Phillies’ Delmon Young Can Get Richer By Not Being So Fat

Somehow, the news about the Phillies’ latest free-agent signing has diminished hopes for a World Series appearance this year. Delmon Young can earn up to $600,000 in incentives this year by … not being so fat.

The deal for the AL championship series MVP, announced Tuesday, calls for him to get on a scale on six occasions to be chosen by the team. He’ll receive $100,000 each time he makes weight, according to details obtained by The Associated Press. The first three times, he must be 230 pounds or less, and the second three, 235 pounds or less.

Deadspin notes: “As far as we know, this is the first time that a baseball player has had the opportunity to nearly double his salary by completing the simple task of not getting too fat.” Indeed, most fans probably thought that staying in shape was part of the job description for professional athletes. Then again: John Kruk used to play here, so maybe that’s not the case in Philadelphia. Note to the Phillies: I am also willing to take your money to be less fat. So is everybody else in town. [Deadspin]