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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
6,190 comments Add your comment
Tumbledown
November 28th, 2012
4:47 pm
I would not worry about Upton until the talks escalate to REALLY serious.
braveslifer
November 28th, 2012
4:47 pm
“Have you ever read a fangraphs column in which the author thought trading a prospect was a good thing?”
Every article that I have read on fangraphs has been objective. I think they do a great job at looking at every angle of the trade. The one avenue that they did not address in the article is what appears to be the Royals addiction to Frency. I would love for the Braves to pry Myers from the Royals but I do agree with the writer that simply plugging Myers in for Frency and signing a replacement level arm would result in more wins for the Royals then trading Myers for a #1/2 pitcher and starting Myers.
Murph
November 28th, 2012
4:47 pm
So, does this mean that Upton has “chosen” the Braves and now they are working out the details?
Oh boy… things are gonna get ugly around here.
Personally I don’t care all that much. They had to sign someone, and picking between Upton or Bourn or Pagan is like picking between broccoli, asparagus, and brussels sprouts. Not a slice of pie between the lot of them.
David O'Brien
November 28th, 2012
4:48 pm
There’s cautious optimism from Braves regarding B.J. Upton negotiations.
UKUGA
November 28th, 2012
4:50 pm
Roger Maris won 2 MVP awards
Tumbledown
November 28th, 2012
4:50 pm
Ok, it sounds really serious. Now I am worried about the Braves signing B.J. Upton.
TBrown
November 28th, 2012
4:52 pm
lol, nice reporting dave
RC
November 28th, 2012
4:52 pm
This is super cereal you guys!
raleighbravefan
November 28th, 2012
4:53 pm
UK – I’ve always said Maris belongs in the HOF.
Puma
November 28th, 2012
4:53 pm
P-Town – is that for real? Does that mean they have gone from just dating to “like boyfriend-girlfriend”?
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
4:53 pm
Braves and Bossman Junior is serious talks on multiyear deal per Jerry Crasnick.
Brava
November 28th, 2012
4:53 pm
Mark Bowman @mlbbowman
Source confirms Braves are nearing the completion of a deal with B.J. Upton. @jcrasnick first reported talks were heating up
ncscoots
November 28th, 2012
4:54 pm
Every article that I have read on fangraphs has been objective. I think they do a great job at looking at every angle of the trade.
I don’t mean to imply that they are FOX News or anything. Still, they have a natural perspective that lends itself to the concept of “value” as overriding, and seldom is an asset more “valuable” to their writers than a rising player (however unproven) with six years of club control.
flange1
November 28th, 2012
4:56 pm
Looks like the Braves are going to get a BJ!
Not sure if that is good or bad.
Will that mean that they will look for a lead off hitter or a clean up hitter for LF?
BravePack(FreeFan)
November 28th, 2012
4:56 pm
P-Town Brave ©
November 28th, 2012
4:41 pm
@jcrasnick:
BJ Upton in SERIOUS talks w/ #Braves on multiyear deal source says
YES! Thank you P-Town for the news 1st. I knew we could get some life up in here. We were starting to talk about fake Ward again. BTW, I love any Ward period. Or is it, period? OR .Who cares we are getting BJ’s!
RC
November 28th, 2012
4:57 pm
lol, nice reporting dave
Come’on, what’s he supposed to say? He can only pass on what he gets from a team source, and I’m pretty sure that nobody associated with the team is going to give anything juicer to the media at this point, for fear of affecting the negotiation.
RC
November 28th, 2012
4:57 pm
lol, nice reporting dave
Come’on, what’s he supposed to say? He can only pass on what he gets from a team source, and I’m pretty sure that nobody associated with the team is going to give anything juicer to the media at this point, for fear of affecting the negotiation.
ncbravesfan90
November 28th, 2012
4:57 pm
Sounds like the deal is almost done folks. Good job, Mr. Wren. Excellent excellent move!!!
Mark Bowman @mlbbowman
Source confirms Braves are nearing the completion of a deal with B.J. Upton. @jcrasnick first reported talks were heating up
ncscoots
November 28th, 2012
4:57 pm
“There’s cautious optimism from Braves regarding B.J. Upton negotiations.”, said O’Brien, cautiously.
Tumbledown
November 28th, 2012
4:57 pm
Stanton . . .Myers . . Headley . . . all just pipedreams. Time to get my head out of the clouds and embrace cold hard reality. No more living in a fantasy world. Anyway, I will post later after I go pick up some powerball tickets.
richbrave
November 28th, 2012
4:57 pm
Thanx for the CUNNINGHAM update DAVID. I thought he might have come back.
His winter stats
.274 BA; 24 G; 95 AB; 14 R; 26 H; 5 2B; 0 3B; 3 HR; 7 RBI; 8 BB; 21 SO; 3 SB; 2 CS; .367 OBP; .421 SLG; 744 OPS.
Hit .250 last 10 games, but .500 [7-14] his last three. OBP is solid. BB-SO ratio decent. SLUGGING not too good.
RC
November 28th, 2012
4:57 pm
lol, nice reporting dave
Come’on, what’s he supposed to say? He can only pass on what he gets from a team source, and I’m pretty sure that nobody associated with the team is going to give anything juicer to the media at this point, for fear of affecting the negotiation.
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
4:59 pm
I said it before and I’ll say it again – much rather have Upton than Bourn. More upside. And the only free agent more sought after was probably Greinke or Hamilton. Upton is a better choice than Bourn and I’m happy Wren went that way.
Don’t like at all that we are giving up our third first round pick in the last six years, and our fourth draft pick overall though.
But, Wren has to be all in right now and he knows it.
richbrave
November 28th, 2012
5:01 pm
Re: the BOSSMAN JUNIOR, I reserve comment until I’ve seen 100 AB’s on the field, thank you. Hopefully, congratulations for WREN and management will be extended.
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
5:01 pm
scoots may get his wish now. We have plenty of prospects for a LF bat, and they better consider Martin Prado for leadoff.
Screw getting a leadoff hitter for LF now. Go big and get Willingham.
braveslifer
November 28th, 2012
5:01 pm
“I don’t mean to imply that they are FOX News or anything. Still, they have a natural perspective that lends itself to the concept of “value” as overriding, and seldom is an asset more “valuable” to their writers than a rising player (however unproven) with six years of club control.”
I could see that. I tend to have that view as well. It is likely a reason that I tend to gravitate towards their material. One of the reasons I enjoy baseball over other sports is the realtive small turnover from year to year.
richbrave
November 28th, 2012
5:03 pm
Efrim:
I thought you were looking forward to a CUNNINGHAM-SCHAFER platoon in CF this upcoming.
Puma
November 28th, 2012
5:04 pm
Although I am sure they will overpay for Upton, I think this will be a good move overall. 30 HRs and 30 SB are nothing to sneeze at, hopefully Ron Gant reincarnated for the Bravos (also one of my favs). I would kind of like to see them get Span or Fowler for CF and move Upton to LF if he would accept that. Look at me counting my chickens…
Brava
November 28th, 2012
5:04 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
To follow up on Jerry Crasnick’s reporting: B.J. Upton is moving close to getting a deal done with the Braves.
RC
November 28th, 2012
5:05 pm
Man, there is no way we’ll be getting the details on this deal prior to tomorrow morning, is there?
I’ll hold off judgment until those are known, but as far as identifying “their man” and going and getting him, great job by the Braves. Just hope it got done at a reasonable cost.
Brava
November 28th, 2012
5:06 pm
David O’Brien @ajcbraves
#Braves and Upton’s agent have spent most of the day in negotiations, no serious obstacles remained by mid-afternoon.
VaBravesFan
November 28th, 2012
5:06 pm
Well for the “This team never spends any money!!” Crowd, there signing one of the top free agents who’s just a above average player at best but will likely be paid like a consistent All Star. But I’m really rooting for BJ to put all his skills together and atleast get closer to the player most thought he’d become. He’s from my area so I’m a fan regardless.
Puma
November 28th, 2012
5:07 pm
Efrim – do we lose our pick under the new rules or do Rays just gain pick? We should also be getting a pick for lose of Bourn too, so even split there.
P-Town Brave ©
November 28th, 2012
5:09 pm
Here’s something funny BP….
First we got Lai-rd and now we’re getting BJ…..
Isn’t that backwards
BravePack(FreeFan)
November 28th, 2012
5:09 pm
BravePack(FreeFan)
November 28th, 2012
11:14 am
Today seems like a good day for Bossman to make a decision…and I hope he chooses the Braves.
I just wanted to point out the fact that I kind of called this earlier today. I also want to point out the fact that I am halfway to getting my prediction correct. Now all I need is Gordon and I’m the big winner.
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
5:09 pm
We lose our first round draft pick. We will gain a supplemental pick at the end of the first round when Bourn signs with another team. I’m sure the spin will be that we have that pick so it’s all cool. Especially when we draft a LHP who doesn’t break 90mph.
P-Town Brave ©
November 28th, 2012
5:10 pm
Its a done deal pending physical guys….
UKUGA
November 28th, 2012
5:10 pm
So, it sounds like Upton’s wife can drive.
RC
November 28th, 2012
5:10 pm
“I don’t mean to imply that they are FOX News or anything. Still, they have a natural perspective that lends itself to the concept of “value” as overriding, and seldom is an asset more “valuable” to their writers than a rising player (however unproven) with six years of club control.”
I could see that. I tend to have that view as well. It is likely a reason that I tend to gravitate towards their material. One of the reasons I enjoy baseball over other sports is the realtive small turnover from year to year.
I do think that’s one of the most overlooked factors when “valuing” players…the opportunity cost to actually have the chance to offer the player a contract. While it hasn’t worked out the way we all hoped, the Dan Uggla deal was a good example of this. Many writers at the time were saying they liked the deal, but that it shouldn’t be viewed as anything but one-year of Uggla….anything the Braves signed him to beyond that could have just as easily been done in free agency. While there is some logic there, they are completely ignoring the value of the opportunity to have an exclusive chance to negotiate with a player. It’s possible another team, lets say the Mets, valued Uggla just as much as the Braves did, but thought to themselves, “Why trade for him? We can just wait a year and sign him as a free agent.” Since he never hit free agency, they missed their chance. With so many young players now signing long-term deals with their homegrown stars, I think the value of “exclusive negotiations” is only going up, and I’d love to see some writer figure out a way to adequately quantify it’s value.
Slowhiteguy
November 28th, 2012
5:12 pm
Braves and Upton in agreement per Rosenthal.
Richie
November 28th, 2012
5:14 pm
And Jon Heyman as well
Richie
November 28th, 2012
5:14 pm
And Jon Heyman as well
Richie
November 28th, 2012
5:14 pm
And Jon Heyman as well
VaBravesFan
November 28th, 2012
5:14 pm
So how do the Braves handle LF? We still have the option to keep Martin Prado in LF where he provides Gold Glove Caliber Defense and look at 3rd base options. Will Wren still look for a leadoff man or will be just roll with Prado at the top?
Richie
November 28th, 2012
5:14 pm
And Jon Heyman as well
braveslifer
November 28th, 2012
5:14 pm
Welcome to ATL BJ!
ncbravesfan90
November 28th, 2012
5:14 pm
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal
B.J. Upton and #Braves are in agreement, pending physical. Terms of contract not yet known.
Brava
November 28th, 2012
5:15 pm
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal
B.J. Upton and #Braves are in agreement, pending physical. Terms of contract not yet known.
Puma
November 28th, 2012
5:15 pm
I have no evidence to back this up, but wasn’t BJ a guy that Bravos have kind of been after for awhile, at least linked to in trade talks in the past? Looks like they got their man.
Another question, which is more embarrassing, being called BJ or Melvin?
Brava
November 28th, 2012
5:15 pm
Ha!
Dayton from Nebraska @BravesAmerica
Braves-Upton negotiations so advanced their currently haggling over style of hug Freddie Freeman will give him every day.
Braves Fan In Maine
November 28th, 2012
5:15 pm
Done deal braves sign bj upton… not a bad move but still need someone else… the other thing is how much the braves paid for him
Boonie27
November 28th, 2012
5:16 pm
I’m guessing it’s a 5/70 deal.
Brava
November 28th, 2012
5:16 pm
David O’Brien @ajcbraves
#Braves and B.J. Upton have agreed to deal, pending physical. Last holdup was 6th guaranteed season he asked for.
Murph
November 28th, 2012
5:17 pm
Hmmmmm… I feel like I should be jumping up and down about the Braves acquiring Upton… but I’m not. I’m not about to jump off a bridge, either (sorry Brava), so I guess it’s a decent move.
Gone Viral
November 28th, 2012
5:17 pm
Welcome to the team, BJ Upton.
May you bring us many World Series appearances.
RC
November 28th, 2012
5:17 pm
Efrim – do we lose our pick under the new rules or do Rays just gain pick? We should also be getting a pick for lose of Bourn too, so even split there.
Braves pick goes away, Rays gain a pick AFTER the first round (supplemental round). When Bourn signs elsewhere, the Braves will also get a pick in the supplemental round, but it will be lower than they would have been otherwise. Had the Braves not signed a free agent that cost them to lose their pick, it would have been at worst #25, with the possibility of going even higher as other teams lost their picks to sign free agents.
Murph
November 28th, 2012
5:18 pm
Woah… 6 years? I hope that isn’t true. 5 is bad enough, but 6?? No no no.
braveslifer
November 28th, 2012
5:18 pm
What is everyone’s prediction on dollar value. Mine is 5 year 75M with a 15M club option for a sixth year and $5M if the option is delclined. Total guarenteed value of $80M
Brava
November 28th, 2012
5:19 pm
Darn, Murph.
Couldn’t you just manage a little slit to the wrists?
Truthfully, I’m not that excited about the signing, either. I guess we’ll see how this all pans out.
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
5:19 pm
I’m guessing it’s a 5/70 deal.
No way. Not this early. He’s getting 6 years. I’d bet 6 years, $90-$93 million.
P-Town Brave ©
November 28th, 2012
5:19 pm
5 years w/ possibility for a 6th option perhaps…..
He wanted a 6th year guaranteed…..so we’ll see what happened there…..
A lot coming out now considering deal is headed towards completion…..
The question is, are you Pro BJ or Anti BJ
Gone Viral
November 28th, 2012
5:19 pm
Six years? That’s…unexpected.
Slowhiteguy
November 28th, 2012
5:20 pm
Lack of center fielder in the Braves system, and lack of impact center fielder available via free agency anytime soon equals good signing.
RC
November 28th, 2012
5:20 pm
Hmm…if the holdup was a 6th year, then based on previous Braves negotiations I’m betting they ended up with a 5-year deal and a 6th year vesting option that will go into effect with some incredibly attainable number of games or plate appearances.
rainman34
November 28th, 2012
5:21 pm
How much indeed will be the question. Still like or hate bj he is a crazy skilled player and will be fun to watch. Another question will be batting order. Will we go after a lead off hitter to play left now or will we add more right handed power.
Russell Bell
November 28th, 2012
5:21 pm
scoots may get his wish now. We have plenty of prospects for a LF bat, and they better consider Martin Prado for leadoff.
Screw getting a leadoff hitter for LF now. Go big and get Willingham.
Agreed. Get another banger.
Brava
November 28th, 2012
5:24 pm
The question is, are you Pro BJ or Anti BJ
Neutral BJ
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
5:24 pm
I expected Upton to sign for six years. He’s 28 years old. Not a lot of free agents reach the market that young. Not sure on the AAV. Don’t think they would go as high as $96 million over six years.
Trader Jack
November 28th, 2012
5:24 pm
Efrim
Spot on 6 yrs90-95 mil
BFChris28
November 28th, 2012
5:24 pm
I am glad BJ Upton is signing with Braves. A power hitter in the CF position. Haven’t had it since Andruw.
Quite possibly, maybe get Justin Upton and that would be awesome
No Flag Since Lemke
November 28th, 2012
5:24 pm
Why in the name of God are we signing a 150 per year strikeout machine who is a head case to boot? Years of watching him here in Tampa Bay make me shudder as to what this will mean long term to the Braves.
ncbravesfan90
November 28th, 2012
5:24 pm
Bob Nightengale @BNightengale
Upton receives a five-year contract for $70 milllion to $75 million for #Braves
keyLargo
November 28th, 2012
5:24 pm
Two talking heads on MLB TV just agreed Jason Borne was the best CF that is a free agent. One said he would sign for 6 years $70 and the other 4 years and $50.
I think I would match either of those to keep him. Upton will end up costing about $18 M for 7 years. JMO
ChattTownBrian
November 28th, 2012
5:24 pm
Welcome aboard, Upton. Hoping for the best.
CB
November 28th, 2012
5:24 pm
Let’s go after the other Upton now.
BravoMan
November 28th, 2012
5:25 pm
Not a great week to be a Philly fan.
David O'Brien
November 28th, 2012
5:25 pm
Deal is agreed to, just needs physical. Braves wouldn’t go six years guaranteed, so it’s either 5 or 5 plus 6th-yr option. Will find out soon.
CaptainMudd
November 28th, 2012
5:25 pm
Nice to see Bravos management working up[ton] some deals this off season! Hello to everyone!
P-Town Brave ©
November 28th, 2012
5:26 pm
According to @BNightengale the deal is 5 years and between 70-75M
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
5:26 pm
Wow. Excellent job by Wren to secure Upton for five years, $70-75 million. That is awesome. Nothing crippling there.
ncbravesfan90
November 28th, 2012
5:28 pm
Bob Nightengale @BNightengale
The five-year deal for Upton pays #14 million to #15 million a year with #Braves scheduling a press conference Thursday afternoon.
VaBravesFan
November 28th, 2012
5:28 pm
6 years 91.5 million is my prediction. He’ll only be 34 years old in the final year of the deal so it’s not that bad.
tony austin
November 28th, 2012
5:28 pm
B.J. Upton and #Braves are in agreement, pending physical. Terms of contract not yet known.
Oh good, Dan Uggla part 2, I can’t wait :sarcasm: There is no joy in Mudville.
navid
November 28th, 2012
5:28 pm
BJ Upton’s a Brave!
BFChris28
November 28th, 2012
5:28 pm
Todd Zolecki @ToddZolecki
Numerous reports B.J. Upton has agreed to a five-year deal with Braves.
P-Town Brave ©
November 28th, 2012
5:28 pm
Direct confirmation from BJ Upton via his Twitter Pic….
http://twitter.com/BJUpton2
Boonie27
November 28th, 2012
5:28 pm
5/72 contract….6th year option at $15M with a $2M buyout
Boonie27
November 28th, 2012
5:29 pm
5/72 contract….6th year option at $15M with a $2M buyout
Gone Viral
November 28th, 2012
5:29 pm
“Two talking heads on MLB TV just agreed Jason Borne was the best CF that is a free agent”
Sure, all of that Treadstone training makes him unstoppable.
David O'Brien
November 28th, 2012
5:30 pm
For all the talk about the Braves not doing anything, they just made the first big free-agent move of the winter.
slick
November 28th, 2012
5:30 pm
Hope the rumors are false. Another Uggla deal for the Braves.
BravePack(FreeFan)
November 28th, 2012
5:30 pm
P-Town
Very good observation as BJ always comes 1st. Definitely Pro BJ. Even a bad BJ is still a pretty good BJ right. As far as BJ or Melvin I’m just gonna call him Bossman…I like that the best.
ChattTownBrian
November 28th, 2012
5:31 pm
If it’s in the range of $15M a year than you really can’t be surprised or really even that upset. Prices for speedy CF with power aren’t cheap these days.
Efrim
November 28th, 2012
5:33 pm
Sucks to give up the pick….again, but I’m glad we signed Upton instead of Bourn.
wheelz007
November 28th, 2012
5:33 pm
He’s a good player!
Braves need 2 this offseason. Looks like Wren has acquired 1 of 2.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
November 28th, 2012
5:33 pm
Congrats to the Braves on their signing of a guy with a career 105 OPS+. This is a mighty achievement.
Enquiring Minds Want To Know
November 28th, 2012
5:34 pm
I really hope Wren’s right about this one. Got my doubts. I hope BJ proves me wrong.
beachcomber
November 28th, 2012
5:34 pm
No Flag – as a fellow Tampa Bay denizen, sadly must agree with you. The young fellow from down this way, Dennard Span or Pagan would have been a much better choice giving you both lead off and CF in one package. Not optimistic about how this one will turn out.
Murph
November 28th, 2012
5:34 pm
Well, now it’s time to either trade for Justin Upton or Will Myers. If they get either one of those guys to round out the offseason I’ll be pretty damn happy.
Chances of either? Slim to none. Still, though… hard to not think about a lineup of:
1. Upton
2. Prado
3. Heyward
4. Upton
5. Freeman
6. Uggla
7. BMac
8. Simmons (Ahmed?)
BFChris28
November 28th, 2012
5:35 pm
I am excited about this