I have no real problems with this, but was it really necessary?

And a technical question: Does Capps become a free agent after this contract ends up, only one year into his arb period?

Does Capps become a free agent after this contract ends up, only one year into his arb period?

Why would he? He still would not have his 6 years of service time. Unless the team non-tenders him, he's still indentured.

That's good. But aren't the Pirates giving Capps extra money for no good reason? He wasn't going to earn this much over the next two seasons anyway, and the Pirates are getting no tangible benefit from paying him extra.

This is, I suppose, about showing the world the Pirates aren't cheapskates anymore, bucko! No, sir! Except, it's stupid. Giving extra money to a young guy for no reason has nothing to do with building a winning baseball team, especially on a low budget.

Justin:

Actually no. Capps is arbitration eligible next year. So they likely will save money. He will still be arb eligible for the final year that is not covered under the contract. The terms are:

Capps last month was given a $435,000 salary for the current season. That figure was increased to $500,000, plus a $250,000 signing bonus.

The next year he gets $2.35 million in his first year of arb eligibility. If he repeats what he did last year comparable salaries for first year arb guys (according to comps) would range from minimum of 3.2 million to as much as 6 million.

The Pirates are banking on him repeating his performance. If he does they will save a little cash. If not, they aren't losing much, plus they avoid the possibility of going to arbitration with one of their better young players.

Why would he? He still would not have his 6 years of service time. Unless the team non-tenders him, he's still indentured.

Indentured. LOL.

It sounds more civilized than 'enslaved'.

Going to arbitration and testifying how bad a player is each offseason generally doesn't engender good will from said player.

The Pirates are banking on him repeating his performance

and staying healthy.

Players are neither indentured nor enslaved. Unlike indentured servants or slaves, they can quit and explore other career opportunities. Granted, most will find few opportunites with a minimum salary of $390,000.

I feel out of the loop. I had honestly never heard of Matt Capps until I saw this headline.

I have Capps in a free yahoo league and feel fortunate to have him. He is undervalued at the moment, imo.