Wednesday, November 03, 1999
Neagle's agent wants new contract
As usual, it's not just the money
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The agent for Reds left-hander Denny Neagle, trying to sound flexible yet firm, said Tuesday he would submit a list of “creative options” to club management that, if accepted, would keep the former 20-game winner in Cincinnati.
Because Neagle was traded from the Atlanta Braves to Cincinnati last November in the midst of a multi-year contract, baseball's Basic Agreement gives Neagle the right to demand another trade. He must submit that request by Nov.11.
Barry Meister, Neagle's agent, declined to elaborate on the proposals the Reds would receive. He did emphasize that Neagle would not play under the terms of his present contract, “especially as it relates to the option year.”
Neagle's contract calls for him to earn $4.75 million next year followed by a $5.25 million option year in 2001 with a $500,000 buyout. After overcoming shoulder weakness that sidelined him for essentially half the season, Neagle finished 9-5 with a 4.27 ERA, winning his last six decisions.
“I'm going to give Jim every op portunity to work this out,” Meister said, referring to Reds General Manager Jim Bowden. “One option that's not going to be possible is Denny Neagle waiving his trade demand and playing under the current contract.”
Bowden said only that “discussions are ongoing,” though he mentioned during Saturday's Dante Bichette trade announcement that it was “not just money” that characterized the Neagle discussions. Meister also said non-economic issues were a factor.
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