Once again the Marlins avoid arbitration with Dontrelle Willis and reach an agreement.
Willis, who turned 25 on Friday, can earn another $50,000 if he makes 32 starts and an additional $300,000 in non-performance bonuses (Cy Young, All-Star, etc.). He has averaged 33.3 starts since 2004.
If he makes all his incentives, Dontrelle will earn $6.8 million next season. Breaking the record for a second-year arbitration-eligible starter.
Naturally, we all hope that happens.
The Marlins still have three other players who are arbitration-eligible.
The Marlins set the exchange day as a hard deadline. If the aforementioned players do not come to terms today, negotiations will cease and the two sides will prepare for a hearing.
Cabrera was also offered $6.45 million by the Marlins but I don't look for him to sign. He and his agent will probably go before the panel in hopes of doing better and it is very possible they will reap a higher reward. Nothing wrong with that, of course.
If a deal is not reached between the organization and the three remaining players, it will be settled in arbitration some time between Feb. 1 and Feb. 21. At that time, the arbitrator will choose either the club's figure or the player's. The deal will be for a one-year contract and the decision is binding.
If you like to read about Dontrelle's deal in French: well, here you go.
Oh, and also, Dontrelle will become a dad for the first-time in May. He and Natalee will be the proud parents of a new baby girl. Who will, no doubt, have Dontrelle so wrapped around her finger it could prove amusing. Completely understandable, but amusing.