Age of An Athlete= Big Numbers

A couple of weeks ago, an investigation done by ESPN revealed that Astros SS Miguel Tejada is actual 33 not 31, as he has claimed before. Tejada's lying of his age is the second major allegation levied against the slugger; the Mitchell Report's numerous mentions of Tejada's link to performance-enhancing drugs surely hasn't painted a pristine image of Miguel. But this latest accusation begs the question, isn't there a big difference of two years time for an athlete?

Of all sports, baseball may be the worst to make this argument. Julio Franco was the oldest player in the big leagues last year at the age of 49, and this year the honor goes to 45 year old Jamie Moyer. So youth isn't a necessity in baseball but as we see in other sports, it does garner the big bucks. In football, two years can be a big deal. A player can go from stud to dud, due to age or cumulative injuries over a career. Basketball is similar to football in that respect, with a three to four year window to get that huge contract. But with baseball the time frame to make the killer coin is like a bay window, large and unhinged. A steady breeze of cash can come flowing in, and for some, it can last for a 20 year career. And given the fact that baseball teams' salaries can reach $150 million and up, a two year period in a player's career can make a big difference.

So let's consider Miguel Tejada's current contract. While signing with the Baltimore Orioles in the offseason of 2004, Tejada received a six year, $72 million deal. Now being paid by the Astros, the shortstop makes about $12 million dollars a year. That's $24 million in two years. All in all, this fib has granted Tejada with millions of dollars and "two extra years" of life. So I would say that two years of a professional career is a very valued time. And by the way, if anyone asks, I'm 19 again.