Well since I'm being called out let me respond: Have you ever heard of a thing called leverage? Kent's agent is probably using the Astros as leverage to get more money out of the Giants, or to get a good deal out of the Red Sox. I am well aware of the history between Hunsicker and Kent. But friends are friends and business is business.
Oh, thats good, go off of what the 2 previous posters said. Besides, why would the agent choose to use the Astros as leverage when he can choose from other teams?
And those other teams would vehemently deny it. I don't doubt the Astros have inquired. What I question is if they are willing to win a bidding war. Contract leverage is the name of the game for FAs.
Because would anyone feel "desperate" to keep Kent away from the Devil Rays or some other crappy team? No... A lot of times signings are done to prevent a rival or other contender from getting a guy. Moreover, it makes no sense for Kent to go a bad team, in this juncture of his career.
I didn't even read what the previous posters said, I just hit the little arrow that takes me directly to the last post. But then I guess since I said that you'll call me naive for saying it. Now that the Red Sox lost out on Edgardo Alfonso, they now have turned their attention to Kent. So I'm pretty sure Kent's agent is going to go to town on that one. Do you think that Kent's agent isn't going to use Hunsicker and Kent friendship as leverage? He's not stupid, he'll take every advantage he can get to get his client more money.
I know that. To restate what I think, I don't know if they are willing to get into a bidding war with anyone. If there are 2 or 3 other serious suitors, then I don't really like our chances at all.
Exactly. Not to mention that Kent would be closer to his off-season ranch, if he came to Houston. We got used by Clemens, in the same fashion 4 years ago.
Since you guys are so positive that we arent getting Kent, give me the top 3 teams that have a chance to get him.
I don't need to know 3 teams that are bidding for Kent. If it's a top-tier FA, I'm not betting on the Astros to sign him. If history means anything.
There are currently 3 teams that still have interest in Kent. Boston, San Diego, and Houston. Now, whether or not Houston has really put up a real offer, I dont know. But Im not going to sit here and call other naive if they think Houston has a shot. Its quite obvious that we have a shot to get him. If it happens, great. If it doesnt, I wouldnt be surprised.
I'd like to think we could outbid SD, especially since Moores is supposedly in some financial hot water. Boston, on the other hand, would probably be able to and is willing to outbid the Astros.
While you did not use the word "ignorant", you did write the following: "I don't have to pretend that I know anything about the Astros intentions on Kent. And if anyone does believe that the Astros are actively pursuing him then they are naive. Being naive and being a moron are two completely different frames of mind, you certainly appear to be the latter." "Simple minds are easily influenced, thats probably why you're a Drayton apologist. " So you wrote that someone appeared to be a moron and had a simple mind. Gee, I wonder why anyone may think you are calling someone ignorant.
The Astros chances in signing Kent are slim and none. And Slim just left town on a jet. Its not that Kent does not want to play here its just that Drayton is too cheap to get a big time Free Agent like Kent. If you are holding your breath on Kent coming here you might be in trouble.
I wont be holding my breath, but I will be crossing my fingers. Im thinking that Hunsicker is looking to deal Wags or Hidalgo in order to free up more money for Kent. The odds are against us, but as long as there is hope, then there is a chance.
