I'm not going to start a poll. Just wanted to hear member's feelings on this guy with all the current discussion about rating Jocketty, the signing of Wee Willy Winkle, and the lack of movement (improvement) during this off-season, I think Bob C has been getting a pass.
I have no problem with the criticism of Jocketty. He is the GM. I think some of it is a little overboard; but everyone has the right to their opinion.
But Walt, even though he is the GM, works for Bob C and the ownership group who controls/sets the payroll budget and what is to be spent.
The opening payroll for '08 was 74 mil.
By the end of the season they rid themselves of contracts such as Dunn (13M) and Jr (8.2M). They also fulfilled the last year of the Milton contract (10 mil). And they also let some other "dregs" go too, which, if totaled up, may come to another few mil. So I think it's somewhat safe to assume they cut around 35M there.
Their probable commitments for 2009 (including new acquisitions and raises due):
C - Ramon Hernandez - $8MM
C - Ryan Hanigan - $400K
C - Wilkin Castillo - $400K
1B - Joey Votto - $400K
2B - Brandon Phillips - $4.75MM
SS - Alex Gonzalez - $5.375MM
3B - Edwin Encarnacion - $450K+
IF - Jeff Keppinger - $403K
LF - Chris Dickerson - $400K
RF - Jay Bruce - $400K
CF - Willy Taveras - ??? (lets say he gets 2.5M for '09)
OF - Norris Hopper - $403K
SP - Aaron Harang - $11MM
SP - Bronson Arroyo - $9.5MM
SP - Edinson Volquez - $400K
SP - Johnny Cueto - $400K
SP - Micah Owings - $402K
RP - Francisco Cordero - $12MM
RP - Jared Burton - $400K
RP - Mike Lincoln - $2MM
RP - Arthur Rhodes - $2MM
RP - Bill Bray - $400K
RP - Nick Masset - $400K
Other commitments: Yonder Alonso - $400K Rotation candidates: Daryl Thompson - $400K, Homer Bailey - $400K, Ramon Ramirez - $400K
2009 payroll obligations to former players (buyouts):
Stanton .5M, Ross .375M, Castro .1M total = .975M
We have to pay half of the 4 mil buyout on Jr's trade to the Sox. But we also got 2 mil from the Orioles in the Hernandez deal. So that is a trade-off.
Weathers accepted arbitration (1 yr deal). He got 2.75 last season. Lets assume he gets a raise to 3.2M
Now I realize that my math may not be an exact science; but I think it's in the "ballpark", and we're looking at a payroll commitment right now of 70.425M
If there are omissions or errors, then please feel free to correct me. There are still some arb cases right? Also - what about deferred monies to Jr, which we are obligated for til around 2024. Shouldn't that be figured into that '09 figure above?
Now Bob C said the payroll will raise to somewhere in the range of 80M+.
They say they are still looking for the RH's power hitting LFer.
There just ain't much wiggle room there folks.
I'm excited!