Contract negotiations between two-time defending CSC champion Boom Goes The Dynamite and long-time player Steven Geller (Port Jefferson, N.Y.) have broken down. Geller, in the final year of a four-year, $12.5 million deal, will go to arbitration following the 2007 season after balking at a new three-year, $3 million deal with a team option for a fourth year.
While Geller has posted strong numbers at the plate with a .635 batting average, three home runs and 14 RBI on the season, his fielding prowess has faded and concerns about the condition of his oft-injured throwing shoulder has management concerned about his future. "We obviously want to keep Coolies for the long-term," team general manager Jeff Keiser (Avon, Ct.) said. "He is a charter member of this franchise but it appears as though his career as a player is headed in the designated hitter role and we cannot afford to pay him Kevin Kurtt type of money."
Geller has seen time in a variety of roles during the 2007 season including stints at pitcher, third base, left field and even catcher. Geller has five errors in just 16 chances this season.
"We aren't going to talk until after the season and we intend on going to arbitration," Frankie McSnickers, Geller's long-time agent said. "There is a complete lack of respect for what Steve has given to this organization. He has given his heart, body and soul to Boom. The fact that they made him catch for five innings earlier was an insult to a player of his talent and status in this league."
Keiser has also raised questions regarding Geller's physical commitment and attention to his injuries. He has suffered a variety of ailments, including a torn labrum and a foot injury sustained after stepping on a golf tee but has refused rehabilitation. "We needed to put Steve on the 15-day disabled list and then send him to Albuquerque for rehab but he refused. Then he downs a Coke and a bag of Doritos prior to every game. We have given him protein shakes and sent him to the team nutritionist, but it's just not paying off."
Geller's best season came in 2005 when he went 7-3 on the mound and recorded a .671 batting average.
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