is if Royals players started using their BoD standings as part of their presentations in contract negotiations.

I talked to someone who knows a lot about the whole baseball agent business, and he was very concerned that it was a horrible deal for the player. Thought it was likely that Soria was throwing away the chance for really big contract in exchange for short-sighted security. Then again, I doubt Angel Berroa is kicking himself for signing his contract.

That being said, I think its hilarious that they waited until he gave up an ER to finalize the deal. Its like the Royals were waiting for leverage (not really).

Soria would not be eligible for arbitration next year, so he would have only made $500K or so in 2009. In 2010, using Huston Street as a benchmark for a first-time arbitration eligible closer, Soria would have made $3-$3.5m. In 2011, it would likely increase to about $5-$6. So while he is guaranteed $8m over the next three years, he likely would have made only $9-$10m going year to year. The three team options include his last arbitration year and two free agent years, and average about $7m per year. Closers do not make as much as comparable starters or position players. Free agent (or soon-to-be) all-star closers not named Mariano Rivera generally get about $9m-$11m. Soria is certainly giving up some money (and control) for the security of receiving guaranteed money before his arbitration years, but the difference may only be around $10-$12m over a six year period.

But think about it. Soria goes out tomorrow, blows out his arm. Completely shreds it. Toast, couldn’t pitch again if Dr. Andrew had the blood of Christ sprinkled on his surgery hand before cutting him open. Guess what – Soria still gets to rake in that sweet 8 million dollars guaranteed. This for a guy who a year ago was toiling in the depths of Mexican baseball. Hello, payday and big fat ticket for his family out of any financial troubles they may have, into the sweet blissful security of guaranteed millions. Sure, he could of said F THAT, waited for arbitration… hoping that he would remain productive and healthy. But why? Exactly. Guaranteed money = sexy. Everybody likes job security. It’s a great deal for both parties involved.

I don’t believe that Soria got “cheated” or that the agent did a bad job.

First, Soria has earned about $800K in MLB before taxes. He’s got 1 year of service time, so he’s only eligible after 2009. If he gets injured or ineffective, sometime between now and 2009-2010, he doesn’t really have much of a monetary cushion banked. And given that he’s a pitcher, not a position player, injury / ineffectiveness before he hits his first big payday, is a fairly possible event/.

The dollar amount isn’t everything. Soria has security now. If he were to get injured, he’s ok. It’s all about risk avoidance and Soria and the Royals both took on the risk they were willing to in this deal. In this age of agents, no ‘kid from a foreign country’ is getting ‘snookered’ into anything.