Rakuten Planning Record Offer For Tanaka

[Ohtaniland]

That's awesome.

This thing has to resolve itself at some point. I doubt anything happens before the end of the year as far as him getting posted then getting signed. But I'm assuming they make a decision soon, then the frenzy begins in January for all the starting pitchers.

It would be great to get a pitcher like Tanaka but does anyone here believe that he would sign with the Angels and get paid more than Weaver. I just don't think they go there.

[Brent Maguire]

I think Weaver and the Angels understand that getting a pitcher in free agency is WAY more expensive now. If Weaver had entered free agency, he would've got a 6/110 type of contract.

They can't not sign players based off of a signing we made several years back. Money is rising like crazy in the sport right now so I hope the Angels aren't considering Tanaka just because he'll get more than Weaver.

[Ohtaniland]

I think Weaver and the Angels understand that getting a pitcher in free agency is WAY more expensive now. If Weaver had entered free agency, he would've got a 6/110 type of contract.

They can't not sign players based off of a signing we made several years back. Money is rising like crazy in the sport right now so I hope the Angels aren't considering Tanaka just because he'll get more than Weaver.

I just can't imagine them paying Tanaka who's never thrown a pitch in a regular MLB game more money than our proven home grown loyal ace Weaver. I think that could backfire.

[Brent Maguire]

We can agree to disagree on this one.

 

I think it's a terrible way to run a team if you're worried about paying more for a player because he's more expensive than another guy. Weaver also turned down a bunch of money to stay here and didn't bother testing FA. Tanaka makes this team better and I'm sure Weaver is more concerned about the team doing well than a guy getting paid more than him. 

[Inside Pitch]

I just can't imagine them paying Tanaka who's never thrown a pitch in a regular MLB game more money than our proven home grown loyal ace Weaver. I think that could backfire.

 

Times change, salaries go up.   The Angels got a deal from Weaver, he chose to give it to them.  Unless there is some provision that nobody will ever make more money or get a larger deal... that's where the agreement ends.  The Angels were extremely fortunate to get that sort of an agreement out of Weaver -- but they would be extremely stupid to handcuff themselves in the future as a result.  

 

Ultimately the whole point of getting a team friendly deal is to be able to pursue other needs with the money.

Edited December 21, 2013 by Inside Pitch

[gotbeer]

Reports: Masahiro Tanaka decision to come during Christmas holiday?

[mancini79]

Even if Tanaka has a down year, it may not affect his MLB contract that much (unless he gets injured). He has had 5 straight solid years with his best being in 2011. Simply insane numbers that season (1.27 ERA, 0.875 WHIP, 9.6 SO/9, 1.1 BB/9). If Rakuten does indeed pressure him to stay 1 extra year, he has every incentive to mail in the season. Why risk getting injured? He can even use that as an excuse when dealing with MLB clubs next season.

[gotbeer]

This was an odd conspiracy theory.

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/12/masahiro-tanaka-rumors-sunday.html

 

 

Japanese newspaper Nikkan Gendai reports the Rakuten Golden Eagles may be delaying their decision so as to maximize the $20MM posting fee by taking advantage of the dollar-to-yen exchange rate (h/t Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times).  

 

 

[Scott34]

Me thinks they are collecting money from other NPB teams under the table.