UFA of the Day: Rob Blake
by Mr. Plank on May 27, 2009 12:30 PM PDT
in Armchair GM
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Ah yes, there it is
Judging by Rob Blake's play this season, I doubt there is many people who wouldn't want him back next year. However, as the situation will be with Ryane Clowe (hold your horses, that's coming in about two weeks or so), money will be the main detriment potentially depriving us of another season of Perry-spears and ill-timed hooking penalties.
The promise of a Perry-spear alone might be worth seven figures.
So instead of focusing the discussion around whether or not Rob Blake deserves inclusion onto next year's roster (my vote is yes), we're going to take a look at his specific skill set, what he brings to the roster, other players who could possibly fill that role, and how much we're willing to pay for his services.
Offense: Rob Blake is by no means a defensive slouch, but his $5 M contract last season wouldn't have happened without his booming slap shot from the point. Low, hard, and finds the front of the net- a definite plus. He's not the most agile of skaters and therefore can make the power play a tad one-dimensional when holding the puck on blueline (i.e. he's not going to cut to the net as often as someone like Dan Boyle), but only a select few players are able to do that with a consistent amount of success (the aforementioned Dan Boyle). In terms of players who played last season in San Jose, Christian Ehrhoff and Dan Boyle are the ones who would plug the holes on the power play if Blake left (read: the power play wouldn't be nearly as deadly). With Ehrhoff's maddening inconsistency in terms of pinching and making sure he's covering his partner, Blake's value increases even more in the offensive zone. Vlasic isn't a very good shooter, Murray goes without saying, Lukowich's shot doesn't have much net-nose if any, and while Semenov has potential to be serviceable he would not be a sufficient replacement. Blake's passing is also notable, and a big part of getting the breakout humming.
If we're giving this a rough metric only including current roster players, I'd say the offensive production from the blueline is a 9 with him and a 7 without.
Defense: Rob Blake is sound positionally, and although he had a tendency to take "lazy" penalties (hooking, holding etc.), that issue seemed to be somewhat remedied towards the tail end of the year. His decreased skating speed due to his age is most likely playing a big part in this. Although losing Blake may hurt San Jose the most in the offensive zone, his presence in front of the net is such a useful commodity that I'm unwilling to fully condone that statement. With the exception of Douglas Murray and the potential of Alexei Semenov, I'm not very confident in the rest of the defensemen's ability to consistently clear pucks and bodies out in front of the crease. This leaves a gaping hole if Blake walks this offseason, as well as depriving the Sharks of a true "shutdown pairing" (Vlasic-Blake).
Using the same rough metric, I'd say the defensive production from the blueline is a 9 with him and a 7.5 without.
Overall: Obviously Blake is a very useful player on the ice, as well as providing locker room intangibles. Unfortunately, with the Sharks backed up against the cap and Vlasic/Murray getting significant pay raises next season, it's coming down to money. And that's where things get dicey.
Pickles and Crankshaft are due to make 3.1 and 2.5 respectively next year, a combined pay raise of 4.265 M dollars. Subtracted from Rob Blake's previous salary of 5.0 M, that leaves us with .735 M to sign Blake if the blueline's payroll is to stay the same. The likelihood of this happening is similar to the chances of me purchasing a Nintendo 64 when I can download Banjo-Kazooie on Xbox Live. I already purchased Banjo on Live and am currently in Mad Monster Mansion. Convoluted as that last sentence may be, the point is Blake isn't signing for that sort of money.
Take a look at his previous contracts post-lockout.
| Year | Age | Salary |
| 05-06 | 36 | 6.36 |
| 06-07 | 37 | 6.00 |
| 07-08 | 38 | 6.00 |
| 08-09 | 39 | 5.00 |
With all that in mind, these are three questions I pose to myself every time I think about re-signing Rob Blake.
1) Who gets moved? Looking at the numbers (as well as keeping in mind that the salary cap is extremely volatile in this economic environment), re-signing Blake makes it necessary for other pieces to be moved in order to fit under next season's cap. Those players would likely return either a role player or draft picks (i.e. someone that would clear cap space).
2) How close to the cap are the Sharks going to spend? This season was the first season San Jose spent to the cap. With the aforementioned salary cap about as predictable as your next orgy, this poses a problem.
3) How much are you willing to sacrifice the future? Going back to number one, it stands to reason that teams will be looking at young players with high upside. Doug Wilson will need these players to have large enough contracts to clear space. I'm assuming that Setoguchi and Pavelski are untouchable due to the fact that they kick ass and have a low salary. That means Ehrhoff, Vlasic, Michalek, and Cheechoo are the candidates (with Cheechoo being my pick). Are we willing to part with these players and mortgage our future in order to take one last stab at the Cup?
Blake isn't getting any younger, and although he had a good season, we're likely looking at one more year with him wearing teal (when Setoguchi and Pavelski get pay raises). He's vital cog on the defense, but these services will likely come at a high price.
Plank's Final Offer: One year at $2.75 M. Let's hope he takes it.
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Honestly,
I cant see Blake signing for as little as 2.75 M, but I hope he does. Maybe he could pull a Selanne/Niedermayer!
I think I could see around the 3 million+ mark, but that’s still a big pay cut for a guy who still has it.
In our favor is the fact that LA is done with him, Anaheim can’t afford him either and he wants to stay in California!
I’m really pulling for him to stay with the team. He was one of the off season signings I was least impressed with at first. He proved me wrong pretty quick though.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
I cant see Blake signing for as little as 2.75 M, but I hope he does. Maybe he could pull a Selanne/Niedermayer!
Don’t bring up Niedermayer- we were inches away from having him. All it does is make me a sad panda :(
I agree somewhat with the notion that Blake will reject an offer somewhere in the neighborhood of $2.75, but looking at the cap it’s hard to see how we can afford to give him much more than that. Maybe Rudy can swing by here and offer up some past contract negotiation words of advice, but from what I’ve heard (SwisherThresher being a notable informant) he’s more than willing to pack up shop in pursuit of a higher contract.
We’ll see what happens.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
I think Blake re-signs for maybe 2 – 2.5M. He’s a guy that wants to stay in California and win at least one more Cup. To accomplish that it’s either Anaheim or San Jose, but Anaheim is stacked at defense and has their own problems with payroll. San Jose has payroll problems too, but I think Blake is going to be sympathetic to the cause and take a paycut, as JR did (and will again), just to get another chance at the Cup. If only all players were willing to take paycuts to play for San Jose… sigh If only we were like Detroit…
he's gotta take a pay cut
so do all of the sharks if they really want to win a stanley cup. that means you marleau, none of this $6 million crap. don’t be a campbell.
Ehrhoff, Vlasic, Michalek, and Cheechoo are the candidates
bye bye cheechoo.
"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra
Not sure that Blake resigns at 2.75
but I voted for 2-2.5 so he’s better off with your offer. We’re probably his last best chance to play this coming season, if he’s truly dedicated to staying in CA. If he decides he wants to move around, I’m sure he can get a salary comparable to what he was making last season from any number of teams, especially those those HAVE to sign SOMEONE to make the cap floor.
Out fo you for trade candidates, I’d prefer to see Cheech go as over the other three. (sorry Afro!) I like him, but it may be time (for him to show us why trading him was a terrible idea)
resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"
I voted 1.50-2.00 M
Blake would be a big help and all for the Sharks but I think they can live without him.
i don't think we retain him
although he’d be an idiot not to take our offer
I don't like you Detroit.
like his shot from the point...
Rather have Blake around than Cheech at this point.
On the flip side he is getting long in the tooth so I can see letting Blake go as well…it’s all about the contract really
Just came across this comment on mccovey chronicles
Sharks Rant
I don’t know why I insist, year after year to buy into to the fact that these heartless mother fuckers will do anything but fold up like cunts in the fuckin’ postseaspn. I have had enough of this shit. Thank you Giants for being rad tonight. (Mostly) And now back to happier shit.
I don't like you Detroit.
Uffff!
Language! There are ladies present sir!
(Not aimed at you Matt, but that other dude)
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
And my response:
Thank you, Giants, for finally scoring more than one or two runs. Because that three hits in twelve innings thing was starting to get on my nerves. And for getting to within one game of being at .500. At this rate, you might be able to qualify for the wild card! Might. Probably not, though. But you’re showing tons of heart, averaging a bit more offense than the Detroit Red Wings (3.9 runs per game versus 3.6 goals per game) – you have more offense than the Stanley Cup champs in the offense-filled, trap-free NHL! Keep up the great work!
And I’ll just stay over here with obviously the most crappy team in the Bay Area. You know, the one that had the best regular season in the league and has made the playoffs every year since 03-04. The only one in the area that consistently puts up winning seasons and some playoff success. Yeah, that team. It sure does suck.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Fools and Sages
by mymclife on May 27, 2009 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
And I’ll just stay over here with obviously the most crappy team in the Bay Area.
OUCH! Worst team in the Bay Area including the A’s, Niners, AND Raiders! That hurts.
You can’t forget the Warriors. And do the Sacramento Kings count as Bay Area? They sure suck enough to fit right in.
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Fools and Sages
It is quite easy to forget
I have no idea why its so popular. Of course, I hate basketball, so I might be a little biased, lol
"I think I realized after the second or third punch, I should have taken his helmet off sooner." - Ryane Clowe
Fools and Sages
Basket what?
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
NIEDKLERYARYER
oer sometoethin lie kthat!!!! -Mr. K
by Lurker Shark on May 27, 2009 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Tell them at least the Sharks didn’t invite their kids onto the bench when the game wasn’t even over yet. What a joke.
I’m obviously not a Giants fan (Twins baby wooooo), and I think I’m starting to figure out why I never made the transition.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
3-3.5 mil is my vote
I say give him no more than three million. He has expressed interest in returning to SJ and wants to stay in California, and I am not sure many other big name teams are interested in his services, and we would give him one of the best shots at a Cup.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on May 27, 2009 3:05 PM PDT reply actions
Of course Blake would be awesome to have back...
So, who do we trade away to make the cap space? Of the guys you mentioned, I’d vote for Ehrhoff. I’ve never been a fan…he makes too many dumb mistakes. His only real asset is his slapshot from the point, that rarely is on net. But, I’m sure someone would be more than willing to part with some pieces to acquire an offensive D-man with “upside.”
Cheechoo should probably also be traded, not so much for the cap room, but because I’m not sure he fits in with McLellan’s system. Moving Cheechoo and Ehrhoff would give us some flexibility under the cap, too.
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
Even 3.5 is pretty optimistic
That’s my tipping point. Here’s some players that had fewer points than Blake last season:
Suter, Keith, Bieksa, Timmonen, Bouwmeester, Kubina, Liles. And Blake had only two points fewer than Phaneuf, and three less than Pronger. In all reality, $4M (still at 20% pay cut) is likely.
Keep him if the price is right
I think he’ll stay, cause he wants to play in California and play for a team with a realistic chance of winning the Cup – and Anaheim already has a glut of d-men.
Oh, so that's where you edit your signature
Argh...
This is the toughest decision to be made.
He still deserves to be making upwards of 4 MM, but e just can’t pay him that much. Does his pride let him sign for less than 3.5 MM? I don’t think so.
Problem is, we need Rob Blake. He’s probably the best option out there, and he wants to play with the team. We cant get another defenseman of his caliber without paying out the ass or trading someone, so don’t think that we’re in any position of power when we’re bargaining with him. He knows we want him back. He doesn’t have to play anymore.
But the cap is an issue. The most we can give him and still make some changes this offseason, is 3.0 MM. Will that be enough?
We’ll see.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
If we can get him for less than he's making now.
And it would be nice if he could cut down on the stupid penalties, but really that’s just nitpicking considering everything else he brings to the table.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
NIEDKLERYARYER
oer sometoethin lie kthat!!!! -Mr. K
Creative finance
Maybe DW can pull from whatever was happening in Detroit this season and offer a two year contract worth a total of $5-6M, but is actually graduated down from $3.75 to $2.25 or so. Then, we can buy out the last year of his contract, for whatever percentage that is(1/3, right?), or let him retire on his own accord.
I’m sure someone will mention if I’m off on my numbers, but I’m no math teacher. It would only count as $3M toward the cap in 09-10.
The way buyouts work is that the team would be forced to pay 2/3rd of Rob Blake’s cap hit over the next two years. Since Blake’s cap hit in this situation is $3.00 M, if he was bought out after year one, the team would be on the hook for 1.00 M in 2010-2011 and 1.00 M in 2011-2012.
I think this may differ depending on the age of the player (if they’re younger than 26 then it’s 1/3rd of the salary over the next two years).
I’ve never been an advocate of it due to the fact it probably would make San Jose a less attractive team for potential free agents to sign with (a problem we already have). Also, you’re essentially paying one million dollars the next two years for no production value. With the salary cap supposedly dropping two seasons from now (and rumblings that it may even come down in the upcoming season), I’m not sure I would be completely on board with it.
Not a bad idea, though, and one I hadn’t even considered.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
On a side note, and I’m sure this is probably completely illegal under the CBA, wouldn’t it be awesome if there was a clause written into a player’s contract that paid homage to the “Loser Leaves the WWF” matches? For example, Blake has to amass either 15 goals or 50 points in order to retain his contract with the Sharks Federation.
Damn I miss Vince McMahon.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
One More Wrinkle
Since Blake is over 35, save a buyout, subsequent years of his contract would count against the cap whether or not he’s playing. Multi-year deals for players over 35 are very risky because of this. For instance, if he decided to retire outside the buyout period (only about two weeks in June if memory serves), his full salary would count against the cap.
all the different things you can put into a contract is kinda complicated, but I’m sure there’s gotta be way to stay under the cap and sign the players we need. Like I said before, if we were like Detroit, we could have 4 solid lines to roll out every night, have talented players willing to take paycuts to play for us, and still manage to stay under the cap. I wish we could take Doug Wilson, Brian Burke, and Ken Holland and fuse them together and make a super GM that will get us amazing players for a great price and have us competing for the cup every year
blake would be great to have back
But i think we need more help in D than just him, which means he would have to take a serious paycut. I don’t know what the chances are. but your suggestion is ok by me
Blake Will Probably Return
and the Sharks will pay too much.
Blake had a good season, and wasn’t the biggest culprit in the playoffs, so he will probably be rewarded. I’m okay with his return, but wouldn’t pay more than 2.5. It just seems like this year was about the most we can expect from him, and it’s not enough.
The Sharks absolutely need a shutdown defence pair before they’ll get past Getzlaf (or heaven forbid, Crosby). Boyle can do it, with the right partner, but I don’t see that partner on the roster right now. Somebody will have to give up salary to get the right partner, and Blake seems like the biggest target.
by DetroiterInNorCal on May 28, 2009 12:52 PM PDT reply actions
I would sign him for 3 mil no more
He still can bring the offense and is not a liability on defense. That said he takes way to many stupid, (lazy) penalties and at times he looked like father time when matched against a fast forward. I like the pairing with pickles as MEV can cover up some of Blake’s deficiencies.
a ground rule double followed by three unproductive outs, sounds like my sex life - dayzd toe
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