Robertson signed through 2010
posted in 2007-08 offseason |Metro Detroit’s resident Tiger, Nate Robertson, should remain that way for a couple more years. Freep reports he signed a 3 year extension through 2010 that guarantees $21.25M during the span, escalating from 4.25 in 2008 to 10M in 2010. (And if Robertson pitches more than 400 innings the first two seasons combined, he’ll earn 11M in 2010.)
That sounds like a lot of money in a few years for a player that is average — or a scosh above average. But that’s the market these days. Replacing Nate with league-average pitching in 2010 really could cost $10M+, so when you think of it like that, the contract isn’t really out of line.
I’ve liked having Nate around anyway. You know what you’re going to get, and he’s a fierce competitor. So I approve of the deal.
Next up: Miguel Cabrera?
UPDATE:
Sabernomics blog already looked at the contract and weighs in with this opinion:
It doesn’t seem like the Tigers are getting much of a discount for insuring Robertson against a decline in his play. I think it would have been better to let the future play out, and if he continues to pitch as he has, then you suck it up and pay the extra million. But maybe this is a sign that salaries are in for an even bigger jump than I am anticipating.
Site note: If you read the full version of this post (or arrived by clicking your RSS feed) you’ll notice a “related posts” at the bottom of the post. My thanks to Christy at Behind the Jersey for showing me where to find that feature. I’ve gone back to make tags for some important happenings, but I don’t expect the tool to become real useful until a little while down the road this year.
Sphere It
The only thing that worries me here is that third year. I have a hard time imagining Nate will be worth $10 million in three years.
And I think you hit the nail on the head with your comments. When you look at the market out there, this is what you get for the money. Averaged over three years it is $7-$7.5 million a year, and that money buys you a pitcher of Nate’s quality. No wonder vets hang on so long nowadays.