Houston Astros in arbitration with Hunter Pence – MLB News
It looks like the Houston Astros and Hunter Pence cannot agree on certain contractual terms and are going into arbitration to work things out.
As is most contractual issues, this one is coming down to how much the Astros want to pay Pence as compared to how much he actually wants. Currently Pence is looking for $6.9 million as the Astros are offering $5.15 million. Thus arbitration starting as
the team and the Pence will work things out in front of a three-person panel.
Arbitration in baseball, allows for players and teams to work things out before signing contracts. This procedure is effective as it gives the players and the teams to an opportunity to give their side of the story and then come up with something that is
fair.
"It doesn't say anything about how we feel about the player," general manager Ed Wade had told reporters last month. "It's the mechanism that's in place in our game when two parties can't get together and come to a negotiated settlement. There is no reflection
on how we feel about Hunter, or I'm assuming on how Hunter feels about us."
If anyone deserves an increase in pay, it should be Pence as he had a tremendous season last year for the Astros. Pence managed to score 93 runs, 91 RBIs, 18 stolen bases and 25 home-runs. This impressive showing is the main reason as to why the Astros are
eager to re-sign Pence to a decent contract.
The team will be looking to work things out with Pence as the spring workout session is just about to start. The Astros understand the importance of focusing on Spring Training as they will want to put in a good performance before the regular season begins.
"It's great seeing these guys want to come out and get their work in," Astros’ manager Brad Mills said during a workout session.
Pence will also be looking to get things worked out with the Astros as Spring Training begins and his practice sessions are required. The player does not want to be a distraction for the team as they prepare for Spring Training.
It will be interesting to see what the Astros and Pence finally agree upon, as the team will be hoping that Pence will be able to repeat the same type of performance like the one he gave last year. The Astros are desperate for a successful season as they
are hoping to put in a decent effort and win as many games as possible. A post-season appearance for the team would be a dream come true, as players like Pence could make that happen this year.
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