[Split98]

When it comes to depth, tweeners or whatever category you put Mangiapane and his group in you can't really look at the rest of the league as much of a basis.

First off, what role they're filling has a lot to do with what they're offered.

But mostly, if you're going to a middling team that has cap flexibility... what salary you make over 1-2 years doesn't really affect the team that much. There's potential for you to contribute, earn more and help the team develop. Worst case, you can play 1-2 years and make some money they had leftover.

With cap-strapped teams, the difference between league minimum and $1-1.5 for 1-2 years means quite a bit more. If that cap-strapped team is good, you're also less likely to be needed in an important role, more likely to be replaced and those 1-2 years probably mean a lot more to that team than one that's building. The relatively small ask from Mangiapane's camp could have a ripple effect elsewhere during their 'window' - where on a team looking to build something there's much less impact of course.

So while Mangiapane's camp has some comparables (if speculation is on-point), he's comparing a few dollars off the pile from one team to a big chunk of the pennies leftover from another (or roster flexibility, if it's 2-way for example). I hope this stalemate is only planned on lasting until camp from his side, as holding out if a reasonable 1-2 year 2-way was on the table really asks way too much from someone who just showed up. I get asking for more and negotiating the best deal... but I really hope this is tidied up in the next few weeks.