Stephen Strasburg (1988-), Washington Nationals' Pitcher - First Pick in 2009 MLB Draft, Now With a 7-Year $175 Million Contract Extension

[Steve R.]

It’s not really risky, as there’s no expectation that he’ll be pitching thru the entire contract.  It’s a deferred income scheme that allows a team to pay out salary over an extended period but allows the player to get a new contract for more $$ if, for some reason, he’s still a good pitcher after 5 years.  

[DaveO]

$245 million--$324 million--ah peanuts.   Situated between where Cole and Strasburg will be based I feel just terrible for the soon to be poorly payed Greg Schiano, the recently RE-signed football coach for Rutgers, the NJ State Pen.  He was in negotiations with Rutgers to re sign to be the new (returning) football coach.  Negotiations broke down and ended.  Rutgers fans and supporters (yes Rutgers has those folks) rose in uproar.  They wanted Schiano back.  They berated the administration.

Negotiations restarted.  Schiano got "more" of what he desired.  He ended up with a "paltry" $32 million for 8 years ($4 million/year) + various other "bennies" and bonuses. 

How utterly sad and deeply underpaid.  Schiano is in the wrong business.  During his off hours he could work as a caddy for either Cole or Strasburg and earn the extra bucks to pay for milk, eggs, and butter.