Why I Like the Hit Dog

It seems that Mo Vaughn and his former albatross salary have become the shining emblem for the mismanagement of the post-2000 WS Mets. Yes, trading for Maurice Samuels Vaughn was a mistake (thank you Steve Phillips), but at least as big a mistake was the signing of Kevin Appier in the first place. The Mets signed a journeyman 34 year old pitcher with a career ERA+ of 120 to a 3 yr/$29.5MM contract before the 2001 season. Granted, the $34MM that the Mets ended up paying Vaughn, wasn't exactly chump-change; but my contention is that the gamble on Vaughn (who was also 34 in 2001) was a smarter risk than signing Appier. Vaughn had a higher upside, was an everyday player and really enjoys strip clubs. He also went to Seton Hall, which I find relevant.