Matt Kemp and Dodgers are close to a deal, agent says
Matt Kemp and the Dodgers are nearing an agreement for a two-year contract, according to Dave Stewart, Kemp’s agent.
“The negotiations are going smoothly,” Stewart said. “Do I think we can get it done? Yes. Will it get done? Only time will tell.”
The proposed deal would buy out the first two of Kemp’s three arbitration years.
“If it makes sense for both sides, it could happen,” General Manager Ned Colletti said.
Based on his statistics from last season, Kemp could draw a 2010 salary of around $4 million if he goes through the arbitration process. The 25-year-old center fielder batted .297 with 26 home runs and 101 runs batted in, and won Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards.
Players and teams will exchange salary arbitration figures Tuesday, but Stewart said he anticipated that Kemp would be signed by then.
Stewart has said that he believes young players can best maximize their earnings in the arbitration process and should avoid signing multiyear deals until they become free agents after their sixth year of major league service. Asked why he advised Kemp to explore a multiyear deal with the Dodgers at this stage in his career, Stewart said: “The ballclub is really, really motivated to do it. Any time the club shows it’s motivated to do something for the player, it’s a good thing.”
The Dodgers have also opened talks with Andre Ethier and Jonathan Broxton about multiyear deals. Ethier and Broxton are eligible for salary arbitration this year.
Season-ticket sales down
The Dodgers could lose thousands of season-ticket accounts this year, even after consecutive appearances in the National League Championship Series.
The Dodgers sold 23,900 season tickets last year, club President Dennis Mannion said. They have sold 20,700 so far this year, he said, with customers facing a Friday renewal deadline.
“My concern is the number of unpaid accounts that haven’t canceled,” Mannion said Wednesday in Phoenix at baseball’s quarterly owners’ meetings.
Mannion said that fans are holding on to their money as long as possible because of the tenuous economy. He said he can’t say how many fans will give up their season tickets.
Short hops
The Dodgers continue to search for a No. 4 starter and have recently reached out to the representatives of free agents Joel Pineiro, Vicente Padilla, Braden Looper and Jon Garland. . . . The club is also looking for a veteran reserve outfielder to replace the departed Juan Pierre. . . . In the last week, the Dodgers have signed utility man Nick Green and pitcher Russ Ortiz to minor league contracts that include invitations to spring training. Green would get a base salary of $550,000 if he makes the Dodgers’ roster. Ortiz would receive $650,000.
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Bill Shaikin reported from Phoenix
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