The latest on the Red Sox, as John Lackey prepares for his second Spring Training start…
- Though Adrian Gonzalez and the Red Sox have not resumed contract talks since the weekend they traded for him, there is an understanding that a seven-year deal at around $22MM per year will get it done, writes ESPN's Buster Olney. Gonzalez has said a couple of times that there's no pre-set agreement in place, but his agent John Boggs and Sox president Larry Lucchino both expect a deal.
- Regarding a potential multiyear extension, Clay Buchholz told WEEI's Kirk Minihane, "I think we've talked a little bit about it but there's nothing." Buchholz likes the five-year, $30MM deals signed by Jon Lester, Yovani Gallardo, and Ricky Romero, but perhaps the Red Sox need to see more. Buchholz's numbers are comparable to those players, but for a team there is a lot that goes into the decision beyond the stats.
- Manager Terry Francona explained to ESPN's Gordon Edes that he's thinking about the long-term with lefty Andrew Miller (Twitter link). The Red Sox were able to get a unique contract approved for Miller with the aim of subverting the option system, with a $3MM club option that vests for 2012 if he's claimed by another team. On one hand, the Commissioner's Office allowed this clause at first pass. Still, I've spoken to a few execs who think the Red Sox won't get away with it if Miller is actually claimed.
- Red Sox players are meeting today with Players' Association executive director Michael Weiner as well as several special assistants. Jed Lowrie may have a lot to contribute; Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald says the shortstop recently finished up a political science degree from Stanford by writing a 17-page paper comparing the players' unions in MLB and the NFL.
Nothing wrong with waiting a few months on Buchholtz, since his numbers seemed to be a little inflated last year.
have a look at fangraphs’ recent piece on buchholz. by the numbers — peripherals included — he’s worthy of the lester extension
As I said there’s a lot to look at beyond the periphs though. His health for one, and his expected motivation if locked up for two.
If Andrew Miller wanted to go to a team that claimed him, couldn’t he say that the option doesn’t have to become garaunteed?
It’s up to the Red Sox, since it’s a club option. Of course, Andrew could ask them to not pick it up, but I don’t know how well that would work. What intrigues me is how some people think the option won’t fly with MLB if it’s attempted, despite it being in the contract.
“Manager Terry Francona explained to ESPN’s Gordon Edes that he’s thinking about the long-term with lefty Andrew Miller”
Translation: He’s starting the season in Pawtucket.
It is great for the red sox that they get team friendly contracts from their homegrown players. The Yankees are extorted even from Jeter. You can bet right now Cano will be seeking more than $6M annually.
That’s because Cano is obviously worth much more than $6M annually…
like 12 million!
or 20!
The Yankees felt pressured to sign Jeter because of his fan appeal, but from everything I heard the fans were more on managements side than Jeter. The Yankees were not forced to sign him. It was their choice.
I’d like to read Lowrie’s 17 page paper.
Wouldn’t it be smarter for Adrian Gonzalez to NOT sign an extension and go free agent? He will be the second best available 1st baseman this winter after Pujols?
Sometimes it’s more than money. Look at Lee, he’s left millions on the table to sign with a team he wants to play for.
Gonzalez has said that he wants to play for the Red Sox, and if they Red Sox are willing to pay him market value ($154M/7 years), then why not sign now?
I agree, I don’t want him to leave. I’m just saying that you never know with these guys. As for Lee if and when his last year kicks in, he will not have left any money on the table as it’s rumored.
The Yankees’ best offer was $132 million over six years, with a $16 million vesting seventh-year option
Lee’s contract with the Phillies has a maximum value of $135 million over six years, with a $27.5 million vesting sixth-year option and a $12.5 million buyout. So it’s a max of $135 million, and a minimum of $120 million. So in essence he really left a seventh year on the table, not THAT much cash wise.
He’s made it clear he wants to play for the REd Sox, and that it was his second dream to play for them, with his first dream being playing with the Padres. There is also no other team that could pay him any more than the Red Sox, seeing as how the Yankees have no need for him, with Teixeira at 1B and various other options for DH. He’s also said he just wants fair market value, and a 7yr./$151M deal would be fair.
Sorry, I mean $154M, not $151M
Buchholz will be extended for about the same as Lester, which is a team friendly deal. I expect him to turn up the K’s this year too.