1
The part of this signing I like is the psychological impact. Gutz comes in, performs wonderfully. The club becomes the #1 defensive team in baseball, and Gutz posts a 103 OPS+. The club is in the position where they don't HAVE to reward him.
Was Bavasi's trademark as well. In the 21st century this becomes almost a must, as opposed to a personal stamp on your org.
Which is why the M's treatment of Russell Branyan is so puzzling. The guy made peanuts, performed awesomely, and ..... yuk.
They must be terrified about the back?