Update: HOLLIDAY A CARD 7yr/120 million, p178

[TheoSqua]

Compared to Holliday, DeRosa isn't much of a Plan B. You don't let someone like him screw up negotiations with a truly elite player.

DeRosa himself isn't the significance. If Holliday doesn't sign with St. Louis, they'll have to have someone to play LF. Once the lesser options start signing, the team won't be able to afford to wait until no one else is left on the market and Holliday signs with the Yankees.

[cards2468]

any chance with Holliday signed for left that we could sign Beltre for 3rd and still have enough money left to get a 5th starter and a bullpen arm?

[Eephus Speed]

who do we have to trade?

Nobody we'd be willing to trade could get us a player like Holliday, but it might not take much to steal DeJesus away from KC.

Compared to Holliday, DeRosa isn't much of a Plan B. You don't let someone like him screw up negotiations with a truly elite player.

Yeah, not when Kelly Johnson is basically the same player and much younger. Beltre's probably the most valuable player left on the market. Or maybe Ben Sheets if he's completely healthy.

[phins]

any chance with Holliday signed for left that we could sign Beltre for 3rd and still have enough money left to get a 5th starter and a bullpen arm?

Not without trading a significant contract, no.

[Michael]

If we don't sign Holliday, I'd want to focus on another Boras client, Johnny Damon.

[TheoSqua]

any chance with Holliday signed for left that we could sign Beltre for 3rd and still have enough money left to get a 5th starter and a bullpen arm?

Not without trading a significant contract, no.

Bumping payroll to $110m is about the only way that happens. Sure would be nice though.

It's really a shame that ownership doesn't feel compelled to spend some money. $110m isn't exactly a crazy number for payroll for this team. Holliday/Beltre/Smoltz/Bullpen Arm = very very good team.

[TheoSqua]

If we don't sign Holliday, I'd want to focus on another Boras client, Johnny Damon.

I wonder what terms he'd want to sign. If he's looking for a 3 year deal, not sure i'd want to give that to Damon at 35.

[greenback44]

Interesting Gammons tweet:

Boston ecstatic with Lackey. Before he stepped foward, Sox offered 4x$15M to Bay and 5x$16.5 to Holliday.

[Leroy]

Well then, that was fun.

[fanforever]

probably looking at 5 years 90 million

5 mil signing bonus

2010-15 mil
2011-16 mil
2012-17 mil
2013-18 mil + option
2014-19 mil + option