Hard to believe as in Aoki doesn't deserve more or hard to believe as in "I can't believe that someone like Aoki would ever make more than someone like Rasmus"? Also, from what I understand Rasmus could make an additional $2 million in bonuses to up his salary to $7 million.
Aoki has posted a better OPS than Rasmus 2 of the last 5 years, a much better OBP every year, and a higher (only by a point) OPS overall. Colby's defensive prowess and versatility certainly makes him a better overall player in his solid offensive years, but there is a lot to be said for consistency. I would value them pretty similarly given one of them puts up wildly different numbers from year to year, while the other has been staggeringly consistent. And just me personally, but I would take a .285/.350 OBP combo over a .235/450 SLG combo, and that's good year Colby.
http://www.theplayerstribune.com/carlos-beltran-astros/ Must read article by Carlos and why he chose HOU.
Great freaking read. When do pitchers and catchers report? Also, I love that Carlos referred to himself in the third person, good for him!
Arbitration is subject to the arbitrator, the player's previous salary (5.5M at last arb for Aoki), other players, and his performance. Free agency is subject to the market (and the player's performance). Very different consideration sets and decision-makers... can't really compare the 2. I mean, it's also hard to believe that Keuchel is making 7.25M and Greinke 34M.
Interesting that he mentioned Reed. That's one aspect of ST that I'm excited about. Seeing if and what adjustments Reed has made. What kind of shape does he show up in? I haven't seen any pictures or videos of him this offseason. Having him pick Beltran's head could be huge.
Aoki's salary was agreed to before arbitration. There was no arbitrator involved. Houston settled it virtually the same way they would have with a free agent, and easily could have non-tendered him if they didn't like his asking price. My original comment was in surprise that Rasmus couldn't find a better deal. I figured a CF-capable power hitter with a few star level seasons on his resume (and age not really working too much against him yet) would be able to fetch at least $8M guaranteed.
Ok fair enough on no arbitrator, but I think it's still entirely different from free agency when the alternative is going to an arbitrator. Either way, Rasmus has been wildly streaky. Power and CF is true, but the last 3 years haven't produced a ton, last year's performance was scary, and now he's 30. I mean, I wouldn't trust him to be a definitive top 5 hitter in a lineup when facing righties all season. Unless forced, like last year
Only responding out of boredom, not violent disagreement. Rasmus has been worth an average of 1.7 fWAR (using $8M/war that's a $13M value per season) over the last 3 seasons. Back that up to 4 seasons and it jumps to 2.6 (again, using $8M/war that's $20M/season). He was an above average hitter in '14 and '15. I suppose it boils down to how much emphasis you put on last season, when he was limited to 107 games and put up a 75 wRC+ (even though he still managed 1.6 fWAR or $12M in value), and how much you value consistency vs upside. I also don't think this being his age 30 season will work against him since it's only a 1 year commitment. I agree he's probably not a top 5 hitter on a good team, but he's still a viable everyday player with upside and I fully expect his contract to be an excellent value for Tampa.
Spring Training hasn't started yet, there's plenty of time later for violent disagreement. You jackass.
Any "controversy" in the Astros forum is like 10000× more mellow than discussing trivial things like anterior pelvic tilts in the GARM lol.
Astros' Lance McCullers Joins PGS In Studio (Audio) 5 hours ago comment share Astros' starting pitcher, Lance McCullers, joined Lance and Michael in studio, as Matt is on vacation, and talked about what he's doing to prepare for the upcoming season, the big free agent moves the Astros made this year, his favorite MMA fighters, and much more. Read more: http://sports790.iheart.com/onair/t...ccullers-joins-pgs-in-15459687/#ixzz4VUZwy8sb - Lance says he feels good and attributes last season's health to his 2015 increased IP. - Says Altuve can squat 3x his own weight - Says he's very hospitable towards fans. So if you ever see him, even if he's eating, don't hesitate to say "hello"
This makes him not resigning way back when more confusing if he held that team in such reverence. That being said, great freaking read
Maybe he has more appreciation now. I'm sure back then NYC appealed a lot, plus the bigger contract. I think the Puerto Rican connection with Correa was a big part of his coming back.
