From Jason Stark's new coloum - Friday 19th Scott Boras is still telling teams the price tag on Carlos Beltran is 10 years, $200 million. But assuming that ever comes down, there is continuous buzz that the Astros are poised to make a serious run at keeping Beltran. Under Drayton McLane, the Astros have never signed a big-name free agent who wasn't willing to take a discount (a la Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and Jeff Kent). But McLane's friends report he was so caught up in October euphoria, he has a different outlook these days -- especially in Beltran's case. What I think he's realized is what it takes to win," said one baseball man who talks with McLane regularly. "When you bring in a guy like a Beltran, I think he realizes now what a guy like this means to a team's chance to win. I think you'll see him take a different tack. I don't see him slashing payroll." Wade Miller tidbit >> One NL executive who has spoken with the Astros reports they're getting a lot of inquiries about Wade Miller. Unfortunately, not all of them go: "Is he available?" There have been just as many that went: "Is he healthy?" And that's a question not even the Astros may be able to answer until spring training. But it isn't out of the question that Milller could get traded in the spring, depending on how the Astros' offseason shopping goes. Jason Stark
I don't think this is true. Did Doug Drabek and Greg Swindell give Drayton a discount? Unfortunately, those two are the only two other big-name free agents I can remember Drayton signing - and he got burned with those two.
Man I think good pitching is hard to find, I want Beltran, but Miller isa keeper also. The main concern for the astros is the bullpen, which should be addressed instead of messing with our stellar starting rotation.
well it's not exactly true, as you point out, but Stark is right about Drayton's current philosophy with free agents - and it all has to do with what you brought up. Drayton tried to make a splash when he first became owner by signing those two, but it completely backfired on him. As a result, according to basically everyone involved in the organization in the past, Drayton became very apprehensive about signing future free agents for big bucks. Rightly or wrongly, that unfortunate dabble into the free agent pool has haunted him ever since.
I thought I heard on the radio, within the last week or so, that Drayton has changed is outlook on spending now that he has seen the excitement and feel of a long playoff run. If this is true, I think he and the organization are really going to try to make another splash this offseason.
mogrod, I think the implied theme of what you (and I) heard about Drayton is that in this one instance, he is willing to go all out to keep Beltran. I am not taking this as a sign he has completely changed his prudent business practices forever. I think he realizes that Carlos Beltran is probably the most complete, gifted player this organization has seen since the original Cedeno. In fact, he is certainly in the top 10 of all baseball players right now, and may be in the top 5. He is the best free agent to hit the market since ARod, is just entering his prime, and almost singlehandedly got us into a World Series. Drayton is smart enough to realize what this guy could mean to the future of this team, especially with Bagwell and Biggio on their way out, and as such, he is willing to set aside his normal business principles to keep a talent who is anything but normal. But do not expect this to be a yearly occurance. A player like Beltran comes around once every decade or two for most teams, and that is what makes this courtship different in every way possible from our past forrays into the FA market. And, most likely, different from our future ones as well.
This is just the part of the article on Beltran: Beltran Although many industry sources believe he is essentially a lock to join the Yankees, people close to Beltran, 29, say the center fielder enjoyed his stint with the Astros enough to stay. The Cubs, Angels and Mets are showing interest, but nobody appears willing to give Beltran a 10-year, $200 million deal. The Cubs are trying to dump Sammy Sosa to make room for a contract like Beltran's. Top Astros officials viewed the Angels' clearing of payroll after the season as a sign Anaheim would go after Beltran. The White Sox were interested in Beltran, but general manager Ken Williams is on record as saying he will not sign any Boras clients. The Angels also have given indications they won't break the bank for Beltran. Conversely, new Mets general manager Omar Minaya is set to challenge the Yankees and Astros for Beltran. Despite several conversations, Boras and McLane have not exchanged figures. But McLane likes his chances. "I think we have a better opportunity than any other team," McLane said. "Carlos really likes the organization, got to know us personally. He likes our clubhouse, likes the players that make up the Houston Astros. He likes the city and the organization. "You know what? He knows he can make a monumental difference for our team. I think we really have a good opportunity. As with every other organization, there's a limit to what we can do. Just like the Texas Rangers overextended themselves with Alex Rodriguez. "I think the key time (with Beltran) will be the winter meetings," said McLane, who is prepared to go to those meetings in Anaheim from Dec. 10-13 if necessary. "When (the Rangers) signed Alex Rodriguez, that was the winter meetings in Dallas." If a deal cannot be worked out for Beltran, Boras will try to place free-agent outfielder J.D. Drew with the Astros. Veteran Steve Finley is another option for the Astros, who don't have anybody in the farm system ready to start in center field. Beltran, Kent, Clemens highlight offseason agenda And here's a piece from Richard Justice's column: Our first guest is C. Beltran, who asks: "Since the Astros just raised ticket prices and signed a fat new television contract, will the payroll be increased enough to re-sign a particular free agent?" No, the payroll won't be increased. Yes, there's going to be plenty of money for a certain free agent. As you can imagine, this is a sensitive topic for Astros owner Drayton McLane. Nevertheless, he says the payroll will remain at around $83 million despite the additional money. McLane says the new revenues will go toward paying down his debt. He says he has lost $133 million since buying the Astros in 1992. Combined with the $117 million purchase price, he's got a $250 million tab going. McLane's huge portfolio Only a cynic would point out that the Astros have been a nice investment despite the losses. Forbes places the franchise's value at $337 million, and some analysts believe McLane could clear more than $100 million if he sold the franchise. In practical terms, an $83 million payroll will still leave new general manager Tim Purpura some flexibility. Around $30 million has been committed to players under contract for 2005, and with Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman likely to make a combined $20 million, Purpura has enough money to sign Carlos Beltran, then acquire pitching help with what's left. Free advice for longtime listeners
This makes me mad. We're going to be paying more money for seats, yet there is going to be no increase in the payroll? I understand the man is in it for the money, but I'd think at least a small percentage of that could go towards the payroll, even if it only bumps it up 2-3 million. This will probably stop me from buying tickets for next year unless I can get them at a discount from a friend or ebay. Pugs
FRom The Houston Chronicle Nov. 30, 2004, 12:00PM Angels may be top of Beltran's list, but Anaheim's apparently not interested Astros set to pitch $13.5 million a year for coveted free agent By RICHARD JUSTICE Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle WAITING for Carlos ... The Astros have been told that the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes are "yours to lose." Agent Scott Boras may have told other teams similar things, but the words have impact nevertheless. Now about a timetable. There doesn't appear to be one. Teams may be invited to submits bid when baseball's winter meetings begin this weekend, but there's no timetable for a decision by Beltran on where he'll play next season. If he really wants the 10-year, $200-million deal that has been thrown around by baseball officials, he's in for a long wait. RESOURCES UPDATE: Carlos Beltran filed for free agency on Oct. 28, 2004 ... He was acquired by Houston from the Royals during the 2004 season and the Astros sent closer Octavio Dotel and minor leaguer John Buck to the Royals. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPORTS POLL What will it take to keep Carlos Beltran? Astros can do it, if they keep team's core A contract of A-Rod proportions Hard to say. Beltran's not all about money Too much money -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CARLOS BELTRAN Age: 27 Date of birth: April 24, 1977 Place of Birth: Manati, Puerto Rico Hometown: Manati, Puerto Rico HT: 6-1 WT: 190 Bats/Throws: S/R Salary: $9,000,000 MLB Seasons: 6 Drafted by Kansas City in 1995 (2nd round). Full stats -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- • ASTROS/MLB: Full Chronicle coverage, boxscores, stats -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Based on conversations with club officials, the Astros appear ready to offer a six- or seven-year deal worth around $13.5 million per season. New York newspapers have reported that the Yankees will offer $13 million a year. The Cubs will also be serious players, but the Angels, who are believed to be Beltran's first choice, may not be interested. Until Beltran gives the Astros an answer, every other significant move is on hold. Here are some of the other Astros comings and goings: • A trade for Tampa Bay center fielder Jose Cruz, Jr., has been discussed. He's a Houston native and the son of Astros legend Jose Cruz. He had 21 home runs and 78 RBIs last season and could fill in for Lance Berkman or play center if Beltran signed elsewhere. • Considered making a one-year offer to free-agent center fielder Steve Finley. He wants two years. • Refused to give Jeff Kent the second year he's seeking. With Chris Burke on the threshold of the big leagues, the Astros probably won't offer Kent more than a one-year deal. The Cubs and Tigers may have interest. • Received encouraging reports about righthander Wade Miller's shoulder. Team doctors won't know for sure until Miller gets on a mound in spring training, but recent tests show his pain has decreased significantly. If Miller is healthy and Roger Clemens decides to pitch another season, they'd join Andy Pettitte, Roy Oswalt and Brandon Backe to give the Astros potentially an outstanding rotation. • Discussed making an offer to Houston native Woody Williams. He's a free agent after winning 11 games for the Cardinals last season. He's 38 years old, but keep himself in top physical shape. He's one of the real good guys in the game. • Team officials are less optimistic that lefthander Carlos Hernandez will ever have the same velocity he had before undergoing rotator-cuff surgery almost two years ago. • Righthander Taylor Buccholz, one of the organizations top prospects, recently underwent a surgical cleanup procedure on his right shoulder. No significant damage was found, and Buccholz should be ready for the start of spring training. • Possibly signing former Angels setup man Ben Weber to a minor league contract. He was one of the American League's best relievers between 2001 and 2003, but pitched just 18 games last season because of carpal tunnel syndrome. He was a key member of the bullpen that helped the Angels win the 2002 World Series. He's also a Houston native. If Weber is healthy, he could help filling those innings between the starter and closer Brad Lidge. • No decision has been made on where to play Craig Biggio in 2005. Depending on what others do, he may be asked to be a super utility man at second base and in the outfield. • Added former Astros outfielder Glen Barker to the scouting staff. • Considering adding former Astros pitching coach Burt Hooton and former Astros hitting coach Harry Spillman to Jackie Moore's staff at Triple-A Round Rock. • Possibly hiring former Mets and Astros coach Matt Galante as a minor league instructor. Garner had his eye on big deal Astros manager Phil Garner wanted to be one of baseball's highest-paid managers. He originally sought a three-year deal worth $2 million a season. Only a handful of managers -- Joe Torre, Bobby Cox, Dusty Baker and Tony La Russa -- make that kind of money. All of them have accomplished far more than Garner, but humility has never been one of Garner's strengths. Garner settled for a two-year deal that will pay him $1.2 million in 2005 and $1.3 million in 2006. The Astros have a $1.5-million option for 2007. Astros GM sets tone for his tenure New Astros general manager Tim Purpura began his tenure with a sweet touch. Shortly after being hired, he gathered the team's business and baseball staff and discussed the importance of team work. He said he wanted them to know he believed in "we" more than "I." He wanted the business staff to understand more about the baseball staff and said he would call other meetings as various minor leaguers staffers came through Houston. On that day, though, he offered a tribute to Dewey Robinson, the club's longtime roving minor league pitching instructor who was in the office. Purpura told the staff that Robinson's early work with Roy Oswalt, Brad Lidge, Wade Miller and others played a key role in helping the Astros get to Game 7 of the NLCS. He reminded them that Robinson was like a lot of people who do critical work but are never recognized. He wanted them all to know he understand that every one of them did important work. Robinson was given a touching standing ovation. Purpura couldn't have made a more favorable impression if he'd offered raises and a three-day work week.
More good news (from SI.com): In other news, don't be stunned if Carlos Beltran is back in Houston in '05. The Astros are still a long shot to land the best free agent on this year's market and were supposed to be dismantled this winter, but Houston should be encouraged that there isn't another team that looks willing to give Scott Boras the 10 years and $200 million he wants for Beltran. Astros owner Drayton McLane has made it known he wants Beltran back. If the Astros -- who won't have Lance Berkman until at least mid-May after he tore an ACL and will likely lose Jeff Kent -- don't get Beltran, look for them to make a serious run at J.D. Drew, another Boras client. ...
well the SI news is nothing but the national media restating what was already stated by Justice in the Chronicle, but the contract figures on Beltran seem great to me at 13.5 million per season on average. by the way, i love how the national media continues to call the Astros long-shots for Beltran when basically every piece of news this off-season regarding Beltran has been positive for the Astros. i.e. Yankees aren't gonna outbid everyone just cuz they can, Angels not too interested, Cubs getting nowhere with offloading sosa, Beltran's wife saying she wants to stay in a warm climate (Houston or Anaheim presumably), McClane is commited to keeping him, Mets preoccupied with Pedro, etc. That all sounds like the Astros have a darn good chance to sign him, especially since they seem to be on par with everyone else's proposals and aren't low-balling. But then again, I am sure the press will still be saying that we are longshots even as contract papers are being signed - should we be so fortunate.
