Chicago Cubs avoid arbitration with Koyie Hill
If there is one thing any baseball player hates, it would probably have to be contract negotiations. Baseball players over the past 2 decades have been forced into the practice of having to discuss a salary package that
would last for a long period of baseball play for a certain team.
However, when contracts do get signed, players need to look forward to another problem altogether. It’s arbitration. A blessing in terms of distributing rights to the ball stars, arbitration involves raising salaries of players
who are unable to come to terms with the club on a new deal or a contract extension. Many clubs tend to avoid the process as it creates a horizon of uncertainty and controversy.
Nevertheless, one club has made the ‘save’ recently and it’s the Chicago Cubs. The club avoided arbitration on their catcher Koyie Hill recently. The two parties, who were unable to come to terms in recent weeks, finally resolved
the issue after a mutually agreeable contract was drawn up.
The deal will see Koyie receive $850,000 this year. For the club’s catcher, it’s more of a relief to get done with the negotiation process. Like most players, Hill doesn’t take amusement in the proceedings.
"There are two things I dislike in the game of baseball, and one thing is contract negotiations," Hill said. "The other is to find a place to stay for Spring Training and the season."
With spring training just a month away, Hill can relax and enjoy his time off as duty isn’t calling him to the club anytime soon. Nevertheless, the end of the negotiations means Hill can concentrate more on his game than anything
else.
"In the bottom of my heart, I would probably scrape every penny I have to pay for a chance to do this," he said. "Contract negotiations is something that's part of the game, but I'm happy it’s over, I'm happy I'm a Cub and I'm
happy the Cubs organization thinks enough of me to want to have me back."
Hill, who is 31 years old, started 60 games last season. With the bat, he averaged .214 and piled up 13 doubles to highlight his major contribution to the club. Furthermore, he popped one homer, one triple and 17 RBI (Runs Batted
In). Chicago have a record of 84 wins to 72 losses in games he has started.
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