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02/24/2003 Archived Entry: "Today's MLB News: O's Hope Segui is Healthy"
Today's MLB News by Eric Gartman
O's Hope Segui Healthy: The Washington Post reported today that the Orioles expect their highest paid player, David Segui to be healthy and to contribute heavily to the team this year.
Two years ago the Orioles signed David Segui, then 34, to a four-year $28 million contract. Segui was coming off a career year in which he knocked in over 100 RBI, while playing a full season. With a lifetime average near .300, and the O's in desperate need of offense, decided to sign him to a long-term deal. In the two years since then, Segui has missed 216 games (out 324), due to four stays on the DL. Even if Segui manages to stay healthy and productive for the next two years, the deal is still a bust for the O's. But the worst part of it is that all this should have been seen ahead of time. Segui has never managed to stay of the DL: In 14 years, he has played in over 150 games only once. There was no reason to suspect any different in the coming years. Furthermore, while his average has always been high (.292 career) his power numbers are below average for a first baseman. Even worse, the Orioles had other players who could fit in the DH/First Base role: Jeff Conine, Jay Gibbons, Chris Richard. I doubt Segui will stay healthy for the next two years. With contracts like this, is it any wonder the O's have fallen so far?
