If the Astros players don't want to get Tal Smith involved with their arbitration case - and I don't think anybody wants that - then they are going to have to reach a settlement by noon. So check back and see who signed, and who's going to court. All updates will appear beneath this post, so scroll down to read the latest news.
Arbitration recap:
Michael Bourn: $2.4m + incentives
Tim Byrdak: Asking $1.9m, Astros counter with $1.3m
Jeff Keppinger: $1.15m
Matt Lindstrom: $1.625m + incentives
Hunter Pence: Asking $4.1m, Astros counter with $3.1m
Humberto Quintero: $750K + incentives
Wandy Rodriguez: Asking $7m, Astros counter with $5m
Chris Sampson: $815K + incentives
Let's play with the numbers and payroll (currently $78.2315):
If the players get their way, total payroll: $91.2315m
If the Astros get their way, total payroll: $87.6315m
If they play nice and split the difference: $89.4315m
Don't fret! Just because Byrdak, Pence, and Wandy have not yet agreed doesn't mean they'll be facing down the Long Arm of Tal Smith. The players and the Apparatus have exchanged numbers, and can continue to negotiate.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
