Jamie Shields Rumors

Verducci On Hamels, Shields, Lowe, Manny

Let's take a look at the latest from SI.com's Tom Verducci. Interesting line: "One journeyman reliever, for instance, turned down a $2 million offer, saying he would retire before taking that kind of money." Many veterans will choose between swallowing their pride and retiring this spring. Verducci makes a comparison between Cole Hamels and James Shields, who were called up 19 days apart. The extra service time for Hamels gave him Super Two status, meaning he became arbitration-eligible four times instead of three. That decision probably cost the Phillies more than $10MM. The Mets were willing to give Derek Lowe...   Continue Reading

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Pirates Talking Long-Term With Snell, LaRoche

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...   Continue Reading

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James Shields Close To Multiyear Deal

UPDATE, 1-23-08 at 4:49pm: If all of the Rays' three one-year options on Shields are exercised, the deal could reach seven years and $44MM. Certainly a unique deal. UPDATE, 1-23-08 at 9:15am: Topkin says the deal could be worth more than $40MM over seven years with incentives. $12MM and the first four seasons are guaranteed. FROM 1-22-08 at 3:32pm: According to Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times, a six or seven-year extension for starter James Shields should be done tonight. Topkin notes that it's odd for a young pitcher with two years of service time to get such a..   Continue Reading

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Rays Dealings: Pena, Kazmir, Shields

We discussed the Carlos Pena deal here, but now we have the breakdown via Marc Topkin. He'll get $6MM in '08, $8MM in '09, and $10.125MM in '10. Meanwhile fellow Boras client Matt Holliday will get $9.5MM in '08 and $13.5MM in '09. Holliday may be the superior player, but is he 60% better? Seems Pena just wanted the security and likes Tampa Bay. Topkin wrote earlier today that Scott Kazmir expected to have an arbitration hearing with the Rays. However, Kazmir and the Rays were able to agree on a $3.785MM salary for '08. Avoiding a hearing might help..   Continue Reading

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