Scott Boras and Pedro Alvarez heading into scary territory

[SirFelixCat]

There's no question that MLB's move to drag Hosmer into the equation is meant to put their feet to the fire.

And good to see, tbh. I really would like it in writing in the next CBA regarding slot money for draft picks...


Is there any realistic chance that the player's union 'allows' that to be included?

[flyer85]

There's no question that MLB's move to drag Hosmer into the equation is meant to put their feet to the fire.

it may be the case that it puts the feet of Boras to the fire but it only makes sense ... the Ok for Hosmer's deal came after Alvarez according to MLB so if an arbitrator invalidates the Alvarez deal it only follows that Hosmer's deal is void as well.

[ChatterRed]

Scott Boras a.k.a. Satan.

[Caveat Emperor]

Is there any realistic chance that the player's union 'allows' that to be included?

I don't know why they wouldn't -- every dollar being paid to these "top prospects' is potentially one less dollar to pay to an established big-leaguer who IS a member of the MLBPA (unlike these kids).

[OnBaseMachine]

Report: Pirates, No. 2 pick Alvarez agree on deal despite grievance

ESPN.com news services

Updated: September 22, 2008, 9:17 AM ET

The Pirates have agreed to a reworked deal with third baseman Pedro Alvarez, the No. 2 overall pick from Vanderbilt who Pittsburgh initially signed a month ago before a union grievance put the contract on hold, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Monday.

Alvarez and the Pirates agreed to a four-year deal Sunday night worth a guaranteed $6.4 million, the newspaper reported, citing three sources close to the contract talks. The deal is contingent on a physical expected to be performed early this week.

The Pirates' No. 2 overall pick this year, Pedro Alvarez -- playing for Team USA last summer -- has agreed to a revised $6.4 million deal, according to a newspaper report.

A source told the Post-Gazette the Pirates' signing of the power-hitting collegiate star would likely result in the voiding of a grievance the players' association filed Aug. 27 against the commissioner's office.

It contended Major League Baseball had violated its collective bargaining agreement with the players by approving an agreement between Alvarez and the Pirates shortly after a midnight deadline Aug. 15.

An arbitrator heard the complaint Sept. 10 in New York, a hearing that included commissioner Bud Selig. Two more hearings were set for Tuesday and Wednesday, the newspaper reported.

"Regrettably, we are not surprised that Mr. Boras would attempt to raise a meritless legal claim in an effort to compel us to renegotiate Pedro's contract to one more of his liking," Pirates president Frank Coonelly said in a statement on Aug. 27, referring to agent Scott Boras. "We are, however, disappointed that Pedro would allow his agent to pursue this claim on his behalf.

"Pedro showed tremendous fortitude and independent thinking when he agreed to his contract on Aug. 15."

Alvarez and the Pirates originally agreed to a minor league deal with a $6 million signing bonus. The new contract retains the $6 million bonus but would pay it over four years instead of two, the Post-Gazette reported.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3602002

[Strider]

OBM...

Help me understand why paying out a $6M bonus over 4 years rather than 2 is better for Alvarez?

He will be in the top tax bracket regardless and the time value of money would seem to dictate that dollars sooner is better than dollars later...

[PuffyPig]

OBM...

Help me understand why paying out a $6M bonus over 4 years rather than 2 is better for Alvarez?

He will be in the top tax bracket regardless and the time value of money would seem to dictate that dollars sooner is better than dollars later...

It's not better, it's worse, as you say.

But he got $400,000 more which would likely offset the difference.

But it allows Boras to say he got a higher bonus.