Reds and Players Exchange Arbitration Numbers

Danny Knobler of CBS Sports has the list for the exchange of salary numbers between players and the Reds.

Here’s a look at what we know in regards to the six players the Reds have remaining in the arbitration process. I’ve also included the estimated figures by Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors as a bit of a reference point.

June 16, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Bailey throws a pitch during the first inning of a game against the New York Mets at Citi Field. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

Homer Bailey – $5.8MM

I would imagine there would be those that feel this is a little high. It is Bailey’s second year in the process and the price of pitching has skyrocketed just within the last year. Last season, Bailey and the Reds agreed on $2.425MM to avoid a hearing.

The Reds countered with an offer of $4.75MM and MLB Trade Rumors estimated Bailey to receive $5.1MM. The Reds offer is a little closer to the MLBTR number, and we cannot forget that there is a chance a multi-year deal could be in the works for Homer.

If one isn’t reached, I can see this going either way. As I said, the price for arms is moving up quickly, yet the Reds could use a common complaint against Bailey: inconsistency.

Here’s something to think about. The number Team Homer filed could spur the talks in regards to a long-term deal.

Shin-Soo Choo – $8MM

Last season, the former Indian agreed to a deal worth $4.9MM. It should be of no surprise that Choo and his agent, Scott Boras, filed for this amount. Apparently, MLBTR was thinking the same as they estimated Choo could fetch $7.9MM.

And what was the Reds counter? $6.75MM. Choo is wearing the “rental” tag, so it’s conceivable that the team “downplayed” their offer a bit. They did get a reported $3.5MM in the trade. I guarantee Choo’s agent has that in his memory bank.

I wonder what names Boras is calling Walt today? If this goes to a hearing, I can see Choo getting his money. I can also see a deal as for some reason, Walt and Boras seem to not ind each other all that much. The number they could agree on is anybody’s guess.

Mat Latos – $4.7MM

The sides aren’t that far apart here as the Reds offer was $4.15MM. Plus, MLBTR pegged Latos for $4.6MM. There’s been chatter of a long-term deal. A contract in either a one-year or multi-year deal is favorable here. I do not see this going to a hearing.

May 16, 2012; Flushing, NY,USA; Leake singles to left during the third inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. (Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports)

Mike Leake – $3.5MM

I’m in the final stages of doing my post for the “Reds in 2013” series where Leake is the subject. His number gave me a slightest of giggles. Not a complete “LOL” moment because of how much starting pitching costs these days. Still, I think this is a little high. MLBTR guessed Leake would get a salary of $2.9MM (which seems reasonable) and the Reds offer is $2.65MM.

Again, the MLBTR number is higher than the Reds offer, like with Bailey, but despite that now repetitive phrase of “the cost of pitching”, I can see the Reds getting the better end of this should a hearing take place.

If Leake’s bat enters the discussion…

Alfredo Simon – $1.05MM

The Reds offer is $750k. The MLBTR estimate is $800k. This is hard to judge, but I think Simon’s asking price is too steep. The team may opt for a hearing (something that rarely happens as Mark Sheldon noted).

What makes this a little strange, unique or whatever other adjective along those lines you want to use here is that Simon has fulfilled every role an MLB pitcher can possibly serve: starter, reliever, closer, long man. Will he be rewarded for his versatility is a different matter.

I don’t see a seven figure contract as Simon and Company has filed, but I also don’t see the Reds budging off their offer a whole lot either.

Chris Heisey – $1.65MM

The offer from the Reds was $1.05MM and MLBTR says $1.3MM is the number. The MLBTR number is almost right down the middle. This is one that should get settled first.

UPDATE: Apparently, the Reds had discussed a multi-year deal with Heisey (per a Buster Olney tweet), but it appears that a one-year is more likely.

I did state the other day that players tend to go a little high and the team seems to go a little low. Now, the sides have to find a common ground so that there will be no hearings.