Post by #1 Jays Fan on Apr 1, 2008 22:40:35 GMT -5
NEW YORK -- The Toronto Blue Jays and Alex Rios are ironing out the final details of a six-year contract extension through 2014 that would guarantee him about US$64 million.
The deal was first reported by Sportsnet MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal.
Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said Monday he was willing to let the talks continue for a couple more days. He had said previously he wouldn't continue negotiations once the regular season started.
"We're too close to let it get away at this point," Ricciardi said. "So we'll extend it a little bit longer. Like I said, if I didn't think we were close there would be nothing to talk about but we're too close so we'll just keep talking."
The deal would include a 2015 option that could make it worth about $76 million.
It would be the second-richest contract in club history behind the $126-million, seven-year extension signed by centre-fielder Vernon Wells in 2006.
"It might get done. We're just still talking," Rios said before the Blue Jays were to play the New York Yankees on opening day. "Yeah, whenever, I'm not going to close the door."
The 27-year-old Rios batted .297 and set career highs with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs last season, when he earned $2,535,000. The right-fielder avoided salary arbitration Feb. 5 by agreeing to a $4,835,000, one-year contract.
"This is a good organization and I'd like to be here for a long time," Rios said.
A two-time all-star, Rios was Toronto's first-round pick in the June 1999 draft. He broke into the majors in 2004, and hit .286 with one home run and 28 RBIs in 111 games.
"I still think he's coming," Ricciardi said. "I still think there's more in there. I remember guys saying Geez, he only hit one home run. Is he going to have any power?' You could just see the power was coming."
The deal was first reported by Sportsnet MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal.
Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said Monday he was willing to let the talks continue for a couple more days. He had said previously he wouldn't continue negotiations once the regular season started.
"We're too close to let it get away at this point," Ricciardi said. "So we'll extend it a little bit longer. Like I said, if I didn't think we were close there would be nothing to talk about but we're too close so we'll just keep talking."
The deal would include a 2015 option that could make it worth about $76 million.
It would be the second-richest contract in club history behind the $126-million, seven-year extension signed by centre-fielder Vernon Wells in 2006.
"It might get done. We're just still talking," Rios said before the Blue Jays were to play the New York Yankees on opening day. "Yeah, whenever, I'm not going to close the door."
The 27-year-old Rios batted .297 and set career highs with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs last season, when he earned $2,535,000. The right-fielder avoided salary arbitration Feb. 5 by agreeing to a $4,835,000, one-year contract.
"This is a good organization and I'd like to be here for a long time," Rios said.
A two-time all-star, Rios was Toronto's first-round pick in the June 1999 draft. He broke into the majors in 2004, and hit .286 with one home run and 28 RBIs in 111 games.
"I still think he's coming," Ricciardi said. "I still think there's more in there. I remember guys saying Geez, he only hit one home run. Is he going to have any power?' You could just see the power was coming."
