Re: Latest on Baker via ESPN.com

[Kim Malo <kimmalo@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 10:47 AM 2/23/2004, Mark Piotrowski wrote:
> On Feb 23, 2004, at 9:14 AM, Shawn Niles wrote:
>
> > Kim (or anyone who knows),
> >
> > Can you help me out on this? What is the difference between the C's 
> > cutting Vin and the C's cutting Lindsey Hunter? IF all contracts are 
> > guaranteed, then how are they allowed to cut Hunter without issue while 
> > cutting Baker is such a huge issue? Is the issue simply payment? In other 
> > words, if you are willing to pay a guy the full amount that he is owed, 
> > then you can cut him?
>
> Shawn --
>
> I think its b/c L. Hunter is a FA after this season -- so cutting/waiving 
> him doesn't do much except free up a roster spot in case of injury.  The 
> reason you can do that now is b/c L. Hunter can't be traded (like Mills 
> could have) before he becomes a FA.

Pretty much, although FWIW, Sean, not all contracts are fully guaranteed. 
All contracts are guaranteed per the CBA for the rest of the current year 
after Jan 10th. but that's it.

And aside from the last year of the contract difference with Hunter, the 
other thing is that the Cs merely waived him - they will still be paying 
him. With Vin they're trying to terminate the contract (and not pay him) as 
well, which is the big issue.

Kim