Tagged: Reds
3 Second Baseman In line for an Extension
Right now, there are three elite second baseman who could be in line for an extension. While all three are almost out of team control, it would be considered a suprise for these stars to reach free agency as there is clear mutual intrest in an extension:
Ian Kinsler: Kinsler is the closest of the three to an extension, with rumors swirling about a potential 5-6 year deal in the $75 million dollar range. Accoriding to industry sources, the hold-up in a potential deal is years, and not annual salary, as well as Kinsler’s reluctnace to sign before the other elite second baseman on this year, in fear their gargantuan contracts supply him with newfound leverage. Personally, I believe Kinsler will be the first to sign, for six years in the range of $80-$90 million dollars.
Brandon Phillips: Phillips, much like Kinsler, has been in extensive negotiations with the Reds about an extesion, but, so far, has
Photo from Sports Illustrated
not found any common ground with the orginization. Phillips will presumably receive less than Kinsler, although still a fairly substatial contract of over $60 million. After the Reds monster extension for Joey Votto, it seems unlikely that they wouldn’t wish to retain his supporting cast, leading me to believe the Reds and Phillips will eventually reach a deal of about 5 years, $65 million.
Robinson Cano: Cano, arguably the best second baseman in the league, should recieve the largest contract of this trio. That being said, he is also the most likely to reach free agency, as the Yankees usually refuse to negotiate with current players and Scott Boras encourages his clients to explore the market. That being said, Cano is a special player who clearly enjoys New York, so, therefore, an extesnion of about seven years, $135 million seems like a good bet for Cano’s next contract.
So there are the three elite second baseman in line for an extension. Which one would you want on your club? How much would you be willing to give them?
Contract Review: Joey Votto
Over the last three years, Joey Votto has put up incredible, MVP-like numbers. With a career .313/405/550 slash line and an MVP to his name, Votto is clearly one of the games elite players and the driving force behind the Reds offense. That being said, many around the industry felt that the Reds would struggle to sign Votto long term and may even be forced to trade him. Instead the Reds were able to secure Votto on a shocking 10-year, $225 million dollar deal.
Photo from Deadspin
For Votto, this deal is a clear win. If you include the two year deal Votto is currently playing under, he is guaranteed $251.5 million dollars over the next 12 years. While Votto is clearly a great player, this deal leaves Votto earning over $20 million into his age 40 seas0n, a prospect that should scare Reds fans. While Votto could have received a substantial deal had he waited till free-agency, most reckon his contract would have been in the area of the 8 year, $180 million dollar deal Mark Texeria received from the Yankees. For Votto, this extension should earn him substantially more than waiting till free agency, while also giving him finacial security against injury or poor performance.
On the other hand, the Reds may regret this extension, and sooner rather than later. While Votto should continue to produce very well over the next 5 years or so, the length of this deal will lead to problems for the Reds. As statistics show, most sluggers begin to decline around their age 34 season, at which time the Reds will still owe Votto nearly $125 million dollars. This long term commitment will also make it much more difficult for the Reds to extend star Brandon Phillips, as well as farther down the road when Jay Bruce, Drew Stubbs, and Matt Latos are due for substantial extensions of their own.
While Votto’s extension was a valiant effort by the Reds to stay relevant in a difficult baseball market, it may have been a poor long term baseball decision that could adversely effect the club in the future. So there is my opinion, whats yours? Will Votto earn his money?
NL Playoffs
Last week, I gave my picks to make the playoffs in the NL. Here is how I feel those teams will fair once they reach October:
NL Wild Card Phillies VS. Cardinals: Within the one-game wild card format, the Phillies dominant pitching will be able to overcome their offensive struggles and beat the Cardinals.
NL Division Round Diamondbacks VS. Phillies: After depleting portions of their pitching against the Cardinals, the Phillies
Photo from In Flex We Trust
pitching will not be quite good enough to overcome their offensive woes against the Diamondbacks.
NL Division Round Braves VS. Reds: The depth of the Braves lineup as well as pitching will be on display as the Braves win a close, offensive series.
NL Championship Series Diamondbacks VS. Braves: In a very close, evenly matched series the Diamondbacks bullpen struggles will cost them as the Braves win the series due to their superior bullpen.
So there are my thoughts on the NL Playoffs, what are yours? Who wins the National League?
This Weeks Top Storylines
Photo from Chicago Baseball Report
YOENIS CESPEDES
Cespedes, arguably the most sought after Cuban free agent ever, is expected to make a decision soon, possibly this week. The Marlins are currently the frontrunner, and have already made their first official offer Friday. Obtaining Cespedes won’t be easy for any team, as it is rumored that bidding could reach nearly $60 Million.
WILL OSWALT SIGN?
Roy Oswalt, widely considered the best starter left available, should agree to a contract within the next week. Oswalt is a veteran who could have a big year but comes with the risk of frequent back injury, which caused him to miss time last year. The most likely landing spot is the Cardinals, as their appears to be mutual interest. As usual though, the issue is money, as Oswalt wants $10 million and, so far at least, the Cardinals have not been willing to meet his asking price. If the Cardinals and Oswalt don’t get a deal done, the Red Sox and Reds seem like good alternatives.
BURNETT TO PIRATES?
Photo from NY Daily News
Over the last few days we have heard lots of buzz that the Yankees might finally unload A.J. Burnett and his contracts to the Pirates. The Yankees will likely have to eat all but $10 million of the $33 million left on Burnetts contract, and they appear ready to do so. The only hold up in the deal is the players the Pirates will send in return. The Yankees asked for Garret Jones, but he appears to be a deal-breaker for the Pirates. Personally, I feel this deal is bound to get done by the end of the week, as the opportunity is to great for the Yankees to pass up.
BASEBALL IS BACK
For the first time since the world series major league baseball is back, sort of at least. The Mariners kicked off the year Saturday as their pitchers and catchers reported. Over the next week, the rest of the teams will finally meet in camp and baseball will begin.
Baseball Talk 