2038.02 TWC - Contract Extension Rumors with Pitcher Chris Kelly

[Spiccoli]

SP Chris Kelly Age 25
Career Stats: 5 Seasons - 125 Games, 51 Wins 35 Losses, 3.44 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 18.8 WAR

There's no question that a priority for the Twin Cities Front Office is to get Chris Kelly's future with the team settled. No one wants that cloud hanging over the fan base and clubhouse, wondering what's going to happen with the Club's #1 Starter.

Kelly's early career has sputter a bit, having trouble pitching a full season over the last three seasons. He's lost time due to two significant injuries, Elbow Surgery and a Herniated Back. Fortunately, he seems to have made through these injury stints unscathed and he still has the potential to be a top 5 Starter. With potentially his most productive seasons seemingly coming in the next 4-5 years, there's a sense of urgency to get Kelly locked up... the only question will be? Can they keep him around $15 million/year or less?

The early indications are??? Possibly yes, but with player options. And with a pitcher of Kelly's caliber, Player Options are often used and Twin Cities might be looking from outside on a player who's 27 or 28, looking for $20+ Million and unable to keep him. There's rumors that the Front Office is trying to convince Chris Kelly to commit to 5-6 years, at around $15-$16 Million... without options for either side.

Stay tuned.

[usnspecialist]

Kelly is an interesting case because while he obviously is one of the most talented guys in the league, he also missed some significant time. That being said he .ca me thru it without any meaningful lumps so who knows. 15 would be a steal though.

[Spiccoli]

Kelly is an interesting case because while he obviously is one of the most talented guys in the league, he also missed some significant time. That being said he .ca me thru it without any meaningful lumps so who knows. 15 would be a steal though.

I know... The game still says his injury rating is "Normal". If he could have stayed healthy last season, we might have pulled off our first... First Place Division finish last year and made the playoffs the year before (lost the play in against Long Beach). It just wrecks the rotation when the #1 guy goes down for 3-4 months for three years straight.

On the other hand... I've been thinking that if I wait to see how the season plays out and he stays healthy, the contract demands might explode, like they did they Harsnett when he decided he was going to actually hit the ball in his last season with TWC.

Therefore, if I can whittle him down a bit before the season starts, I might go ahead and take the plunge.

[7teen]

It just wrecks the rotation when the #1 guy goes down for 3-4 months for three years straight.

I’ve learend the best way to keep that from happening is don’t have a number 1 guy.

So if you want, send him to me and you won’t to worry about him wrecking your rotation.