Question for John

Personally, I think it sounds a lot like Matt Harrington in that he had a great situation set up and then virtually tossed it away, thinking that something better would come along.  How ironic that Boras represented both clients, eh? :-)

That doesn't mean that Hochevar won't have a ML career like Harrington didn't, but I think his chances have gone down significantly, both in terms of being an impact ML pitcher, and even being a ML pitcher, as I think many MLB teams will look upon him as a large risk, especially in the early rounds both because of Boras and because of Hochevar's about-face regarding his contract situation with the Dodgers.  Many MLB teams won't want to deal with him because they will likely consider him untrustworthy in terms of negotiating a contract.  On top of that, having Boras as your adviser likely won't help his situation.

A team might take him with a low-round pick, but I doubt they offer close to the $2.98 million the Dodgers were willing to pay in 2005.  Therefore, if Hochevar wants a chance at a ML career, he is going to have to take less money in 2006 (and has to sign that contract in 2006 or he will be very reminiscent of Harrington - lot of potential, but no ML career - i.e. he can't delay another year and wait for the 2007 draft because he doesn't sign another contract like Harrington did - otherwise, it's likely Hochevar won't be able to regain the stuff he once displayed, just like Harrington lost his stuff after all that inactivity.  Pitchers like Wade Townsend have had trouble after just one layoff year; two would likely be disastrous for Hochevar, just like with Harrington.  

If he has to get rid of Boras as his client, it would probably be in his best interest to do so if he wants to have a chance at a ML career because Boras doesn't seem likely to lower his pricing demands, and it's not likely he'll come down much in the 2006 draft either.)

Just my 2 cents. :-)

Take care and have a great weekend!

boras' obligation is to do whats best for his client, and whats best is for him to sign with the dodgers. Logan white has stated that the ball is in luke/boras' court and he is waiting for them to re-engage in contract talks.

i really think that time heals all wounds and luke and the dodges will come to terms at about 2-2.5 mil.

If he re-entered the draft, no way he sniffs that type of money from anyone and boras knows that.

Hello npurcell,

True, Boras won't try to hurt his client, but he was also Harrington's adviser as well.  I don't know the entire situation with Harrington, whether he didn't want to sign with the Rockies, his parents didn't, Boras didn't, etc., though if they were worried about the altitude, he should have been very happy to sign with the Padres the following draft season, but didn't.

Therefore, I think the chances of signing Hochevar, at this moment, are about 50/50.  They could improve as the signing deadline nears, but I'm not sure if it's a given Hochevar will sign with the Dodgers, not with all the "bad blood" between the Dodgers (namely Logan White) and Hochevar/Boras.

Just my 2 cents.

Take care and have a great weekend!