Bonderman was going to be eligible for free agency at the end of the 2008 season. Pre-extension, was he eligible for arbitration before that date? If not, what was he slated to make in 2007 and 2008 before this new extension? Looks like he made something like $2.3 million in 2006 but I can't find the 2007 & 2008 (pre-extension) numbers. Thanks.
vr, Xei
1 - He was eligible for arbitration for the first time last year, resulting in the $2.3M salary in '06. He still had two more years of arbitration remaining (this year, and after '07). His salary in this extension mimics what his salary trend probably would've been via arbi ($4.5M next year, $8.5M in '08) after which it kicks in at $12.5M in '09 and '10.
I think this is a pretty sweet deal. I know Bonderman has his skeptics, but I'm a big believer, and 2 seems to be right about the salaries being roughly commensurate with what he would have got in arbitration over the next couple of seasons -- so what this is is essentially a two-year. $12.5-million extension covering his 27- and 28-year-old seasons. Given the going rate for pitching these days, and the likelihood that salaries will continue to balloon (if not at the current rate) for the forseeable future, this deal will likely be significantly below-market covering peak seasons. Of course, there are risks inherent in projecting pitchers four years out, but this looks like a good bet to me. By the time this deal runs out, pitchers of Bonderman's quality may well be making $20 million a season.
3. So it's akin to signing a two year deal for $25M (2009-2010)? Probably not a bad deal for both parties involved. Bonderman still gets to be a FA entering his prime and the Tigers get two years at close to Gil Meche #s.
vr, Xei
vr, Xei
vr, Xei
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