8
2011
K-Rod Stuns Brewers, Accepts Arbitration
An article by Craig Lerner
Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, is reporting that former Met Francisco Rodriguez accepted the Brewers’ offer of salary arbitration on Wednesday night.
K-Rod had a $13.5 million dollar salary in 2011, and considering his solid season, he should fare well in arbitration. According to MLB rules, he cannot make less than 80% of his previous salary which in essence guarantees him $10.9 million.
The Brewers offered Rodriguez arbitration with the mindset he would turn it down and they would receive two high picks in the 2012 draft.
Now it looks like K-Rod could end up being the most expensive player on the Brewers’ roster next season, and one of the highest paid relievers this offseason in annual salary. Heath Bell just signed for $9M a year to close for the Marlins.
“We know going in there was a little bit of risk,” said Brewers general manager Doug Melvin. ”But it’s not a bad thing to have K-Rod back in the eighth inning and Axford in the ninth.”
Rodriguez, 30, thrived as setup man for the Brewers going 4-0 with a 1.86 earned run average in 31 appearances and held opponents to a .209 batting average. Including 42 outings with the Mets, he was 6-2 with a 2.64 ERA and 23 saves.
Still, $13M for a setup man is outrageous, and while K-Rod made a smart move, the Brewers got toasted on this one. Another disaster averted by the Sandman.
About the Author: Craig Lerner
I'm a data analyst and researcher for a leading news agency who loves life and is hooked on the Mets. I love following the Amateur Draft and have a particular fondness for the Mets Minor Leagues who I follow each day. Give me a cold beer, a summer day, and a Mets game, and I'm good to go.
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| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Mets | 27 | 40 | .403 | 12.5 |
| Marlins | 22 | 48 | .314 | 19.0 |
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Wow.
Since he can take them to arbitration court hearing and he has leverage since he actually pitched well above average last year, he’s probably going to due for an increase in salary by some weird twist.
The Brewers will likely offer the minimum 10.9 , K-rod’s camp will throw some higher number out there and he’ll end up with a ton of money regardless. The Brewers get no draft picks either.
I’m shocked.
By some strange coincidence, I had “I Started a Joke” by the Bee Gees on when I came across this story…hmm.
On a related note, I’d love to have K-Rod help me with my poker game, because he appears to be excellent at calling people on their bluffs.
LOL Alderson must be feeling good about that one
If this doesn’t prove KRod’s market wasn’t as big as some here suspected when the trade occured then I don’t know what will. Keep in mind, KRod is accepting arbitration from a team who already has a closer.
The only way this works for KRod is if he then demands a trade.
Reportedly KRod accepting arbitration could affect their pursuit of other free agents most noticeably SS Aramis Ramirez. When Doug Melvin was asked if KRod accepting arbitration eliminated them from signing Ramirez he said, “Possibly. I’ll take a look at it.”
They reportedly nearly signed LaTroy Hawkins but again cause of KRod they had to call the agent and ask for more time to see what KRod would do. Melvin told Hawkins agent, “I told Larry, if he’s got a chance to get a job, don’t walk away from one, …This stuff happens fast, and I don’t want any player to lose a job because we’re delaying something or whatever.”
They may try to trade him down the road because really who pays $13M for a setup guy other than the Yankees?