Comments on: White Sox have discussed extension with Chris Sale

By: Kevin S.

Kevin S. — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:14:38 +0000

He has less leverage than Trout for a long-term deal, but it was pretty clear that whole “ask Trout how much leverage he has as a non-arbitration player” was referring to Trout only being renewed for $20k over the minimum, not his ability to work out an extension buying out arbitration and possible FA years.

By: paperlions

paperlions — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:09:45 +0000

Sale actually has far less leverage because 1) he isn’t as good, and 2) injury rates for pitchers are sooooo much higher, that if the WS extend Sale now, there is a good chance they’ll be paying more than if they went year-to-year. In contrast, even though Trout will regress, he performance should vary less and his risk of significant injury causing the loss of 1+ seasons during the next 4 years is tiny compared to any 23 yr old starting pitcher. Teams know both of these things and would act accordingly….of course, agents know them too….meaning Sale should be happy with a smaller/shorter deal than Trout should.

By: Reflex

Reflex — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 06:59:51 +0000

Fully agree. He’s another Inverted W pitcher, so yeah TJ surgery is highly likely in his case. If he can get a guaranteed contract now, he should jump on it.

By: unclemosesgreen

unclemosesgreen — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 03:25:24 +0000

You are right, sir, factually. However, as far as exagerating to make a point on the internet goes, I am holding trump cards. They are somewhat different cases.

To state exactly what I meant, Chris Sale has marginally more leverage than Mike Trout, but will continue to be similarly underpaid for the time being.

By: Kevin S.

Kevin S. — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 02:51:12 +0000

Trout and Sale are two different cases. Negotiating a single, pre-arb year gives the player absolutely no leverage – he takes what the team gives him. Negotiating an extension gives the player much more leverage. He has the ability to go year-to-year and deny his team cost certainty if they do not meet his price. Obviously the team is still in a stronger position, but the player isn’t completely powerless.

By: unclemosesgreen

unclemosesgreen — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 01:42:03 +0000

Last year in my friendly neighborhood mixed-league auction I spent my last dollar on Gerardo Parra as a second reserve outfielder while my buddy waited it out and ended up getting Chris Sale for a dollar. True story.

Sale should ask Mike Trout how much leverage he has as a non-arb eligible player.

By: paperlions

paperlions — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 01:34:50 +0000

Of course, the likelihood that he makes it through the next 5 years without injury or a decline in performance is small. Especially since most scouts seem to think with his delivery an TJ surgery is in his near future.

Injuries for young pitchers are so common, that if he can get a deal that just buys out his arb years, he should jump on it.

By: soobster

soobster — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 01:13:31 +0000

If he was smart he would wait for free agency. With all the lung studs getting hometown extensions of he hit the market he would blow their deals out of the water bc not many great young pitchers hit the market.