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There seems to be a giant misconception with some around here that Rios and Wells are equally overpaid and equally underachieving; I'd like to dispel that idea. Rios is on a deal that averages about 10mill per season, which is very reasonable market value for a guy who puts up (for the sake of argument) about .280 with 20 homers, 20 steals and 85 RBI, along with Gold Glove defense. Pretty soon Wells is going to start making 20mill per as his production continues to drop.

Not only is Wells' contract far, far worse, but he's also badly underachieving. You can hardly say that about Rios anymore. The guy had a pretty crappy start to the year but he's recently caught fire and is on a 9/15 tear. As of right now he's on pace for 42 doubles, 22 homers and 27 steals. With those projections, you can't tell me that he's injuriously underachieving like Wells is.

I could ramble on about why this comparison is totally invalid but because it's almost three and I'm watching Beverly Hills Cop for the first time I'll spare you guys, but let me summarize like this:

If Rios was placed on waivers today, there are loads of GMs who would gladly take on his contract, both because it's a fair deal in today's market and frankly, he's playing up to it, or just about. If Wells was placed on waivers (as he was in August of last year) there isn't a GM in the universe that would touch him.

This comparison isn't fair to Rios, but frankly I don't care about that. It's just that it's not conducive to productive discussion.

Rios' OPS right now is the same as his career OPS. Sure, he had a bad April, but he's hit well for nearly 2 months now.

Vernon...well he's been horrible.

I was about to make a thread about something like this, thank you. I think this is just a classic case of how Toronto sports fans see things. A lot of people don't like Rios because he appears to not play the game hard, doesn't show emotion and seems like a spoiled brat. We care more about appearance of hard work and passion more than on the field production and Rios has certainly been producing which the haters can't see

Rios is just plain better than Wells in every category, except baserunning (not including steals here- I mean with balls in play). To Rios' credit, he got moved down in the batting order and responded by hitting 10 for 20 with 6 runs, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs and 4 steals.

What upsets me the most about wells is comments like what Richard Griffin made on the FAN590 yesterday- he said is he had the work ethic of Scott Rolen, he would be incredible. He's way too casual for my liking.

you know it's bad when Wilner and Grififn are putting out the "he's slowly coming out of it" when he hits solid contact (even if they're caught)

Rios OPS per month
April: .670 (101 AB)
May: .868 (116 AB)
June: .870 (52 AB)

He's getting back into shape offensively. He is getting unfairly burned right now. Wells, on the other hand, is hitting like a back-up middle infielder.

I know we talked about this in the Phillies game thread, but what I want from Rios for 10 million is..

Consistency
Protection for other players
Mental Focus

I agree, Well is MUCH worse. But Rios isn't a franchise player, or even a secondary franchise player.

Michael Bradley wrote:Rios OPS per month
April: .670 (101 AB)
May: .868 (116 AB)
June: .870 (52 AB)

He's getting back into shape offensively. He is getting unfairly burned right now. Wells, on the other hand, is hitting like a back-up middle infielder.

+100000000

Cito has do something to light a fire under this SOBs.... Drop them o seventh or eight lets see if they can do something productive... Wells/Rios are one of the reasons this team will never make the playoffs.... Both are anti clutch.... no patience.... getting big bucks please trade wells or put him on waivers...... i hope someone is foolish enough to claim him..... Rios should be traded ASAP he is a lazy, umotivated prima donna... who needs to be confronted and tell him to play wiht more heart......

Sir, I think you missed the point of this thread. Rios is productive. Also, he isn't lazy. He's an airhead. There is a big difference.

Scorpion King wrote:Cito has do something to light a fire under this SOBs.... Drop them o seventh or eight lets see if they can do something productive... Wells/Rios are one of the reasons this team will never make the playoffs.... Both are anti clutch.... no patience.... getting big bucks please trade wells or put him on waivers...... i hope someone is foolish enough to claim him..... Rios should be traded ASAP he is a lazy, umotivated prima donna... who needs to be confronted and tell him to play wiht more heart......

Pay attention next time, and maybe, with luck, you'll actually be able to contribute something worth reading in the future.

i remember I was pretty upset when Wells was possibly leaving before he signed the last contract,but the guy has become so UN-clutch i am almost to the point were I think we would be better off with the guy hurt and having Coats,Adams or even the might Joe I replacing him. Trading him would be impossible with his out put and his big contract but i can always hope