Quote:
Originally posted by Steve4192
That is true. That is also whyI suspect the Reds will look to move him.
However, I don't think his salary will explode via arbitration because of the way the system is set up.
The average raise in arbitration is about $900M, with first year eligibles getting less than that. I would suspect catchers only get about half of that due to their generally lower salaries/stats and the lack of great young catchers to compare to between the 2 & 3 year service level. I'd be surprised if Larue exceeds $700M in arbitration, and I expect something in the $600M range.
Considering the new CBA boosted the minimum salary to $300M, $600M is still pretty darn cheap.
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This post is well thought out, and the cost-for-production argument is fair. However, I disagree about LaRue getting only $700K in arbitration.
Two years ago, Scott Hatteberg was a first time eligible catcher for the Red Sox and the two sides split the difference at around $1 million. Hatteberg, while a better hitter than LaRue IMHO, was not a full-time player and didn't have "counting stats" that were quite as good (homers, caught runners %). I think LaRue will get in the 1.5 mil. range.
I agree that I'd rather have LaRue for his present salary than Todd Hundley for gazillions. But I just think LaRue is a waste of the Reds time. He seems to lack either the ability or inclination to improve his plate discipline skills or his game as a backstop.