From Baker's newspaper(!) work:
In the weeks ahead, [Felix's] agent, Alan Nero, will meet with Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik to explore a deal that will keep Hernandez in Seattle for years.
So this isn't really news any more than "Mariners to explore free agency" is news, but what it is is a reminder that you may want to take care to appreciate Felix's last two starts in 2009 a little more than you might otherwise. Because if the two sides don't show signs of coming together in contract talks, things can change in a hurry.
I don't have a whole lot of insight, here. I know Felix likes Seattle. His family's there. All things considered, he'd like to stick around, and the security of, say, a four-year contract would still give him the option of hitting free agency at 27. So it's not like re-signing with Seattle would blow a once-in-a-lifetime shot at a legendary payday. But the closer he gets to the end of team control, the less incentive he has to grant the M's a big discount, and he's not going to come cheap. The combination of not knowing what Felix would settle for and the front office never saying anything to anyone ever makes this a difficult situation to predict. Felix says that he wants to be made to feel wanted, but what does that even mean?
As has been pointed out, Felix's agent is the same guy who negotiated Jon Lester's extension with Boston which bought out one year of free agency with a second year option. But then, Lester was four years from being an FA at the time, while Felix is only two, so who knows what kind of difference that could make. Gun to my head, I think the M's and Felix come together. I think the M's will recognize how good Felix is and give him enough to stay for four or five years. The guy's 23 and he has the #4 FIP and the #2 tRA in the AL. He's legitimately great. However, I'm not certain. Nobody's certain. And for that reason, I intend to celebrate these final two Felix Days of 2009 like none other. Just in case.
Jack: I'd understand, of course, but please don't let this be the end of an era. This era's just beginning.
0 recs | 48 comments
God dammit, Bill.
It didn’t have to be like this.
Teej - September 29, 2009 via mobile
The gift that keeps on giving!
Poochie - September 29, 2009
Like herpes!
waldo rojas - September 29, 2009
Well, there are a few things that might happen.
1. Felix gets extended in the off-season.
2. Felix gets traded in the off-season.
3. Felix gets traded next year, mid-season.
I hope sooo much he gets extended, even if it’s like 6 years.
That being said, I’ve already got tickets for the last 2 Felix days… because, ya know, ya never know.
lailaihei - September 29, 2009
Or something else happens.
Matthew - September 29, 2009
He could only end up being worth like 3 wins worth next year and his value would plummet
Robert - September 29, 2009
Other things that might happen
1. The world ends
2. Matthew is signed by the Marlins to play left field
3. It rains Cuvee de Tomme for three straight days
seattlebruin - September 29, 2009
Would having a guy that hits primarily ground balls really be a good thing in the NL East?
Robert - September 29, 2009
Jack: I would not and do not care to understand. Don't fuck it up.
lemonverbena - September 29, 2009 via mobile
Maybe we will trade him for Strasburg!
Poochie - September 29, 2009
I wonder how the excellent defense factors into these conversations.
I mean, a few extra years of this type of defense would only boost his numbers and inflate his value. At his age, it would probably be worth taking his chances for the hope of a record-breaking contract down the road.
God damn I still can’t believe how young he is.
maalox - September 29, 2009
god i hope we don't lose him.
sanford_and_son - September 29, 2009
He'll turn up
Sec 108 - September 29, 2009
I'm sure Robert has implanted a tracking device by now.
Eyebrows - September 29, 2009 via mobile
Like Robert has ever actually been close enough to him to do this.
Mariner John - September 29, 2009
Oh snap
Robert - September 29, 2009
I think only you could make Felix look similar to Silva.
kentroyals5 - September 29, 2009
Could you look like a bigger dork next to Felix, dear?
Also – I’M JEALOUS
royalcurve - September 29, 2009
Holy shit!
Felix actually let you near him?
EnglishMariner - September 29, 2009
Restraining order hadn't taken effect yet.
pdb - September 29, 2009
On three separate occasions!
Robert - September 30, 2009
THREE?
royalcurve - September 30, 2009
That doesn't look like Felix
Jeff Sullivan - September 29, 2009
You don't look like a good lay
Robert - September 30, 2009
;(
Robert - September 30, 2009
Shopped
Poochie - September 29, 2009
He's probably right where we left him
seattlebruin - September 29, 2009
Let's see.
People who did not offer an extension, and did not let him compete to pitch opening day last year are gone?
Check.
Improved defense?
Check.
Improved offense?
Um. Make him a promise?
msb - September 29, 2009
Felix and the future
makes me think of this song.
mark sobba - September 29, 2009
Ah, great song
Question is, though, how many hundred dollar bills will it take?
groovewrangler - September 29, 2009
I have this friend. His name is Justin.
Justin Case…
Yeah, I’ve got two tix to Sunday’s game.
PositivePaul - September 29, 2009
Also Junior's last game!
If there’s any justice in the world, anyway. Bench Coach ’10!
pdb - September 29, 2009
Exactly.
I’m takin’ my kid. I’ve already forecasted that I’m going to catch his last HR and give it to him.
PositivePaul - September 29, 2009
Won't work unless you predict what inning, the count, and the pitch type for said home run.
JLProck - September 29, 2009
Ppsh... Like THAT would ever happen.
Oh… wait…
seattlesundevil - September 29, 2009
Whatever happens with Felix, barring some injury or unforseen performance collapse, we will benefit.
Sure, if he goes we will be distraught for a time. I only own one baseball jersey, and that is my Felix top. I never wear it because it is too special to me to merely wear in public [not to mention the funny looks I would get wearing a baseball jersey over here]. Felix means more to me than even Ichiro. However, as the trade discussions with Boston suggest, if Felix does leave we will be able to reload our minor leagues with some serious talent. And if Felix stays, well, Felix! Need I say more?
I have total faith that Jack will do the thing that is right for this franchise long term.
EnglishMariner - September 29, 2009
I will blow my brains out
Robert - September 29, 2009
Make sure there are two bullets. I want one.
royalcurve - September 29, 2009
Just like you did when Josh Brown left for greeeeeener pastures...
PositivePaul - September 29, 2009
WINNING FRANCHISE
waldo rojas - September 29, 2009
I think Jack's work in his short time as a GM has allowed for this opportunity.
If we had another terrible season this year, I would bet Felix would have run to free agency. But with the clubhouse having pulled a 180ยบ this season, it makes things easier for Felix to want to stay and negotiate an extension.
Please stay, Felix.
Wilder. - September 29, 2009
It's occurred to me that this title is misleading
it implies big news, whereas the article tag is “Regular News,” meaning it is not significant at all.
seattlebruin - September 29, 2009
I think by design.
JMKaustin - September 29, 2009
Shannon just repeated her thought that she thinks Felix would like to go to free agency, but that he has Bedard right there showing the dangers of assuming you'll get a big pay-off, and then having something going wrong before you get there....
msb - September 29, 2009
Followed by Larry Stone, who thinks Felix has his eye on free agency, and that it might not matter what they offer
msb - September 29, 2009
I hate this story.
royalcurve - September 29, 2009
Dear Jack:
I won’t understand. At all. I will not forgive you if you let him leave. I don’t care if it’s illogical or what the circumstances are. The only acceptable solution is that you sign Felix to a contract. If you don’t, then I will fucking hate you.
Goose - September 29, 2009
Is this because you can't bring yourself to blame Felix?
msb - September 29, 2009
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