Kevin Brown, too. He had a great season with San Diego in his walk year. But those guys are the exception, not the rule. It's not even the size of the contract that matters. Like Boston's Nomar Garciaparra before him, Oakland's Miguel Tejada emerged as one of the American League's top shortstops after signing a long-term deal at the end of his first full season in the big leagues.
Peace of mind is a wonderful thing.
Sosa has it going for him this year. So does Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, Jeff Bagwell, Carlos Delgado, Mariano Rivera, Tim Salmon, Preston Wilson and Richard Hidalgo, among others who have signed long-term deals in recent months. Jason Giambi, the reigning MVP in the AL, is close to joining that group, with a no-trade clause the last obstacle to a deal. Others need one more big season to seal their monster deals. It's doubtful Oakland can.