Bartolo Colon Rejoins A's for 2013 Season

Colon Awarded with $3 Million Contract

In a confusing move, Billy Beane decided to bring back Bartolo Colon for the 2013 season. He cited the "added depth" as the major reason for doing so. My only concern is the dollar amount. Not only did Bartolo only make $2 million last year, he was also suspended for doping. So, on top of an increased salary with added  incentive based progressions, the A's are risking a lot in my opinion.

For me, this seems like a big risk. He gets paid more than he did last year, and he doesn't have the benefit of the testosterone he was taking. I mean, he posted a 10-9 line with a 3.43 ERA on PED's what are the chances he performs even up to that level sans the juice? Not likely. Seems like a doomed deal from the start. Another negative to this deal is that it decreases the possibility of bringing back a Brandon McCarthy or getting an equivalent player on the open market.

In a statement made to the press, the A's assured the fans that this move will not jeopardize the re-signing of McCarthy, but I have my doubts. Especially with teams such as the Cubs reportedly interested. McCarthy says all the right things; like he wants to be back and that he appreciates the Oakland fans and family, but at the end of the day if the money is better elsewhere that's usually where athletes end up.

by Bill Montoya