 |
|
|
| |
« Kenji Johjima Signs Extension | Main | Odds And Ends: Thomas, Jays, Myers, Nomo »
Colon Nearing Return, Opt-Out Date
For most of March, the Red Sox looked like they made the pick-up of the winter by signing Bartolo Colon to a minor league contract. While scouting reports from his winter work had him sitting in the upper 80s with his fastball, the Red Sox said he was hitting low 90s, a fine place to be for the former Cy Young winner. But after just one start in AAA, he was derailed with an oblique injury, and has been on the DL ever since.
The Sox got a bit of good news, bad news on Colon. On the positive side, he's schedule for three side sessions, and could be back on the hill by May 5. Problem is, he can opt out of his contract on May 1 and become a free agent.
Chances are, Colon and the Sox will work on some kind of agreement that extends Bartolo's window to opt out. The team could use the added depth, and Colon likely wants to stay with a winner. Then again, he might be able to get a guaranteed deal somewhere if he opts out.
Posted by Joe Pawlikowski, who writes for River Ave. Blues, a Yankees blog. Send along any rumors here.
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d834515b9a69e200e55213ef878834
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Colon Nearing Return, Opt-Out Date:
Comments
Verify your Comment
Previewing your Comment
This is only a preview. Your comment has not yet been posted.
As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. This prevents automated programs from posting comments.
Having trouble reading this image? View an alternate.
Top Stories
Search MLBTR
MLBTR Features
Recent Posts
Rumors By Team
Monthly Archives
Live Chats
Tuesdays at 2 p.m. CST
Seems like one can't really be sure what Colon will do or when he'll be healthy enough to do it. On the other hand, you can set your watch by Nomar Garciaparra's DL stints. I hear he's right back on the DL just a few days after coming off it.
Posted by: DoubleSteel | April 26, 2008 at 09:13 AM
It shouldn't take much to secure Colon's services past May 1. Just make sure that there is a clause in the corpulent one's contract that guarantees his locker is the closest one to the buffet table.
Posted by: HoratioAlgae | April 26, 2008 at 10:52 AM
I dont understand why Colon would have any incentive to push back his opt-out date. If I understand the rule correctly, he can become a free agent on May 1 if he isnt called up, but he doesnt have to declare for free agency if he is comfortable staying in the Sox system. If this is the case (and if it isnt, the hwole point is moot), then why would he agree to anything that would delay his first chance to hit free agency, if he had the option of not declaring free agency in the first place? Does this make sense to anybody else?
Posted by: nrmax88 | April 26, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Colon and his agent have already made it clear to the Red Sox that they will not excercise the May 1st opt out clause.
----------------------------
From today's Boston Globe:
"Bartolo Colon has given the Sox assurances he will not exercise the May 1 opt-out clause in his contract, Francona said, and is on a track that could have him pitching in a game by May 5. Farrell said he intends to long toss with Colon at 170 feet, with a bullpen side session scheduled for Monday. Two more side sessions would follow, Francona said, and if all goes well Colon could be pitching on a rehab assignment shortly thereafter."
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2008/04/26/hinske_receives_his_ring/?page=2
Posted by: TNS | April 26, 2008 at 12:12 PM
I will make this simple for everyone. Colon is going no where. He is nothing buy happy in the Red Sox system right now. He is overly satisfied with the treatment he is getting from the Red Sox medical staff(which by the way is one of the best if not the best in the MLB).
He understands that the Red Sox would have released him if they didn't want to help him through this injury and because they know what an asset he can be for the rest of the season.
Posted by: crunch17 | April 26, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Honestly, what incentive would Colon have to opt out? A cheap guaranteed deal from another club that may want to rush him? Colon has made around $70 million in his career. He, much like Chan Ho Park with the Dodgers, has absolutely no need for the money. He may as well stay with a top team and let them help him get healthy.
Posted by: AA | April 27, 2008 at 03:40 AM