Man, I wish my name was Mike Ford, no really. Keep reading to find out why. TJ Friedl reactivated for the Reds and DH/1B Mike Ford was designated for assignment. It wasn’t even a month ago that we were hype that TJ Friedl was back.
TJ Friedl was hit by pitch not even a full calendar month ago (May 12th) and was diagnosed with a broken left thumb. Thumbs are important in baseball. Thumbs are important always. I bet dogs wish they had thumbs. TJ already back again this early worries me a little bit – I would’ve liked to see him at least get a few swings in on the farm before coming back and joining us in Chicago against the Cubs, but he’s back now. No complaints. I just know he’s going to be behind.
Ford made HOW much in 3 weeks?
On May 4th the Cincinnati Reds honored Mike Ford’s request of releasal because his opt-out date was May 1st. He was shitting on AAA pitching, as most with major league background do, and he wanted some money. Well, fast forward 4 days later, about to board a plane to meet up with his dad, where Mike Ford gets a call from Nick Krall and Brad Meador with a MAJOR League contract offer, with anticipation of Christian Encarnacion-Strand landing on the IL and boy, what an opportunity, right? Going from fishing with your old man to making a milly. In one month.
That’s right, Mike Ford made $1,300,000 in less than one month from the Cincinnati Reds. He had 60 ABs, mainly from the 3 and 4 hole, and slashed .150/.177/.233/.411 with 1 homer and 9 total hits. He made $1.3M to be worth -0.6 bWAR. The man won the damn lottery. Fleeced Bob the FruitMan. Respect, Mike.
We do want to add, however, that details of the contract are not entirely known. We know the amounts guaranteed, but there could be verbiage that details IF Mike Ford clears waivers, he must report to AAA Louisville. With this said, there’s chance he’ll remain with the Reds organization, just off the 40 man roster and playing in AAA.
