Quote:
Originally Posted by Zeke
I wanted to non-tender him last year too, and I still think it needs to be done. The track record, the small market franchise, the current roster, and the position he plays.
Yes he had a good year, but 5 mil for a reliever with two-thirds of a season with success (As a middle reliever mind you) out of 5 is NOT good business. No matter which way you try to look at it.
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I think they would have a real perception problem if they non-tendered a guy coming off that season. It goes beyond just payroll this year... agents and the union would really squawk about it... they wouldn't have a case for a grievance or anything, but the Royals would pay for it several times over down the road (in other salary negotiations). Scott Boras doesn't forget things like that.
He still has a trade market, IMO, if they're trying that. Considering that average joe closers like Jim Johnson are making $10 million/year, Hochevar would have some appeal to a team in need of a closer on a budget. Not sure that team exists, but you probably can find it between now and the trade deadline.