Ask Alexandro – 04/24/2017

Welcome to Ask Alexandro, where Alexandro (me) answers your sports questions. I like throwing in a few casual questions, keeping this lighthearted.

Happy to say that the first edition of Ask Alexandro was a great success. It was…ah hem… YUGE!

If you’d like to submit a question, you may do so HERE, or on Twitter by tweeting me @TheRealZatarain and/or by using #AskAlexandro.

A classic battle…

@TheRealZatarain @TheAOSNcom Chicago deep dish or New York thin crust?🍕#AskAlexandro

— Joshua Mayne (@Joshua_M_Sport) April 24, 2017

Joshua is asking all of the important questions. First off, it all depends on how I’m feeling. Do I want something quick? New York. Do I want a full dinner? Chicago.

Now, if I have to pick one…

I apologize to the city of New York (I love you). Chicago deep dish takes the cake.

How much should Bryce Harper make?

@TheRealZatarain @TheAOSNcom What would you pay for Bryce Harper over 10 years?

— Keith Boyea (@KeithB18) April 25, 2017

This is a tough question, even for the best general managers in baseball.

Much of this will revolve around his performance this season. Bryce Harper is making $13,625,000 this season and will go to arbitration in 2018. One thing is for sure, he’ll be making much more than the number listed earlier.

How much?

Pending his performance in 2017, and the fact that it’s been said he’s asking for $40 million per year, it’s easy to see him make no less than $30 million per year. That would leave him at $300 million for 10 seasons.

To put this into perspective, Giancarlo Stanton’s contract is for 13 years/$325,000,000, putting him at an average of $25 million per year.

With that being said, is Harper more valuable than fellow right fielder Stanton? Right now? Yes.

The most important question: Is Harper more valuable now than when Stanton was when he received his extension? No.

I could see Harper receiving roughly the same amount as Stanton, which is what he respectfully deserves. Knowing how things work in the MLB, he’ll make somewhere around $30 million per year.

What would make this work is if Harper takes the large amount but more years on his contract, similar to that of Stanton. Most teams, even the Washington Nationals, will not be able to afford such a salary. Spreading it out would make more teams willing to cough up the cash.

My guess: $400 million/13-years, averaging about $30 million per year.

DBacks or Yankees?

@TheRealZatarain @TheAOSNcom Who will have more wins this year; The #Dbacks or the #Yankees?

My bold prediction is the Diamondbacks.

— The S3 (@SmaahtSide) April 25, 2017

Both the Arizona Diamonbacks and New York Yankees have gotten off on the right foot in 2017. As of right now, the two teams are in second place in their respective divisions.

Although you do choose the DBacks as your bold prediction, it’s really not too hard to see them thrive in 2017. They under-performed in 2016, to say the least.

One also can’t forget that they had lost A.J. Pollock, which was a huge loss for the offense. Now that’s he’s back and Yasmany Tomas has grown into his role, the DBacks now claim one of the most potent offenses in the league. The pitching staff has also turned things around. After finishing last in 2016, they are now in 17th.

As for the Yankees, I have this squad making the playoffs in 2017. The call-ups last season provided a huge burst of energy for the struggling franchise (Yankees? Struggling? Hah!). They rank 4th on offense and 2nd in pitching.

Let this sink in: Masahiro Tanaka has been the worst pitcher in their rotation. The biggest positive surprise has been the reemergence of CC Sabathia, who has been stellar thus far.

As much as I would like to pick the Diamondbacks, I’ll go with the Yankees. They’ll likely be separated by no more than 10 games. Both are bound for awesome seasons.

One more casual conversation

@TheRealZatarain @TheAOSNcom Better Call Saul……Best Show on TV?

— Kyle Nuss (@KDN1692) April 25, 2017

I’ll be honest: I’ve never watched it. I have heard great things and will likely add it to my “watch list”.

I’m also guilty of not watching Breaking Bad, so I may need to get to that first.

Pro Wrestling in the Olympics?

@TheRealZatarain Why can’t they have pro wrestling at the Olympics? More entertaining than some sports there now.

— C-X-E-1 (@rtmiddleton64) April 25, 2017

Here we go…

Greco-Roman wrestling has been a part of the Olympic Games for centuries. It’s a pure and beautiful sport to watch.

As for WWE Pro Wrestling, there’s a reason why it’s more entertaining. It is sports entertainment, after all. Because it is a scripted affair, it does not embody the spirit of the games.

If we want to talk about sports that should be included, cricket should be given an opportunity. It is the second largest sport in the world, so it deserves a chance to shine.

I appreciate all of the questions and I hope you all enjoyed my opinions!

Talk to you all soon!

-Alexandro