Cubs reportedly make offer to Beltran...
Reported by MLB.com 1/5/04
CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs have officially entered the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes, according to two published reports.
The Associated Press and Chicago Sun-Times reported on Wednesday that the Cubs made a contract offer to Beltran that could come close to the five- or six-year, $84 million offer the Houston Astros are believed to have made in order to keep the sought-after free agent center fielder. The Cubs declined to confirm or deny the reports.
The Cubs' reported offer would fall short of the seven- or eight-year deal that Beltran's agent, Scott Boras, is seeking, with figures ranging up to $15 million a year. But they are among four teams -- including the Astros, Mets and Yankees -- that appear to have a legitimate shot at landing Beltran.
"We're certainly at the point now where we've gotten offers from all involved clubs," Boras said.
The Astros have until Saturday to sign Beltran, and if they are unable to do so, they would lose negotiating rights until May 1.
Beltran hit .267 with 38 homers, 104 RBIs and 42 stolen bases for Kansas City and Houston in 2004. He also made the All-Star team and thrilled national audiences during the postseason, batting .435 with eight home runs and 14 RBIs in 12 games.
Reported by MLB.com 1/5/04
CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs have officially entered the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes, according to two published reports.
The Associated Press and Chicago Sun-Times reported on Wednesday that the Cubs made a contract offer to Beltran that could come close to the five- or six-year, $84 million offer the Houston Astros are believed to have made in order to keep the sought-after free agent center fielder. The Cubs declined to confirm or deny the reports.
The Cubs' reported offer would fall short of the seven- or eight-year deal that Beltran's agent, Scott Boras, is seeking, with figures ranging up to $15 million a year. But they are among four teams -- including the Astros, Mets and Yankees -- that appear to have a legitimate shot at landing Beltran.
"We're certainly at the point now where we've gotten offers from all involved clubs," Boras said.
The Astros have until Saturday to sign Beltran, and if they are unable to do so, they would lose negotiating rights until May 1.
Beltran hit .267 with 38 homers, 104 RBIs and 42 stolen bases for Kansas City and Houston in 2004. He also made the All-Star team and thrilled national audiences during the postseason, batting .435 with eight home runs and 14 RBIs in 12 games.
