May 25, 2008
Locking Up The Young Red Sox
The two top finishers in the NL Rookie of the Year voting have locked in long-term deals with their respective teams, Ryan Braun and Troy Tulowitzki with the Brewers and Rockies, respectively.
Can the winner in the American League get any love, Theo?
The Boston Herald reported earlier this month the Red Sox have approached Dustin Pedroia with a contract extension that gives him financial security and the team their second baseman at a reasonable price. Pedroia, who impressed the baseball world with his 317/380/442 line last season, has dropped in production a tad in 2008 at just 295/332/406, and is on pace to draw less walks and strike out with more frequency. Still, due to the lack of offensive production at second base in the AL and his defensive prowess, Pedroia seems like a smart long-term investment,
“I understand what comes along with it,” said Pedroia, who is making $457,000 this season and will be arbitration eligible following the 2009 season. “You probably give up a little to get a little.
“I’m one of those guys who would be all for it. I’m definitely interested.”
The Yankees locked up their prized young second baseman Robinson Cano to a 4/30 deal last winter. Would this seem like a starting point for Pedroia? Or would a contract similar to Ian Kinsler (5/22) or Tulowitzki (6/31) seem like more logical routes?
The other side would argue the team should show no rush to extend Pedroia and play it on an annual basis. Jed Lowrie seems slightly more impressive in terms of power, plate discipline and speed, and most scouts believe he would be a quality second baseman defensively and very shaky at shortstop. They’ve got plenty of time before Pedroia’s price goes too high before having to throw money at the kid.
Also, what about Jonathan Papelbon?
However, the two sides found themselves far apart — both philosophically and in actual dollar figures — and a long-term deal seems highly unlikely.
“But at the same time,” said Papelbon, “I have no problem going year to year. I have no doubts whatsoever, no fear, about going year to year. In fact, I’ve worked too hard to sell myself short.”
To me, Papelbon seems like a more likely candidate to not only ask for an exorbitant amount of money, but be willing to hold out, than Pedroia. As intelligent and calculating as the Red Sox front office may be, you’d think Papelbon would be an instance where they’d go above and beyond to lock his arm up for years and years.
So, what do you guys think: Should the Red Sox lock up Pedroia and Papelbon, or play it on a year-by-year basis?
Discussion
8 Comments on "Locking Up The Young Red Sox"
#1
Posted by Anonymous, May 25, 2008 1:06 PM
Papelbon seems dedicated to extracting every penny he can over the course of his career. I don't think the Sox will be willing to make a long-term investment given the volatility of pitchers and the fact he's still under control for three more years. They won't go to arbitration, but they won't sign him long term.
Pedroia is a great role player for the Sox, but isn't the type of guy that commands a long-term deal. I could see Pedroia signing a deal that covers all his arbitration years, but I can't see a six-year investment.
#3
Posted by nathan, May 25, 2008 3:51 PM
you guys are losers paplebon and pedroia will stay long term
#6
Posted by Steven Roth, May 25, 2008 4:32 PM
Lester's Dad has cancer, keep him in your thoughts. I give Lester much more credit for his no-no after knowing what he's been through. Go get 'em today kid.
PS. Sign Pedro and Paps to long term deals. Pedro's probably struggling for the same reason Manny is struggling. They all go through it. Paps, on the other hand, is the next Mo...sign him for life.
#7
Posted by jvwalt, May 25, 2008 9:11 PM
As great as Paps has been, I'm not convinced that he should be signed long-term. Two reasons:
-- Too many closers have very short, intense peaks followed by decline or injury.
-- I don't think any closer is worth Rivera or Nathan money. And if he's really interested in maximizing his income, he'll be looking for way more money than I'd pay any closer. I'd be much more likely to give Paps a long-term deal if he was a starter.
#8
Posted by Gerry, May 26, 2008 12:01 AM
Papelbon is on a mission to elevate the value of closers in general, and himself in the process, in relation to starting pitchers. Once again, the Steinbrenners set the stage for this with Mariano's (and Posada's) huge contracts, but in this case they were aided and abetted by the Mets for Santana and Mariners for Bedard. Once precedent is set, it sure isn't going to go backwards.
But we are talking here about the current and next generation of Sox stars, not aging powers. IMO these early long term contracts are good for the player, good for the team and good for the game, for several reasons:
1. It reduces emphasis on "the big payday someday" and gets real money into the hands of more players early in their career. With any kind of money management, they will earn more with a smaller amount over a longer period, than with a larger amount over a shorter period. Stability and focus follow.
2. It allows the players to focus on the game while taking care of family and fantasies, enjoying their wealth and celebrity while learning to use is wisely.
3. It allows the team, the FO, the fans to get behind and build around players they know will be around for awhile.
4. It gives a clear road map to promising prospects as to what slots are actually available in MLB.
5. It put the onus of risk on the team (i.e injury) at substantial savings, while insuring young players they will be wealthy for life.
That being said, those who are our strengths now will be our strengths 6 years from now. It is essential to tie up Youk, Pedroia, Ellsbury, Papelbon, Hansen, Lester, Buchholz, etc. with fair, long term contracts to keep them in Red Sox uniforms for a long time. It will cost a bit up front. It will cost less long term. Everyone wins.
Pedroia? Absolutely. He is a jewel, and will be our 2nd baseman for a decade. Lowrie will be a jewel at SS. He will never replace Pedro at 2nd, he will replace Julio at SS, and maybe in a few years replace Mikey at 3rd. Ellsbury is becoming a force of nature, will gain power with time, and be a .300 hitter for a decade. It's time to support these young guys who are carrying the team, win their loyalty, and enjoy their work. When you have found exactly what you have been looking for, stop quibbling and pay the man.
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