I think they got word of what he will be signing for. I still think this might have been a good gamble depending on the contract - but the contract probably got pretty high with all the other signings (padilla, eaton)
if anything, it gives your potential trade targets something to think about...
I agree - at the worst, JB could have raised mulders contract value for someone else.
I read an article about the GM for texas (name escapes me) that suggested that his only strategy at the winter meetings was to just pretend that he has interest in everybody - driving up the value...
from will carroll at bpro, who usually sucks but anyhow:
Quote:
Rumors of Mark Mulder to Arizona are interesting, but I could not get confirmation from either side. Mulder was initially expected to get a short, incentive-laden deal since he won't throw until next month, but he's now looking at up to three years. There's a possible high payoff, there and Josh Byrnes has been adeptly steering the Diamondbacks towards his vision for the team. A Mulder deal would be one way to solidify the rotation, though the D-Backs seem more likely to work the trade market right now.
3 years for Mulder? Won't someone please think of the children?
[edit]
more will carroll, same column, further down
Quote:
Who is Mark Mulder? That Ayn Rand kind of question is something that says a lot about the current pitching market. The Diamondbacks appear to be willing to take on all the risk of bringing Mulder in. Sure, they have three 200-inning guys now, and some prospects behind that, so Mulder could sit out the year and the team wouldn't die. A better scenario is getting a Matt Morris-type season out of him, limiting his innings and letting the bullpen carry a signifiant middle-inning load during his turn. The Diamondbacks medical staff is an ideal fit for this type of scenario.
Joined: 10 Aug 2006
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Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2006 11:14 pm Post subject:
Steve Gilbert weighs in...
Why are the Diamondbacks opposed to incentive contracts? It seems like an incentive-based deal would be a safer bet than shelling out guaranteed money for someone like Mark Mulder, who has a history of injuries.
-- Jack, Prescott Valley, Ariz.
The D-backs decided as an organization not to give out incentives in their contracts a couple of years ago. It's my impression that there are a couple of reasons for this. Incentives such as those for starts or innings pitched for pitchers or games and at-bats for hitters can prove to be a tricky thing because the players know what they need to do to reach the incentives, and it can cause problems if they are pinch-hit for or taken out of games after a certain number of innings, etc.
Let me give you an example. Last year, the D-backs skipped or pushed back pitcher Orlando Hernandez a couple of times during the early part of the year. Their thinking was that the extra rest would be good for him and help keep him fresh. But what it also did was hinder Hernandez's ability to reach certain incentives in his contract, which upset him and caused a ruckus in the clubhouse. So there's that hassle that the front office would rather not have. And it also makes it tricky to know what your budget exactly is if there are a number of players with a bunch of incentive clauses in their contract.
That said, I think you're correct that the best way to sign someone like Mulder, who is coming off a significant injury, is an incentive-based contract. The only option would be for them to do something similar to what they did with outfielder Jeff DaVanon last offseason. They had concerns about DaVanon's shoulder, so they made his salary for 2007 dependent on how many days he spent on the active roster. The only thing that made him "not active" in the eyes of the contract was days on the disabled list because of his pre-existing shoulder condition. So the D-backs could do something like that with Mulder, which would protect them if he reinjures his shoulder, but it wouldn't address whether or not he is effective.
It seems that while not giving out incentives makes a lot of sense, in cases like Mulder, having a rigid policy is not in the club's best interest.
Joined: 10 Aug 2006
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Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 8:50 am Post subject:
Well, I don't think they have the Budgeted dollars to make an offer to Mulder and Gagne at the same time. Mulder might come at a discount in in 2007 depending on whats there for 2008 & 2009....but he won't be free. And Gagne will cost over 5 million.
They only have between 3-8 million left in their budget, assuming they don't trade Eric Byrnes.
So like Levski said, if they sign Mulder, then they will probably trade for a reliever. If they don't sign Mulder, (or Fatboy Wells), then they might sign Foulke or Gagne and continue to look to trade for a starter, or just go with the kids in the 4 & 5 spot.
Man.....Mulder in Texas would suck for him. Chase is a hitters park too of course, but at least it's the NL and he can face the pitcher 2-3 times a game. Pitching in the most hitter friendly park in the DH league would be a very stupid move on Mulders part....UNLESS Texas gives him a guarantee of like 3 yrs 30 million or something, which wouldn't totally surprise me at this point.
I also think Clifton talking about the "strength" of the D backs offer was directed at Texas, to get them to up their offer.
Joined: 12 Nov 2006
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Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 11:16 am Post subject:
well its good to see at least some players think of where they are going to sign before hand
_________________
its all fun and games untill some loses an eye then its fun we cant see
As the Schmidt deal showed, money is not the only consideration, nor is length of contract: Schmidt had better offers on both fronts.
Location, location, location...
In which case, why wouldnt mulder pick a more pitcher friendly park? The only reason I could see is that maybe, since he has some GB tendancies he might like the defense here but Im not sure this years version is going to be really better than average. Mulder is in a make or break year, hard to see him not trying to sign a short deal in a good environment so he can cash in... that is if it is only "Location, location, location..."
Joined: 12 Nov 2006
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Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 11:45 am Post subject:
depends on the player some go for the money some look at location
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its all fun and games untill some loses an eye then its fun we cant see
Joined: 10 Aug 2006
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Location: San Francisco, California
Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 12:08 pm Post subject:
shoewizard wrote:
Well...if thats the case, he should stay in St Louis.
Pitchers park, better infield defense, especially at the corners.
I was just comparing TEX and ARI parks and environs. Mulder supposedly likes the youth movement ARI has got going on as well. And he's a Valley Resident®.
It looks as though JB and staff are being very careful and realistic about Mulder, so, whatever happens, I'm not going to panic.
Until it's too late.
_________________ Oops in the 2 hole!
Looking down the list of SP FA's, I noticed Estes. Is he retired? Or is he just not close to being recovered? It's just odd that there's been no mention of him, especially by us as we've tended to favor the medically questionable this offseason.
Looking down the list of SP FA's, I noticed Estes. Is he retired? Or is he just not close to being recovered? It's just odd that there's been no mention of him, especially by us as we've tended to favor the medically questionable this offseason.
estes had a tj surgery earlier this year. he's done for 07, maybe forever
Joined: 13 Aug 2006
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Location: worm factory
Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 8:51 pm Post subject:
B. O. N. D. wrote:
shoewizard wrote:
Prediction:
5 million for 2007, 8 million for 2008, Club Option for 2009 at around 9 million.
From what Mulder and his agent have said about the Diamondbacks' team and organization, direction, etc. AND the Valley Resident® aspect, Mulder would jump ALL over that deal.
I think they should take a chance on him, I really do.
Sounds like a fair offer. 13 mill guaranteed seems fair, since no way should he be counted on every 5th day next year even if we're in it, at the end. Mulder will probably fight to make it back. hopefully he takes caution with his own body/career. the money will always be there in the end, for his ability. Look Gil Meche just got 50 mil. His shoulder will probably be better by 08, than it was in 04.
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My wife is always trying to get rid of me. The other day she told me to put the garbage out. I said to her I already did. She told me to go and keep an eye on it
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Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:29 am Post subject:
Dallas morning news
Quote:
Mulder visits Arlington: Free agent left-handed pitcher Mark Mulder visited Arlington and Dallas today. Mulder and his agent, Gregg Clifton, spent some time at owner Tom Hicks' house. The Rangers have offered Mulder a contract, but the pitcher is likely to visit other teams before making a decision. Assistant GM Thad Levine, who would not comment on the negotiations, said he was impressed with Mulder. "He's an engaging person with a big competitive spirit," Levine said. "He believes and wants to make a significant impact on a team next year."
It's hard for me to believe that Mulder really wants to live in Texas and pitch in the most hitter friendly park in the AL. I am sure he's smarter than that. I hope that Josh holds firm at whatever offer he made, and does not get bamboozled into a bidding war with Hicks. If Mulder really wants to go to Texas, let him go. But I don't think he does, so if Clifton comes back and says Mark got offered more to play in Texas, call the bluff Josh. If it really is more, and he wants to go that way, you are not the loser anyway.
Mulder visits Arlington: Free agent left-handed pitcher Mark Mulder visited Arlington and Dallas today. Mulder and his agent, Gregg Clifton, spent some time at owner Tom Hicks' house. The Rangers have offered Mulder a contract, but the pitcher is likely to visit other teams before making a decision. Assistant GM Thad Levine, who would not comment on the negotiations, said he was impressed with Mulder. "He's an engaging person with a big competitive spirit," Levine said. "He believes and wants to make a significant impact on a team next year."
It's hard for me to believe that Mulder really wants to live in Texas and pitch in the most hitter friendly park in the AL. I am sure he's smarter than that. I hope that Josh holds firm at whatever offer he made, and does not get bamboozled into a bidding war with Hicks. If Mulder really wants to go to Texas, let him go. But I don't think he does, so if Clifton comes back and says Mark got offered more to play in Texas, call the bluff Josh. If it really is more, and he wants to go that way, you are not the loser anyway.
he goes there he will beg out of there just like A-Rod
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Not many D-Back fans in NJ.....
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Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 8:22 am Post subject:
The Mets and San Diego, in addition to St. Louis are the other NL teams talking to Mulder. I think he is just using Texas to up the ante.
From todays Trib:
By Jack Magruder, Tribune
December 13, 2006
Mark Mulder had some reading material on his plane flight to Dallas Tuesday morning – a contract offer from the Diamondbacks.
The D-Backs’ initial proposal was believed to include a modest guaranteed salary in 2007, with provisions that could increase the base salary, and at least two team options.
Mulder, who met with Texas representatives before returning to his Valley home Tuesday night, also is being courted by Cleveland, the New York Mets, St. Louis and San Diego as he prepares for his wedding on Saturday.
“It’s certainly a starting point,” agent Gregg Clifton said. “We look forward to having more dialogue with the Diamondbacks.”
“I’m sure we’ll reconnect at some point,” D-Backs general manager Josh Byrnes said.
“We’ll let them get back in touch with us and see how quickly they want to move. We’ll throw in a fondue set.”
The D-Backs acquired lefthanders Doug Davis and Dana Eveland from Milwaukee in the Johnny Estrada/Claudio Vargas trade but still are attempting to upgrade their staff with the $10-plus million they have to spend to get their payroll between $60 million and $65 million.
The Seattle Mariners agreed to pay former D-Backs righthander Miguel Batista more than $24 million in a threeyear contract, according to newspaper reports published Tuesday. The Seattle Times, Seattle Post-Intelligencer and The News Tribune of Tacoma reported that the deal will be announced after the 35-yearold pitcher passes a physical examination.
Before entertaining Mulder on Tuesday, Texas agreed to terms with reliever Eric Gagne, a move that could enable the Rangers to trade a reliever, perhaps closer Akinori Otsuka, for young starting pitching.
Texas expressed interest in D-Backs starters Dustin Nippert and Micah Owings at the winter meetings.
While the D-Backs will not talk about trade proposals for fear of tipping their hand, it is believed they have at least discussed parameters of a deal, if not made actual proposals, for Otsuka and Pittsburgh closer Mike Gonzalez, also on the market.
The D-Backs have at least inquired about virtually all of the names that have popped up in published reports, including A’s starters Danny Haren and Joe Blanton, the Pirates’ young starting group and free agent David Wells.
“We’ve at least touched base to see if there is any teeth” to the reports, Byrnes said. “We’ve checked on anyone who could be available.”
At the same time, Byrnes indicated that the price for the top young pitchers is similar to the package Colorado received for Jason Jennings, which is more than the D-Backs appear willing to pay.
A new group of players were added to the free agent pool Tuesday, the deadline for offering contracts to arbitrationeligible players. Seattle did not tender an offer to Joel Piniero, making him a free agent. Jason Bulger also was not offered a contract by the Angels.
Mulder, a Valley resident, already has received several other offers, including one from Texas, although his visit there Tuesday was more to give him the lay of the land.
Mulder was to meet with Texas owner Tom Hicks. The Rangers’ new manager, Ron Washington, was the third base coach at Oakland when Mulder was there.
SNAKE BITES: Arizona tendered contracts to all eight of its arbitration-eligible players – Eric Byrnes, Juan Cruz, Doug Davis, Orlando Hudson, Jorge Julio, Brandon Lyon, Jose Valverde and Luis Vizcaino. The 2007 salary of those players will be determined by an independent arbitrator unless the two sides can agree. … Reliever Keith Foulke has received several offers, although the D-Backs are not believed to have made one yet.
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