You know, I see why Drayton is committed to keeping Biggio around, but I just think there is no where to justify him for another three years. Not with the unofficial salary cap the team has. Who do we get rid of? Will Biggio take a 75% cut of his base salary and make the contract incentive laden? Will some sucker out there take Richard Hidalgo, or Billy Wagner of our hands? Those are the only scenarios I can see that bring Biggio back, really. Sure, he may play better than Hidalgo and Ward, but that's like saying Anna Nicole Smith is more attractive than Roseanne Barr- we're not talking about the best options here.
First of all, let's not get all teary-eyed because Biggio stayed in Houston. Houston was the highest bidder for his services. You think Biggio's such a good guy? Just ask some of his teammates (other than Jeff). Larry Dierker basically gave up on him. He's a total jackass to his teammates. Yes, I grew up watching him play, which is why it sucks that he turned out to be such a jerk in the clubhouse. Remember after that playoff game ('98 I think) when he struck out to end the series in the Dome? He complained that someone opened a door behind center field allowing light to come in.
How bout him... Full name: Jason Lee Payton Born: 11/22/72 Birthplace: Zanesville,OH Height: 5'10" Weight: 185 Position: CF Bats: Right Throws: Right MLB Debut: 09/01/98 career .285 2002 .303
It looks like Biggio's been offered a contract. I hope he takes it; I'd really like to see him finish off his career here, though I seem to be the minority in the boat with that opinion. We'll find out today his decision, at least for this set of negotiations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Link Jan. 30, 2003, 11:48PM Biggio's decision pending Deadline is today on Astros' offer By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle After more than a month of negotiations, Craig Biggio has been offered a contract extension by the Astros. Now the seven-time All-Star must decide whether to accept. The deadline is this afternoon. Biggio's agent, Barry Axelrod, had two negotiating sessions Thursday via phone with Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker. Biggio met privately with owner Drayton McLane last week and together with Axelrod and Hunsicker for nearly four hours Wednesday. The contract does not offer a dollar amount even close to the $8 million Biggio will earn this year. McLane wouldn't disclose the terms of the offer he made to Biggio, who Axelrod said left town Thursday on a previously scheduled trip. "Gerry has talked twice (Thursday) to Barry Axelrod, and (Axelrod) was going to get back to Craig to see where they were," McLane said from his home in Temple. "Tentatively we still have a meeting set for (today), but check back with me in the morning to see if anything changes. "We've been talking about this for three or four weeks, and it is time to bring it to a conclusion one way or the other. We need to settle this, move on and get ready for spring training so we can be a champion in 2003." Even if Biggio turns down the offer, McLane isn't closing the door to negotiating a deal after the season. McLane realizes there is no hurry to reach an extension at this time. But he doesn't want Biggio's contract status to become a distraction as the player shifts from second base to the outfield this spring to make room for new second baseman Jeff Kent. Biggio, 37, is to earn $8 million this year in the final season of the three-year, $28 million extension he signed after the 1999 season. In that contract, Biggio received a $7 million signing bonus to be paid in $1 million installments in each of the four years of the deal with a $3 million payment due in 2004. After earning $5 million in 2000, the extension called for $6 million in 2001 and $7 million in 2002. Axelrod has made it clear Biggio isn't trying to get an extension as rich as his previous deal. Axelrod wasn't ready to rule out accepting a deal Thursday evening. "We're talking," Axelrod said. "It could be a phone call away or nothing. We'll see." The Astros are the only franchise for which Biggio has played since he was picked in the first round out of Seton Hall in 1987. Biggio always has stated a desire to finish his career in Houston. He has even accepted less money in the past to remain with the Astros, who have rewarded him with $75 million over the course of his previous contracts. Biggio's value could drop as he moves to the outfield. For that reason, the Astros were worried about his state of mind after his extension request was declined shortly before Kent was signed. Biggio, whose 15 seasons in Houston are tops in franchise history, has made one position move. In 1992 he moved to second despite earning an All-Star bid as a catcher in 1991. He is the first player to make the All-Star Game as a catcher and second baseman. A career .288 hitter, Biggio holds franchise records for doubles (473), hits (2,100) and at-bats (7,960). His .253 average in 2002 was the lowest since he hit .211 as a rookie in 1988. Despite the production drop-off in 2002, McLane understands he is dealing with a Houston icon. Biggio is admired in the city for his community services, especially the $1 million he has raised and donated to the Sunshine Kids, a group that supports children with cancer. Only Jeff Bagwell and Nolan Ryan can match Biggio in the hearts of Astros fans. "In consideration and respect to Craig, we offered him the position to extend his contract," McLane said. "It's in discussions with him and they need to make a decision fairly quickly. We're still having discussions. I'm sure we'll come to a decision one way or the other."
I'd love to see Biggio finish his career here...but at this point he isn't worth a penny more than $3-4M a year.
I agree. Hopefully that's what the article means when it says, "The contract does not offer a dollar amount even close to the $8 million Biggio will earn this year. " However, we are dealing with millionaires.
I think it's a 2 yr/$4 million contract...enough to keep Biggio happy, but not too much to piss off the Astros fan base. If he doesn't accept it, see ya... Even though he's not as productive anymore, he can still contribute to the team, and $2 million is a fair amount when you think of the wealth of veteran knowledge he can pass down to a younger player Plus, my wife would be heartbroken if she doesn't get to look at Biggio's ass anymore.
