Now that Ray Allen has signed with the Sonics, and Michael Redd is weighing his options, I think it’s time to look at the BEST signings in each sport. We did this a number of weeks ago with the worst signings in all sports but I figure since it’s summertime we should be more upbeat and positive. I’m confident that the rest of you will think of some more, using whatever criteria you wish (most championships, best bargain, etc). Here we go:
NBA:
Steve Nash, Suns – Well, he only won the MVP and helped power the Suns to an absurd 30-game improvement. I’d say that’s a wise choice of money. Granted, it’ll be interesting to see what happens in a few years when he gets really slow.
Shaquille O’Neal, Lakers – I hate even putting him down, since I was going more for top “value free agents,” but I guess it was worth it for the Lakers, as they won 3 championships. Getting Kobe Bryant helped too.
Chauncey Billups, Pistons – Was a virtual unknown when signed by the Pistons. He had a decent last season for Minnesota, and proved that all he needed were the minutes.
MLB:
Vlad Guerrero, Angels – Won an MVP and got the Angels in the playoffs.
David Ortiz, Red Sox – His numbers have been sensational since going to Boston, and he doesn’t cost $20 million per year like Manny or A-Rod.
Reggie Jackson, Yankees – I don’t even know if he officially counts, but he was part of 2 championship teams.
NFL:
Reggie White, Packers – The first mega-star to change places in the NFL was a sack-machine for the Packers and a major reason they finally won a Super Bowl in 1996.
Priest Holmes, Chiefs – Went from losing his job to Jamal Lewis, to being an absolute stud on the Chiefs.
Cris Carter, Vikings – Went from taking too much drugs on the Eagles to being a mainstay on the Vikings for 12 years.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I like this topic...
MLB:
Jack Morris - After two decades of service for the Detroit Tigers, he signs with the Twins in 1991 and wins 18 games and the World Series. He takes his business to Toronto for the 1992 season and wins 21 games and another World Series. Ditto the ring the following year. Between the ages of 36-38, Jack Morris goes 46-30 (.605 WP%) and wins 3 rings. That's value from free agency!
I should also mention that this is my favorite free agent signing of all time. Jack Morris is an absolute stud who should be in Cooperstown. People don't have any idea how wrong they are for keeping him out for so long. Reel up your 1991 Game 7 tape if you need reminding. It's the best World Series game of 90's and top-5 all time.
NHL:
Mark Messier - Delivering a Stanley Cup to Rangers fans makes him one of the all-time great free agent signings in hockey. That he played at a high level for those first 6 years he was in NYC make him a great value player, to boot.
NFL:
Corey Dillon - Sure the Pats were defending champs but no one really thought that Corey Dillon would work out as brilliantly as he did this past season. Not only was he NOT the headcase Cincinnatians made him out to be but he played hurt and got the Pats over the hump during some of the middle games in their schedule. He kept the pressure off Brady and that crappy group of WR's and fit in perfectly for next to no money.
I am omitting my choice for the best NBA free agent signings because I can't come up with any.
Also, for the record, Reggie Jackson DOES officially count. He signed with the Yanks as a free agent and won 2 World Series (1977, 1978) and a pennant (1981) for the Yanks.
Post a Comment