Lastings Milledge signs for $1.9 million

[colbyjack]

Interesting story on how the negotiations are going between Milledge & the Mets:

 

www.nypost.com/sports/mets/38140.htm

 

Note his agent is Tommy Tanzer, I believe the same man that advised Matt Harrington not to take a $4+ million offer from the Rockies. If that wasn't Tanzer, I apologize in advance, but I'm pretty sure it was.

 

Basically, at what point do these kids realize they could be facing a once in a lifetime opportunity? I know it's not entirely up to them, as these agents come along & promise them riches beyond their wildest imaginations. But it does sound as though his father isn't helping the process.

 

I like Milledge, and still think he could be the most talented player from this past June's draft. If there is bad blood between he & the Mets, Milledge could attend Manatee JC & be eligible for the draft again next June. Just another name to keep an eye on.

[batman]

I agree, Patrick: it looks like he's getting some very bad advice. And it is indeed the same Tommy Tanzer - check out this gem from Baseball America that discusses the Harrington situation. I'm kind of surprised with the sentiment expressed in the NY Post article that the Mets "would gladly take the sandwich pick they would get in next June's draft for failing to sign Milledge." They probably should have drafted somebody else if they were worried he wouldn't be affordable.

 

And who does Tommy Tanzer think he is? Scott Boras? Jeez.

 

EDIT: Oh, and coincidentally, that's who Harrington went to after he fired Tanzer. You know you're doing things wrong when a client fires you in favor of Boras because your demands are too high. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/laugh.gif

 

~Bill

[BrewDude]

All I have to say is talk about going from bad to worse!!!

[Al the Thinking Man]

While it is an understatement to say Tanzer is an idiot, nothing was stopping Matt from calling the Pads and taking the money.

 

Remember, the agent works for the client. Agents can recommend, but they will do as they are told.

 

What's ol' Matt up to these days?

 

EDIT: To answer my own question, he's pitching middle relief in the Central League for the Fort Worth Cats. Good secondary numbers, he'd be worth taking a flyer on...bet that $4 mil looks pretty damn appealing right now.

[danzig6677]

Man when your a top 15 pick and get offered between 2-4 million dollars these kids really really got to think hard before turning it down especially a pitcher who could get hurt and lose everything.

 

Just by a rough estimate on 1.75 million after taxes your looking at a check for 1.2ish million dollars.On 4 million dollars your looking at a check for near 3 million dollars,your set for life if you dont get foolish with your money.

 

Sometimes these guys fight for an extra few hundred grand and crap out by getting nothing.I understand it might be their only contract,but they are taking a huge risk to pass on enough money that could partially or fully set them up for life.

[colbyjack]

According to the NY Times (take that for what it's worth) Lastings Milledge has signed with the Mets for $1.9 million.

 

Now, do you think the Mets brought up that crap about his character as a negotiating ploy? They definitely cornered him into signing for less than what he wanted to.