Will Felix Hernandez and Justin Verlander join Josh Johnson in signing long-term contracts?
Johnson agreed to a four-year, $39 million contract extension with the long-thrifty Marlins. Hernandez is asking for more than that — in both years and dollars — and it would make sense for Verlander to do the same, based on their relative accomplishments. Hernandez and Verlander are set to become free agents after the 2011 season, as Johnson would have without the extension. The Mariners appear to be building a contender, which should help their sales pitch to Hernandez. The Tigers’ situation is murkier, since they have parted with a number of established stars; Verlander may need to be convinced by the team’s play in 2010 before signing on for the long term. 6. Just how much money will Tim Lincecum make in 2010? The Giants’ star pitcher filed for salary arbitration Friday, along with 127 other players. But none of them will walk into a hearing room and say what Lincecum can: Hey, I won the last two Cy Youngs. What’s that worth? This will be one of the most closely watched arbitration
