Would You Do It?

[Copperfields]

Mr Boras has told a Houston television station that his client, Mr Beltran, is looking for a 10-year deal. That means he'd be wrapped up until the ripe old age of 37. And I imagine those aren't going to be ten cheap years.

Obviously, it'd be outstanding to have Beltran in Cubbie Blue for the next several years, but ten? I would think chances are high that 5-6 years down the road you'd have a Sammy Sosa II situation.

This could be a case of posturing/negotiating (ask for 10 years, settle for 6 insanely-priced seasons), but for me that's a deal breaker right off the bat.

Does anyone think that would be a good idea - for the Cubs or any other team?

David

[Demreb]

We don't have to look to far in the past to see another of Boras' clients being tied up for 10 years.

A-Rod was signed by the Rangers for 10 years at $25 million per. The Rangers thought they had a SS for the next decade. What they ended up with was no money for the other 24 roster spots. Once they were unburdened of the salary (thanks George S.) they were able to field a more complete team.

I would love the prospect of Beltran running around the outfield at Clark and Addison, but I agree with David - 10 years is too long.

While I don't necessarily agree with or like Boras, you can't blame him for asking. It's part of any negotiation. Ask for more than you're willing to settle for. Otherwise you may have been able to get more.

There are probably only 4-5 teams that could afford Beltran without falling into the same trap the Rangers did. But the beautiful thing about baseball is the constant stupidity of the owners to continually repeat the mistakes of their peers.

[Splinters]

To me, signing Beltran makes no sense because the Cubs already have an above-average CF in Patterson. Patterson will be due a raise, but he only made $480k last year. If they sign Beltran, they have to move Patterson to LF or RF where he immediately becomes below average.

If I were Hendry, I would rather spend my money on Renteria.

[Nick's Picts (archived)]

I don't think he gets 10 years even with George being in a snit over getting bounced by the BoSox. Six is more likely (as you suggested, David) wherever he ends up. On the outside he may get seven or eight, but I think all the owners are coming down from the sugar rush of 99-02.

As for being in Cubbie Blue, it won't happen. Hendry will screw the Cubs over by signing Nomar to a Bonifay-esque deal that sinks the budget to the point where they'll lose Prior and/or Zambrano when their payday arrives. It'll be Maddux-gate all over again.

Now Renteria getting half his ABs at Wrigley is something that makes the Picts' front office drool and ensures we don't get saddled with Nomar as he begins (?) his rapid descent into mediocrity. I like the way you think, Teddy.