Kemp and Billingsley avoid arby

[realmofotalk]

The Dodgers have begun discussing a multi-year contract with Matt Kemp, writes Ken Gurnick of MLB.com. However, his agent Dave Stewart says that Kemp might prefer to go year-to-year via arbitration.

Kemp is one of nine Dodgers eligible for arbitration this winter and one of five eligible for the first time in their careers. Gurnick writes that signing position players like Kemp, James Loney, and Andre Ethier to long-term deals would provide the club with a degree of cost certainty. GM Ned Colletti approached Russell Martin two years ago about a multiyear agreement but was rebuffed.

Given that Kemp hasn't yet reached his peak as a player, it would be in his best interest to go year-to-year. I'd like for him to be locked into a LTC now, but the worst thing would be for Mc****s then to determine that they can't afford the contract anymore because of an impending sale and then trade him in a straight salary dump like the Jays did with Alex Rios.

Russ really screwed himself over. If his production as a hitter keeps dropping, he could become a non-tender candidate after this season. That he stands to make $6 million via arbitration has to be a mistake.

Finally, Dave Stewart still likes trannies.

[realmofotalk]

Matt Kemp and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed Friday to a $10.95 million, two-year contract, avoiding salary arbitration. Kemp will make $4 million in 2010 and $6.95 million in 2011, with the chance to earn about $500,000 more in performance bonuses during the contract.

The Dodgers also avoided arbitration with right-hander Chad Billingsley, who agreed to a $3.85 million, one-year deal. Billingsley was an All-Star in 2009 with nine early wins, but he struggled in the second half and finished 12-11 with a 4.03 ERA for the NL West champions.

No surprising figures, unless you happen to believe Kemp will be an overpaid $6.95 million player in 2011. Also, wise move by Chad to avoid arby, as Kim Ng would've mother****ed him on his second half.