The Sign Of Our Times

If Brad Lidge is Guaranteed to receive $5.35 Million in salary for 2008, then "The Most Thrilling Closer In The Game" deserves far better. The Signing of Chad Cordero today to a One Year--$6.2 Million Contract is fair for both Our Washington Nationals and Our Number 32. Remember, Lidge, not only lost his Closer's role in Houston, but was traded to Philadelphia--just a few weeks back. Lidge's Career is in flux. Instability, which Chad Cordero's Job is not.

You can go over all the numbers you want--but Chad is a pretty good closer--on a team looking to climb up the ladder of success. Not many relievers have recorded 128 Saves in 4+ Seasons at the very beginning of their careers. Yeah, I know, at times, "The Chief Cardiologist" is downright heart wrenching. But, which closers in baseball have not had more than a few bad days? Even in trouble--Our Number 32 steps right back out there on the mound--never shuns responsibility--and far more times than not--turns his game around.

Pressure is the Name Of The Game in the 9th inning. Ice in his veins--is what Cordero possesses. It also doesn't hurt that he's still young-- just 26 Years Old this coming March.

Even Washington had to realize--if they took Chad to Arbitration this off season--THEY WERE GOING TO LOSE--Big Time.

There was NO WAY Our Washington Nationals could have low balled Cordero in this situation. Any Arbiter, with any real decency, would see the writing on the wall--and probably laugh--behind closed doors, once Chad's hearing was over. Any team offering below $6 Million would never win. And, $7 Million asked for by Cordero--would have probably been too high. This final sum--is an honest value.

At the same time--Our Washington Nationals could have attempted to re-sign Cordero to a Multi-Year Deal. An effort, I would approve of. But, this Franchise seemingly believes that--This Team, Our Team--is currently in a state of flux. Progress has certainly been made in rebuilding from scratch--but nothing is set in stone. No--not yet with Our Washington Nationals.

The announcement today of Chad Cordero to a One Year Contract allows for "The Chief" to prove himself--for the long term--that He's The Man for Our Washington Nationals. The reports that Our Number 32 has been working with a personal trainer, getting in better shape, and hoping to return with a 94 MPH Fastball (his college consistent best)--are good signs that Cordero's taking his career seriously. Baseball may well be a Big Business--but there is also PRIDE INVOLVED--for the individual.

For Washington--there is no long term commitment--this contract is finite. Unless Our Team sees in Chad what fits their bill for years to come--Cordero is now more tradable this July 31st--to a contender in need.

"The Most Thrilling Closer In The Game" received today a salary worthy of his efforts over the past four seasons. And, Our Washington Nationals negotiated a deal that gives them flexibility--for the short and long term futures of Our Franchise.

This is a good deal, accommodating for both, while still allowing both camps to re-negotiate and maneuver at a later date.

No matter what your stand with this deal--this is The Sign Of Our Times when it comes to Our Washington Nationals. Every move--includes a counter move--and in some cases--an escape clause.

Despite all that--Welcome Back "Chief". The African Queen and I are Thrilled that you are back in the fold.