Dem Bums – A Dodgers Blog

The Dodgers extended second baseman Jeff Kent’s contract through 2007.  Kent will make $11.5 million and the team has the option of keeping him in 2008 for $9 million.  If they decline the option, they’ll still have to pay Kent $500,000.  The option would become guaranteed if Kent logs 550 plate appearances in 2007.

This is an awful lot of money to be paying for a guy who will be turning 39 next year, and he plays a position that tends to be harsh to players when they do decline (think Bret Boone).  There’s no doubt Kent’s a great player, and if he’s not the best hitting second baseman of all time, he’s definitely in the top five.  I just think that’s way too much money to be throwing around on a player who could decline in a hurry.