Dubinsky and Rangers $700,000 Apart
The long awaited numbers in the Brandon Dubinsky holdout have been made public. Larry Brooks is reporting that the Rangers have offered the still unsigned RFA a one-year deal worth $700,000, while Dubinsky is holding out for $1.4 million for the one year. While $700,000 may not seem like much in terms of a cap hit, it means more down the road come arbitration time.
Dubinsky has put up 81 points in his first two seasons as a Ranger, hardly worth an investment of $1.4 million. Sure, he has the potential to match his season total this year if he earns the first line center job, and if Marian Gaborik stays healthy. But the keyword there is potential. He has yet to show that he can produce at that level. If he does, he will guarantee himself a hefty raise during arbitration to roughly $4 million a year, but he hasn’t done it yet.
Brooks compares Dubinsky to that of Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, who, in 1998, were earning significantly less than most of the Yankees. Of course, Jeter went on to sign a 10-year $189 million contract, and Rivera has made close to $100 million in the multiple years following. Sure, it’s a bit of a stretch, as both had won two world championships and were in the process of cementing themselves as cornerstone players who produced at an All-Star level. But it does bring up a fair point, Dubinsky needs to produce, and be patient, before reaching that big payday you know he is looking for.
Do I think Dubinsky is worth $1.4 million? Yes, I do. Considering what Ryan Callahan signed for, and what other players on the roster are making, I believe he is. However, I can’t fault Glen Sather for exercising his leverage granted to him by the current CBA. He has no reason to raise his offer, as he is just negotiating against himself. When push comes to shove, Dubinsky is just hurting himself by not accepting and missing the preseason.
By Matt H., September 16, 2009 @ 12:34 pm
Seriously, Dubi never took me as a guy that would be holding out for money, but he’s doing just that.
Sather is offer more than he has to, but less that Dubi wants.
Is he afraid he won’t produce? It’s called earning your contract Dubi…do it.
By Dave, September 16, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
Dubinsky is looking at what other people on the roster are making, their production and work ethic, and comparing it to his own. What he fails to recognize is that those players have negotiating leverage, while he does not.
Very few players understand the business aspect of the game.
Matt H. Reply:
September 16th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Then I fault his agent. He, more than anyone, should realize the business aspect.
Dave Reply:
September 16th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
But his agent has to act on behalf of his client. If Dubinsky wants more, his agent has to holdout.
Jordan Reply:
September 16th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
His agent could be convincing him however that he is worth more. Clearly logic isn’t at play between Dubi and his agent since he is 1 year away from his desired pay day, provided he continues his growth as a dependable front line center. He can’t continue to discount this opportunity to play alongside Gaborik and Prospal/Higgins.
By Shak, September 16, 2009 @ 1:08 pm
I love Dubinsky; nevertheless, common sense tells all that he has to suck it up and sign. Otherwise, he will end up traded because, Sather (who still sucks) just won’t put up with it.