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D-Backs, Webb continue contract talks
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The Diamondbacks have identified Brandon Webb as a long-term priority, and to that end appear to be making progress on talks with Webb about a contract extension, sources with knowledge of the ongoing talk said Thursday.
The sides have been working out of the public eye off and on since the winter meetings, when Webb rejected an initial extension offer.
Neither side would comment Thursday, although Webb agent’s Jonathan Maurer, said at the winter meetings that he does not want “to break the bank,” as he put it, but simply wants “a fair deal.”
The D-Backs are not prepared to offer Johan Santana-type money – he signed a six-year deal with the Mets worth an average of almost $23 million last winter – but they understand that they must take a considerable step forward from Webb’s current deal, one of the best in the major leagues for a player of his caliber.
Webb, 8-0 after his win against Philadelphia on Wednesday, is to make $5.5 million this year and $6.5 million in 2009, and the D-Backs hold an $8.5 million option for 2010.
If the D-Backs follow form showed in previous extensions, they would offer Webb an extension of three more years at a price that would offer Webb immediate security and give them a hedge against future inflationary market forces.
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