Originally Posted by
GAC
And that was kinda the point I was making. And it wasn't really directed as much towards you - which is why I included another poster's 2 yr/$4M suggestion - but that it was MAY, a month into the new season, and we're already suggesting contracts for Iglesias? Very premature. And Iglesias, even at that stage of the season, would laugh at that offer.
I agree it's a moving target. Plenty of baseball left. I may have not worded it properly, but the $32M included the 4th option year. He made $6M in his last year at Detroit. You got him for 3 years at $8M, with a team option for the 4th. IMO, $8M ain't breaking the bank for what he brings to the table.
I may be old school, but I think that when it comes to SS (and Catcher), the primary is defense. Iglesias is a superior defender IMO. I watched that short hop play in last night's game - just like I've watched him all year, and over the years - and this guy is smooth, makes it look so easy. He will give you that defense for the next few years, as well as some stability at the position. The question is - what's it worth? Concepcion's career slash line was .322 .357 .679. No, this isn't the BRM; but I look at what the Red's options are ...
1) develop the next "Larkin". Ain't even coming close. See nothing on the immediate horizon in our system
2) Grow the gonads and sign a solid, established FA (total package) Ain't happening
3) Go out this off-season and find another Iglesias in the market. Possible
4) Give Peraza, who is under their control/cheap another shot while keeping your fingers crossed.
5) Keep Iglesias who ain't "perfect", but will fulfill the role of giving you solid defense up the middle for the next few years while carrying an OPS in the range of .700 (maybe slightly better due to GABP).
And then, besides SS, we have to address another critical INF position in 2B. Will the Reds let either Iglesias or Gennett walk, while letting Peraza fill that vacancy? Who knows. It's Cincy.
Detroit let Iglesias walk, and don't have an answer yet at SS. Pretty much being filled by committee. Over the last month I've read a few articles on teams like the Pirates and Arizona who were in need at SS, had opportunities to sign Iglesias when he was available, but didn't, and now looking back wish they had.