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Pirates Talking Long-Term With Snell, LaRoche

By Tim Dierkes [March 5, 2008 at 8:53am CST]

According to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates have reached out to Ian Snell's agent about a long-term deal. Snell's salary will increase drastically in 2009 as he reaches arbitration. For that reason, I've wondered whether he might be next offseason's available young ace. Jamie Shields' deal could serve as a guide if the Bucs just want to buy out Snell's three arb years from 2009-11. Shields gave up his arb years for $13.75MM, though the last of those involves a club option. $13-14MM (not necessarily guaranteed) seems to be the going rate for a young pitcher's arb years, looking at Shields, Chris Young, and Matt Cain.

Additionally, the Bucs are talking to first baseman Adam LaRoche about an extension. LaRoche is set to reach free agency after the '09 season. I was surprised to see that LaRoche's career numbers aren't much different from Justin Morneau's (granted Morneau has played in the tougher league and has an MVP trophy). Morneau recently gave up four free agent years at $14MM a pop; LaRoche should ask for at least $10MM per year for 2010 and beyond. Looking at Morneau's contract reminds me that he is far from a bargain.

Finally, Kovacevic says talks with Matt Capps have "fizzled" because Manny Corpas' deal raised the bar. That's odd, because Corpas has a team-friendly contract. He gets $12.25MM over his arb years, with the last of those a club option. Then the Rockies have a club option on Corpas' first potential year of free agency at $8MM.

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Comments

LarRoche is a damn good hitter, and he's still improving. He's quietly putting up a good beginning to a long career as a great hitting on a lousy team. They'd do well to pay him $10MM for the next few years.

Posted by: FineHamAbounds | March 05, 2008 at 09:25 AM

You'd think that this would inspire the Dodgers to let little Andy LaRoche have the job. Everyone knows that younger brothers end up being better than older brothers.

Posted by: oxfrat1665 | March 05, 2008 at 09:51 AM

Hank and Tommie Aaron?

Posted by: Laputian | March 05, 2008 at 10:46 AM

Don't really see the value of signing Laroche; the Pirates would be better served giving first base to Pearce and spending the money elsewhere. In fact, I'd trade Laroche if I were them and could get decent value in return.

Posted by: Devlsh | March 05, 2008 at 06:05 PM

Any one else seeing a reunion with the Braves for Laroche if they cant lock up Tex? Seems to make sense to me as they dont have much in the farm to go to first

Posted by: SoleMaverick | March 05, 2008 at 10:05 PM

If the Braves can't lock up Tex, Chipper will likely move to first, and Lillibridge and Escobar will settle in at 3B and SS. Barring spending that money on Tex, they'll go grab a pitcher somewhere.

Posted by: FineHamAbounds | March 06, 2008 at 07:21 AM

Bucs? Isn't this a baseball blog? LOL. Maybe I am confused, but Im gonna assume you're referring to the Rays, and not the Bucs, unless there is some inside thing I don't know about going on here ;)

Posted by: YankeeGirl20 | March 06, 2008 at 12:47 PM

Pirates Talking Long-Term With Snell, LaRoche

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