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35 replies

What's Going On??

itsrosyitsrosy1,000+ posts
Has the baseball world gone completely mad? Here is JD Drew, at the advice of Scott Boras, walking away from 3 remaining years on his contract with the Dodgers worth $33 million. Boras states that with Drew's tools there will be tremendous interest in him at an even higher price. Apparently, this contract must be very similar to the one given to Aramis Ramirez by Andy McPhail. Ramirez, like it or not, is going to be very, very rich quite soon. If what we read is correct, that the Cubs have a 5 year $70 million offer out there for his services, don't think that they won't be topped by someone. The Cubs will be villified either way. If they sign Ramirez it will be written that they greatly overpaid and all that due to a ridiculous contract constructed and agreed to by McPhail. This isn't Hendry's fault, this one is on the ex-pres. If they don't re-sign him it will be said that they've lost another big bat and where will they replace both the bat and the glove? Where does this end? The greed, yes, that's what this is, is a short term reward but will hurt baseball in the long run. This game, IMO, needs the next generation of kids going to the games with their Dad's and Grandpa's. At today's ticket prices, which are only going to increase, who will fill the seats? It is just too darn costly for many families to attend a Major League game. It's a crying shame.

Thanks for listening. I've just jumped off my soapbox.
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ballyallballyall500+ posts
That's what makes high school baseball that much more appealing to people. Kids are out there for the love of the game, not for the love of money.

Also, as a side note, with stadiums becoming more and more corporate friendly, i.e, having suites and boxes, they have little financial need for the fans in the seats.

Sure they need some warm bodies in the seats, but as long as they sell out those corporate boxes, they are a long way to covering their revenue for the year.

Sad, but true
S soxnole1,000+ posts
Maybe I can shed some light on J.D. Drew's situation.

JD is a very quiet, unassuming fellow that abhor's the limelight. It's my opinion that he would be thrilled to depart LA. This, imo, is not about the money this time. I believe Boras has the ability to put JD in a smaller market at close to the 11 million he was receiving from the Dodgers.

He comes from Hahira GA., a small farming town where his Dad has had great success with his business and in raising 3 fine young men that wound up in the Major League's.

When Stephen Drew(D-backs) graduated HS, JD promised him that he would take care of him if baseball didn't work out. This allowed Stephen to attend Florida State instead of jumping into pro ball out of HS.

This family knows what they are doing. Boras is, like him or not, the very best at shielding his clients from the limelight while he takes the media drubbing, and in the end gets the most for he and his client.

Simple addition will tell you that the Drew boys have been paid (or contracted to be paid) more than 75 million dollars. Not bad for 3 farm boy's from southern Georgia! That will buy a lot of hay!
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itsrosyitsrosy1,000+ posts
Soxnole,

Lots of good facts you've thrown out there. But, I'm not convinced. Drew played for the Cards (very comfy midwest surroundings) for 7 years and then seemingly got his wish by joining his hometown Atlanta Braves. What could be better if he's from Georgia? Well, he and his agent then peddled him off to the highest bidder, which were the LA Dodgers. I find that interesting because he had a strong 2004 with the Braves hitting .305/28/93. If his agent was so concerned about protecting him and shielding him from the big media centers, then why did he let him go to big, bad LA? It was the money!

Yeah, he sure can buy a lot of hay. I still think it is almost always about the money when agents do the negotiating. That's one reason why I like Gary Sheffield, he did his own contract with the Yankees.
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FastballDadFastballDad1,000+ posts
Time will tell....we will see who he signs for and for how much. Drew does have those qualities Soxnole mentioned. He has done things a little different than most so far.

Ballyall, yes there is a big corporate influence on the finances of abseball, but they need fans in the seats big-time. Loss of attendance will show a lack of interest and no sport can afford that and the loss of revenue that goes with it.
itsrosyitsrosy1,000+ posts
I fear that if potential young baseball fans don't have the opportunity of going to MLB games and experience the aura of the park, the field, the smells that we associate with baseball, then they won't ever have the interest to watch these games on TV. Yes, these new parks all cater to the corporate suits and well heeled executives in the sky suites. I understand that it is a necessary evil with escalating costs. But attendance will peak, and then start a downhill trend which will only make the TV ratings even worse. It think that record attendance being enjoyed right now may only be temporary. I hope I'm wrong.
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S soxnole1,000+ posts
As FB said time will tell.

Keep in mind rosy, that Drew was at the 3 million dollar per year level in Atlanta.

I didn't mean to say that it wasn't about the money then...it's just not about the money now.

There is little chance imo, that he'll get more than 11 million this time around....but he may get close to it in a smaller market or a city closer to home.

In any case he doesn't have to do a darned thing except sit back while Boras works his magic.
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itsrosyitsrosy1,000+ posts
Sox,

"in any case he doesn't have to do a darned thing except sit back while Boras works his magic"

On this point we agree 100%.

Just read that a MLB source is saying that the Red Sox may have entered the top bid for the rights to negotiate with the Japanese pitcher Matsuzaka. The price being reported is between $38 and $45 Million just for the right to try and work a deal with Scott Boras! Reports had set the rumored bidding at $20 Million. Now, if this is true the craziness has just taken another giant leap forward.

As I get ready to retire for the evening I see that Aramis Ramirez' agent will be asking for 6 years and $100 Million and expects to get it. I rest my case.

Have a good day and I enjoyed reading the interview with Rauiri. It sounds like he's found the right path.
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FastballDadFastballDad1,000+ posts
Forget everything I've said about going to school and getting an education.

51 Million just to talk to them. Boras is a genius.....Who is going to pay $$$$$$$$51 Million$$$$$$$$ and then not sign the guy? They may as well write a blank check with Boras having The Red Sox over that barrel.

I can't believe the Yankees didn't win that bidding war.
itsrosyitsrosy1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by soxnole:



I didn't mean to say that it wasn't about the money then...it's just not about the money now.

There is little chance imo, that he'll get more than 11 million this time around....but he may get close to it in a smaller market or a city closer to home.

In any case he doesn't have to do a darned thing except sit back while Boras works his magic.


Sox, If the reports are correct, it kind of blows your theory right out of the water. JD Drew, it seems, is ready to sign with the Red Sox. This isn't about going to a small market, it isn't about being closer to home, it is all about the $$$. I don't begrudge the man, but don't try and paint a picture of a guy who just wants to play some "old country hardball" and spend the rest of the time fishing and hunting.

Seems like KW is upset at the "new landscape" out there. I can understand that. It is never how much money the top players receive. It is the trickle down effect that has journeyman relief pitchers being paid like starters. In just one year, the monies paid to Bobby Howry and Scott Eyre are only average when compared to the contracts being offered to some very mediocre relief pitchers this time around. Wait and see how much Julio Lugo signs for, or Dave Roberts. The White Sox are in a good postion nonetheless, depending upon how you feel that Joe Crede won't get an extension. they have a player ready to play 3rd base in Josh Fields and they have the players that other teams would want so trading is more likely than signing free agents.

These are very expensive times right now to be trying to fix your team for next season. But, the values of these franchise's just keep going through the roof.
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S soxnole1,000+ posts
rosy...

I can certainly see why you feel that way about Drew.

On the other hand, I'm still sure it's not about the money....with J.D.Drew.

I believe the family has made a decision to follow Boras's advice....whatever it may be.

He is anything but an LA kind of guy, so more money...or less, and a change in scenery is obviously fine with J.D.

No doubt Boras will break somebody's piggy bank for the umpteenth time.

Btw, the city of Boston will be a breath of fresh air as compared to tinsel town!
itsrosyitsrosy1,000+ posts
Sox, Buster Olney puts JD's new proposed deal at between $55-60 Million. I know you're partial to the Drew family, but I think the Red Sox have really missed the boat. They are willing to give Drew that kind of money but let Johnny Damon loose because of money. Olney also says that the Red Sox are close to signing Julio Lugo to play shortstop for them. I wonder what that's going to cost? I think that if this deal comes down, Drew better hope that his nonchalant attitude doesn't make him a target of the Red Sox nation! Also, do you think that if these numbers are correct that there is any normalcy left in MLB? Drew just isn't worth that kind of money, IMO.

I heard about the rumored Sox trade and given the fact that the Sox are not going to pay Crede what his agent wants, it would a good trade for both teams. Garcia is a proven big game pitcher, but Santana is much younger and is a very good pitcher in his own right. Figgins can play multiple positions and would also be a good addition to the Sox. Again, IMO.
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S soxnole1,000+ posts
rosy,

Drew does not have a nonchalant attitude.

I would call it laid back....kind of like Matsui.

Your right about the Red Sox fan's..a real racist fan percentage that is the worst in MLB.

But Drew is white and will be cut a lot more slack.

The city is real though by comparison to LALA Land!

It's also a 2 hour flight home instead of 4.
itsrosyitsrosy1,000+ posts
For the record, I didn't mean to infer that the Red Sox Nation was racist. I don't know how you got that from what I wrote. Actually, their rabid and loyal fan base will not choose their targets by color, only by performance or lack thereof.

If you have a player that's going to be a free agent, and you've decided that you're not going to pay him the going rate because you think it is too high, you either try and trade him and get something in return, or risk losing him after the season and being left with nothing.
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Midlo DadMidlo Dad10,000+ posts
Back to the topic: What IS going on with free agent salaries this year?

It's not just J.D. Drew.

E.g., Gary Mathews, Jr. -- $10 million per year? For five years? This guy's been a good field, light hit guy for his whole career. One good year and the Angels are ready to bankroll him for the next five years?

Mark DeRosa -- loved him with the Braves, have followed him as a fan, glad to see him get some notice for his production for the Rangers. But he gets $13 million over three years? Talk about your ship coming in!

Did something change to make all these numbers explode? Is there some nuance to the new CBA that's causing this? How do you explain it?
itsrosyitsrosy1,000+ posts
Midlo,

I can't explain this except for the fact that the teams seem to be flush with cash. New stadiums with skyboxes, higher TV revenue, higher seat, parking and food prices all add up to owners throwing money at free agents and not just top free agents. Gary Matthews JR, good player now 32 years old. Mark DeRosa also a good player and at $13 million might be a bargain. It goes on and on and isn't over this year yet. Wait until the pitchers start to sign. If you're still breathing and have an ERA under 4.5 you're golden.
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S soxnole1,000+ posts
rosy:

For the record.

I did not "get" the racist % of Red Sox fan's from your post.

I got it from spending 3 summers in the Fenway bleachers.

85% of the red Sox Fenway fan base are tough, knowledgeable fans. About 10-15% are unruly,hard drinking,relatively uneducated,loud and obnoxious racist prone creeps.

It's thier history, and it can ruin a good time on a given afternoon.
itsrosyitsrosy1,000+ posts
Sox, No problem here. That mix sounds pretty close to what I see and hear at some Chicago venues. What I don't understand is how much beer can one fan drink at $7.75 per cup? That's the going rate at Yankee Stadium and probably close to that if not more at Fenway. With the highest seat prices in all of baseball, where do they all find the dough to sell out each and every game? They're not all suits, are they?
S soxnole1,000+ posts
I believe that much of the drinking is done in the bars in and around Fenway prior to thier arrival.

When I arrived back in Chicago in 75 I was amazed to see that flask's were few and far between. At Fenway they were more important than a jacket or an umbrella! Everyone seemed to have one (especially in the bleachers) and I doubt that has changed.
denisr400denisr400500+ posts
Cubs are desperate for pitching. Jason Schmidt has been a solid starter and would help Cubs. But - he will be 34 and 3 years/$45 million? Wow. Somebody upstairs really opened the purse strings for Hendry and he's happy to spend it.
If Cubs land him and get anything out of Prior and Wood they could make some noise in 07.
I remember when Puckett signed what seemed like a huge deal around 1988 or so. The numbers now are truly staggering. Can't blame any kid toiling in minors for hanging around. Just getting a small piece of the mlb pie is now a truckload of cash.
TRhitTRhit10,000+ posts
soxnole

All ball parks are the same--many drinking and being crass---dont' single out just one group because you need to look in the mirror when it comes to prejudice and one sided thinking

I have baseball fans to be baseball fans no matter where they are

Have you been to a game at Fenway recently and/or vsiited the bars in the neighborhood prior to the game?

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