So why are these numbers being leaked now? I have to assume this comes from the Vlad camp, which is odd, seeing as he set the internal deadline. Is he trying to save face and have fans believe he's actually being reasonable after repeatedly telling them he wants to be a Jay forever?
If that's Vlad's true number, then why didn't he counter with that number during negotiations? Could it be that Vlad didn't view the spring training deadline as a true deadline and thus wasn't willing to come down to his "real" number? I was worried he didn't have any reason to truly negotiate with the Jays as the only real deadline is when he hits the market. He had no reason to do anything about shoot for the stars in hopes the Jays were stupid enough to bite.
I do wonder if something changed.
I know $500M is an overpay, but it doesn't sound like they are "that" far apart now - it may only be $5M per season, which is the cost of spare parts. Given all the factors (face of the franchise, fan favourite, potential HOF bat, trouble attracting stars to TO, etc.) - I think you get it done, even if it leaves a little sour taste in your mouth.