June 19, 2013: Omaha, NE – Less than one week after becoming the 21^st player in PEBA history to amass 1,000 hits, John Collins is at it again.  This time he became the eighth PEBA player, and the first ever Kalamazoo Badger, to reach 200 home runs.

To make this achievement even more memorable, the HR, hit off Omaha right-hander Jesse Powell, was of the grand slam variety.  The 2-2 splitter came in the 10^th inning of last night’s game and was deposited 385 feet over the right-center field wall of Mack Stadium.  The Badgers went on to score a total of seven runs in the 10^th and held on for a 13-6 come-from-behind victory over the Cyclones.  It is interesting to note that both of Collins’s recent milestones were achieved in extra-inning games that the Badgers went on to win.

In addition to setting the two most recent records, Collins has also been a solid offensive contributor over his last ten games, with offensive production that include rates of .295/.326/.636, with six 2B, three HR and 13 RBI.

However, it seems like every time that his offensive exploits are chronicled, talk turns to Collins’s future.  Collins is in the final year of his contract, earning $6,200,000, which is almost 10% of the team’s total 2013 salary.  Collins, who will turn 35 this September, is the oldest position player on the Badgers’ active roster.  He will almost certainly be looking for a long-term commitment at an estimated average annual value in excess of $13,000,000.  It is difficult to see how this type of a contract would fit into the Badgers’ plans.

The Badgers’ 2013 player payroll of $61,600,000 ranks in the lower third of the league, but it also represents a 33% reduction from 2012’s $92,600,000.  Considering Badgers ownership has clearly stated that the franchise is in a rebuilding mode, it will be difficult to envision Collins in the lineup for 2014.  Despite the fact that Collins insists that his preference is to remain in Kalamazoo, we need to see what influence his agent will exert on his decision.  Collins is represented by Beverly Hills Sports Council, who are unlikely to advise Collins to accept a “below-value” contract just to remain in Kalamazoo.

Badger fans should prepare for the very real possibility of Kalamazoo baseball without John Collins sometime in the near future.