Playing For Peanuts
If you were wondering about MadBum’s feelings about the contract he plays to, well, you shouldn’t wonder anymore. He was asked about in the San Jose Merc yesterday and his comments, if genuine, makes me think he really is fine with his team friendly deal.
Check it out:
“You know, that was life changing money for me.”
“Now that things turned out the way they are it’s easy to ask these questions. But you know what, that’s good. I want to be asked these questions. It’s a lot better than the other way around.”
“I grew up poor. I don’t need a lot of money to get by. I mean, I ain’t playing for money, I guess.”
I could understand if this is how he felt as a rookie country bumpkin, but after years of living the life of a pro ballplayer it’s a little surprising that he still feels this way. And hey, don’t forget his world series bonuses. I mean, that’s how El Presidente gets by. No reason Bum can’t feed his family that way, too. 🙂 🙂 🙂
A Place To Talk About Giants Baseball 
I love this post. Nice job Flavor. I’ll preface my own experience by saying that no way, no how am I living the life of Bumgarner or any baseball player for that matter. I worked for the Feds – military and civilian – for 32 years. I certainly didn’t get rich while doing this, but I was able to have a nice lifestyle and earn a very generous pension. During my career, I also invested wisely, where I accumulated a nice portfolio of equities, along with real estate investments. The latter could disappear tomorrow and I would be fine with just the pension. Like Bum, I grew up without much, e.g., once my mom, brother and I lived on a beach in Hawaii for 3 days while trying to find an apartment to live in. LOL.
So, what I have personally concluded is three-fold: 1. External things are out of my control – people, places, and things; 2. What matters and is controllable – is my attitude and relationship with the universe (or God, Buddha, etc., if that’s your thing); and, 3. The lesson learned is that happiness is a choice and it isn’t based on money (things), people, or places, but rather on what’s going on in your heart and mind. I was in my 30s when I recognized this. Bum is in his mid-20s and already knows this. He is a very wise man.
One of your best postings Steve ~ a real cri de coeur. Being an albeit moderately well travelled countryboy myself i maybe have an insight or two into this myself. Our ace is simply not much ensorcelled by the buzzers and bells of materialist toys and fun and games. He’s real. Down-home. Once the place is paid for, the wife is happy and plenty of hay in the barn the dude is satisfied. He doesn’t even hafta pursue the bitch goddess fame. She came to him with open arms.
Bum is almost too good to be true. What a breath of fresh air he is when stacked up next to all the arrogant, self-absorbed prima donnas permeating professional sports today. And Flavor, I don’t think he knows how to be anything but genuine. What you see is what you get.
Being broke is no fun. Period.
Reading through the Calipari book, “Players First” is interesting. He comes off as a no nonsense guy who can be pretty hard on kids used to being HS/AAU stars who have to buy into team concepts and much harder work ethic since they are playing vs. guys just as athletic on regular basis.
There is fair amount of promoting the Kentucky brand and very little about his stints at UMass or Memphis, but he does talk about all the one and done kids, whom he will not shy away from recruiting but will try and help as much as possible to prepare for life in big biz of NBA. He talks to NBA people to gauge where they will land, since first round money is guaranteed and second round is not and often means a lot of time in the D League.
And his advice to all of them is to stash away $1 mil and have a financial adviser look after it so even if things don’t work out they should have a nice cushion–they are all going to buy themselves (and often Mom) a car, then there are the agents taxes etc., and all of a sudden these guys don’t have near as much as they think.
He also says he’s in favor of forcing kids to stay for 2 years but biggest obstacle is player agents who he says have strong influence in NBA player’s union. At this point he feels they will be better prepared mentally physically and academically for life in pro ball and beyond.
At the end of the piece Bumgarner also said “Maybe you should talk to them, see what they think.” so I don’t totally agree with the idea that he’s just a humble country boy and it’s all good. I’m sure he’s thought about it but he also seems to accept that he signed the deal and it is what it is. Both sides took a risk and have to live with the results. I’m sure the club looks to compensate him in other ways where possible. If anyone knows how to make some sort of under the table compensation it’s Baer.
Good points dirt.
Henry says Pagan could be playing tomorrow and expects to be in LU for Opening Day.
If SF keeps 12 pitchers, then there are 13 spots for position players.
Posey Belt Panik Craw Mac plus Pagan Aoki Blanco is 8.
Ishi Susac (back to playing after sore wrist) Arias Perez is 4 more.
O-O-O, Duffy Hector and Maxwell (who only makes it if Pagan is on DL I’d imagine) or Brown for last spot.
Duffy seems like best player of the bunch. Hector I can’t see unless Posey takes over 1b and Belt to OF til Pence gets back, very unlikely. Ehire I’d imagine would take the demotion to AAA just to show potential suitors he can play since he missed so much time last season, and Maxwell and Brown get the DFA treatment.
Strick goes to Sac and Machi joins Petit Vogs and Big 4 (lopez casilla romo affeldt) in the pen.
And that’s your Defending World Series Champion SF Giants!
You forgot Pence, Mac. And what I heard today is that he is ahead of schedule and already has a smaller cast that has allowed him to resume some baseball activities.
Adrianza has no option to take a demotion to AAA. If he does not make the 25, he will have to clear waivers, and I would be surprised if one of the other 29 MLB teams did not scoop him up.
No way Brown makes the club. I think Perez is a question mark. With Pence on the 25, the last spot comes down to Perez, Adrianza, or Duffy, IMO.
“Playing For Peanuts”?
MadBum will be able to buy a lot of peanuts with the $7 million he makes this season. 🙂
Not to delve too much into the murky waters of politics, but….
Ted Cruz, a Tea Party favorite just announced he’s running for president. Cruz, who was born in Canada, in non-U.S. territory, to an American mom and a non-American father is going to be OK with the Tea Party, which has been Birther Central, in their attacks on Obama?
Seriously?
No wonder so many people get disillusioned with politics. What a joke some of it is.
It’s great that baseball season is starting. I have very little interest in following campaign politics anymore. It’s just become such a clown show.
Cruz is like Obama in 2006. Without the mass appeal. The issues he “champions” play to a narrow base in the wing nut media bubble. It’s a ploy to sell a book and increase his speaking fees on the buffet circuit. A more photogenic Newt if you will.
As a right-winger I completely agree with you zum. There is no doubt Obama’s mother was an American, so it makes no frickin difference where the hell he was born.
Now my educated guess why Obama never released his academic records was that he may have applied to some of these schools as a foreign student but that is neither here nor there at this point.
Cruz is deeply insane. His father is a Dominionist preacher, the absolute worst element in the Religious WRONG. Being a Christian and high on the spiritual teachings of Jesus is one thing, but this notion of special people being able to have dominion over everything and everybody reminds me more of Hitler.
That is complete wacko. I am calling Ted Cruz the Prince Joffrey of this campaign…
I know many of us (myself included) like to give Baer a hard time about his “make a buck, make a buck” ways but it really is remarkable how little turnover this organization has had at all levels. Players, coaches, front office personnel, broadcasters, you name it…I would doubt there is another organization that takes care of its own like this one. Guys like Bobby Evans, Dick Tidrow, and others could have done like little Ned and left for bigger money and more status. Hell even the guys and gals that sell tickets over the phone were flown to the road World Series games. Now they leased their own 757 and retrofitted it so every seat is first class. I would bet they had Krukow and his current medical condition in mind when they did this, but they would never admit it.
So yeah, Bum is as classy as they come, but his employer like those new airplane seats, is first class all the way.
Good, positive yet realistic post.
I said this at time of the savvy contract deal that benefited both sides that the Bum was pure country and he was not going to be motivates by making that much more the an he made in that deal. He is set for life.
We met a couple of his neighbors for a lack of a better word the first time we saw him pitch in AA when the team was in Bowie MD and these were very down to earth farmer types. His home county may be the poorest in NC. So when he decided to keep his off-season home in NC, that tells you everything about him. He is probably the richest man now in the county.
Also reminds me of Stephen Curry also not complaining about the deal he signed. Warriors went out on a limb to offer it and Curry recognized the risk the team was taking and he has never looked back. And both of these men will be much much richer soon enough…
Careful With That Axe, Madbum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEmV-w8FnQw
Bum isn’t the only young bright star who signed off on a deal that looks dirt cheap now. Goldschmidt made 1.1m in 2014. Will make 29m over the next 4yrs.
McCutcheon, Sale, Puig, Altuve are some others who are making “peanuts” relative to others.
Don’t see any of their teams rewriting their deals.
Correct. Good point.
Good thread Flavor. I think Bum has been genuine in his spin on the contract. Dude took more years/less money for the some security for his family. With his roots and make-up, the dude is set for life. But, the man will get paid eventually. When that day comes, and if he continues to progress as he has (and no reason to believe he will not), he could set a new record for SP contracts.
So, even with the crap ST record, the team is coming together nicely. Timmy and Bum with nice outings in their last starts. Pagan is ready to start a game this week and has deemed himself ready for opening day. Pence is ahead of schedule on his rehab. Now if the bats can just get going. Overall, I like how the team is progressing.
Two weeks until opening day (well, opening night with the Douchbag D-Backs), and three weeks from the home opener. I am SO READY for some REAL baseball!
I went 34-14 in my main bracket, and three of four of my final four picks is still alive (I had Iowa State going deep).
Giants on the radio today, and Peavy on the bump.
This one if for IrishKev and the other pundits who have him going the way of Glass and Scoots…
What do you Flappers think on an over/under of 100 games for Pagan?
Yeah, I am, and always have been of the glass-half-full persuasion…call me Polly. I have him starting in over 100 games this year.
What says you?
When he comes back, I hope he can use his lower body on his swing. The Giants need some extra-base pop in his bat, like he had before the back problems.
I predict 110 games for him. I feel like I’m drinking some kool-aid to say that, but here’s hoping! 🙂
Agree. Color me Polly too – over 100.
USA Today with an article about Mr. Madison of the Bumgarners.
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/03/madison-bumgarner-san-francisco-giants-ranch-north-carolina-mlb
Great article; thanks!
Awesome read…thanks, John.
Yep, nice read. TY Bozo.
Chi, I am generally not a glass half full kind of person, but I think Pagan will play more than 100 games this season. As a Giants fan you almost have to believe that because he’s so important to the team.
Your kidding yourself.
You’re…..
Am I to interpret this as less than 100?
That is a great article, Bozo, thanks for posting it. Bum is a big strong guy no matter how you cut it, but all that manual labor is the perfect off-season training. His hands are tough and calloused, perfect for a pitcher, and his whole body is getting into those chores. He don’t need no stinkin’ weight room. Very old school. I love it.
Yeah, if he runs out of work there on the Carolina ranch he can join me for a few days with his choice of axe, chainsaw, wheelbarrow or sled ~ all good Northcountry winter fun and a huuuuge edge over whatever those young suburban snots do to try to keep in some kinda shape. Of course if they would cut out soda, potato chips and aluminum beer (not so true in Cali on the latter, i suspect) it would help a bunch too.
Real, honest, country physical labor is perfect for the body, clears the mind and strengthens the soul.
The Giants have been burned with old ballplayers for decades not being able to play. The list is too numerous and Pagan is going down this path. Their bodies keep protesting and the injuries keep adding up. I like the Branch Rickey approach better. Or Billy Beane approach. Giants got lucky last season and Bum got real good at the end.
Yeah, the Billy Beane approach has worked out great — especially in the playoffs.
Count me for under 100 for Pagan. Way under.
Ha ha thanks Chi. Less than 100, 85 tops
Kevin – little friendly wager here? Loser buys grub and a brew for the winner at a River Kitty game? Come on brother…put your money where your mouth is… 😉
Ha ha of course, game on dude, game on!! You are the best Chi!
We should start looking at a date for a Flapalooza. I liked the ones where we all got tix in the Club level.
Any right coasters (or Flappers from around the globe) going to be out this way where we could coordinate it and make it part of a Flapalooza?
Peavy with 5 IP and 3 ER today. I’ll take it. Giants starters beginning to string together some good starts.
Let’s get this shit over and start playing some games that count.
AND…give Pagan the chance to start satisfying that over 100 starts this year.
I’m on the under for Pagan too. 80 games would be a small miracle IMO.
Per Pavlovic:
HEALTH WATCH: It was a good day for the ailing. Angel Pagan (stiff back) was bouncing around the clubhouse, and he went out on the field to do some light throwing and hit off a tee; Pagan could be back in the lineup Tuesday or Wednesday. Andrew Susac feels much better after getting a cortisone shot in his right wrist, and he’ll play Sunday.
Bouncing? lqtm.
Help for the outfield in the pipeline? Well, it did look good today. In his chance at bat Mac Williamson came through with a hit, hiking his smallish stint this spring to a nice .350 BA with a very nice SP as well. He could get the call by July or August and a nice, big cup of java in September. Kid is due. For another bit of serendipity Cubano Daniel Carbonell popped his second dinger of the springer and raised his BA to .286.
Granted, one game, but against decent to quite good KC pitching, this duo came through today and likely got some eyes popping up a tad. They are likely to remain in the eyes of Giants fans as they play for nearby Sac-town. Meanwhile Gary Brown sinks deeper and deeper into the sunset of dashed expectations.
I just read this from Baggs:
“Bumgarner entered Sunday’s start with an 8.64 ERA but alleviated any concerns. He retired 16 consecutive after Albert Pujols hit a home run in the first inning and struck out Mike Trout along with four others in the Giants’ 3-2 loss. … Catcher Andrew Susac entered in the seventh inning – his first game appearance since March 11 because of an inflamed right wrist – and made an immediate impression. He threw out Trout trying to steal second base, then picked a runner off third base. … Matt Duffy hit his second home run of the spring and is hitting .387 while remaining squarely in the conversation for a bench role. … Justin Maxwell hit his first home run and added a double in his bid to win a backup outfield spot. … Angel Pagan (back spasms) took batting practice with no apparent restrictions and should return to game action Tuesday. … Gregor Blanco made a diving catch in center field and Juan Perez made a running basket catch near the left field wall. … Nori Aoki had another two-hit game, this time against his former teammates, as the Giants’ road squad lost 4-2 to the Kansas City Royals at Surprise.”
Woe is me? Dunno guys . . . GMen seem to be hitting their stride. I like this team.
Clayton Blackburn’s brother has died.
Lots of encouraging stuff here.
I’d like to see the 2 Brandons combine for say 35/150/.275.
Too much to ask for?
If I were to offer Brandon Hicks into the equation, would that help or hinder the 35/150/.275 goal?
Other than being fodder for AAA roster, is there some reason why Brandon Hicks is with the Giants again?…
To pick up his ring?
R.I.P. Nick Peters, probably the greatest beat writer in Giants history. Defineltly the longest tenured.
I don’t check out the blog much in the off-season, but I’m glad I did tonight. I grew up reading the Sacramento Bee and Peters was awesome. RIP is right. Thanks for sharing the sad news Wilco.
I thought 110 starts for Pagan would be optimistic. But Loo hoping for 35 dingers out of the Brandons may be really optimistic, 150 rbis seems dead on though…sad news about the Blackburn brother….
Pagan starts plus game appearances predicted at: 123. Color me crazy…
For those of you who are going with 100+ games for Pagan this year: what are you basing that on? He’s got Glass Sanchez/Scoots written all over him….
Based on hope in a glass of Makers and one small ice cube, almost gone…
Agree Flavor,
Put me down for the under on Pagan 79 games with 3 DL stints.2 for the back and I’ll throw in a Panda hamate bone to wrap up the season..
Nick Peters deserves a fitting tribute.
Dubs doing their usual. Toy with poor oppo the first half. Then clamp down the D in Q3 and go on a run to ice the game away. What a great season for the Dubs. The only thing that can wreck it is not winning the title. Which is entirely possible…
Wash just made its first basket of 3rd Q with a minute to go.
Outscored 27-5.
Bogut does make hella difference, at both ends.
Nice touch bringing back 74-75 team and talking to Jamal Wilkes during 2nd Q. Class guy all the way.
Silk was the king of the bank shot from the wing.
I believe the bank shot should be used almost exclusively (except from the corners, of course.)
It’s been mathematically proven.
I used to hate Sam Jones when he made his, but it’s a cool shot
I used to play guys p-I-g (short version of horse) in bank shots only, and never lost.
Curry shoots one high off the glass underhand scoop on his drives at similar angle to what George the Iceman used to do, high and soft while hanging in the air.
And you always teach kids to use glass inside and get to proper angle.
Bill Russell and KC said that and studied it 50-60 years ago–it’s a game of angles.
Dunno what to make of Pagan.
He said he felt fine earlier, and the reason he missed last few was sleeping on too soft mattress that cause muscle spasm.
His numbers aren’t anything outstanding, except for those ones for Giants winning pct with him in the LU.
I’ll take the over on 100. I think he feels a little funny not being on the field during late run last year and watching Blanco Ishi and Perez man the OF in playoffs.
And he sends Aoki far down the LU too once Pence is back. Pence is still gonna need some kind of ABs to replace what he missed in ST, so I’m doubtful he starts the season off no matter how good he feels.
Imo, the 6 spot behind Posey Belt Pence (in whatever order) will be the key one and Craw might wind up taking that one over. He has improved somewhat each year at the plate; if he can jack a few more HRs out the yard and get into double figures Bochy won’t be able to leave him in 8 spot anymore.
I agree about bankshots from the side angles- it’s a higher percentage shot. I saw that when I was doing a lot of shooting around back in the day.
Wilkes had that weird jumper where he practically put the ball behind his head before shooting. Seemed to make it enough, though. This current Dubs version has more talent that the ’74-’75 club, but the old club had Barry who would go nuts hitting 3s now, CJ hitting those baseline jumpers, and Dickey and Johann hitting the boards, with George Johnson doing the rim protect. The Hopper would be basically on Curry like flies on —-. Plus, a chemistry that was very special. It’d be a dogfight to see — I can’t say which team would win…
Almost forgotten in Magic’s epic Game 6 vs. Sixers in 1980 Finals was Wilkes pouring in 37.
I did.
Brandon Phillips went off on a rant about sabermetrics. I’m guessing it was after seeing the MLB Network’s “Top Secondbasemen Now” countdown, and he was lower than he thought he should be. I don’t think Brian Kenny even had him in the Top 10. I read that rant earlier today; I’ll see if I can find it again.
His rant can be read at this link. The rant just makes him look like kind of a doofus, IMO.
yes, he looks like an idiot. If James reads this, his head might explode.
The Giants have notified Uggla that he’s getting a World Series ring, and Uggla seemed surprised and grateful he was getting one, which is pretty much exactly how he should be feeling about it.
With the Giants last season, Uggla went 0 for 11, with 6 Ks; and committed 3 errors, in the short time he was with the Giants. He just about couldn’t have done worse.
But it is cool that the Giants are very generous with the rings. I like that.
Very sad to hear about Nick Peters. My wife knew him from working at The Bee in the mid-90s, and she remembers how he used to rag on the East Coast writers, especially when the Mets came to town, for always trying to stir up trouble. Growing up an East Coast Giants fan, I remember him as being an invaluable source of Giants info, probably via the Sporting News.
Very true, Mac. He also co- authored Giants Diary and Giants Encyclopedia, both of which I leaned on heavily in the pre- computer days and even now from time to time…
I’ve seen Art Spander on Twitter. I’m assuming it’s the former beat writer.
Good stuff here, mates, from top to bottom.