Matsuzaka And Red Sox Far Apart On Negotiations

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Matsuzaka, Sox oceans apart -- Talks could affect other deals
By Tony Massarotti
Boston Herald Sports Columnist

Monday, November 27, 2006 - Updated: 06:44 AM EST

The Red Sox and Daisuke Matsuzaka still have nearly three weeks to come to terms on a contract, but preliminary indications are that the sides may have to overcome an initial gap as wide as the Pacific Ocean.

According to sources, the Sox’ initial proposal was roughly half of what the pitcher’s agent, Scott Boras, proposed. The most likely scenario is that the Sox proposed somewhere in the neighborhood of $7-8 million annually and Boras came in at roughly $15 million.

The length of the contract also could be an issue, particularly if Boras, as has been suggested, is lobbying for Matsuzaka to become a free agent after three years. Under the terms of the agreement between MLB and Japanese baseball officials, the Sox would own Matsuzaka’s rights for six years.

Earlier this month, the Red Sox won an auction for the right-hander’s rights with a winning bid of $51.11 million that went to the Seibu Lions. Should Matsuzaka not sign, he would return to Seibu and the Sox would reclaim all their money.

Depending on the outcome with Matsuzaka and what the team does with Manny Ramirez, the impact on the Sox’ other moves could be considerable. One of the primary reasons the Red Sox have expressed serious interest in J.D. Drew is that signing the free agent outfielder would allow them to more easily trade Ramirez for pitching and/or younger talent. The Sox could also look to upgrade the offense at other positions, like shortstop and second base.

Given the departure of Alex Gonzalez, who signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Reds last week, the obvious and best remaining target at shortstop is Julio Lugo, a career .277 hitter with good speed and some power. Lugo also is drawing interest from clubs as a second baseman, but, according to sources familiar with the player, he has a desire to play for the Red Sox.

While estimates on Lugo’s pricetag have varied, he could end up with $8-10 million annually, figures that would place him in the neighborhood of Orlando Cabrera ($8 million) and Edgar Renteria ($10 million). In the case of Cabrera, he is regarded as a far better defensive player than Lugo. Gonzalez, who made just seven errors and hit .255 in 11 games in his one season with the Sox, signed a three-year deal with the Reds worth a reported total of $14 million.

As for Ramirez, his availability on the trade market is obviously nothing new. However, the Sox’ ability to move him would seemingly depend almost exclusively on their ability to consummate a deal with Drew, who would require a minimum three- or four-year commitment in the $12-14 million per season range.

With Drew signed, the Sox could go with an outfield of Drew, Coco Crisp and Wily Mo Pena. Ramirez could then be used as a bargaining chip to address a collection of smaller needs, be they in the bullpen or on the bench.

Ramirez currently has two years remaining on an eight-year, $160 million contract he signed before the 2001 season. Though the deal includes roughly $4 million annually in deferred money, a team willing to take on Ramirez would still be held to a $20 million figure in computing payroll for the purposes of determining a luxury tax.

Thanks to the new collective bargaining agreement between the owners and players, the Sox could increase their payroll from roughly $135 million (in 2006) to $148 million (in 2007) without paying a tax.

Even the $148 million figure, however, makes it seemingly impossible for the club to have Ramirez, Drew and Lugo on the roster at the same time.

http://redsox.bostonherald.com/redSo...ticleid=169222

[dg7md]

I wanted the Rangers to get this guy, he's going to be one of the best pitchers in the game.

Anyway I'm sure things will be worked out between them knowing how high their payroll is.

[v2freak]

I know Gonzalez was injured, but I'm pretty sure he played more than 11 games..