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Friday, April 04, 2008

AP: Pirates closer Matt Capps agrees to $2.85 million, 2-year contract

Pittsburgh Pirates closer Matt Capps agreed Friday a $2.85 million, two-year contract that runs through 2009 and covers what would have been his first year of arbitration eligibility.

The Pirates and Capps discussed a longer-term deal during spring training but were unable to reach an agreement. Previously, Capps was given a $435,500 salary for this season, but this contract overrides that.

He gets a $250,000 signing bonus, $500,000 this year and $2.3 million in 2009. Capps can earn $150,00 in performance bonuses in 2009: $50,000 each for 50, 55 and 60 games finished.

“This contract provides the club cost certainty, gives Matt some financial protection and will allow the Pirates to avoid the arbitration process following the season,” Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said.

NTNgod Posted: April 04, 2008 at 10:21 PM | 10 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
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1. PASTE is not impressed by Albert Pujols (Zeth) Posted: April 04, 2008 at 10:28 PM (#2730966)

I have no real problems with this, but was it really necessary?

And a technical question: Does Capps become a free agent after this contract ends up, only one year into his arb period?

2. rfloh Posted: April 04, 2008 at 10:33 PM (#2730968)

Does Capps become a free agent after this contract ends up, only one year into his arb period?

Why would he? He still would not have his 6 years of service time. Unless the team non-tenders him, he's still indentured.

3. PASTE is not impressed by Albert Pujols (Zeth) Posted: April 04, 2008 at 10:41 PM (#2730972)

That's good. But aren't the Pirates giving Capps extra money for no good reason? He wasn't going to earn this much over the next two seasons anyway, and the Pirates are getting no tangible benefit from paying him extra.

This is, I suppose, about showing the world the Pirates aren't cheapskates anymore, bucko! No, sir! Except, it's stupid. Giving extra money to a young guy for no reason has nothing to do with building a winning baseball team, especially on a low budget.

4. Stratman01 Posted: April 05, 2008 at 12:29 AM (#2731101)

Justin:

Actually no. Capps is arbitration eligible next year. So they likely will save money. He will still be arb eligible for the final year that is not covered under the contract. The terms are:

Capps last month was given a $435,000 salary for the current season. That figure was increased to $500,000, plus a $250,000 signing bonus.

The next year he gets $2.35 million in his first year of arb eligibility. If he repeats what he did last year comparable salaries for first year arb guys (according to comps) would range from minimum of 3.2 million to as much as 6 million.

The Pirates are banking on him repeating his performance. If he does they will save a little cash. If not, they aren't losing much, plus they avoid the possibility of going to arbitration with one of their better young players.

5. haven Posted: April 05, 2008 at 01:37 AM (#2731283)

Why would he? He still would not have his 6 years of service time. Unless the team non-tenders him, he's still indentured.

Indentured. LOL.

6. PASTE is not impressed by Albert Pujols (Zeth) Posted: April 05, 2008 at 01:40 AM (#2731287)

It sounds more civilized than 'enslaved'.

7. Barry`s_Lazy_Boy Posted: April 05, 2008 at 01:59 AM (#2731325)

Going to arbitration and testifying how bad a player is each offseason generally doesn't engender good will from said player.

8. jwb Posted: April 05, 2008 at 02:10 AM (#2731333)

The Pirates are banking on him repeating his performance

and staying healthy.

Players are neither indentured nor enslaved. Unlike indentured servants or slaves, they can quit and explore other career opportunities. Granted, most will find few opportunites with a minimum salary of $390,000.

9. Biff isn't really an apt handle anymore Posted: April 05, 2008 at 02:28 AM (#2731344)

I feel out of the loop. I had honestly never heard of Matt Capps until I saw this headline.

10. Barry`s_Lazy_Boy Posted: April 05, 2008 at 03:23 AM (#2731385)

I have Capps in a free yahoo league and feel fortunate to have him. He is undervalued at the moment, imo.

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Friday, April 04, 2008

AP: Pirates closer Matt Capps agrees to $2.85 million, 2-year contract

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