Ian Snell Signs Long-Term Deal

by Charlie Wilmoth on Mar 16, 2008 7:30 PM EDT in News

Snell's deal, which takes effect this year, is guaranteed at a total of $8 million for three years. He also receives a $600,000 signing bonus.

The 2011 and 2012 seasons are at the Pirates' option. Those years are worth at least a total of $16 million to Snell. There also are standard incentive clauses in those final two years.

If Snell is half the pitcher he can be, this is going to save the Bucs a ton of money in arbitration. It also potentially buys out a year of free agency eligibility at what appears to be a very reasonable price. Long term deals are risky, but like many of them, this one eliminates much of the risk with the inclusion of option years.

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Yeah

Pretty plainly, that is an awesome deal for the Pirates. I have speculated, maybe unreasonable, that Snell might not have it in him to be such a power pitcher for years to come. But even if that were a reasonable concern, this deal is very good.

by The New Guy on Mar 16, 2008 8:58 PM EDT reply actions

Oh no

A happy Snell can't be a good thing.

by bucdaddy on Mar 16, 2008 10:25 PM EDT reply actions

Indeed

We must constantly let Snell know that he sold himself short. :)

by Willton on Mar 16, 2008 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions

A bevy of agents...

should do that for us. I think this is a huge bargain for the Pirates. His last year of arbitration and his first free agency year have options for $8 million per? Even if they increase to $10 million per with earned incentives they are steals. If Carlos Silva and Fransisco Cordero can get $12 million per this year, I can't imagine what Snell could be worth in 4 years! And they are optional! Huntington will be having a great St. Patty's Day.

by Chad Bahamas on Mar 17, 2008 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions

A New Agent?

Methinks that a new Snell agent is on the horizon!!!

by thegunner on Mar 16, 2008 11:32 PM EDT reply actions

Interesting

So I'm surprised that Snell decided to stay here as he probably would have been wanted elsewhere. I'm seeing this as an affirmation of the new management. Snell has faith in them and thinks they will create a contender in a few seasons. Or am I reading into this too much?

by Chester J Lampwick on Mar 17, 2008 1:12 AM EDT reply actions

Hm

I'm seeing this more of an affirmation that Ian Snell wants $8 million.

The fact that young players are willing to sign these types of deals, even with bad teams, underscores the importance of teams developing their own talent.

by scoreboard on Mar 17, 2008 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Snell took less money

Because he doesn't want to leave Phil Dumatrait.

by bolton on Mar 17, 2008 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

That is a big-time positive

Wow. I'm a Reds fan, but...good for you guys. Nice to see that now that Huntington has finally done something, that it's a very good move.

by DevilsAdvocate on Mar 17, 2008 4:47 PM EDT reply actions

Wow

I think this is an awesome deal for the Pirates. It is absolutely a huge bargain for the Pirates. And I am a little surprised that Snell Signed such a long-term deal. But since he did it, I think he does have faith in the team. So I will totally go for him. I am planning to wear a new jersey of him to watch his matches: http://dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=91400&ru=279 , I believe he will do a fantastic job for the whole team! Huh!

by ooppkkyycarry on Mar 19, 2008 3:52 AM EDT reply actions