Franks vs Baker

[stomperrob]

BUBBA DOES A LIL' SHAKE'N 'BAKE'
By MARK CANNIZZARO

May 17, 2008 --

For the cynics among us, it smacked of a calculated, for-your-eyes-only moment.

There were the JetsNew York Jets on Thursday afternoon, conducting their first organized team activity (OTA) practice in front of reporters and there was Bubba Franks catching passes all over the field, looking a lot more like the Pro Bowl performer he was from 2001-03 than the player the Packers opted to release in March rather than re-negotiate to a new, less-expensive contract.

Was it a coincidence that Franks, a veteran free-agent signing this offseason, was featured so prominently with reporters watching while starting tight end Chris BakerChris Baker was absent, boycotting the voluntary camp in a contract dispute?

con't...

rest of article: http://www.nypost.com/seven/05172008/sp ... 111201.htm

[killiansjmd]

No coincidence at all. They were making a point to Baker and his agent. Baker has no leverage with a healthy Bubba Franks signed and the rookie Dustin Keller coming in. Franks is a very good blocker plus a good red zone threat. Keller is very athletic and explosive with good hands.

They reworked Bakers contract last year to give him more money up front in the 4 year deal that he signed two years ago. So it's not the Jets fault that he will be paid near a league minimum salary this year or his complaint that he will be the lowest paid tight end on the team.

Word is that he will report to the mandatory minicamps and training camp on time.

[Kensat30]

No coincidence at all. They were making a point to Baker and his agent. Baker has no leverage with a healthy Bubba Franks signed and the rookie Dustin Keller coming in. Franks is a very good blocker plus a good red zone threat. Keller is very athletic and explosive with good hands.

They reworked Bakers contract last year to give him more money up front in the 4 year deal that he signed two years ago. So it's not the Jets fault that he will be paid near a league minimum salary this year or his complaint that he will be the lowest paid tight end on the team.

Word is that he will report to the mandatory minicamps and training camp on time.

Sounded like Baker wanted to stay in NY when he interviewed on Sirius. Then again he made no commitment to come to any camps, and it even went so far as saying that if things didn't turn around he might have to start looking for a new team. Although he wasn't at that point yet.