The Ace who says Neigh-- to Arbitratoin

In a move that surprised no one, the Angels offer of arbitration was refused by both John Lackey and Chone Figgins. The Diamond Aces said goodbye to Figgins when it was announced he had signed a deal with the Seattle Mariners. It might not be too long before the Angels say goodbye to John Lackey as well. It is rumored that he is looking for a five-year, $82.5MM deal, which is comparable to what AJ Burnet got. Obviously their needs to be a suitor to pay that amount of money. The Yankees certainly overspent on Burnet, but it doesn't look like they will be making that same offer to Lackey. Burnet's closest suitor was the Atlanta Braves who offered four-years, 60MM. Surely the Angels would pay 15MM a year for 4 to 5 years for Lackey. But that probably will not be enough to get a deal done with Lackey. There are some rumors that the Mets might be interested in Lackey. If the Mets do decided to sign John Lackey, the Angels would then receive a compensatory picks from the Mets. Most likely their 2nd Round pick, because their 1st Round pick would be protected. There is sill a chance that Lackey will return to Anaheim, however anything can happen. We'll just have to wait and see.

Do you think the Mets will sign Lackey? Where do you think John Lackey will sign? Please leave a comment.