Quote Originally Posted by red View Post
yeah, it sends the message that if you hold out till the last moment you will make a lot more money, which isn't a good thing for the team

we knew what we had in cobb and jordy last offseason, we managed to get jordy early and cheaper and all his teamates were happy he got the big deal. we did not get cobb done early, and now he's set to make a lot more $$$$ then the better player got less then a year ago
The players know what risk is involved by playing out a contract. Look at what that did to Finley. Cobb won the gamble. Jennings lost the gamble.

I find the idea that the players wouldn't understand to be unconvincing. Someone could make a stink, but it would not be based on the logic of who incurred the greater risk/reward.

Nelson won his bet. He signed early twice and got two nice paydays in a timespan where many FAs only get one monster deal. He traded away one year in each of his deals for more money and more guarantees. Cobb, if he signs a mega-deal, might have to sign for enough years to get one shot at this.