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| From left to right, Giants manager Bruce Bochy, general manager Brian Sabean, pitcher Matt Cain, and team president Larry Baer discuss Cain's long-term contract extension with the Giants. |
While the signing does make the 27-year old the richest paid right-handed pitcher in MLB history, it is a move that will help keep the team in contention for many years to come. With Cain signed it guarantees at least two more seasons of potentially the best trio of starters in baseball with Cain, Tim Lincecum, and Madison Bumgarner. Further, it tells players both on the Giants and throughout the league that the Giants are committed to winning at all costs; pun intended. The Cain signing could also potentially raise Lincecum’s want and willingness to sign long-term with the Giants as well for the team’s chances of winning with these pitchers in place are high. The signing tells the fans who have poured so much money into the organization that the club is serious about winning and willing to spend for them in an effort to do so.
Yes, it is a ton of money but it is still less than left-handed pitchers CC Sabathia (31), Johan Santana (33), and Cliff Lee (33) earn, all of whom are quite a bit older than Cain. Cain’s contract will likely only take him until the age 33, maybe 34 if his final year option is picked up. For a pitcher that continues to improve his stats every year this contract while risky (as all long-term contracts are) is well worth it. Cain, a natural leader from a young age will continue to be a pillar at the front of the rotation for the only organization that he’s called home since being drafted out of high school in 2002. With the right supporting cast around him look for Cain to be an integral part in bringing more championship trophies to San Francisco.
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