The D’Backs And Brandon Webb’s Option

WEDNESDAY: The D'Backs are likely to take their time on the Webb option decision, says Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.  Piecoro adds:

But for now, the organization seems to be operating under the assumption that Webb will be back in the fold next year, whether it's with the club picking up his $8.5MM option or negotiating some other type of deal.

MONDAY: The Diamondbacks "don't plan to pick up Brandon Webb's $8.5MM club option," according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today (via Twitter).  Nightengale says they will instead try to negotiate a one-year deal.  Webb hopes to be ready for Spring Training after a recent shoulder cleanup.  Doug Haller of the Arizona Republic notes that the D'Backs have until five days after the World Series to decide between Webb's $8.5MM option and the $2MM buyout.

Despite the report, I'd be surprised to see the D'Backs decline the option.  After all, it is a one-year deal already, and a net of $6.5MM is quite reasonable for a pitcher of Webb's stature.  For the team to try to reduce the guarantee further would be unreasonable, and the D'Backs aren't high on incentive-based contracts.  Plus, GM Josh Byrnes had this to say a month ago about the option: "If it's close, he'll probably get the benefit of the doubt."