The following guys from he M's current roster all are arbitration eligible this winter....

David Aardsma rhp 3.082 years service
Franklin Gutierrez cf 3.080 years service
Felix Hernandez rhp 4.060 years service
Ryan Langerhans of 3.124 years service
Mark Lowe rhp 3.087 years service

Felix we know the goal is to sign to an extension. I am interested in what people think about the others, specifically Guti.... should we sign anyone to longer deals and buy out some of their free agent years? Perhaps not with Aardsma or Lowe.... probably to much risk involved. Langerhans, just go through the process with him as he wont get a massive raise anyhow.

But we only have Gutierrez for 3 more years. Why not go in and offer a 5 year deal worth 30 mill, he is still relatively young and down the track with a friendly contract is very movable if ned be. What would be a realistic offer and is it a good idea to try get something done with Guti, before it's too late?

I don't think Gutz has put up the kinds of offensive numbers he'd need to to get an arbitration deal that will make that kind of deal necessary just yet.

If we didn't have the Felix priority I'd say look into it, but we've gotta focus the money we do have on improving the team. We don't HAVE to give Gutz a long-term deal at the moment, and it doesn't hurt to give him another year and see how good he's going to get before we commit EXTRA money.

yeah true about not putting up huge numbers yet and while defense is still undervalued I thought no better time to sign him up to a team friendly deal. A potential gold glove CF who is an OK patient hitter.... almost a perfect match.

The 30 mill was just a number I pulled out so what if 20 could get it done... I would like to see him around for a while as an M. But agree.... Felix is the number one priority, buit also need to work on multiple fronts.

I think Gutz is a top 5 CFer and is potentially worth MUCH more than the 30 mil over 5 years you suggested.

It is just that the way the arbitration process functions it is mainly going to look at his offensive numbers.

What makes Gutz such a valuable player (defense) isn't yet valued by the league or the processes they go about determining young talents value.

Sure, we could lock him up on a 5 year 30 mil deal that is technically a steal in terms of what we get/spend.

Or we can take advantage of the system, get the next 3 seasons for nothing, and sign him to a discounted contract later in this or the next off season after higher priorities are met.

I have a feeling that Dr. Z is several steps ahead of all of us and there is no doubt in my mind that he intends to lock up Gutz long term. As for when?? That's a big mystery.

I am sure GMZ is many steps ahead of us.... but it's good to hear what people think. Guess I am just getting bored with waiting for the off season to kick into gear.

Yeah you CAN wait for lock up young talent.. but if they figure into your long term plans (Only GMZ knows if Guti does or not) then its always better to show some respect and sign that player, giving him a sense of security and perphaps a little raise.

Its why the m's are kicking themselves now, since Bavasi didnt lock up Felix long term and instead took the "cheap" route and rode arbitration... players remember you didnt want to commit to them early on, and instead try to get by with paying them smaller amounts and hoping they bite on a contract a year or two before free agency.

If the m's plan on Guti roaming in center for years to come, you lock him up now.