Free agent-to-be Valentin hoping for new contract

 

July 20, 2004

 

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Jose Valentin hopes the passing of the trade deadline in less than two weeks might turn the attention of the White Sox' front office to his contract situation.

 

Valentin is a free agent after his one-year, $5 million deal expires at the end of this season and is intent on working a deal before the end of September because the offseason is expected to bring him plenty of distractions.

 

''I'm the owner in the winter season, so there is going to be a lot of stuff going through my mind,'' said Valentin, who bought a Winter League team in his native Puerto Rico this past offseason and moved it to his hometown of Manati. ''I'd like to do it before I get home, but if not, we'll see what will happen.''

 

With general manager Ken Williams showing through trades that he is intent on winning now, Valentin would prefer to stay in the organization. He had two hits and three RBI in the Sox' 12-6 victory over Texas on Monday night.

 

His bargaining status is helped by the fact that the Sox do not have any major-league-ready shortstops in their system.

 

They did obtain Wilson Valdez from the Florida Marlins in the Billy Koch trade, but the 26-year- old has been known mostly for his glove. He is batting .336 in 28 games at Class AAA Charlotte, but has just five extra-base hits and no home runs with six RBI.

 

''We haven't talked about it yet, but I have some confidence that we can work something out,'' Valentin said. ''I'm positive.''

 

Valentin is batting only left-handed this season after switch- hitting his entire career. While struggling early with strikeouts, Valentin has picked up his production with 19 home runs and 53 RBI and is on pace to pass his career-high home-run total of 28 set in 2001 and matched last season.

 

Doug Padilla

3 years, $12 mil

I guess it all depends on how confident they are in Uribe.

3 years, $12 mil

He's not gonna go for that. He's making $5 million this season and he has improved on D while consistent at the plate since he switched to strictly lefty status.

 

He's gonna want a similar deal for 2 years, or $6 million. I think he'll stay for the same 5 though.

I guess it all depends on how confident they are in Uribe.

They should be confident enough with Uribe over at 2B, and possibly spelling Crede's lame-ass. We need Jose to stay at SS.

He's a pretty decent shortstop. I'd like to pay around $4 million for him, but $5 million is alright. It'd be nice to hold onto him for two more years while we try to get a shortstop of the future somehow.

He's a pretty decent shortstop.  I'd like to pay around $4 million for him, but $5 million is alright.  It'd be nice to hold onto him for two more years while we try to get a shortstop of the future somehow.

Hopefully if we keep him, Valido and AGon can work their way up the ladder in the minors.

Of course he would be singing in espanol . . .

 

Been swingin' for my rent and fielding' for my supper

I'm above the below and below the upper

I'm stuck in the middle where money gets tight

But I guess I'm doin' alright

 

He's a solid $4 to $5 guy. Unsung at times, key piece of the Sox.

I don't think I would offer him anything longer than 2 years. I have no problem being in the $5 million a year range. I think he has more than earned it.

I guess it all depends on how confident they are in Uribe.

Absolutely right there Alex, certainly a lot of things have changed with Jose over the past few months.

1) When KW resigned Jose to that 1 year deal during the offseason, a lot of people here at SoxTalk were crying foul over that particular move, myself included. How could you pay a shortstop who strikes out reguarly, is average in the field, and doesn't hit for a high average $5 million?

2) When Juan Uribe came in and set the house on fire at the top of the order, it looked like the end for Jose, especially considering his hamstring injury which forced him to miss a lot of time early. Uribe has struggled mightily lately though, and his next 2 months will be crucial on both his and Jose's future.

3) Jose himself has played at a really high level in the past 2 months. He's been our best hitter in the clutch, and has hit 17 homers and more than 50 RBI's I think, a great achievement considering the time he missed.

4) He's a Clubhouse Leader, and will be very important in the latter games of the season.

 

All in all, I actually think Jose could get a raise this offseason, if he continues hitting at a horrid pace. Of course this will depend on what happens with other SS's in Free Agency.

Edgar Renteria - Cards don't seem to have enough cash to resign him, and should get $10 million a year from some team.

Nomar - If dealt to a team like the Dodgers, I could see him signing a long term deal. He'll probably end up there anyways, earning a contract of double figures every year.

Orlando Cabrera - Really struggled this year, but if he's traded to a team like the Cubs and really starts to hit again, he'll get some money, think he wanted about $8 million last offseason in contract talks.

4-5 Million for two years.

 

Can't underestimate his leadership.

3 years, $12 mil

Are you Kenny Williams in disguise on soxtalk?

 

I hope the Sox do sign Valentin. He is a very integral part of this team and plays hard all the time. And as the article says: who else in ready anyway? Manos can gives us 2 or 4 more good years and give the Sox time to develop a young SS.

Valentin's shown me what he is worth this season, 2-3 years, 4-5 million is fine with me.

Is that 4-5 million a year or 3 years, 5 million?

I'd give him a 4 year, 12 million contract and see what he thinks.

Gotta give the man a bit of a raise since he has improved this year. What about 2 years guaranteed for $5.5 and $6 and a team option for a third year at $6.5 or $7? I think that would be fair...he likes the Sox and wouldn't ask for anything outrageous, but this would show him he's appreciated.

I love everything Jose has done for this team since he's gotten here; he's become one of the most underrated SS's. I definitely would like to see us lock him up for a couple to three more years.

6 or 7 million is a lot for him. You also have to consider the fact that he isn't drinking from the Fountain of Youth. 4 years, 3 mil per and I'm ecstatic.

6 or 7 million is a lot for him. You also have to consider the fact that he isn't drinking from the Fountain of Youth. 4 years, 3 mil per and I'm ecstatic.

True...but he is a clubhouse leader, doesn't complain (you didn't hear a peep out of him when KW traded for uribe), improved on offense and defense in the time he's been here, doesn't whine to the media about money or playing time (which I'm sure JR LOVES) and honestly loves to play for the White Sox. That's why I made the last year of 7 mil a team option. He'll probably be declining, they can always release him and have him sign for less if he'll do that.

Ah, I see what you ean now. And I agree with all that you said. He is the leader in the clubhouse with a big mouth but is quiet to the media. What is not to like about Manos except his batting average?

Gotta give the man a bit of a raise since he has improved this year.  What about 2 years guaranteed for $5.5 and $6 and a team option for a third year at $6.5 or $7?  I think that would be fair...he likes the Sox and wouldn't ask for anything outrageous, but this would show him he's appreciated.

Dybber, you can't run the bases, but you make a lot of sense as GM. I think you nailed the situation. Jose has really stepped up, and go find a lot of shortstops with 25 homers at the end of the year, and plus range.

Dybber, you can't run the bases, but you make a lot of sense as GM.

It's the moustache...

It's the moustache...

What, did it get in your eyes? I've been wondering since 1983!

I think Soxfan is dead on on this one and we've seen more and more teams do this recently with their aging vets. Simply offer him less money for a longer contract. I'd be almost certain he'd accept.

He's the best slugging shortstop in the league. I really don't think we should let him get away.