Rumors out of Bridgeport indicate that the Nutmeggers and superstar shortstop Ronald Lowry may be at an impasse in their efforts to come to an agreement on a contract extensiont that would keep the PEBA home run leader in Connecticut beyond the end of the season.  The 31 year old slugger has 30 home runs on the season and 80 RBI.  That puts him on pace to break the franchise mark in both categories with ease.

While no numbers have been revealed, Lowry’s agent has made it clear that Ronald Harmon‘s contract is a starting point.  That would mean a contract in excess of $150 million, starting at around $20 million annually.  That sounds like a lot of money, and it is, but in light of Harmon’s contract, it’s unsurprising that the face of the franchise would expect something similar.  Lowry is hitting free agency a year later than Harmon, but will be the same age that Harmon was a season ago.  He’s put up similar performance while playing a more demanding defensive position.

The situation is complicated by the fact that the Nutmeggers have been agressive in trades this season.  In light of the team’s slow start, the team acquired some key upgrades in center fielder Arthur Collins and starter Clayton Lewis.  Both are talented and young and have cost controlled contracts at reasonable rates.  However, the team was forced to part with $16 million and take on the contract of aging Raúl García, who is slated to earn $18 million next season.  All of this amounts to the team being $15 million over budget for the current year based just on player payroll alone, and therein lies the problem.  Lowry is the only player of note on the roster not under team control for next season.

When pressed on the issue of whether or not the team even has the money to convince Lowry to sign an extension is unclear.  When asked about it specifically, GM Frank Esselink said, “There are creative ways to do just about anything in this game.”  If Lowry were to reach free agency, he would almost certainly be the most valuable player on the market now that Markus Hancock has reupped with the Bears.  Would Connecticut consider dealing Lowry before the deadline?  According to Esselink, the team is “Always willing to listen to any offer.”

Will Lowry be wearing  different uniform next season?  That question may be answered sooner than you think.

– Samuel Platt, Connecticut Post