Markakis gets 6 yr 66M extension

[brains and braun]

Here's the link:

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3844701

[Thurston Fluff]

Is it just me or is Baltimore actually doing things that make sense for the first time in about 20 years?

[fallingleaves]

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Orioles Magic is making a comeback in 2009~!

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[BrewCrewForever]

He is getting more then Braun, right?

[endaround]

Seems way high for a guy who has yet to get to arby. Doesn't seem like Baltimore is getting any break by taking on the risk they are.

[TheCrew07]

I agree with End... the dollar amounts don't exactly even out, I thought Braun's deal was right on the money. I'm not sure what Baltimore gained here financially, they definitely locked up a good player for a fair amount of years which is a step in the right direction.

[trwi7]

What could we have assumed for him?

 

Arbitration Year 1 - $4 million

Arbitration Year 2 - $6 million

Arbitration Year 3 - $8 million

Free Agency Year 1 - $12 million

Free Agency Year 2 - $14 million

Free Agency Year 3 - $16 million

 

 

So that's what, $60 million? I don't think it's a huge overpayment, and if an extra $6 million over six years is what it took to lock up a good, young player, then I would've done it too.

[endaround]

But they aren't overpaying by $6m, its closer to $10m because the Orioles should be paying less because they are taking on the long term risk. Obviously barring some catastrophic injury this likely won't hurt the Orioles that much, but its still not a great contract considering the market.

[TheCrew07]

I guess I was looking at it from a Brewer perspective where I'd expect to be paying less money in the end for giving more money up front with the security of a 6 year deal.

 

If you're Baltimore and you have a history of over paying players who are declining, this deal is like manna from Heaven. what's an extra 8 to 10 million over 6 years?

[joepepsi]

It seems high to me, but they have to keep him. This franchise has squandered all goodwill it once had from the fans. But it is a better deal for him than the Red Sox gave Youkilis, isn't it?

[Invader3K]

The Orioles are slowly turning themselves back into a respectable team. Would be nice to see them being a factor again in the AL East, instead of just a complete after thought.