Braun's agent visits
Brewers
Apr/08/08 11:58 PM Filed in:
Ryan Braun
Nez Balelo, the agent for
left fielder Ryan Braun, was in town to check in
with clients Braun and reliever David Riske, and
for a face-to-face meeting with general manager
Doug Melvin. The Brewers have already submitted at
least one long-term contract proposal to Braun,
first baseman Prince Fielder and at least one
other player, according to principal owner Mark
Attanasio.
Neither Balelo nor Melvin would divulge any details
Tuesday, which was not surprising. Balelo's policy is
to not comment on ongoing discussions, and Melvin has
said in recent weeks that he does not want to give
public play-by-play of negotiations.
Attanasio last week confirmed the team's interest in
locking down some of its young stars with long-term
deals, preferably "buying out" at least one year of
free agency. In Braun's case, that likely would require
a contract through 2014.
"There's nothing really to talk about," Melvin said.
Another benchmark was set in place Tuesday, when the
Arizona Diamondbacks finalized a five-year extension
with outfielder Chris Young that buys out his first
year of free agency and includes a club option that
would cover his second year. Young, who has already
signed for $400,000 this season, got a $1 million
signing bonus and is guaranteed $1.75 million in 2009,
$3.25 million in 2010, $5 million in 2011, $7 million
in 2012 and $8.5 million in 2013. The club option calls
for an $11 million salary or a $1.5 million buyout.
Young is represented by agent Jeff Berry, who also
represents Brewers outfielder Corey Hart and is
affiliated with Los Angeles-based CAA Sports. Balelo is
affiliated with the same firm.
(mlb.com)