With the Boston Red Sox recently signing superstar pitcher David Price to a seven-year, $217 million contract, the hope is that Price is not a bust. The Red Sox have a history of signing players to contracts and then having them under-perform. While we wait and see if Price lives up to the hype, now would be a good time to look back on the most recent Boston Red Sox busts.
Adrian Gonzalez
When the Red Sox signed Adrian Gonzalez, they signed him to a 7-year, $154 million deal. It was intended for Gonzalez to be a centerpiece for the future Red Sox teams. But, he didn't perform up to expectations, and was shipped off to Los Angeles halfway through his second year.
Julio Lugo
The Red Sox gave Lugo a 4-year, $36 million contract in 2007, and believed he would be the starting shortstop for the future and would complement the other players. Well, he hit just .251 in a little over two seasons with the Red Sox before he was sent down to the minors. Oh, well.
Craig Hansen
The Red Sox drafted Hansen in the first round back in 2005 and gave him a 4-year, $44 million contract. They believed that this kid would eventually become a star. Sadly, he tallied just two saves in 74 appearances. He also had an ERA of 6.15. Nice draft pick, guys.
Daisuke Matsuzaka
Matsuzaka was signed for over $100 million and the thought was, once again, that this guy would dominate the MLB for years. I mean, he had 15 wins in his first year and 18 in his second, but after that, he went 17-22 for the remainder of his time with the Red Sox. To be completely honest, I have no idea where he is now. Tough luck, Boston.
Edgar Renteria
Error machine. Period. I don't think I have ever seen worse throws than the ones by Edgar Renteria. He committed 30 errors in 2005 when the Red Sox signed him, and that is about all he did, because they got rid of him the following year. It was worth a shot, I guess.
Eric Gagne
During the 2007 season, when the Red Sox were on the World Series run, they signed a proven relief pitcher. And he nearly cost them the World Series by performing poorly. Way to go, Gagne.
J.D. Drew
Drew was signed to a 5-year, $70 million deal but he never played as well as everyone expected him to. He was a former No. 1 overall draft pick, but a huge disappointment in that regard. In Boston, he wasn't necessarily bad, but the fans and management always expected more from him.
John Lackey
The Red Sox loved Lackey when he pitched for the Angels. He seemed like just the right guy who would fit into the Red Sox rotation. He signed a 5-year, $82.5 million contract, but could never deliver. In his four seasons with the Red Sox, he went 47-43 with a 4.46 earned run average, which is nothing compared to what he did in Anaheim.
Carl Crawford
This was probably one of the biggest disappointments I can think of in recent Red Sox history, or even recent MLB history. The Red Sox signed Crawford to a massive 7-year, $142 million contract, and then he just tanked. He was plagued with injuries his first season and hit only .260, stealing only 23 bases. He was traded away a year later, and left a sour taste in Red Sox fans' mouths.
As for David Price, if history repeats itself, the Red Sox could be regretting this decision. But something just feels right about these Red Sox. Signing Kimbrel, Young, and now Price, I have a good feeling they might be headed back to the post-season.
