Got a very brief window due to a delayed meeting this morning, so I flipped open my handy reference for MLB contracts signed this past off-season. I love the ways teams and player representatives get creative for incentives, particularly with oft-injured players.

Today, I present: Mike Hampton, Houston Astros

• Signed: 12/3/08.
• Base salary: $2,000,000
• Plus: $100,000 for 12gs;
• $100,000 for 14gs;
• $100,000 for 16gs;
• $100,000 for 18gs;
• $100,000 for 20gs;
• $100,000 for 22gs;
• $100,000 for 24gs;
• $100,000 for 26gs;
• $100,000 for 28gs;
• $100,000 for 30gs;
• $100,000 for 100ip;
• $100,000 for 110ip;
• $100,000 for 120ip;
• $100,000 for 130ip;
• $100,000 for 140ip;
• $100,000 for 150ip;
• $100,000 for 160ip;
• $100,000 for 170ip;
• $100,000 for 180ip;
• $100,000 for 190ip.
• Plus: $250,000 for All Star;
• $1,000,000 for Cy Young ($250,000-2nd; $100,000-3rd);
• $250,000 for Comeback Player of the Year;
• $500,000 for WS/MVP;
• $250,000 for LCS/MVP;
• $100,000 for Gold Glove;
• $100,000 for Silver Slugger

Interesting that Hampton will effectively receive $50k for each start he makes after his first twelve, plus $50k for each 5 innings after the first 100. Of course, to get to 100 IP in 12 games, he has to average 8.1IP/game, which we know ain’t happenin’.

For you guys: How many/much of these potential incentives will Hampton earn this year? Place your bets in the comments below. Winner at year’s end gets to brag….assuming we can remember that we actually did this.