John Lackey

I note that Angels pitcher, John Lackey who is a free agent at the end of the year is in contract negotiations with the Angels.

Per Lyle Spencer at MLB.com:

"After his most recent outing in Peoria, Arizona against the Padres, John Lackey said his camp was waiting to hear back from the Angels on a proposal submitted to management for a contract extension.

Apparently the response was underwhelming.

'They're not trying very hard,' Lackey said, adding that he is not inclined to give any hometown discounts to the Angels and would be comfortable entering free agency next winter.

Lackey has made it clear from the day he arrived in camp that he is keenly aware of where the market for premium starting pitchers has gone, having studied intently the signings of CC Sabathia (seven years, $161 million), A. J. Burnett (five years, $82.5 million) and Derek Lowe (four years, $60 million) over the winter. Lackey considers himself a cut above Burnett, and the numbers support that belief, so it is generally believed he's seeking at least what Burnett drew from the Yankees."

One thing that we hear quite frequently after a free agent signs a huge contract with the highest bidding team is that "this was not about the money" but at the same time giving no real reason why the player signed with the team other than the money. I recall that even Arod when he signed that monster contract with the lowly Rangers said it wasn't about the money.

Well, with John Lackey it absolutely IS about the money and he makes no bones about it.

At least, he is honest.

Got no problem with that.