All eyes in Philadelphia seem to be settled on Cole Hamels and his next contract. He has shown a great desire to stay in Philadelphia and I truly believe that he will stay in the City of Brotherly Love and wear Red Pinstripes for a very long time.
Shane Victorino during Phillies Photo Day. Tweeted out by @philaphillies
However, he’s not the only Phillie whose contract is up after this season. Shane Victorino will be a free agent and his future with the franchise is up in the air.
Todd Zolecki, of Phillies.com, spent a few minutes catching with Victorino and asked him about his future. Shane responded with
I don’t plan on going anywhere.
Well, ok Shane, but you know, it takes two to tango. And the Phillies need to want you back. Which I am sure it’s true, but money will be an issue.
Jayson Stark, of ESPN.com, asked Victorino what he meant about his statement to Zolecki and his answer is, well, interesting.
“What that statement was saying,” he said, “was that I’m willing to give up free agency. A lot of guys won’t. In the game of baseball, free agency is what every major league player dreams of. You want to maximize your value, and of course I do, too. But what’s important to me is, I want to be here. I love playing here. My family loves the city. I love the city. So when I made that statement, that’s what I meant.”
Wow. I don’t know much about negotiation, I’m a teacher after all, and we have set salaries, negotiations rarely occur, but I’m pretty sure he’s doing it wrong. Aren’t you suppose to keep some of the leverage and not give it all to those you are negotiating with?
The real question is: How much of a hometown discount is he willing to take?
Jim Salisbury, of CSNPhilly, is reporting that Victorino wants a 5-year deal. But that Shane wouldn’t talk about how much money that is.
I still think I’m missing something with how to negotiate, but hey to each their own.
P.S. I love Shane and all, but 5 years for someone on the wrong side of 30 just doesn’t seem like a good idea.
Karilee Jeantet is the Lead Contributor for A View From Section 116. Follow her on twitter @kjeantet and @viewfromsec116.
