Last week on MetsBlog, Michael Baron reported via Newsday that soon to be free agent Matt Holliday, preferred to play for either the Yankees or Mets in that order.
Holliday’s agent is none other than Scott Boras. I can assure you that Holliday’s comments had more to do with money and less to do with a burning desire to play for New York. I’m sure that he and Boras are both acutely aware that the Yankees and Mets are ranked first and second in MLB’s highest payrolls. If Holliday really made those comments, it was merely a strategic move to start a bidding war and inflate his value.
This season you’ll be hearing about dozens of players who want to play for New York, accompanied by heart warming sentiments about how they grew up rooting for the Mets or Yankees.
Yesterday on WFAN, SI.com’s Jon Heyman said he believes the Mets would like to sign Holliday, and that he will most likely stay in the National League despite some heavy attention from the Yankees and Red Sox.
I have no problems with the Mets going after Holliday, however I am always skeptical of players who are motivated by the all mighty dollar and are looking for that big once in a lifetime payday.
Yesterday, Scott Boras compared Matt Holliday to Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira. Is he kidding me?
The Los Angeles Times writes the following,
“These guys are blue-collar superstars,” Boras said. “They don’t hit 50 home runs, but they’re complete players. They can give you something without swinging a bat.”
Teixeira signed with the New York Yankees last winter, for $180 million. Boras would not say what his asking price would be for Holliday, but he made clear he considered Holliday’s abilities in getting on base, hitting for power and playing superior defense similar to those of Teixeira.
“There are differences between hitters and complete players,” Boras said. “Matt Holliday is a complete player. There is, frankly, no one like him in the market.”
Obviously, Holliday won’t get anything close to $180 million dollars as far as a total package goes, no matter what Boras says, but he should be able to get a five year deal averaging $18 million dollars with an option for a sixth season.
I’m thinking that he ultimately signs for $90 to $100 million dollars… Probably $100 million so that Boras can pad his ego by telling his clients he landed a nine figure deal.
Does that sit well with most of you?
It seems like a steep price to pay for someone who really isn’t the true power hitter that we really need.
I believe Jason Bay would come for five years or less and his average salary probably won’t exceed $15 million dollars.
An even better option would be trading for the Colorado Rockies’ Brad Hawpe, who could be available. His career .283 BA, .377 OBP, .498 SLG looks pretty damn good when you compare those stats to either Bay or Holliday. The money we save can be used to secure a top of the rotation starter and an everyday catcher.
