your argument) while taking away much of the talent.
I also hate this comment that Upton won't realize his potential... as if we all forgot about his 2011 season? You know... the one where he finished in the top four in the MVP race at 24 years of age. The contract Upton was receiving, even for a small market, is a great deal. Just look at the money being thrown around now for free agents. Josh Hamilton, who also failed to live up to the huge expectations placed on him by being drafted #1 overall until just recently, got a five year $125 million deal. And Hamilton not only had problems meeting his potential but also drug addiction and the injury bug.
Not only that but this supposed 'bad' season Upton had was only looked upon poorly because of the expectations that were placed on Upton. If you take his numbers and put them up against other outfielders you will find he, even though he struggled, was still an above average player in the MLB.
Shame on the Diamondbacks organization for their handling of everything this offseason. Their treatment of Upton really was disgraceful and immature. In a world where social media makes it easy for athletes to say something they regret, Upton kept his mouth shut went out and played baseball (even while he struggled with injury). All the while Kendrick, Hall and Towers played Man in the High Castle.
