Expert: The Orioles Warehouse - 2/15/2001

Question
How much have they paid Albert Belle?

Answer
In December 1998, the Orioles signed Albert Belle to a $65 million, five year contract, which averages to be $13 million per year.  Since 2 years of that contract have gone by, the Orioles would have paid $26 million to Belle.

However, $3 million of Belle's yearly salary is deferred without interest until after the contract expires.  Thus, the Orioles have actually paid Belle only $10M each year so far, for a total of $20 million, and they will owe him $6 million more for those years starting in 2005.

Hope this is helpful.