Dusty Proofing

The Daily Herald has some key details on Glendon Rusch's contract.

Rusch will make $2.75 million next year and $3.25 million in 2007, with performance bonuses based on starts that could add $500,000 each year.

Jim Hendry is learning. Dusty Baker's key way of motivating his players is by trying to get them to earn all their bonuses. Dusty doesn't hate rookies per se, but he'll play a veteran over a rookie in order to get that veteran their incentive bonus. Rookies don't generally have those clauses in their contracts.

That's why a Matt Murton sits while a Todd Hollandsworth gets at bats. Holly had a "minimum at bats" bonus. Want to know why LaTroy Hawkins was the closer for so long? He had a bonus for games finished. Ryan Dempster didn't have one of those. Therefore, Dusty gave LaTroy every opportunity to earn that bonus.

It seems Jim Hendry wants Dusty to have Glendon start. Dusty is now properly incentivised. Expect Jerome Williams to work out of the pen or to be trade bait.