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Sunday, October 24, 2004 |
Frank's First Test
In today's Bill Shaikin article about the negotiations with the Dodgers' third baseman: not only are the Dodgers not bothering to negotiate with their star during their window of exclusivity, but Boras has laid out the concern I've had for some time, namely that Frank won't have the dough to keep a winner going in Chavez Ravine:
Beltre, 25, led the majors with 48 home runs this season. Boras has declined to state an asking price but has indicated a six-year contract might be required. The most recent third basemen to sign big contracts at relatively young ages include Oakland's Eric Chavez (six years, $66 million) and St. Louis' Scott Rolen (eight years, $90 million).Which, I assume, means Boras wants to know whether he'll be guaranteed a string of big local paydays, or perhaps decamp to the swamps in Tampa.Boras said Beltre would not return to the Dodgers without a commitment from new owner Frank McCourt to finance a perennial championship contender.
"There's a lot of information Adrian wants to know about where the Dodgers are headed," Boras said. "Adrian wants to play for a winner. He wants to know what their plans are for retaining players and acquiring players.
Comments:
Steinbrenner is getting older and more desperate. He also has a history of building teams that predominate with aging stars. Beltre would be a young star he could keep for a long time; and nobody, not even Boras, doubts Steiny's desire to assemble a winner. Of course, as this year's postseason showed, that doesn't amount to a hill of beans if your stars fall apart on you. The problem he faces is old, very old, and that is there's never enough talent to go around. Never, and that includes the free agent market. Let's say he gets back Soriano for Kevin Brown as has been speculated. Would you rather have him or Jeter playing second? I don't know -- maybe you and everyone else who thinks the Boss's temper tantrums won't cause a major shift in the infield this offseason.
But I wouldn't bet that way.
As to the situation at Fenway: why, that's a very interesting idea. It meets the criteria of him going to a winner, something Seattle, even with all their money, can't match.
Moreno won't go for it because he's got at least two options ahead of Beltre to pick: resign Troy Glaus (which I hope he does), or prospect Dallas McPherson, whose defense seems to have improved dramatically in late weeks.
My tendency is to think Belly will still be in Dodger blue at the beginning of the season, and for a very long time. Otherwise, the Angels have a nice team, I understand...
But I wouldn't bet that way.
As to the situation at Fenway: why, that's a very interesting idea. It meets the criteria of him going to a winner, something Seattle, even with all their money, can't match.
Moreno won't go for it because he's got at least two options ahead of Beltre to pick: resign Troy Glaus (which I hope he does), or prospect Dallas McPherson, whose defense seems to have improved dramatically in late weeks.
My tendency is to think Belly will still be in Dodger blue at the beginning of the season, and for a very long time. Otherwise, the Angels have a nice team, I understand...
No matter what the Dodgers offer Boras is still going to shop Beltre on the market. There is a no reason for Depo to make an offer until there is a deal to be made. In my mind this is a good thing. If the Dodgers weren't serious about bringing Adrian back they would make a lowball offer now and go about their buisness.
Also, I don't think either Boston or Anaheim are likely destinations for Beltre. Both teams have indicated that they will be cutting payroll during the offseason. Plus, both teams have more pressing problems to take care of (pitching). The Mariners are still the most likely destination for Beltre (after the Dodgers) and I don't see them outbidding the Dodgers.
Also, I don't think either Boston or Anaheim are likely destinations for Beltre. Both teams have indicated that they will be cutting payroll during the offseason. Plus, both teams have more pressing problems to take care of (pitching). The Mariners are still the most likely destination for Beltre (after the Dodgers) and I don't see them outbidding the Dodgers.
# posted by 
: 10/25/2004 09:24:00 AM
: 10/25/2004 09:24:00 AMNewer› ‹Older
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