What's Bauman worth?

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Bauman is one of the more intriguing free agents coming onto the market.  A former number one pick with good size and four years of seasoning and just enough of a late-season breakout to get people believing.  Home town ties to Wpg, where the NI receiving depth isn't top-tier.  University ties to Sask, where they've proven to value NI receivers and just lost their top one.  Lots of rumours that the Esks would also be in the mix, with some aging/health questions for their NI receivers and a need to improve their overall Can content.  BC could do with an upgrade of O'Neil Wilson and help off-set the loss of Arsenaux as well. 

While he's reportedly interested in coming out west, it's hard to believe that Mtl and Toronto wouldn't be, at least, kicking the tires as well.

A Wpg paper had speculated that Bauman's agent may be asking as much as $125,000, which if true, would seem to reduce the odds of Sask and Wpg being fully interested, based on thinking the Riders need to leave budget for a Fantuz return and the Bombers approach seems to be one of thrift.

This is a guy that is definitely being paid for his pedigree, the accomplishments he had in school, and for his future production, because outside of the final three games of 2010, he's looked more bust than boom.  There should be enough interest to allow him to get more than just an incentive-laden deal somewhere and cash in on the remaining luster of his draft standing and the hope that Hamilton's already paid the tuition on his learning the pro game.

I'd happily take him in the $110,000/yr range given the nature of CFL contracts not being guaranteed, but would hesitate to go much higher unless the GM in question really believes that he's ready/able to turn the corner.

[Saskfan in Winnipeg]

He has to produce more than he has to be even considered for more than $70,000 a year.

[Colin Unger]

He has to produce more than he has to be even considered for more than $70,000 a year.

I agree..  Based on what he's done so far he's only worth maybe 65,000 but considering you are getting a free-agent Canadian who still has huge potential I wouldn't mind the Bombers going as high as 80,000 but anything more then that will come off as being desperate and unwise if a team breaks that bank for a guy who had what 400 yards last year?

Personally, I'd soon the Bombers put all their money to go after that tackle from Calgary or Gauthier. Those guys are real ratio breakers.

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Well, at this point, I guess I'm winning the bidding. 

It's worth pointing out though, with a cap of $4.2 million (or so) and a roster of 50 players (46 active and 4 IR for budget purposes), the average salary would be about $80,000 allowing for $200,000 or so as buffer for bonuses, additional injuries, etc.

When you consider that there are a number of newer guys, imports and non-imports, that are making south of $50,000 and most starting QBs in the $250,000-$450,000 range, I'd think that the average 4-5 year veteran is still making somewhere in the $75,000 range.

Given that Bauman is a former top draft pick, seemingly has the physical tools to play and has had the benefit of years of coaching and experience at the CFL level, I'm a little surprised that people (yes... bomber and rider fans are people too) aren't valuing him a little higher.  Being an NI, having a good pedigree and coming onto the FA market when there's little else to choose from at his position, I figure he's well in line for an above-average salary.  I can only hope that other GMs are seeing it the same way as you two and that there isn't a bidding war to drive up the price on the guy.

[Hambone]

Given that Bauman is a former top draft pick, seemingly has the physical tools to play and has had the benefit of years of coaching and experience at the CFL level, I'm a little surprised that people (yes... bomber and rider fans are people too) aren't valuing him a little higher.  Being an NI, having a good pedigree and coming onto the FA market when there's little else to choose from at his position, I figure he's well in line for an above-average salary.  I can only hope that other GMs are seeing it the same way as you two and that there isn't a bidding war to drive up the price on the guy.

Being a first overall pick can look great on a resume but there becomes a point where it becomes irrelevant. Bauman I think may have reached that point. He's really crossed over from being the top player in the draft to being just another veteran backup receiver. He's now entering his 5th season and has yet to even remotely live up to the promise of his lofty draft selection. Maybe a change of scenery is something desperately needed but the inconsistency of his game to date places him squarely in the category of "reclamation project". If draft position and potential still warrants $125K after 4 years maybe there is still hope for a big contract for Warren Kean. 

[GreatWhiteNorth]

I'll suggest he's not in the category of an Andrew Nowacki or O'Neil Wilson just yet, but there are certainly many questions remaining.  I wonder what the interest would've been if not for the way he finished last season with some big games, flashing the talent that he was being drafted for.

Duane Forde's comments on him this week, calling him "a less polished Andy Fantuz" were certainly re-assuring... as long as there is the ability and desire to hone his craft.

I've heard varying reports, but it sounds like the $125K was inclusive of incentives and up-front money, and would make him a pretty decent investment if he's putting up 1000 yard seasons to earn the full amount.

[Ravi Ramkissoonsingh]

Is Bauman even on the Esks' roster right now?