We're roughly 35 hours short of the MLB deadline for teams to sign their draft picks, and in spite of what's reported as a record-breaking contract offer to Washington Nationals first pick Stephen Strasburg, the two sides have yet to come to an agreement. It could just be another instance of Scott Boras wanting to wait until the last minute in hopes of forcing his opponent to crack, or Strasburg may just be dead set on not wanting to pitch for the Nationals.We won't really know until late Monday, early Tuesday, but after reading some comments from Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman on the subject, I'm wondering if the Nats might be better off having him handle the negotiations. The man speaks the truth.
"When it comes down to it, Strasburg has to think about, 'Can I go to bed if I turn down $15, 16 million dollars -- whatever it is -- to pass up the opportunity to play for these guys?' That's a lot of money. I don't understand what he thinks will be better next year. If we don't take him, who's gonna take him next year? Pittsburgh? San Diego? San Diego is not gonna pay him more. Absolutely his leverage will never be higher. Everybody wants to play where they want to play; everybody wants the ideal situation, but that's not the point of the draft. You can't tell people where you want to play. At some point, do it like everybody else has already done it. I agree, he's one of the better college pitchers ever to pitch, but he hasn't proven anything yet."Zimmerman is right in his assessment of the situation, and I'm pretty sure Boras is well aware of all this as well. So I'm still of the opinion that Strasburg will sign the Nationals offer before the deadline.
It's really hard to turn down that kind of money, especially when you're a pitcher. Just imagine if Strasburg turns down this offer, decides to spend next season in an independent league or back at San Diego State, and then hurts his elbow or shoulder. It's a very big risk for Strasburg to take, and hopefully he knows that if for no other reason than I really want to see what this kid can do against big leaguers.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
AGENTS AND OWNERS, ARE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE HARD WORKING AMERICAN WORKER TO EVER TAKE A FAMILY TO THE BALL GAME. JUST KEEP GIVING MILLONS AND MILLONS OF DOLLARS, EVEN TO PLAYERS THAT HAVEN'T EVEN MADE IT TO THE BIGS YET.
The last place Nats could really screw him by just picking him again next year, but maybe it's best to trade his rights to someone for a boat load of help. One guy isn't going to mean squat for the Nats.
Once again Scott Boras shows what a despicable scumbag he is. If this kid doesn't sign I hope and pray he suffers a debilitating arm injury.
I pray to God he has a career ending injury and ends up in a wheelchair. What a piece of human garbage. I hope his mother is reading this and she ends up in a hospital with roaches eating her skin and no money.
Some you guys are really over the top. If it was me I would sign take the money. Pitch like I was the Cy Young winner and when I could become a free agent take the best deal. However i dont wish bad on anyone especially there mother. Cmon guys get a grip. I agree Boras is an ass and many GMs wont deal with him. Its in clients best interest to sign now.Hes posturing for the best deal
strasburg and his agent need to rot!!!!!!! if i was the nats i would pull the offer right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! let him pass up a year and tell him go find a real job in this economy