DODGERS NEWS/RUMORS Thread

I may be wrong, but doesn't this ultimately reflect somewhat on HOFer, Joe Torre? Under is leadership, or on his watch, whatever, the umpiring overall has reached a new low in incompetence. Having the K zone box, if there is still going to be home plate umpiring, is an excercise in stupidity, and only blatantly illustrates it.
He has done jack shit, as far as I know, to improve anything at all.
Overated as a player, who really had only one excellent year, and overated as a manager, helming a team most people on this message board could have done the same with.
But, not to be totally negative towards Joe, he is a superb.tea drinker.

 

racist?

 

This is a weirder one for me as he looked REALLY good in the restart and with Buehler not 100% yet he seemed like the optimal piggyback, but like you said his development as a starter is most important. There was a report yesterday or day before that said Buehler is looking REALLY good and has said he will be ready to go in his first start this week. I guess with the number of bullpen arms that need work, it would be best to keep May ready to go as a starter.

 

Some details I saw about the Betts deal:

• The deal includes a huge $65 million signing bonus*
• The deal includes $115 million in deferred money
• The deal does not have any opt-outs
• There is no no-trade clause, but if traded there is something about the money being structured differently

* I imagine the signing bonus is a huge factor in this deal. With the uncertainty of this season, Betts knows that the bonus won't be subjected to prorated pay or lockouts. There was also a report that he won't need to pay California state tax on the bonus, which will save several million dollars. I'm not sure what state tax he will have to pay, but both Massachusetts (5%) and Tennessee (0%) are lower than California (12%).

 

I’m curious about the California 12% bonus tax? My bonuses are taxed at over 40%? Albeit not millions but sheeeiiit....

 

how is that even possible that he doesn't pay state tax?
would have to be the team paying it cause no way the state excuses anyone

 

From what I know, it is based on your home state. The bonus does not necessarily get paid out this year either as it can be spaced out so his salary is likely fairly low over the next few seasons. The same may go for deferred money, but I am not 100% sure on that one. Even though it was a hefty price tag, there is decent belief that the Dodgers saved some money here by not waiting until free agency. Grant Brisbee brought up a great point yesterday that the Giants were likely going to be the other most prominent team after Betts and their owners would have likely been willing to go to $400M to get a superstar locked up long term.

 

Not saying I missed my calling as a beat writer BUT.....

https://twitter.com/ericstephen/status/1280593737060544512?s=21

 

Yes, I'm sure the bonus is taxed based on his home state, I just didn't know what his "home state" is right now. My best guess is he still has a home in Massachusetts, so he could use that as his home state. Although, if the signing bonus is deferred over several seasons (I think they generally are), future payments could be affected.

 

The signing bonus money wouldn't be considered as payment for work in the state of California. He would still owe state tax somewhere, most likely wherever his main residence is. Now that I think about it, it will be hard to say California isn't his main residence after this year.

 

California state tax goes up to 12%, and federal goes up to 35 - 37%. Those top tax brackets only apply to salary over about $500,000 - $600,000, so you are likely getting hit somewhere below that, unless you are balling. For the purposes of someone like Mookie, most of his salary is falling into those top brackets.

Typical payroll software will over-withhold on bonus money, it calculates the bonus money tax bracket as if you were making that on every paycheck. If this is your case, you will get that overpayment back when you file taxes.

 

His home state is Tennessee, from what I have read.

 

I knew he was from Tennessee, I just didn't know if he currently "lived" there. It's a good state to put down on your taxes.

 

So after some thought. This is why the postseason is gonna be 16 teams. They are bracing for a breakout on a team that they feel deserves a playoff spot.