El Guapo's Ghost Rambles on about the Red Sox

HENRY, WHY GO PUBLIC?

"We have made him credible offers, and the reason we're proceeding in a manner as if we're not going to be able to sign Nomar is because his agent has given us every clear indication that there's no common ground," Henry said before a ceremony to inaugurate the club's new training academy in the Dominican Republic. "He seems to believe it's still the winter of 2000." (Hohler, Globe).

Why, Mr. Henry? The Sox did not stop there. They leaked that Garciaparra wanted $68 million over four years last March and that $60 over four was rejected. The Sox latest offer, made this winter $48 million for four years of service, was also turned down by Nomar. By going public, the Sox have crushed their own bargaining position at the trade table in the name of fan/public relations. Henry should have bit his tongue.

By stating the difficultly in negotiations and actual dollar amounts, it is a sign to L.A. and Anaheim that Nomar is unlikely to sign a long-term deal with Boston without venturing into the free agent market after the 2004 season. L.A. and Anaheim can now wait to acquire Nomar for nothing more than a couple of draft picks in 2005. Further, releasing Nomar’s actual salary demand might even eliminate L.A. and Anaheim as potential trading partners this winter. They may not be able to lockup the All-Star and do not want to risk having Nomar for only one season. Henry’s statement hurts the Sox leverage for the sake of public relations. Henry made a big mistake unless the deal for A-Rod is dead and is trying to pressure Nomar to bring his demands down (I doubt it).

The Dodgers and Anaheim should now put Tejada ahead of Nomar on their shortstop shopping list. Tejada is younger, presumably cheaper and will be locked up beyond 2004. Even if one believes Nomar will be more productive than Tejada, the difference of contract offers ($48 and $24) is too great to be ignored. Tejada is the better buy for L.A. and Anaheim.