How much should a hit cost a MLB team?

[wrveres]

I was doing some reading and something struck me funny .. A raise? for 19 pinch hits? I know he got other hits too, but come-on. He is just a back up ... Interesting catcher situation too..

After talking to executives from 10 teams and the agent for free-agent pitcher Miguel Batista at the World Series last week, General Manager Joe Garagiola Jr. hopes to further define the Diamondbacks' off-season plans this week.

Garagiola said he plans to talk this week with agent Scott Boras, who represents infielder Carlos Baerga. The Diamondbacks have exclusive negotiating rights to Baerga, Batista and Raul Mondesi - their top three free agents - until Nov. 11.

Baerga, who led team with a franchise-record 19 pinch-hits, wants to stay but could be seeking a decent raise from his $500,000 salary.

"This is one of those things we'll try to advance this week and see what their thinking is," Garagiola said Monday afternoon from JFK Airport in New York.

Garagiola spoke with attorney Martin Arburua in Florida regarding Batista but sensed that financial discussions wouldn't take place until Arburua assesses the degree of interest in his client from elsewhere.

Catching quandary
The Diamondbacks' assessment of Robby Hammock as a catcher who can play other positions will fuel attempts by agent Alan Meersand to seek a trade for Chad Moeller.

"When they sat Chad down (in early August), he was batting .284," Meersand said. "At the very worst, he can handle the duties on a 50-50 basis, with the potential to become a 120- to 130-game catcher.

"His heart was broken by the decision. I don't want the Diamondbacks to bring him back as a second or third catcher. He's too young (28) to be sitting around."

Garagiola said he would listen to Meersand's plea. Moeller was the Diamondbacks' Opening Day catcher before his playing time diminished. Moeller led Diamondbacks catchers with 69 starts, but only eight came in the final two months and none after Sept. 4.

god I hate scott boras....

[Madison]

Of course everyone wants to cash in. It's not about the game anymore.

[mightyian5]

if only baerga was what he used to be. then hed deserve that money. take a look at his past with in cleveland. was probably the best offensive 2 in the league at the time.

[wrveres]

if only baerga was what he used to be. then hed deserve that money. take a look at his past with in cleveland. was probably the best offensive 2 in the league at the time.

I know Baerga's past, but IMO. his is no positoin to be asking for a raise. Not at this age, and as a backup. Besides the D backs have the Baby Back's ... Cintron, Kata, ...and Spivey and Counsell. No need to break the bank for 16 PH.. Save the money and apply it to a say, .. Shannon Stewart ...

[Madison]

if only baerga was what he used to be. then hed deserve that money. take a look at his past with in cleveland. was probably the best offensive 2 in the league at the time.

I know Baerga's past, but IMO. his is no positoin to be asking for a raise. Not at this age, and as a backup. Besides the D backs have the Baby Back's ... Cintron, Kata, ...and Spivey and Counsell. No need to break the bank for 16 PH.. Save the money and apply it to a say, .. Shannon Stewart ...

I agree. If he won't take $500,000, then let him go.