Brown could have deal Saturday
Posted: Friday December 11, 1998 10:09 PM
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Kevin Brown struck out 257 in 257 innings and walked just 49 last season Otto Greule jr./Allsport |
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) -- The bidding for Kevin Brown is
nearing the final stages and the pitcher could agree to a contract as soon
as Saturday, according to his agent.
"We're getting down to the final hours here," agent Scott Boras said
Friday night as the winter meetings opened. "The right positioning by the
right club could make the final decision."
Brown, 18-7 with a 2.38 ERA for San Diego this year, has been courted by
Anaheim, Baltimore, Colorado, Los Angeles and St. Louis in addition to the
Padres. He wants a deal at least six years long and may command a $12
million average salary or higher. Boras said he could even wind up with a
seven-year contract.
"That's very likely," he said. "In the wee hours, you never know."
Brown is the last remaining premium free agent on the market. Boras
originally said he hoped to complete a deal during the winter meetings,
which conclude Tuesday. It appears the timetable has moved up.
"I think it's going to happen, certainly, maybe as soon as the next day,"
Boras said. "We're at the point where we're getting to third and fourth
meetings and understanding both what Kevin wants and what teams want to
do."
Brown, a 33-year-old right-hander, struck out 257 in 257 innings and
walked just 49 last season. helping the Padres advance to the World Series
for the first time since 1984. San Diego obtained him from Florida as part
of the Marlins' payroll purge following the 1997 World Series.
"Everyone knows the value of a No. 1 pitcher," Boras said. "The premium
is Kevin Brown has taken a good club and put it in the World Series."
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