The Bones Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 Colon deal hinges mostly on money By Teddy Greenstein Tribune staff reporter September 30, 2003, 11:27 PM CDT If Bartolo Colon files for free agency next month, most baseball observers believe he will get offers for four- or five-year contracts. But although the White Sox have offered Colon just a three-year extension, that's not a sticking point in negotiations according to Colon's agent, Mitch Frankel. "For him, term is not an issue," Frankel said Tuesday. "He's open to discussing three-, four- or five-year deals." Finances could be more of a challenge. A team source said the Sox's offer is worth $30 million to $36 million, although Frankel wouldn't confirm that. What he would say is Colon plans to retreat to his home in the Dominican Republic, where he will mull the Sox's offer. "I want to let Bartolo relax this week and think about what he wants," Frankel said. Sox general manager Ken Williams indicated Monday the Sox would wait for Colon's decision before proceeding with other personnel issues. "We have Plan A, B and C," Williams said. "As soon as I know where [Colon] stands, then we can go down that path." Frankel said there was no urgency. "If the Sox and Bartolo can agree, it doesn't matter if it's today, a week from now or two weeks from now," he said. "It's not like if we don't get it done in four days, it's over." The Sox view re-signing Colon as the key to solidifying their rotation. Colon's won-loss record was just 15-13 and his earned-run average was 3.87, a shade over his career mark. But Colon's value to a pitching staff can be measured in other ways, namely his 242 innings pitched (second behind Roy Halladay's 266) and nine complete games, which tied for the league lead. The 30-year-old right-hander also ranked in the league's top 10 in strikeouts (173) and hits per nine innings (8.29). "Bartolo is a key to keeping our pitching staff together," Williams said. "We want him back." But will the sides agree to a deal? Frankel was asked if he was optimistic. "I'm not pessimistic," he replied. Breathe out Williams apparently followed through on his plan to take a day to "clear his mind" after Monday's dismissal of manager Jerry Manuel. Williams declined to return calls Tuesday and a team spokesman said he would be in meetings all day Wednesday. In the past, the Sox's policy during managerial searches has been to offer as little information as possible to the fans through the media. Williams is expected to decline to offer daily updates on candidates and interviews. Cool it What's the craziest thing outfielder Aaron Rowand will do this off-season? "Play golf," he said. "I learned my lesson last year." A near-fatal dirt bike accident left Rowand with a broken shoulder blade and kept him out of a batting cage for about four months. This off-season will be different. Rowand will go to Puerto Rico at the end of October to play winter ball for Santurce. Rowand's manager will be Wally Backman, the Double-A Birmingham manager who could be a candidate for the Sox's vacancy. "He's a great guy who likes to have fun," Rowand said of Backman. "He brings intensity to the field." Copyright © 2003, The Chicago Tribune Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flash Tizzle Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 Even though this article points out Bartolo has time to decide, I believe he is long gone. The part where his agent says Bartolo is going to stall Chicagos efforts to negotiate by going to the Dominican Republic troubles me. Whats to think about: either you want to be part of this team or not. Bartolo may realize the direction this team is going from this year on. But more then likely he wants more money plain and fricken simple. Our offer of 36 million for three years might not be in his plans. Im sure this will pale in comparison to Boston and New Yorks offers; especially New York. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YASNY Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 Gee, I don't know, but if I were in his shoes I may want to take time to think things over before I just sign and not consider what other options I had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Hudler Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 Gee, I don't know, but if I were in his shoes I may want to take time to think things over before I just sign and not consider what other options I had. Yas, the voice of reason....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshPR Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 I kinda feel he's gone, but let's see Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 Hmm yet another player giving Wally Backman some luv, could this be a sign of sumthin maybe? Shows u how important Colon is to this team though when KW's gotta wait for him to make his decision bf goin to plan b, c, d etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 After so many months away from home I'd be quick on the plane. As a matter of fact, I'd like to wave to the guys after my last start and cheer them on from the Dominican. I can't see him not filing for free agency. Do you believe the Sox tossed out their best offer first? Do you believe he wants to win a championship? Do you think he deserves to know the status on the other players before making a decision? Wouldn't you like to have a few teams bidding? I know I'd wait and here what George had to say. Stepping into Clemens role would be cool. Loyalty issues? Why should Bart have any loyalty to the White Sox? He's been traded like a piece of meat a couple times, now it's his chance to control his fate. I'd like to see him back. I'd like to go into the next few seasons with Mark, Bart, and Estaban. Gee, I hope the tub-o-goo posts don't hurt his feelings and cause him to leave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ncorgbl Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 He's been traded like a piece of meat a couple times, now it's his chance to control his fate. Gee, I hope the tub-o-goo posts don't hurt his feelings and cause him to leave. Not a real lean cut, either. Gentlemen, the bidding starts at $12 million, do hear $13 million? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 He's been traded like a piece of meat a couple times, now it's his chance to control his fate. Gee, I hope the tub-o-goo posts don't hurt his feelings and cause him to leave. Not a real lean cut, either. Gentlemen, the bidding starts at $12 million, do hear $13 million? George Steinbrenner: I'll take $14 million after I blow my team up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Chappas Posted October 1, 2003 Share Posted October 1, 2003 Pedro Martinez has stated point blank that he will pitch for the Yankees in 2005. Do the Yanks want both of these guys? As awesome a rotation as that would be, the Yanks need to look at position players and bullpen; and trim some fat, goo may be the casualty. The Red Sox on the other hand are looking to trim some payroll and goo may not fit in there either. $36M is a-lot to pass up when the turmoil exists as it does in baseball today. Could Robbie explain that NY is not as good as it sounds. And Carl the same for Boston? The more I think of this offer the more I think Bart has something to think about. Remember Wood and Martinez may be available next year as well as Loiaza. I think the manager being named is important and could have a little chat with Colon and get him to see things in a different light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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