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Lackey's Deal Has a Strange Clause | Print |  E-mail
Written by Justin Bridgman   
Sunday, 07 February 2010 13:49

So this doesn't really have anything to do with the Cubs or White Sox, but it could have an impact on the future. According to this article in the Boston Globe, if free agent signee John Lackey has to undergo Tommy John surgery at anytime during his 5 year contract, he then has to play for the league minimum.

Game 1 ALDS - Boston Red Sox at Los Angeles Angels

The Sox were concerned enough about the wear and tear on Lackey’s elbow to warrant contract protection. They did it in a very creative manner, which was subject to the approval of Major League Baseball and the Players Association, and as a result, Lackey would have to play for the major league minimum if he undergoes Tommy John surgery at any time during the five years.

The Sox, who broke new ground with the Lackey deal that other teams will likely follow, are apt to seek the same kind of protection in any deal for Beckett, but the concern with him would be the shoulder.

To me that is a potentially game changing clause that many teams are going to want to include in future deals. Big market teams should probably all consider making this standard practice. Imagine how much easier it would be on a team's payroll to not have to carry a contract of a player who was out for a season.

Of course there has to be some restrictions on such a clause. First there probably has to be a recent history of arm troubles that hint at potential disaster down the line (Lackey and Josh Beckett certainly fit this mold) and I can't see why a small market team could get away with adding this into a contract. The appeal for playing in Boston, New York, Chicago, and LA probably makes it worth some guys agreeing to add that clause into their contract.

No matter what happens with Lackey and Beckett, I think this is the kind of thing to keep an eye on in the future, especially since we are in a market that can get away with adding such a clause. Fascinating development for all of baseball if you ask me.



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