Roster of the Worst Free Agent Contracts (2000-2004)

It's a tough economy out there. We all know that by now. But it's obvious to note that baseball is completely different than the real world. I thought it would be fun to make a roster comprised solely of terrible free agent contracts. Contract extensions need not apply.

My original intention was to create a roster made up of the worst free agent contracts of the decade (2000-2009). But teams have given out so many horrific contracts over the years that the only way for me to comprise a 25 man roster was to limit the number of large contracts to choose from. This roster was more difficult to make up given the decrease in contractual information on the internets and those stupid "pay to read" subscription sites. Nevertheless, I did my best.

(Note: The way I sorted these contracts out goes as follows: if the player signed the contract for the 2000-2004 season, then he is on the roster. But for some, like Carl Pavano, they signed the contract in 2004, but first played on their new team (Yankees) in 2005.)

Guys like Pavano are not on this roster and can be found on the 2005-2009 roster

Without further ado (don't mind the 6 man rotation):

2000-2004 Worst Free Agent Contracts Roster


C: Todd Hundley, Cubs
(4 years/$23.5 million)
1B: Jason Giambi, Yankees
(7 years/$120 million)
2B: Ricky Gutierrez, Indians
(3 years/$11.5 million)
3B: Edgardo Alfonzo, Giants
(4 years/$26 million)
SS: Kaz Matsui, Mets
(3 years/$20 million)

OF: Juan Gonzalez, Rangers
(2 years/$24 million)
OF: Derek Bell, Pirates
(2 years/$9.5 million)
OF: Roger Cedeno, Mets
(4 years/$18 million)

Bench: Scott Spiezio, Mariners
(3 years/$9 million)
Bench: David Segui, Orioles
(4 years/$28 million)
Bench: Marty Cordova, Orioles
(3 years/$9 million)
Bench: Charles Johnson, Marlins
(5 years/$35 million)
Bench: David Bell, Phillies
(4 years/$18 million)
Bench: Jeffrey Hammonds, Brewers
(3 years/$21 million)

SP: Mike Hampton, Rockies
(8 years/$121 million)
SP: Denny Neagle, Rockies
(5 years/$51 million)
SP: Chan Ho Park, Rangers
(5 years/$65 million)
SP: Darren Driefort, Dodgers
(5 years/$55 million)
SP: Sidney Ponson, Orioles
(3 years/$22.5 million)
SP: Aaron Sele, Angels
(3 years/$21 million)

RP: Steve Karsay, Yankees
(4 years/$22.5 million)
RP: Darren Oliver, Rangers
(3 years/$19 million) *Not a true relief pitcher*
RP: Mike Stanton, Mets
(3 years/$9 million)
RP: Mark Petkovsek, Rangers
(2 years/$4.9 million)
RP: Todd Van Poppel, Rangers
(3 years/$7.5 million)

So where was I correct? And where was I wrong? Who did I miss?

(Note: Is it me, or did lots of Mets and Rangers make the list?)

Make your voice heard...in the comments.

(photo: Diamond Hoggers)