Agent Matt Sosnick has two clients in their arbitration years, but right now extension talks for Ricky Nolasco of the Marlins and Jay Bruce of the Reds aren't far beyond the infancy stages. Here's what Sosnick told Clark Spencer of The Miami Herald regarding a possible deal for Nolasco…
"I would say certainly nothing's going to happen soon," said the agent. "But I would be surprised if something didn't end up happening. We have had some conversations and I think we've made some progress."
Nolasco earned $3.8MM in his second (of four as a Super Two) year of arbitration, but back in September we heard that "a significant gulf" existed between the two sides during negotiations. More recently the club indicated that signing Dan Uggla long-term was their first priority, but after today's trade Nolasco presumably moved up on the list. The 27-year-old righty (28 next month) pitched to a 4.51 ERA with 8.4 K/9 and 1.4 BB/9 in 157 2/3 innings this season.
As for Bruce, here's what MLB.com's Mark Sheldon passes along…
Bruce is due a significant raise as he enters his first year of arbitration (also a Super Two), and he's expressed interest a long-term deal in the past. Perhaps Nick Markakis' six-year, $66MM deal can be used as framework. Bruce had a monster season at age 23, hitting .281/.353/.493 with 25 homers.
What does Nolasco really think he deserves? He has been inconsistent over the past two seasons and he’s likely to get a raise following this season…Maybe something like 4/26? I was at first thinking in the Baker/Maholm range but I don’t know if
’11, $4.5MM, ’12, 5.5MM ’13, $7.5MM, ’14, $8.5MM?
For Bruce I think Nick Markakis’ deal would be a fine comparable. They should seriously consider that.
You using ERA or something?
You using ERA or something?
all i know is that we have to sign nolasco now. after the debacle today.
It is not a debacle. Calm down. I looked at the WAR numbers and the projections and the team loses a little, but saves probably 4 million next year. I don’t think Larry is done dealing yet.
i spent some time looking at the numbers earlier and felt a bit better about it. i guess the idea is to have infante at 2, dominguez at 3rd and have a solid defense, with cogs in the of. i got over it when i read that uggla was asking for 5yrs./71million. that is just crazy. what do you think about having carl pavono come back?
I think the markakis deal would probably end up being a great deal for the reds. Not only does he have the physical tools to mature into a star, he already is excellent with the media and fans. Seem like a good clubhouse guy too. (Of course nobody REALLY knows outside of the clubhouse.) I can see him being “the franchise player.” Maybe even more than Votto.
Wow nice to see some team loyalty there from Bruce too.. I would be thrilled to have Bruce sign a 6 or 7 year deal with us. Same for Votto. The pitchers maybe not so long of deals but a few year deal on each arbitration guy would sure be nice too.
obviously i am biased though
Come on Jocketty call up Bruce and get it done! Lock him up!