Josh Willingham isn’t eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season and if it were up to him, he’d push that date back a couple years. Agent Matt Sosnick told Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post that Willingham would like to sign a multi-year contract this offseason.
“If he had his druthers, he'd sign a deal that took him through this year and into the next couple years,” Sosnick said, adding that no discussions have taken place so far.
Willingham, who earned $4.6MM this year, would be happy to accept a one-year deal. He’d get a raise through arbitration, so his 2011 salary could approach $7MM. Willingham missed the last six weeks of the season to undergo surgery on the meniscus in his left knee. He ranked 5th among MLB outfielders (min. 400 PAs) in on base percentage (.389) and tenth in OPS (.848). The 30-year-old can hit, but injuries have limited Willingham in each of the past few seasons.
Though he didn’t play anywhere but left field in 2010, Willingham has experience in right field and at first base. Sosnick says his client’s flexible.
"He'd be open to doing anything he could for the team," Sosnick said. "They could use him out of the bullpen."
I really like Willingham as a player. I think he’s better than Bay, though he won’t get as much money as him. The Nats should definitely keep him around.
Lmfaoooo. Dude, Josh Willingham is NOT better than Jason Bay.
Since 06′ Bay has put up an average of .24 more WAR a year than Willingham. So he’s probably a little better but not “lmfaoooo” better.
explain why he isn’t better than Bay…
My thought would be run production. Over the last 3 years league average for driving in runners on base is 15%.
So for 2008 to 2011:
Willingham = 12%, Bay=18%.
It is very much frowned on these days to look at the RBI column, but I find it sometimes tells a story that can be further explained by the advanced stats.
I hear you. But currently, who’s better?
Depends on who comes back better from injury.
Bay was still better this year in plating runners, 16% to 13%, despite having a terrible season. That says if there’s no long lasting effects of the concussion, and he gets accustomed to hitting at Citi Field, he’ll be the guy the Mets hoped he would be.
In OPS+ Willingham was much better in 2010, so if his knee heals properly, and he gets himself back on track he could easily be the better player.
Unfortunately for both players it’s all about recoveries.
I really do hope that Jason Bay comes back to himself and has a comeback season.
Needs to show that he was worth the money a little bit.
I really do hope that Jason Bay comes back to himself and has a comeback season.
Needs to show that he was worth the money a little bit.
Depends on who comes back better from injury.
Bay was still better this year in plating runners, 16% to 13%, despite having a terrible season. That says if there’s no long lasting effects of the concussion, and he gets accustomed to hitting at Citi Field, he’ll be the guy the Mets hoped he would be.
In OPS+ Willingham was much better in 2010, so if his knee heals properly, and he gets himself back on track he could easily be the better player.
Unfortunately for both players it’s all about recoveries.
The only person “lmfaoooo” is Jason Bay since he’s making a fortune to be mediocre.
Good player, everyone wants him. If Nats think there is something wrong, they should sign an extension and trade him away like McLouth.
This is a guy I’ve wanted in San Diego for a couple years now. He can hit, plain and simple. I’d love for him to be our everyday LF in 2011. I know the Nats need bullpen help, and the Padres have a glut of relievers who could help the Nats. Worth at least a phone call.
In years past it was true, but the Nats bullpen is pretty set right now. They needs Of’s starters, and 1B going forward
If Willingham’s worth 10m a year, certainly Dunn is worth 15m a year…..don’t think either is worth those figures….but Dunn’s surely a significantly more valuable player on the field, in the locker room, and at putting fannies in the seats.