LOS ANGELES -- Negotiations between the Dodgers and Clayton Kershaw for a long-term contract began nearly a year ago, and based on media reports, might soon conclude. General manager Ned Colletti confirmed last week that the sides have been negotiating, and a FoxSports report on Wednesday speculated that the Dodgers want to have a deal in place before the Friday exchange of arbitration figures between the left-hander and the club. Kershaw last summer reportedly rejected what would have amounted to a lifetime contract, rumored to be worth as much as $300 million. Kershaw wouldnt discuss specifics at the time, other than to express his annoyance that word of the in-season negotiations had leaked. He earlier had told reporters that there would be no in-season negotiations. Kershaw is one of three Dodgers who filed for arbitration on Tuesday, the others being closer Kenley Jansen and catcher A.J. Ellis. This is Kershaws final year of arbitration eligibility, after which he would be eligible for free agency. He is coming off a two-year, $19 million deal. Even if an agreement is not reached by Friday, negotiations can continue until a February hearing, at which Kershaws 2014 salary would be determined by an arbitration panel. Apparently, neither side wants it to get to that point. Kershaw has been coy about his plans, admitting over the winter that free agency was intriguing. He is represented by J.D. Smart and Casey Close, whose agency also represents fellow Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke as well as Masahiro Tanaka, the Japanese starting pitcher who has held negotiations with several Major League teams in the past week. Without drawing a direct connection, the Dodgers have indicated only moderate interest in Tanaka while the talks with Kershaw have progressed. If the Dodgers indeed are considering Friday to be a deadline, it would also allow them to shift priorities to Tanaka if indications are that a long-term deal with Kershaw is in doubt. -Ory
Posted on: Wed, 15 Jan 2014 20:07:44 +0000
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