Real-life Monopoly money

Surely most everyone out there remembers or still plays Monopoly (not the McDonald's version either). And apparently, baseball general managers decided legitimate currency spends just as easily as the pink, yellow and blue bills in the game.

The latest examples came Tuesday when Baton Rouge native David Dellucci signed a three-year, $11.5 million contract with Cleveland and Baltimore gave $10.5 million over three years to reliever Chad Bradford.

Don't get me wrong, the dealings I've had with Dellucci have been enjoyable and he is considered a great clubhouse presence and truly someone with an eye on the community (see his Catch 22 for Blue Foundation and what it did for Katrina victims.) But, come on, almost $4 million a year for a guy who statistically can't hit left-handers?

And, Baltimore, what are you thinking? You gave $4 million a year to Jamie Walker, who can only get lefties out and now $3 million-plus a year to a guy who couldn't get anyone out less than two years ago? Peter Angelos, I know you've been rejected in the past, but putting more money where your mouth is isn't always a best-case scenario for rebuilding a once-proud franchise.