The Rockies, known for producing their own talent, have taken an interesting approach to the no-trade clause in several recent contracts. Four examples:
- Aaron Cook's annual salaries increase by $1MM if traded. Many players have one-time assignment bonuses if traded, usually less than a million bucks. Mark Buehrle is one pitcher with a better trade inhibitor than Cook – he gets an extra $1MM per year and an additional year at $15MM is added to his contract.
- Brad Hawpe has a $10MM club option for 2011 with a $500K buyout, but he can void the option if traded. A GM may like the idea of controlling Hawpe through 2011, but only the Rockies have the privilege.
- Chris Iannetta can void his 2013 club option if he's traded before that season. Iannetta is only controlled through '13 if he remains a Rockie, something to keep in mind when tossing around trade scenarios.
- Troy Tulowitzki can void the remainder of his contract if he's traded. His team-friendly deal won't be transferred to another club without his permission. It's probably a moot point, as GM Dan O'Dowd told Tyler Kepner of the New York Times in March he hopes Tulo retires a Rockie.
These appear to be decidedly team-unfriendly clauses (in that they diminish potential trade value).
Tim, do you have any speculation as to why the Rockies would appear to reduce their negotiating strength in potential trades so wantonly?
I would think the Rockies would agree to these to get somewhat of a discount in signing the players to extensions.
Yeah, it’s part of how you convince Tulowitzki to stay around through 2014 for $44M (assuming they exercise his option for 2014, of course).
I mean, he sacrificed A TON of earning power in exchange for the guaranteed money, so why not get a guaranteed idea of where you’ll be living for a while anyways?
Hawpe should be traded either way, he belongs in the AL. He’s a good hitter but an awful defender, and that team is stacked with outfield talent. Deal him for some pitching help, and let Gonzalez, Fowler, Smith, Young and Spilborghs take the outfield playing time.
theres no such thing as the rockies falling out of contention