Mutual fun.
Jumping off from (1) a discussion we had on the Ben & Skin Show yesterday, and (2) the sideshow we all watched last night: Vladimir Guerrero's contract, which pays $5.5 million in 2010 (with another $900,000 in roster bonuses), contains a $9 million mutual option for 2011, with a $1 million buyout payable if either side declines the option. Rich Harden's contract, which pays $6.5 million in 2010 (with another $2.5 million in what now appear to be mostly unattainable graduated workload incentives), contains an $11 million mutual option for 2011, with a $1 million buyout payable if either side declines. Pretty clear where both of those deals are headed. Unless new ownership helps get the hitter extended (two guaranteed, market-value years plus an option for a third?) during the season. According to at least one local report, the Rangers have two pitchers from the 40-man roster on a morning flight to Toronto that connects through Detroit. The decision as to whether to activate one (for Doug Mathis, who would be optioned) or both (which would mean both Mathis and Craig Gentry would be optioned without Joaquin Arias being activated yet – Max Ramirez would serve as both the backup catcher and first baseman today) hasn't been announced. As the two pitchers are reportedly on the roster, candidates include Oklahoma City righthanders Guillermo Moscoso, Pedro Strop, and Alexi Ogando, Oklahoma City lefthander Michael Kirkman, and Frisco lefthander Zach Phillips. (Oklahoma City righthanders Brandon McCarthy and Omar Beltre are on the disabled list.) Oklahoma City and Frisco were both home last night. I'll blast the list again when the move(s) are announced. =========================================================== To join the free Newberg Report mailing list so you can get e-mail deliveries of every edition of the newsletter, daily minor league game recaps, and frequent Newberg Report News Flashes, go to www.newbergreport.com and click the "Mailing List" link on the top menu bar. (c) Jamey Newberg http://www.newbergreport.com Twitter @newbergreport