Scott Boras Gives Us a Clue on How Much Matt Holliday Will Cost

During FanHouse's marathon live chat of the ALCS and NLCS yesterday, I couldn't help but notice Scott Boras directly behind home plate as the Angels took on the Yankees in Game 3. I was informed during the chat by our own Jeff Fletcher that Boras has season tickets behind home plate at both Angels and Dodger Stadium, and he likes to show up early so he's available to the media.

Well, Boras was available Monday, and he fired his opening salvo of the Matt Holliday Sweepstakes this winter. It looks like any team that wants to sign Holliday should start their offers somewhere in the range of the eight-year $180 million that Mark Teixeira got from the Yankees last winter.

"These guys are blue-collar superstars," Boras said. "They don't hit 50 home runs, but they're complete players. They can give you something without swinging a bat."

Teixeira signed with the New York Yankees last winter, for $180 million. Boras would not say what his asking price would be for Holliday, but he made clear he considered Holliday's abilities in getting on base, hitting for power and playing superior defense similar to those of Teixeira.

"There are differences between hitters and complete players," Boras said. "Matt Holliday is a complete player.

"There is, frankly, no one like him in the market."

Well I don't know what Jason Bay did to deserve that last comment besides not sign with Scott Boras, but I think it's clear that no matter what Holliday has said, he's not going to be returning to St. Louis next season. I just don't see them paying that kind of money when they're trying to sign Albert Pujols to an extension.

As for where Holliday is likely to end up given the cost, the usual suspects come to mind. The Los Angeles Angels will probably show interest as they may be looking to replace Vladimir Guerrero, as may be the case in Boston as well should the Red Sox let Jason Bay walk. Both New York teams are likely to get involved as well, though I'm not sure how hard of a charge the Yankees will make considering the amount of money they spent on Teixeira, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett last season.

Though if Boston is involved, the Bombers might get involved just to drive up the price.