Dodgers, Billingsley agree on extension
Righty's new deal is worth $35 million over three
The Dodgers and right-hander Chad Billingsley have reached a preliminary agreement on a three-year contract extension, with an option on a fourth year, worth approximately $35 million, according to a baseball source.
The deal would lock up Billingsley for two years after he would be eligible for free agency. He is earning $6.275 million this year.
"This is the organization I came up with and the one I'd like to be with," said Billingsley, who had no other comment before the Dodgers faced the Angels on Monday night.
Billingsley, who will turn 27 in July, was the Dodgers' first-round pick in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft, the 24th player chosen. Last season, he posted a 12-11 record with a 3.57 ERA. For his career, he is 59-41 with a 3.55 ERA. He has exceeded 170 strikeouts in each of the past three seasons, with a career high of 201 in 2008.
Righty's new deal is worth $35 million over three
The Dodgers and right-hander Chad Billingsley have reached a preliminary agreement on a three-year contract extension, with an option on a fourth year, worth approximately $35 million, according to a baseball source.
The deal would lock up Billingsley for two years after he would be eligible for free agency. He is earning $6.275 million this year.
"This is the organization I came up with and the one I'd like to be with," said Billingsley, who had no other comment before the Dodgers faced the Angels on Monday night.
Billingsley, who will turn 27 in July, was the Dodgers' first-round pick in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft, the 24th player chosen. Last season, he posted a 12-11 record with a 3.57 ERA. For his career, he is 59-41 with a 3.55 ERA. He has exceeded 170 strikeouts in each of the past three seasons, with a career high of 201 in 2008.
What can I say? Blake DeWitt was my favorite Dodger and has been for a long time. I was - and still am - heartbroken when I found out he was traded yesterday.
Not only am I personally sad, but I think it was a huge mistake to trade him away. We got Theriot, a 30 year old second baseman on his way out - true, he has speed - but DeWitt has more RBIs, more patience, and a great attitude. Plus he's a hard worker and he has great passion for the game. The Cubs are going to see a lot of really great things out of DeWitt and we will probably see Theriot's eventual retirement (which he wanted to spend with the Cubs anyway).
I think we should have just gone ahead with the Lilly trade and kept DeWitt right where he was.
Goodbye DeWitt, you were a great player and I'll miss you a lot. I wish you all the best in Chicago.
