Let's talk seriously about the Sox and Matsuzaka

onlyanumber

Before I start, let me openly say I am a Yankee fan. Always have been, always will. This is not a haha Red Sox suck post. I have tremendous respect for the Sox, their management and their fans. My dream every year is Sox vs Yankees in the playoffs with the winner going to the World Series. With that said...

The word is that the Red Sox and Boras/Matsuzaka are millions apart and the deal will probably not be signed. This brings up an interesting scenario:

1) Red Sox get their 51 million back.

2) Matzusaka becomes a complete free agent next season and can sign anywhere.

Questions for the Red Sox fans, and anyone in general who has an insightful opinion:

Was the absurd talk offer a way for the Sox to keep Matzusaka away from the Yankees?

Any thoughts to the rumors that MLB is giving hell about the obnoxious contracts being signed this off season?

Will Matzusaka (if he doesn't sign by Tuesday/Wednesday) even consider the Sox next season?

Will this affect the Yankees talk offer to Igawa I.E. Will the Yankees still try to sign Igawa?

If the Sox don't sign Matzusaka, will they still deal Manny? Will they go after Zito?

Let's hear some thoughts.

softparade

I think when it comes down to Thursday the Sox will sign Matsuzaka. The Sox will have to up their money and Boras will have to lower his to meet at a agreement. Also, Matsuzaka is not a full blown FA until 2 years from now if I am not mistaken. I am under the impression that if the worst case happens and he is not signed he will be put into the bid posting mess again next year.

As much as I would love the Red Sox to really slip up and trade Manny I don't think that will happen unless the Sox are blown away by a impressive small group of prospects.

The scuttlebutt around the Yanks is that they are interested in Igawa taking on a much needed lefty bullpen slot. But who knows with that one..... the Yanks have some serious gas throwing youngsters nearly ready to crack the big club.

onlyanumber

From what I've heard, the Sox have to have a deal in place and Matzusaka has to have a physical before the deadline...They have to get this done before Thursday, so they really only have less than 72 hours.

Connecticoin

Boras is being a pr*ck and trying to convice the Red Sox that Matsuzaka's marketing value is worth another $60mil on top of the $51 mil. Such marketing value is illusory, which was the case when Boras duped the Rangers into paying $25 mil per year for A-Rod (of which they are still paying $9 mil per year for NOTHING).

yankeeno7

<< <i>Boras is being a pr*ck and trying to convice the Red Sox that Matsuzaka's marketing value is worth another $60mil on top of the $51 mil. Such marketing value is illusory, which was the case when Boras duped the Rangers into paying $25 mil per year for A-Rod (of which they are still paying $9 mil per year for NOTHING). >>



This is this a kind of thing that makes Boras such an animal at the negotiation table. He is willing to lose and sacrifice one year of a player if he knows he can get more an maybe an extra couple of years tacked on to a contract. He doesnt care what the Bosox have invested or what it will cost them. He is concerned only for HIS client (and his own pocket for his percentage). Though...he will use that bid as leverage.

We also know this will have to be a multi-year deal. Boras won't be risking injury on a one year contract.

It will be a huge failure if the Sox cant get him signed. I could work out horribly if he came into the majors signing with another AL EAST team. Yankees, Blue Jays, and Orioles would be all over that!

I agree with Dan...Igawa will be left handed middle relief. Maybe a future starter but probably not this year and maybe even not next. It appears he could fit well in a needed starter situation if it came to that.

DaBigHurt

Well, Boras was able to convince those dopes at the Red Sox that JD Drew was worth $70 million for five years, so can he blame him for trying to maximize his D-Mat's value now?

D-Mat would probably command a salary in the vicinity of 5 years, $50-60 million if he was a free agent, so maybe it's in his best interest to return to Japan and wait until he's a true free agent. It's not like D-Mat or Boras would see a penny of the $51.1 million posting fee between the Seibu Lions nad Red Sox anyway.

softparade

<< <i>Boras is being a pr*ck and trying to convice the Red Sox that Matsuzaka's marketing value is worth another $60mil on top of the $51 mil. . >>



The Red Sox should never have bid 51 million if they weren't ready to pay "D-Mat" himself. Boras does not care what the Red SOx think he is worth. The very fact that the Sox paid what they did to negotiate with him was the biggest mistake. In Boras's eyes, how do you pay the piper just to talk to him and then not pay the piper to sign him.

DaBigHurt

People can hate on Boras all they want, but the bottom line is, he's the best agent in the business. PERIOD!

His job is not to get a good deal for the ball club or its fans. His job isn't to make nice with the media or leak them information. His job is to get his players top dollar and that's what he does.

If the Red Sox expected some sort of discount because they're suppose to pay $51.1 million to sign away D-Mat, they're dumber than we all thought. Would it surprise anyone that Boston never had any intention of signing D-Mat in the first place and was just c_ckblocking?

Bosox1976

It would be a ludicrous leap of faith to pay DMat the money that Boras says is commensurate with one of the top 5 pitchers on earth - yes, he pitched very well in the WBC - but let the kid earn that honor the way the real top 5 have. After this posturing is over, you will see the Sox add on incentives to their offer (and a little more guaranteed money) that would make big $ available for performance.

Boras and Theo have a pretty good working relationship - this deal will get done. The money means too much to his former team, the Sox need him, and Boras stands to be a goat or a hero for Japanese prospects looking for agents.

ctsoxfan

<< <i>The word is that the Red Sox and Boras/Matsuzaka are millions apart and the deal will probably not be signed. >>



Word? From where? Ilovetheyankees.com?

This is normal, and to be expected, from Boras - as a few people have already mentioned. From the time this deal was even conceived, everyone knew it would come down to a deadline signing. Matsuzaka wants to pitch in the US this season, Seibu Lions want the 51 million, Red Sox want him, and even Boras wants his cut. Not to mention, if Matsuzaka goes back home, he looks greedy to his fans in Japan - and no matter what you think of Boras now, can you imagine how he will be percieved as the guy who delayed Matsuzaka's dream over a few million dollars?

It's going to happen, and it's going to cost Boston a lot of money.

DaBigHurt

I believe he got the information from that well known Yankee loving Web site, www.bostonherald.com

Tumblin’ Dice: Sox’ talks with Matsuzaka break down
By Michael Silverman
Boston Herald Sports Reporter
Sunday, December 10, 2006 - Updated: 04:35 PM EST

Negotiations between the Red Sox [team stats] and Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka have essentially broken down, a source familiar with the talks said late last night, adding that unless there is an abrupt change of course, Matsuzaka will not be signing with the Red Sox before Thursday’s midnight deadline.

Attempts to reach Matsuzaka’s agent, Scott Boras, were unsuccessful last night. However, the well-placed source blamed Boras for stubbornly being unable to get over the flaws in the Japanese posting system, saying that he has been unwilling to negotiate and that he has acted disinterested in even making a deal.

With five days left to negotiate, this high-stakes process still has plenty of time to take any number of twists and turns and it should be noted that the source conceded there is still time for things to change. Still, the mood is dire enough that the Red Sox want to temper fans’ expectations over their ability to land the lavishly praised 26-year-old right-hander.

The Red Sox’ winning $51.11 million bid to the Seibu Lions last month gained them exclusive negotiating rights with the player.

His acquisition would represent a tremendous coup on many levels for the Red Sox, from a strictly on-the-field aspect of making their rotation one of the best in the game, to keeping him from the Yankees, and not to mention the revenue streams that would be opened up with the club’s increased presence in the Far East.

The U.S.-Japanese posting system is a complex and poorly understood process ripe for an overhaul. Still, it is the reality that both sides have to deal with right now and, among other things, it leaves Boras in the unusual position of having to negotiate with only one team.

Long accustomed to negotiating with “multiple teams” in order to garnish rich contracts for his extensive client list, Boras has chafed from the beginning about the inequities of this system and has hinted repeatedly that the process will end either in Matsuzaka signing with the Red Sox or with Matsuzaka declining and having to go back to Japan.

The Lions will not receive a penny of the $51.11 million if Matsuzaka does not sign. The Red Sox sent their president and CEO, Larry Lucchino, to Japan to speak with the Lions last month, and Lucchino spoke then of the “comprehensive” offer the Red Sox had made to Matsuzaka. Lucchino also spoke of his desire for the Red Sox to strike a long-term working relationship with the Lions.

It is believed that the Red Sox’ initial offer was for somewhere between $7 million and $8 million a year for between four to six years, while Boras was asking for approximately $15 million a year. It is unclear if counterproposals have been exchanged yet but if they have, the source told the Herald last night that neither side has made a significant move toward a common ground.

At the winter meetings last week in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Boras spoke of the challenges of the posting system:
“For that system to operate,” he said, “there has to be participation among all the parties and if the situation is looked at in one direction or selfishly by any of the parties, then it’s not going to work.”

softparade

<< <i>I believe he got the information from that well known Yankee loving Web site, www.bostonherald.com

>>



This stuff is all over the Boston papers. A five second search is all you need. I don't know why Jerry feels the need to knock the Yankees with EVERY post.

Jer, come on .... you are as bad or worse then any Yankee "koolaide" drinkin fan

softparade

<< <i>
It's going to happen, and it's going to cost Boston a lot of money. >>



Yep .... 100 million plus to get him into a Sox uni ....

ctsoxfan

<< <i>

<< <i>I believe he got the information from that well known Yankee loving Web site, www.bostonherald.com

>>



This stuff is all over the Boston papers. A five second search is all you need. I don't know why Jerry feels the need to knock the Yankees with EVERY post.

Jer, come on .... you are as bad or worse then any Yankee "koolaide" drinkin fan >>




I know it's in the Boston papers - and similar articles have been floating around for at least the last 10 days. It's not big news, actually - and, if you read some of the other articles in the Boston press, you see that the implication is that the Red Sox are actually using these type of articles as leverage against Boras, painting him to be the roadblock to a deal. It's all normal, and it was expected.

DaBigHurt

Manipulating the media to your advantage during contract negotiations is nothing new, but I wonder what makes the Red Sox think such a tactic would possibly work against Boras - if in fact that's what they're trying to do right now.

A761506

While Boras is certainly manipulating this entire thing, trying to work the contract for bigger dollars, the pitcher himself is the one who is getting screwed over, whether he realizes it or not. Baseball players careers are very short, and every single lost year of playing time at the MLB level is irreplacable. Playing in MLB is a much more significant accomplishment than playing in the Japanese leagues, it is the world's greatest stage when it comes to baseball. Sadaharo Oh is considered the greatest Japanese player, but we'll never know how good he really was because he never played against the best possible competition.

I think the kid should chime up, as I highly doubt he wants to spend another season playing in Japan when he could be here, and when it comes right down to it, if he cares more about making more that $6-7M a season (as Boras does because he probably doesn't give a crap what Matsuzaka really wants, and just put the big dollar signs in his head), then the guy is an idiot. If he goes back to Japan, gets injured, gets shellshocked from a liner back at his head, pitches poorly or anything else like that, he can kiss the big bucks goodbye for good.

While I am all for capitalism, I hate the way Boras operates. I think he's overly greedy, and I think he'll talk a player into a situation that is not as ideal for them as an alternative option just so he can make an extra buck at the end of the day.

Baseball needs a salary cap as well as a cap on length of contract terms (No contract should ever be allowed to go beyond 4 years). No foreign player should be allowed to enter MLB in any other way than through a draft. The posting system is horrible, unfair and absolutely needs to go. It's time the owners put their foot down, team salaries need to be controlled which would help keep ticket, concession & parking prices at affordable levels for the average fans and their families. MLB needs to crack the players union before it gets much further out of hand.

ctsoxfan

Boras is trying to scare the Sox front office, and the Sox front office is placing the blame on Boras for holding things up. Nothing new here. Boras's only leverage is time. He wants the Red Sox to think he can convince Matsuzaka to go back to Japan. There is little chance of that actually happening IMO. It would mean Matsuzaka has to hold off on his dream of pitching in the US for two years (possibly risking an injury and no mega-payday down the line). The decision would anger the Seibu Lions, the team to which he would return (they lose out on $51.1 million), and would not look good to their fans (to whom Matsuzaka gave a farewell speech recently).

At some point on Wednesday evening, Matsuzaka (who is here in the US right now, waiting this out) will tell Boras: "Alright, that's enough, now get this deal done." The Red Sox will likely increase their offer to $10M a year or so (shouldn't he get Gil Meche money at least) and everyone will be smiling during the press conference on Thursday.

DaBigHurt

Just how exactly is Matsuzaka suppose to injure himself pitching if he's not pitching for the Seibu Lions next year?

By the way, it's only one year he has to wait until he's a free agent.

A761506

There is no question he will be playing baseball in some fashion over the course of the next year, whether it be for the Red Sox, Lions or somewhere else, the guy isn't just going to sit on his ass for a year and let his arm get out of shape. And every single time he plays, he risks a sports related injury. A huge reason many pitchers who have the talent/skill to pitch in the majors don't make it is due to injury, whether it be an injury they suffered while in the minors and could never fully recover from, or an injury at the pro level that finishes off their career shortly afterwards. There have been a lot of promising arms that have fallen by the wayside over the years because of injuries. A power pitcher whose arm and legs can hold up for 10+ years is a true rarity. This guy is playing with wildfire if he doesn't wind up signing this week. It would be a tremendous miscalculation by both him and Boras.

DaBigHurt

<< <i>There is no question he will be playing baseball in some fashion over the course of the next year, whether it be for the Red Sox, Lions or somewhere else, the guy isn't just going to sit on his ass for a year and let his arm get out of shape. And every single time he plays, he risks a sports related injury. A huge reason many pitchers who have the talent/skill to pitch in the majors don't make it is due to injury, whether it be an injury they suffered while in the minors and could never fully recover from, or an injury at the pro level that finishes off their career shortly afterwards. There have been a lot of promising arms that have fallen by the wayside over the years because of injuries. A power pitcher whose arm and legs can hold up for 10+ years is a true rarity. This guy is playing with wildfire if he doesn't wind up signing this week. It would be a tremendous miscalculation by both him and Boras. >>



Theo? is that you?


You're making it sound like the Red Sox are actually doing Matsuzaka a favor by throwing him a lowball offer of $7 million a year when the likes of Meche just signed a 5-year deal for $55 million and Jason Marquis is going to ink a 3-year $21 million deal.

The bottom line is, Boras knows what Matsuzaka is worth in the open market next year. Just like he knew an injury riddled JD Drew can walk away from guaranteed Dodger money for the riches of Boston, he knows the Red Sox are not even offering Matsuzaka a fraction of what he can get from other clubs next year.

Am I saying he won't sign with Boston? No, but Boston better wake the hell up and pony up the cash if they want to bring him into the fold. Leaking news to the media be damned.

Barndog

<< <i>There is no question he will be playing baseball in some fashion over the course of the next year, whether it be for the Red Sox, Lions or somewhere else, the guy isn't just going to sit on his ass for a year and let his arm get out of shape. And every single time he plays, he risks a sports related injury. A huge reason many pitchers who have the talent/skill to pitch in the majors don't make it is due to injury, whether it be an injury they suffered while in the minors and could never fully recover from, or an injury at the pro level that finishes off their career shortly afterwards. There have been a lot of promising arms that have fallen by the wayside over the years because of injuries. A power pitcher whose arm and legs can hold up for 10+ years is a true rarity. This guy is playing with wildfire if he doesn't wind up signing this week. It would be a tremendous miscalculation by both him and Boras. >>



I agree 100%. I think he makes about $3 million a year in Japan. If he is thinking about walking away from a guaranteed payday of close to $50 million (I figure it will end up being an offer of around 10-11 million a year) and risk an injury while playing his last year in Japan, he's a fool. He will not sit out a year, that is not even an option.

WinPitcher

2) Matzusaka becomes a complete free agent next season and can sign anywhere.


He does not get his free agency until 08, The Lion's can re post him though again next year.


not sure if that was mentioned already as i did not read all the posts.


Steve

Barndog

I think the Red Sox would go ahead and bid over sixty million next year if Boras snubs their offer this year. I still think a deal gets done this year.

ctsoxfan

<< <i>By the way, it's only one year he has to wait until he's a free agent. >>



No, it's two years - as Steve mentioned above. He can try and go through the posting system again next season, but it is expected that changes will be made to it before then, and Seibu would have to agree to it. It is possible that under a new posting system, that Seibu would not get all of the 51M that the Sox bid this time. So, there is incentive there from his old team to get this done.

And, I read that if Matsuzaka goes back to Japan, and pitches (of course he will pitch, and thereby risk an injury - its always a possibility), he stands to make only 3.5M this season there. He stands to make a lot more, obviously, in Boston.

A761506

<< You're making it sound like the Red Sox are actually doing Matsuzaka a favor by throwing him a lowball offer of $7 million a year when the likes of Meche just signed a 5-year deal for $55 million and Jason Marquis is going to ink a 3-year $21 million deal. >>

Gil Meche & Jason Marquis have both done something that Matsuzaka hasn't - they have pitched successfully at the major league level over a period of several years. Not many players will ever be in their positions during their entire career - experienced pitchers who have proven that they are capable of consistent pitching and winning games. I'm not saying they are the greatest pitchers in the league, but their experience speaks volumes. It takes a lot to make it in MLB, phenoms are phenoms until they have proven that they are as good as the hype. There have been plenty of minor league pitching sensations that just couldn't pitch successfully in the pros...

...so, going back to your statement... the Red Sox are doing this guy a huge favor offering him $7M a year. That's double his current salary, he'll be in the US major leagues which is the greatest stage in the world, and for a guy who has never thrown a pitch that's meant anything to any of us, I would hardly consider it lowballing him.

DaBigHurt

<< <i>Gil Meche & Jason Marquis have both done something that Matsuzaka hasn't - they have pitched SUCCESSFULLY at the major league level >>



Liar.

A761506

No one in baseball would give him $20M a year as a free agent. Most teams thought it was nuts to even commit $51M to him. He is a rookie pitcher entering the league, his market value is inflated at $7M. The guy would be an idiot to try to wait out until he gets $10-12M/year, he's not worth that much until he proves himself in the majors. The Japanese league is minor league baseball compared to MLB. He has a lot of proving to do first and foremost.

As to the Meche & Marquis comment:

I think it's so easy to lose focus on how spectacular of an accomplishment it is to make it to the majors and then be able to sustain for more than a couple seasons. One thing about card collecting is actually enjoying the cards, and make no doubt about it, there are plenty of players who have a grand total of 1 baseball card. Their names are not easily recognized, but go back and take a look at old baseball cards, particularly the ones like the Topps All-Star Rookies or the rookie combo cards... a lot of no name guys in that group who at one time were thought of very highly. Success at the MLB level is being good enough & healthy enough to stay there for more than a couple seasons. Gil Meche and Jason Marquis are both successful pitchers in my book. Not every pitcher can be Koufax or Gibson, but if you don't consider these guys successful pitchers, you've set the bar very high. There's very few guys who have lasted for 6 seasons of pro ball and thrown over 800 innings. That alone is a heck of an accomplishment, but add in the fact that they both have winning records.

softparade

Just a piece of a article written by Gorden Edes of the Boston Globe quoting Scott Boras.

"The fact that the Sox bid $51 million for Matsuzaka should not impact on how he is compensated," Boras said. "If all major league teams bid one dollar, this issue would not be an issue,'' he said. "The fact of the matter is, what major league teams choose to bid to acquire the rights to a player does not in any way impact on the two rights values -- one, the service rights, and the licensing rights he brings to a franchise. There is a viewpoint that this is an acquisition price. What it really is is a competitive exclusion price. Often when you choose to exclude all other franchises from the rights to a player, that is no different than privatizing a particular trade mart license, purchasing land, all those other things that you gain ownership for a reason. but it doesn't affect really what equitably is the second step, and that is, (the rights value).''

Boras has placed himself in the position of championing the rights of the Japanese player, which has helped to mitigate the perception that Matsuzaka is being greedy, according to Japanese reporters covering the negotiations. "Clearly,'' Boras said, "it was never contemplated that the posting sytem would deliver a value that would be almost the equivalent of 60-70 percent of a franchise value in Japan.''

Barndog

from espn.com:

Jim Allen, who covers baseball in Japan, writes:

<< <i>Regardless how far his agent has to go to secure the best deal for his client, make no mistake, this deal will get done. >>



Interesting perspective. Read it here

stown

<< <i>There is a viewpoint that this is an acquisition price. What it really is is a competitive exclusion price. Often when you choose to exclude all other franchises from the rights to a player, that is no different than privatizing a particular trade mart license, purchasing land, all those other things that you gain ownership for a reason. but it doesn't affect really what equitably is the second step, and that is, (the rights value).'' >>



Yeah, it's called earnest money and applicable to the purchase price.

Moron

Barndog

<< <i>

<< <i>There is a viewpoint that this is an acquisition price. What it really is is a competitive exclusion price. Often when you choose to exclude all other franchises from the rights to a player, that is no different than privatizing a particular trade mart license, purchasing land, all those other things that you gain ownership for a reason. but it doesn't affect really what equitably is the second step, and that is, (the rights value).'' >>



Yeah, it's called earnest money and applicable to the purchase price.

Moron >>



filthy rich moron, that Boras is.

Barndog

Epstein and Lucchino are in California this week trying to seal a deal. A bit more than 2 1/2 days to go before the deadline.

stown

OH. MY. FREAKIN. GAH!

Borass sez: D-Mat worth "well in excess of $100 million."

Bosox1976

...and Theo agrees. Just a question of counting the $51m or not. Probably not unrealistic to consider the posting money a "buyout" by DMat to his team, the same way buyouts work here.

Kind of ridiculous to pretend the Sox aren't paying that money just because it doesn't go to the player.

Seems to me to be roughly equivalent to paying exorbitant shipping on ebay, and lowering your bid accordingly to offset. Either way, you pay what an item is worth. (Although I completely understand that the Sox set the exorbitant "shipping price" in this example, not Seibu, Boras or DMat - hence a bump in the Sox offer being a reasonable accomodation)

softparade

Scott Boras -

“In Japan, he’s known as the national treasure,” Boras told some three dozen media representatives — nearly all representing Japanese outlets. “Here, he will be known as Fort Knox.”

Is it possible that Boras is DEMANDING a 100 million dollar contract for Matsuzaka ON TOP of the 51 million dollar posting big? Yes it is and the simple math puts the total Boston would spend at a WHOPPING 150 million ...... just unbelievable even in Yankee land ..... Scott Boras does not mess around and certainly does not give a rats a$$ about what the Red Sox think, about any disgrace that D-Mat may face in Japan if he does not sign. All he cares about is extorting every last penny that HE feels is owed his client.

WITH THAT SAID, my head tells me that there is just no way in hell that the Red SOx should bow to the demands of 150 million dollars. NO WAY ....... Boras will have to temper his demands for this to get done.

The big mistake the Red Sox did make was posting that ridiculous amount of money and then think they could low ball Scott Boras into thinking the posting bid had anything to do with his clients salary.

ctsoxfan

One thing is for sure - Boras sucks.

Of course, a lot of this is him creating leverage for himself where none existed, but a lot of what's going on is getting ridiculous. The Sox made an offer, and reports say Boras did nothing. So, the Sox brass (Henry, Lucchino, and Theo) went out to him last night, and had to raise their own offer - hoping D-Mat would at least be made aware of it. They also were supposed to meet directly with D-Mat last night, and Boras changed his mind and kept him away. Boras may be the best at squeezing every last dollar for his clients, but he's a liar (let's not forget his bold-faced lie during the Damon negotiations) and sometimes seems not to have his clients best interest at heart.

I still think it will happen, but the media circus is starting to roll now.

yankeeno7

But what do you expect when the Red Sox bid an absolutely ridiculous amount of money? Boras to roll over for 9 million? Red Sox have only put themselves in this situation. I would feel the same way if it were the Yankees. It was a stupid bid and now D-Mat will get stupid money.

Edited to add: This is a deal that could go down in history as the biggest salary weighdown in MLB history...even more than ARods when he signed with Texas.

stown

<< <i>sometimes seems not to have his clients best interest at heart. >>





I don't think Borass gets a penny for the "exclusive negotiation fee", hence the reason it wouldn't apply to the total contract dollars.

Barndog

latest from espn is Sox offer $8 million/year for six years and Boras wants $11 million/year for six years.

I think the deal is do-able, likely somewhere in between. If the Sox can spend $14 million on JD Drew, they can likely toss an extra million annually to Matsuzaka.

A761506

If a contract is reached at anywhere near either of those salaries, it could very easily become one of the worst signings of the entire off-season. Boston is taking quite a chance, mortgaging their future over the next 6 years on some guy who has no major league experience and is going to wind up costing them between $99-117M.

This is where the owners need some additional power, I'm not saying all out collusion, but something to that degree which would allow them to put an end to these hard negociating tactics employed by Boras. Until he is stopped, he will continue on like this in the future and ultimately could have a huge negative impact on the game down the road, he's close already with some of his previous and existing contracts.

Scott Boras is being permitted to destroy MLB's finances.

softparade

<< <i> This is where the owners need some additional power, I'm not saying all out collusion, but something to that degree which would allow them to put an end to these hard negociating tactics employed by Boras. Until he is stopped, he will continue on like this in the future and ultimately could have a huge negative impact on the game down the road, he's close already with some of his previous and existing contracts.

Scott Boras is being permitted to destroy MLB's finances. >>



Hey, wait a minute. I agree with most semtiments knocking the way Scott Boras operates but how can anybody pin this all on Boras? Don't forget the Red Sox are coughing up 51 MILLION dollars just to talk to the guy. Scott Boras did not have anything to do with that. All that did was galvinize the Boras camp to raise the stakes .... afterall Boston was willing to pay 51 MILLION for the right to negotiate .... obviously the Red Sox must think of him as a top top pitcher. And what do top top pitchers make? A hell of alot more then the Red Sox are offering.

Bottom line .... the Red SOx helped themselves tremendously getting into this mess.....

On top of that .... Red Sox brass are running around like chickens with their heads cut off not knowing what the hell to do. Flying cross country "unannounced" talking to the press after promising negotiations would be behind closed doors, complaining about Boras to the press when OWNERSHIP is the one who fed the beast with that 51 MILLION dollar posting bid.


Edited to add ..... the Red Sox already have let Boras RAILROAD them into giving J.D Drew 14 MILLION per year. Just ridiculous .... and now they are low balling a "supposed" ace of a pitching staff by offering almost HALF of what J.D Drew is getting? Red Sox ownership is a mess ....

ctsoxfan

<< <i>Red Sox ownership is a mess >>



Funny, I don't see it that way at all (it's a strange viewpoint). As far as this deal goes, Boston made an offer, which by all accounts, Boras basically ignored. So, as the deadline approached, it's like a game of chicken. The Sox ownership has taken the offensive, and gone to California, basically to try and show D-Mat they are serious about signing him. Again, Boras is slowing things down, keeping D-Mat away from the Sox representatives, and trying to create negotiating leverage where he really has none.

I think Sox ownership is making huge efforts this off-season to make this team better. They are spending money, upgrading the team where it needed it, and if this deal comes through, they will have assembled a very tough rotation for next season. Schilling said during the past year, that the Sox would spend some money on the team for 2007 (his last season), and he was right.

ctsoxfan

Latest reports are that Matsuzaka is headed to Boston with Boras today, along with Sox officials. A good sign.

bri2327

They are talking on the radio today about the league investigating the Red Sox.

It is the contention that the Sox had zero intention on signing this guy and their outlandish bid of $51 million was merely a tact to keep the Yankees from getting him.

If there is any truth to this, which personally I think there very well could be then bringing him to Boston today for the physical is just a ploy to act like they are serious about singing him.

Barndog

<< <i>They are talking on the radio today about the league investigating the Red Sox.

It is the contention that the Sox had zero intention on signing this guy and their outlandish bid of $51 million was merely a tact to keep the Yankees from getting him.

If there is any truth to this, which personally I think there very well could be then bringing him to Boston today for the physical is just a ploy to act like they are serious about singing him. >>



Yankees vs. Red Sox is a twelve month lovefest, isn't it?

softparade

<< <i>Latest reports are that Matsuzaka is headed to Boston with Boras today, along with Sox officials. A good sign. >>



I think we all expect Matsuzaka to sign...... after all of this and 100+ million gone from the Sox wallet this guy better be a top 5 type pitcher in baseball. There are Red SOx brass necks all strung out on a line with this one .....

ctsoxfan

<< <i>They are talking on the radio today about the league investigating the Red Sox.

It is the contention that the Sox had zero intention on signing this guy and their outlandish bid of $51 million was merely a tact to keep the Yankees from getting him.

If there is any truth to this, which personally I think there very well could be then bringing him to Boston today for the physical is just a ploy to act like they are serious about singing him. >>





Tell me you are not serious, please.

DaBigHurt

<< <i>If a contract is reached at anywhere near either of those salaries, it could very easily become one of the worst signings of the entire off-season. Boston is taking quite a chance, mortgaging their future over the next 6 years on some guy who has no major league experience and is going to wind up costing them between $99-117M.

This is where the owners need some additional power, I'm not saying all out collusion, but something to that degree which would allow them to put an end to these hard negociating tactics employed by Boras. Until he is stopped, he will continue on like this in the future and ultimately could have a huge negative impact on the game down the road, he's close already with some of his previous and existing contracts.

Scott Boras is being permitted to destroy MLB's finances. >>



Talk about misguided anger.

How is Boras destroying the finances of MLB when its the owners who agree to pay the contracts?

It's not Boras' job to keep the MLB's finances in check. His job is to get the best possible deal for his clients. If Kansas City is stupid enough to pay a Gil Meche $55 for 5 years, how is that the agent's fault?

ctsoxfan

Initial reports seem to indicate that Boras lost this one.

Don't feel too sorry for him, though.

softparade

The Boston Globe has a link where you can track the flight of Boras and company into Boston. And NY gets all of the over hype headlines

TRACK DA PLANE DA PLANE LOL

Barndog

<< <i>The Boston Globe has a link where you can track the flight of Boras and company into Boston. And NY gets all of the over hype headlines

TRACK DA PLANE DA PLANE LOL >>



gawd, I LOVE the hot stove season!