Dec. 27: Rangers place Zito deadline
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- December
- 27
I suggested yesterday the Mets issue a deadline to agent Scott Boras on Barry Zito. They have not, but the Texas Rangers did, saying they want something done by this weekend.
In an email to the The Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, owner Tom Hicks wrote: “We’ve made a very strong offer. If we don’t have agreement with his agent by this weekend, we will pursue other alternatives.”
Evidently, the Rangers fear the Yankees getting involved. If the Mets really want Zito, they should have the same fear. The only way Zito gets $100 million is in a bidding war, and the way to avoid that is to force Boras to a deal before the Yankees become an issue.
But the Mets have to play this carefully. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, and right now Boras only has one offer. If the Mets fear losing Zito to the Rangers, they should make a take it or leave it offer now. If not, and they believe Zito wants to come to them, they should wait out the deadline, then make one of their own.
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on Wednesday, December 27th, 2006 at 3:54 pm by LoHudBlogs.com Admin.
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I agree with you to the point of making the offer. I would then let them know that the team will start looking at other options at particular point and the offer could be taken of the table at that point.
I wouldn't worry about the Yankees get involved. If they do and the price goes out of the Mets range then so be it. We know that Boras will try his best to get them involved even if they are not really interested – isn't that what he did with Carlos Beltran?
I think this is the smartest move by Tom Hicks in recent memory—of course, that is not saying a whole lot. I agree with you John that Omar should do the same and I'm wondering why more owners don't take this kind of proactive stance with free agents and in doing so undercut the leverage of agents like Boras. Of course, it is a gamble, but is it worse to lose out on a free agent or two, or fork out a ridiculous amount that will cripple your team for seasons to come?
To Greg W.
That is correct, and it didn't work then, either. I'm with you. I don't see the Yankees getting into it for Zito. Personally, I know Zito is the best pitcher out there, but he's far from a dominating ace.
To Tropicalista …
I think most owners are afraid to issue deadlines because they are afraid of being wrong. And, you're right. There have been a lot of teams hamstrung by a large contract that prevents them from doing other things later. The Yankees are one of the few teams with the resources to be able to live with a free-agent bust. So far, that's what they've done with Carl Pavano.
It makes me sick to my stomach just hearing the Yankee name attatched to the Zito talks. Anyway, I just do not see the Yankee's going after Zito. I thought they were dumping Johnson's contract to take on Sexson's. I hear Sexson's name linked to some trade talks. I also think the Mets and Omar should put out a competitive offer on the table and go after Zito now! I am not saying over spend like the 100mil rumored, but it has to be more than the "Oswalt" deal. If they have not got the offer out by now, I would hope to hear about it soon. Omar does not seem to be rushing this off season. He did say he was happy with the starters he currently had. How could you?
To Anon …
Omar has to say he's happy with his current rotation, even if he's not. To say otherwise would create a tone of desperation and make bargaining more difficult.
True, but other GM's and agents can see right through that as well. The fact is Omar seems to be in no rush and playing it cool. I do not see the Mets doing what the Rangers have did with the quick deadline. They need to be patient and if Zito wants to be a Met it will happen. If not then they will have until the trade deadline to get their man.