What determines a contract demand

[kidanything2]

It seems like everyone wants way more money than they should. Is there any settings to adjust to make the contract demands more reasonable. Or just lower in general? For like extensions and free agents and stuff.

[D. Boon's Ghost]

I am not too sure on the settings, but I did have to throw this one out (as it applies): Playing a Cleveland Indians career. Started in 1978, now entering 1983. At the start of the '82 season, Len Barker was on the last year of his contract. As he is someone I want to keep around, I go in to negotiate an extension. Barker initially asks for something like $750,000 per year for 8 years. I try to shave off a couple of hundred thousand and four years. His counter offer clocks in at 5 years at $1,450,000 per year. Um... What??

[RchW]

Originally Posted by kidanything2

It seems like everyone wants way more money than they should. Is there any settings to adjust to make the contract demands more reasonable. Or just lower in general? For like extensions and free agents and stuff.

Offer less, way less if it is a multi year deal. You must also understand the market. If the player is good and has few or no competitors at their position they can inflate the demand.

You have at least 3 and possibly 6 shots to negotiate. I find that you can "ice" a player by not submitting an offer he likes but you find too rich. It's risky he could sign elsewhere but if he doesn't you can revise your offer a few days later. Worst case he blows you off.

FWIW