So, it's been a bunch of months since Phantom and I argued over Khalil's contract status. The crux of the argument is that I though it was a bad idea to lock of Khalil's arbitration years because I want him to stay past 2010 and I thought it closed the bargaining table for future years. Phantom liked it in the short term because you have a fixed value associated with his contract and you avoid the risk of going to arbitration court with Khalil.

So now, here we are, almost 2 1/2 months into 2008 and Greene is not having the season I assume neither Phantom or I predicted. So let's start with some facts.

1. Khalil is not hitting well this season

2. Khalil is a very good fielder

3. Khalil's career averages offensive season are quite good for a shortstop

4. Khalil's current contract expires at the end of 2010.

My question (suggestion?) after all this is do we re-open negotations with Khalil for future years (past 2010) at the end of the season?

I'm thinking that he will still have value after 2010 and the Padres may be able to get a better price in the 2009 offseason than they could in the 2008 offseason. I'm very afraid that he will bounce back in 2009 and price himself out of being a Padre and we won't have a shortstop we're happy with for years to come. I'm not saying the Padres will get a good deal on Khalil, just a better one. Something like 3 years 24 million (for 2009-2011)? 4 years 34 million? I think this is comparable to market prices especially with Khalil's hitting struggles. Is there anybody here that thinks he's not worth that?