Dec 08 2008
Book It: K-Rod Will Be a Met
Update 12/9 6:15pm EST: It’s Official: K-Rod is a Met
I have spent probably two hours today reading stories just on the subject of K-Rod and the Mets. After sifting through the facts It does not take a genius to figure out that the Mets will more than likely land the record breaking closer. The only issue that remains is what price they will acquire him at. This is what we know:
- The Mets have offered K-Rod a 2-year deal with a third year option at $12 million per.
- Omar is doing a masterful job of providing the Mets with plenty of leverage in their negotiations. By meeting with Brian Fuentes and Trevor Hoffman it puts pressure on K-Rod and his agent to get the deal done because if the Mets sign Hoffman let’s say, who is going to give K-Rod his money?
- K-Rod was seen chatting inside the Bellagio with Mets VP of player development Tony Bernazard.
- K-Rod’s agent, Paul Kinzer, is fully aware of how the economic conditions have changed the marketplace for his client and apparently has done a great job in managing his clients expectations. A couple months ago he had Rodriguez convinced he would get a $75 million deal and now has him of the mindset that he will get something like $40 million (likely less) at the most.
My guess is Kinzer will respond to the Mets’ offer with some kind of counter offer - with something like oh I don’t know 3 guaranteed years at $11 million per- as long as the Mets are receptive and compromise a little on their original offer K-Rod will be a Met next season. Why am I so confident? Because for 2 hours today I tried to think of another team that would match the Mets offer and I cannot think of a single one. Can you?
Update 12/9 6:15pm EST: It’s Official: K-Rod is a Met
