Westbrook Extended

by Tribe Alive on Apr 13, 2007 11:02 AM EDT Comment 80 comments

The Indians will hold a press conference this afternoon to announce the signing of Westbrook to a three-year contract extension through the 2010 season, MLB.com has learned. The contract does not include any option years. Financial terms were not immediately available.
[editor's note, by Ryan]: Pared down the quotes.

Update [2007-4-13 11:28:29 by Ryan]:: Hoynes says the extension is worth "an estimated $33 million."

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Re: Jakey at the Jake

Needless to say, this is Great news. Pronk next please!

by Brick. on Apr 13, 2007 11:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Goodbye CC

Now get Pronk!!

by mikebrowns26 on Apr 13, 2007 11:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

If they're this sure that CC is a no-go, isn't a trade just as certain?

by nickjs21 on Apr 13, 2007 11:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

He'll be traded this next offseason

by mikebrowns26 on Apr 13, 2007 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Not necessarily. If they have a good shot at contending in 2008, I'd say they'd be very likely to keep him, even knowing that he'll leave a seasons' end.

by Ryan on Apr 13, 2007 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

*at season's end.

by Ryan on Apr 13, 2007 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Much depends on performance this year. If Sowers proves his consistency and Miller/Carmona make a good case for projection, that will have an obvious influence on "to trade or not to trade".

by mcrose on Apr 13, 2007 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Man, that's horsey sauce. We've been through this a bunch, so I won't belabor it, but trade shmade. Keep him and have an awesome rotation and worry about 2009 in 2009.

by fleerdon on Apr 13, 2007 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Now this we can agree on! I have always been ambivalent about keeping CC at the cost and have waffled as a result. I am not sure they have a lot to gain in prospects and he will be the "veteran" presence along with Westbrook. I look for him to complete the contract in hopes of a championship for the Tribe. :)

IndianInkSlinger

by sdtribefan on Apr 13, 2007 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Seems that either CC or Pronk will not be re-signed. With the young starting potential in the minor league pipeline, I have to assume the priority is with Hafner.

Question is, does Shapiro have the cajones to deal Captain Cheeseburger at the deadline if the Tribe's in contention?

by rolub on Apr 13, 2007 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Whoops... forgot Sabathia has another year left.

by rolub on Apr 13, 2007 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Isn't it nice to have faith in your front office? I mean imagine if we were Mariner fans (but not for too long). Fortunately, we're not M's fans, so we have a reasonable expectation that this will be a fair deal given current market values, and, if anything, slightly club friendly.

by Thommy on Apr 13, 2007 11:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I acknowledge that this is probably a good deal given current market values, but I still don't think Westbrook is worth $11M over the next three years. The guy is a #3 starter. Miller or Carmona can give you his production within a year's time.

by notsince48 on Apr 13, 2007 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

What's wrong with a rotation of CC, Westbrook, Sowers, Miller, and C.Lee for next year? I'd take that over "CC, Sowers, Miller, C.Lee, Carmona.

by hans on Apr 13, 2007 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

There's nothing wrong with it, and it is better than the alternative. It's just that we have $11M fewer dollars to spend on other needs. I still think that at some pont the Tribe is going to need to spend to shore up the bullpen and the bottom half of our lineup. There's just too many question marks in those two areas.

by notsince48 on Apr 13, 2007 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

One of the pros about signing a hoss like Westbrook is that he generally relieves some pressure from the bullpen. We know that he consistently can put up over 200 innings without worrying about overworking him. With two rookies in the rotation, you might worry more about their stamina throughout the season and that would put some extra strain on the bullpen. Not saying he solves any bullpen problems we might have next year, but it is important to consider the loss of his consistency would also have on the bullpen.

by Nat on Apr 13, 2007 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

We know that he consistently can put up over 200 innings without worrying about overworking him.

Be careful with this. Westbrook will be entering his year 31 season when the deal kicks in, and entering his year 33 season when the final year of the deal occurs. Give that age frame and the amount of innings he has piled up in recent seasons, I find it difficult to lock him in for 200+ innings for all three of those seasons. One, probably, two, possibly, but three is very unlikely.

That said, $11M is probably the going rate. Lilly, a pitcher that is not as durable and of similar age received a four year deal of a million fewer dollars per season. I would imagine their numbers over the next 4 seasons to be very similar.

Governor's Cup in '07!

by Brandini on Apr 13, 2007 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I think people drastically undervalue Westbrook's consistency and averageness. I realize that "average" is not what you want to hear when you're talking about a pitcher, but there's definite value to be had from someone who provides you with ~200 innings of a league average ERA. Look at Jeff Suppan -- he's basically the definition of an average pitcher (with a career ERA+ of 101) who's managed to throw around 200 innings every year since 1998, and he got a 4-year, $42 million contract from Milwaukee this past offseason. Westbrook's younger and a shorter commitment -- what's not to like?

by zempf on Apr 13, 2007 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

The Westbrook deal is good in comparision, I agree. What I don't like is tying up $11M dollars over the next three years when there are so many other question marks.

On second thought, the Tribe is, in a sense, really only tied to him for two years. You have to put the best possible squad on the field for this year and next year, because these are CC's last two years, and are the best shot at the Tribe winning one. Without Westbrook next year, you basically have two rookies in the rotation.

by notsince48 on Apr 13, 2007 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

We aren't necessarily tying up the money, unless there's a no-trade we haven't heard about yet.

If the minors yield future rotation options to us, Jake should have value in the trade market and unless salaries start to decline his value probably rises over time. This deal offers us above average performance and a history of durability at a fair value today, with the option of reaping more value later. I like it.

by MTF on Apr 13, 2007 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

how much money really is it though. say you could have him at his current rate for the next three years at around 6M which fits in the budget, right? You really only have to add 5M per even if the payroll was never going to go up. The 5M laying around from foulke can pay for next year. Then when CC's gone the next two, you remove his salary from the total and add in league min for miller and you're actually in the black...

by Brick. on Apr 13, 2007 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I don't think there is one person out there who would state that the Suppan deal was a good deal. That said, its tough to link Westbrook and Suppan. Rather, link Westbrook with Marquis or Lilly. Even lesser valued arms such as Batista, Eaton, Hernandez, Meche, Padilla, Wolf or Weaver.

With all those names and contracts in mind, I'd say that Westbrook got about the deal that he deserved and would have gotten on the open market. That said, hopefully Westbrook was not planning on posting a contract year, type season.

Governor's Cup in '07!

by Brandini on Apr 13, 2007 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

As an academic exercise, I completely agree with you. But this signing is about fan perception and trying to get fannies in the seats. It is a good move from that point of view. If Pronk happens, and I think it will, Dolan will be telling the naysayers and critics that he plans on keeping a viable franchise. :)

IndianInkSlinger

by sdtribefan on Apr 13, 2007 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I like how they didn't have to give him some obnoxious 5-7 year deal or anything like that. What's the dollar value you think? 11-12 per?

by Brick. on Apr 13, 2007 11:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

The Plain Dealer is reporting the deal is 3 years for 33 million.
http://blog.cleveland.com/sports/2007/04/westbrook_signs_threeyear_exte.html

by tobytobytoby on Apr 13, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

What??

Hhahaha.

I love being an Indians fan.

by afh4 on Apr 13, 2007 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Have to agree. I'd rather have Westbrook's extension than Zito's new deal (ugh!). The market for pitching has simply been outrageous, and with our improved infield defense (right now I'm thinking Barfield, and Jhonny if he stops making mental mistakes) he should be solid through this entire extension.

The real question is, as some touched on above, is whether this means CC will be gone this winter. If Miller and Carmona are ready by June, I wonder if Shapiro would almost think about making a deal then if he thinks we could stay in contention. That's probably necessary for Byrd to have a good year, and Sowers to have more starts like last night.

What holes can we see in the farm system, and what teams might be able to provide those parts? The Rockies? Diamondbacks? Devil Rays?

Boy, if Dukes has really turned his attitude around ... Chris B. Young in Arizona?

by Gradyforpresident on Apr 13, 2007 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Dream on about Young. Never happen. Why don't we wait and see what Santana fetches?

by mkwng on Apr 13, 2007 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Well ... that's the point of dreaming. :)

by Gradyforpresident on Apr 13, 2007 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I can't stand not knowing the terms...Still, nothing through 2010 can be that bad.

by afh4 on Apr 13, 2007 11:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

3 years/33 mil is a great deal for the tribe.

by oxforddave on Apr 13, 2007 11:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Wow, no kidding. I realize it's probably cliché to refer to it at this point (along with Gary Matthews, Jr's contract), but Jake got Gil Meche dollars for a shorter commitment, which is the best of all worlds for the Tribe.

by zempf on Apr 13, 2007 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I'm surprised he signed for "only" 3 years. Doesn't it seem like it should have been at least 4 (based on recent contracts)?

Anyway, great signing. I like it.

by rog on Apr 13, 2007 11:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

He's under contract for the next four seasons, this is a 3-year extension. It's semantics.

by Ryan on Apr 13, 2007 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

A 3-year deal seems like a good deal for the Tribe. I thought, given his durability, he'd make more of a push for 4 or 5 years and therefore making him unattractive to the Indians. Here's to hoping he doesn't fall off a cliff once he hits 30.

by APV on Apr 13, 2007 11:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Would a Hafner extension go more along the lines of 3 years, or 4 with a club option (or two)? Just some questions to throw out there.

by Gradyforpresident on Apr 13, 2007 11:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I must admit to being surprised that Westbrook has agreed to this extension; I would have thought that he would be licking his chops waiting for free agency. All told, this seems like a pretty good deal for the Indians.

CC's value goes through the roof with this, though. So I agree with others that Shap. should now focus on extending Hafner and not worry about CC. I wouldn't be against keeping him for the remainder of his contract in an effort to make the big push for a championship.

Railing against the sacrifice bunt since 2000.

by jdudas on Apr 13, 2007 11:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I think we have to hold on to CC through the duration of his current deal. Counting on A.Miller and F.Carmona to come in and dominate is nice and all, but why not really make a push for it all this year and next? If we hold onto CC next season we could have a rotation of CC, Westbrook, Sowers, Miller, Lee. Cliff Lee as a fifth starter would be pretty damn amazing.

Unless we can rip of another Colon for Sizemore, Phillips, and Lee type deal (not very likely) I don't move CC. And infact as indiansfan has made a point before, there is still a possibility to resign CC and one or even both of the other two (Haf and Westbrook), so I wouldn't throw that out the window just yet.

by hans on Apr 13, 2007 11:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I want to know what the FO said to Jake to convince him to only sign a 3 year extension.

by mikebrowns26 on Apr 13, 2007 11:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I don't think this will have a major impact on whether or not we re-sign CC. If CC is willing to sign a contract the FO considers worthwhile in terms of value and risk ($ and length), I think they'll make the commitment. The problem is that the market for CC is more than likely going to drive his contract above that valuation point for the Tribe. If the Indians are in contention next year and CC's doing well, it'll put them into a tough spot. Obviously you don't trade your best pitcher while in contention, but it's a little painful losing him in free agency for nothing (except a draft pick or two). If Adam Miller and Carmona really impress this season (and here's hoping they do), I think a CC trade could be possible, though not likely, in the upcoming off-season. That's my take.

by APV on Apr 13, 2007 11:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

One another nice thing about this extension is presumably it'll keep Westbrook motivated to perform. He'll be entering his age 33 year after this deal, which means if he continues to perform well in Cleveland, he should be due another big contract. So it's not necessarily a situation where this is his one (or last) big deal and that's it.

by APV on Apr 13, 2007 11:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

OT:

When I load in Firefox, the top of the browser says "Let's Go Tribe::In Pythagoras We Trust"

Well played, sirs.

by afh4 on Apr 13, 2007 12:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Perfect, ain't it?

by Thommy on Apr 13, 2007 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

3 for 33 and 33 posts on this topic when I called it. nice symmetry.

I love this deal compared to Meche, Suppan and Zito. If Jake gives us three more years like the last few, I think the Indians will end up with value in this skewed market.

by IndyDave on Apr 13, 2007 12:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I think signing Westbrook to $11M per year for three years is a great move, even if he is our 5th starter. Especially since the pitchers that people are mentioning as preferring to have in the rotation will be making league minimum for most of this deal, this contract is not outrageous. I also don't see this as pushing anyone out of the rotation, unless we sign CC. If that happens (which most everyone agrees is unlikely) and we have too many major league ready pitchers, is that the worst thing in the world?

Tangentially related, but showing the importance of having pitching depth, with Jaret Wright going on the DL for the Orioles, Jeremy Guthrie is expected to take over his start against the Royals next Tuesday. This is the only link where I saw it mentioned.

by Nat on Apr 13, 2007 12:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I want to clarify that I don't currently see Westbrook as our 5th starter. I wanted to make the point that even in three years if we have four pitchers better than him, I still think the deal would be worth it.

by Nat on Apr 13, 2007 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

It's a great signing but I'm hoping Jake is long gone before the end of the extension. That would mean that Miller, Carmona et al are tearing it up and Jake had to be moved for great prospects to make room for emerging talent.

by exileincincy on Apr 13, 2007 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

There is zero chance Westbrook is traded this season.

by Jay on Apr 13, 2007 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I meant by the end of the 3 year extension. I assume he's here for at least for this year and next.

by exileincincy on Apr 13, 2007 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

From Bud Shaw of the Plain Dealer:

"Incentives and significant trade protection were perks for Westbrook, who has 200-inning dependability, 44 wins in the last three years and even more reliability as a teammate."

I haven't read the official deal, but this indicates that the Indians probably don't have a lot of room in moving Westbrook (at least to an open market, I might guess that Westbrook would at least have a say in where he could be traded to).

by hans on Apr 14, 2007 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I have to say, though I think he is a good pitcher, I dont really like CC all that much. Eventhough its "easier" to replace Hafner, Id try to extend him next. Based on CC comments it appears he wants to get paid, which is his right to.

by Gladiator on Apr 13, 2007 12:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Why no love for CC? Are you afraid he might devour your infant? See http://www.bat-girl.com/archives/001817.php

by oxforddave on Apr 13, 2007 12:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

CC and Zambrano will probably command about the same type of money.

by Tribe Alive on Apr 13, 2007 12:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Let's give a guy some credit to for not bolting out the door on us like so many others have done. Kudos Jake Westbrook, you have gained even more respect from me.

by Roger Dorn on Apr 13, 2007 12:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Oh and since I will complain ceaselessly about a guy like Thome, big ups to Westbrook for signing.

It's nice to know there are some guys who will say they want to stay in Cleveland, mean it AND leave some money on the table to make it happen.

by rog on Apr 13, 2007 1:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

FWIW, baseball prospectus' projections have westbrook's 08-10 seasons worth $24.5 mil of market value (ERA's: 4.28, 4.33, 4.53). not sure whether this past offseason's bonanza of spending on middling starting pitchers factors into their 'inflation' or market value predictions.

i guess i will go on record as being pretty ambivalent about this deal. he is being paid the market rate. westbrook probably sacrificed a year or two of contract length compared to what he could get as a FA, in exchange for eliminating any risk that he would get injured or stink out the joint this year. so it's not like one side really fleeced the other or anything. i guess my issue with it is, when you are a mid/small market club like the tribe, do you really want to be paying big dollars for average performers? obviously we don't know how this deal fits in with the overall budget, but just as obviously the team has limits on what it is willing and able to spend. given finite resources, i'd rather be paying market rates for superstar level talent (pronk, CC) and taking chances either on the young guys (miller, carmona, lofgren, lewis all in the pipeline in the next couple years) or doing short-term deals in the FA market. yes, this approach is a little more hit (millwood) or miss (johnson). but as a lower-budget club in a tough division, i feel you need to be more creative and take more risks -- not give long-term deals to 'innings-eaters' like westbrook.

by kritz on Apr 13, 2007 1:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I like the signing very much. Also, I don't think it effects negotiations with CC or Pronk, except in the sense that it may show that the Tribe is committed to winning.

Question: I could be wrong, but unless something changes will Jake's 11,000,000 next year be the most salary paid to an Indians player ever in one season? Maybe someone like Juan Gonzalez made over 10 mill in his first go round with the Tribe (I think that was a one year deal for 10 mil) but I don't think its happened too often. Certainly, it will make him the highest paid pitcher in team history on a per/season basis... until/unless they sign Sabathia of course.

by DaytonDogg on Apr 13, 2007 2:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

That is correct. Juan Gonzalez is the only player to whom the Indians have ever paid a $10 million salary.

by Jay on Apr 13, 2007 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Wow, I'm shocked. I did not expect to see Jake sign this cheap. Looks good to me...CC was leaving whether we signed Jake or not. Now, let's get Hafner locked up this December, and we'll be in great shape.

by Kos on Apr 13, 2007 2:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I'm really excited about the extension, I think it's a pretty good deal financially for both sides. I could definitely see the Hafner negotiations getting a kick-start since it's obvious the FO is willing to give a raise to their standout players. Signing Westbrook is a huge plus in maintaining the stability of the rotation, I feel a lot better about having Carmona and Miller step in now that Westbrook is going to be there to help anchor the middle.

As far as this affecting Sabathia's contract, I would have to agree that he will be getting something comparable to Zambrano's contract. Sabathia already has one foot out the door though, so I'm kind of resigned to that fact. I wouldn't trade him though; too soon and you severely damage the team's chance to contend, but too late and you won't be getting a good return of value. Better to keep him for a championship run, in my opinion.

by Pronk33 on Apr 13, 2007 3:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I completely agree with you. CC has one foot out the door anyway.

by Gladiator on Apr 13, 2007 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I am excited about this as well. It may finally get rid of the detractors who always talk about how cheap the organization is. I wonder how this move will be greeted by the local press. It certainly is exciting to me.

Wait 'til next year... or something like that

by fwembt on Apr 13, 2007 3:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I doubt they'll get any credit -- people who are only half paying attention are only impressed by shiny new toys. The organization that maintains a core of veteran talent while developing great young talent won't get praised -- it's just too subtle.

by Jay on Apr 13, 2007 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

With all the excitment of signing Jake at market value, what is market value for Pronk? The most obvious comp IMO is Papi. He is signed for the next 3 years at $12.5 per. Is it likely the Tribe will pony that cash up for a DH? My gut says "no".

by dvd1204 on Apr 13, 2007 4:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I think Pronk is very signable depending on if the front office gives up on Sabathia. If we can get him around Ortiz money, it wouldn't be such a significant amount over his current salary that our payroll would take too much of a hit. Again a 3 or 4 year deal would be ideal.

by Roger Dorn on Apr 13, 2007 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

If Hafner were to turn down a David Ortiz type deal, I would be shocked. Ortiz is about as close a comparison as you can get for Hafner, so it really would be a fair deal, especially coming from a small market team. I would hope Hafner and his agent would see the value in a contract proposal such as that.

by Pronk33 on Apr 13, 2007 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I really hope they get a deal done with him. I'm not afraid of him turning an Ortiz deal down, I'm afraid of him not getting offered an Ortiz deal and thus going FA looking for one.

by dvd1204 on Apr 13, 2007 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Ortiz's deal was more generous than it appeared. When he signed in April 06, the Red Sox had a $7.75 million option on him for 2007. They replaced that option with a four-year deal, 2007-2010, for $52 million. So in essence, they picked up the option and gave him a three-year extension for $44.25 million. The Indians will not do that.

As generous as that was, though, what Ortiz did two years earlier was far more generous. Entering into his walk year in 2004, he agreed to a two-year extension for a paltry $12.5 million -- and even threw in that $7.75 team option for 2007! So keep that in mind -- Ortiz signed away his first three years of free agency for a mere $20.25 million, only $12.5 million of it guaranteed.

by Jay on Apr 13, 2007 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

CC = future yankee....hate those $#@%@$@

by Gladiator on Apr 13, 2007 4:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I really think he'll go to the West Coast ... Angels, A's, Padres, Dodgers, Giants ... he is a Cali guy.

by talonk on Apr 13, 2007 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I think the Angels are really the only west coast team that would be willing to shell out enough cash to get Sabathia.

I posted a while back about how the Dodgers and Giants are already weighed down by huge contracts for starting pitchers (Schmidt and Zito) and probably can't pursue another one. I really don't see the A's or Padres going after him either, given the current strength of their staff and more limited funds.

by Pronk33 on Apr 13, 2007 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

The Giants will have Bonds contract off the books by then (and a whole bunch of their other old folks as well). Shouldn't be a problem for them.

Schmidt signed a four year deal? This would take place halfway into that one, not really an issue there.

The A's will be moving into a new park in 2009/2010 so I think they could handle one or two years of a contract like that.

The Padres? Don't know their contract status, but I don't think they have many big ticket items right now.

by talonk on Apr 13, 2007 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

NY Mets, perhaps?

Hello everyone,

If CC wants to go to the NL to bat, and no NL West Coast team wants to pay for him, perhaps the Mets are a viable option for him? The Yankees and Red Sox are sure to be on it too, but the Mets would be able to offer him the opportunity to bat, something the other two couldn't.

Just my 2 cents. :-)

Go Tribe! :-)

by indiansfan on Apr 13, 2007 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: NY Mets, perhaps?

CC's hitting ability, coupled with his large frame, creates a bit of a paradox.
Recall the game in 2005 in San Francisco, when he capped off a triple with a bulldozer slide into 3B.

If you were paying him Zito money to pitch, how could you watch him run the bases, without reciting, "Please, dear God, not the hamstring!"?

by CaptainEasy on Apr 14, 2007 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It will be interesting to see where he winds up!

Hello CaptainEasy,

That's a good point - it makes me wonder where he'll wind up - AL or NL?

I still hope it's with the Indians, even if it's a long-shot at this point.

Go Tribe! :-)

by indiansfan on Apr 14, 2007 1:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

yeah thats true, i forgot about that

by Gladiator on Apr 13, 2007 4:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

I could see CC going to an NL West team...I think he'd relish the chance to get some at-bats. :)

by AdverbHarry on Apr 13, 2007 4:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

some comments at blog.cleveland.com regarding the signing are quite harsh. Westbrook getting 11 million in THIS MARKET, is a good signing for the Tribe

by Gladiator on Apr 13, 2007 4:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Westbrook Extended

Some people will never be happy.

by zempf on Apr 13, 2007 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unless they pay for Santana first!

Hello everyone,

I don't mind the Westbrook deal - I think it's a solid move. If it doesn't impact our ability to resign CC, all the better (even though I too am thinking that CC is likely gone, though he might have been gone anyway even if the Westbrook deal hadn't been completed.)

Gladiator - CC could be a future Yankee, but the Yankees might sign Santana first. Unless they sign both of them, or quite possibly, Santana signs with one of the Yankees or Red Sox, and Sabathia signs with the other. I suppose SF or LA could be in Sabathia's future as well if he is really wanting to move back to the West Coast.

Just my 2 cents. :-)

Go Tribe! :-)

by indiansfan on Apr 13, 2007 4:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs