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RINGOLSBY: Buehrle's deal bad for agents

Published July 13, 2007 at midnight

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Left-handed pitcher Mark Buehrle made a major statement last week.

The folks in Chicago enjoyed it.

It wasn't well received, though, with certain agents and officials of the Major League Baseball Players Association.

Buehrle could have been a free agent in the fall, and since he is a year younger than Barry Zito with virtually identical career statistics, he might have been able to get a contract similar to the seven-year, $126 million deal Zito signed with San Francisco.

But Buehrle was more concerned about staying with the White Sox.

He signed with the organization, came through its farm system and was a critical part of a world championship rotation two years ago.

He has settled into life outside Chicago, and his and his wife's families are within easy commuting distance.

So when it became apparent the struggling White Sox were going to shop Buehrle instead of just losing him to free agency, he took the offensive.

Buehrle made it known he didn't want to leave Chicago. And he did it with actions, not just words.

He offered a discount to stay, signing for $56 million over four years, but received financial protection in case he is dealt.

Plus, after the 2011 season, at age 32, Buehrle can test the free-agent market if he wants.

There will be members of the MLBPA who are up in arms because Buehrle didn't drive the upper salaries as high as possible.

Ask Todd Helton, who, after the 2000 season, signed a nine-year, $141.5 million deal that extended his contract through 2011.

He was second-guessed by agents and MLBPA officials for underselling himself; now he keeps hearing about how his sizable salary is a drag on the Rockies' payroll.

Overheard

• Brewers scouting director Jack Zduriencik, a Pittsburgh native, would be at the top of the list of candidates if Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield is replaced at season's end.

• Outfielder Aaron Dunn has created interest from the Dodgers and Angels. He's a better fit with the Angels because he can be a designated hitter, but the Reds are more interested in the return they get.

Sneak peek

Detroit found itself in first place at the All-Star break despite a bullpen that imploded.

The Tigers were unable to compensate for the loss of left-hander Jamie Walker as a free agent and injuries to right-handers Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney.

The offseason addition of Gary Sheffield did provide the amped- up offense the Tigers wanted. For a midseason review of each team, check out team-by-team notes at Rocky Mountain News.com/rockies.

Readers' turn

Paul Dunford writes, "I cannot find where the Rockies have signed second-round pick Brian Rike, fifth-round pick Conner Graham and 14th-round pick Kentrail Davis. We have been told the Rockies draft players they can sign and get playing in the minor leagues as soon as possible. It appears they may not have done a very good job of that this year. Why have they not signed, and what do think the outcome of their negotiations will be?"

Paul, Rike signed more than a week ago and completed his physicals this week. He is reporting to short-season Single-A Tri-City (Wash.) this weekend. That gives the Rockies 12 of their top 13 signed, which is well ahead of other teams this year.

The Rockies reportedly have come to financial terms with Graham, but his agent does not like a clause the Rockies included that requires the player to repay his signing bonus if he quits.

Davis was one of the picks Rockies vice president/scouting Bill Schmidt makes in the teens each year of players who slipped after being projected to go high. Schmidt gambles they might eventually be signable, like a Dexter Fowler.

Davis was projected to go in the top 50 picks and agent Scott Boras revealed it would require about $1 million to pass on going to Tennessee.

That caused Davis to slip, and the Rockies selected him with the idea they could watch what develops before the Aug. 15 deadline for signing.

For responses to other questions or to ask your own questions, check out the daily Rockies Pregame Report or the weekly Rockies Inbox at Rocky MountainNews.com/rockies.

Two cents' worth

With the All-Star break comes a chance to revamp postseason expectations.

Boston has the American League East under control and the Angels are in charge in the West. Look for Cleveland to survive in the Central with Detroit the wild card, again.

The Dodgers have the pitching depth to edge San Diego in the National League West with the Cubs overtaking Milwaukee in the Central and Atlanta reclaiming the East. Make the Mets the NL wild card.

In the battle of Southern Cal, make the Dodgers world champs.MILE HIGH WATCH

• Each time he goes to the plate, Rockies left fielder Matt Holliday stops just before he steps in the batter's box and draws a cross in the ground with his bat.

"It's something I started somewhere in the minor leagues," Holliday said. "Sometimes it puts my life in perspective. Sometimes I'm reminding myself there is a bigger game than baseball."

• Just what kind of market will there be for a team looking to add a proven pitcher? When the Rockies contacted the White Sox about Mark Buehrle and were told he would be staying in Chicago, the discussion turned to other members of the White Sox staff who could be dealt.

The Rockies were told they could have ageless Jose Contreras for third baseman Ian Stewart and left-handed pitcher Franklin Morales, the organization's two top prospects. The talks ended there.

• The best hope for help in the Rockies rotation is right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez, who is coming off a strong start at Triple-A Colorado Springs and has won three of his past four starts.

Those who are jabbering for right-hander Greg Reynolds, the No. 1 draft pick a year ago, obviously haven't been paying attention to the fact he is sidelined with right shoulder stiffness for the second time this year. Reynolds is 4-1 with a 1.42 ERA in eight starts, but since May 15, he has pitched once, five shutout innings June 19, after which he was shut down a second time.

• Right-hander Shawn Chacon, a former Rockies starter and closer who grew up in Greeley, has found a comfort zone in Pittsburgh and recently let the Pirates know he wouldn't mind talking about a contract extension instead of becoming a free agent.

Overall, Chacon is 4-1 with a 3.59 ERA in 33 appearances, but that includes four starts. In 29 relief appearances, he is 3-0 with a 2.79 ERA.

Comments

  • November 20, 2007

    7:05 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    fairdad writes:

    How can Tulo get passed over because the other guy had better offensive stats and then Matt gets passed over because the other guy has better defensive stats? If the first line of thinking is true than Matt should have won. If the second line of thinking is true than Tulo should have won. OR might it be the real reason is because our guys are located too far West? Maybe they do not get enough coverage here or in the East. It was bad enough that we had to have weird start times during the playoffs because it interferes with the mighty EAST. This sham is almost as bad as there being only one player in the NFL Hall of Fame. What can we do???????