Braves waiting for free agent B.J. Upton's decision

ncscoots

November 26th, 2012
8:41 am

a few posts I have been reading in KC the Royals want a ransom for Gordon and Myers.

Yes, but have you ever seen a big trade consummated in which the rumored ask turned out to be the actual ask? It almost never goes that big. Teams know that kind of robbery tends to put a damper on future trades, even if the victim is willing to be robbed once.

Trader Jack

November 26th, 2012
8:44 am

Vegas opening line has Bama 7 1/2 point favorites over UGA.

Eric in Tampa

November 26th, 2012
8:45 am

Anyone know what kind of offer has been made to BJ by the Braves?
I’ve liked BJ here in Tampa playing for the Rays, but I’ve always said when he becomes a FA some team is going to over-pay for him; didn’t think it would be the Braves.
BJ has been, for his whole career, a guy who has been touted as having superior skills and potential, but honestly, I think he’s just an average MLB player who you hope gets Cody Ross-like hot in the post season. Then again, maybe a new hitting coach helps him make the push to elite player status?

Denny Lemaster

November 26th, 2012
8:48 am

I don’t think it matters one bit to the Braves what their fans think. I don’t think the Braves care about their fans. I rarely see anything from the Braves that makes me think they do. They are going to throw millions at Upton and once again they will be stuck with a contract of a player who is moody, has his fits, and will not produce much but a million strikeouts. They will have another Ugly contract on their hands. I do not think the Braves will be much next year. They basically have no leader. That, Chipper was. The Braves have not captain. They can name anyone, but that does not mean a think. To be a leader, you have to lead. The Braves have no one in that boat. It cannot be a pitcher. It has to be someone on the field every day. Too many questions with this team. And from the so called moves they want to make, gives me no thrill they will improve. Another lost season coming up. They will miss Chipper badly this year. No leadership. Their manager is certainly no leader.

Weird Names

November 26th, 2012
8:50 am

Should have closed blog with song “The Thrill Is Gone” because the dumpster diving Braves wont sign a top player. Just watch.

Pippa's Meaty Backside

November 26th, 2012
8:54 am

Sam, I agree. It’s a very simple process to give away talent and pay other talent lots of money. The key is we have to be very very quiet about this so the other 30 clubs don’t get wind of it. Let’s all promise not to repeat this to outsiders.

Ray

November 26th, 2012
8:55 am

NC you are correct however for Myers or Span, neither would come cheap. It appears neither want just prospects. They want established inexpensive pitchers.

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
8:55 am

I’m almost concerned about what the outcome will be if we lose the Upton sweepstakes….(resigning Bourn, signing Swisher or Cody Ross).

It could get ugly.

Pippa's Meaty Backside

November 26th, 2012
8:57 am

“I don’t think it matters one bit to the Braves what their fans think…..”

Yeah, they only won 94 games last season and didn’t make the playoff s along with 20+ other teams. How dare them!

Ray

November 26th, 2012
8:57 am

@Weird okay who is the top player or players you would want the Braves to sign and for how much? Be realistic in your wish list/proposals.

ijudgenot

November 26th, 2012
8:59 am

International league managers chose Mejia as the best power hitting prospect in the AAA, yet the Braves refused to give him a chance as a September call up. Instead went with Baker and Oberbeay as the additional bats off the bench. I think Gattis was over his injury also. My bet is that eventhough both of these righthanded power hitters are having good winter ball stats, both will be included in some trade over the winter and never see Atlanta spring training. Such has been the mindset of Atlanta mgt for too long. Other than the “can’t miss” hitting prospects like McCann, Heyward, and Freeman position players, unlike pitching prospects, are rarely caled up to show what they can do. The invite of Pastornicky and Simmons to spring trainning knowing one would win the ss position is the onlytime they have bulked the trend. Why not let both Gattis and Mejia come to spring training and see if either or both can hit major league pitching? Could it be that the Braves scouts and management are that much smarter than all the managers of the Internatinal league and Winter league?

Pippa's Meaty Backside

November 26th, 2012
9:00 am

“The Braves have not captainL”

I live in ATL and am a moderate fan. Followed the Cards while living in STL for 30+years, but for the life of me can’t recall that that club ever had a captain. Exactly what is a captain of a baseball team?

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
9:03 am

Napoli going to either the Red Sox or Mariners. Strange fits, imo. Seattle has Jaso, Montero, and Zunino and Boston has Salty, Ross, Lavarnway. Guessing Seattle will go with Napoli at C/1B/DH and Montero at DH/C. Zunino with another year in the minors. Boston doesn’t have a 1B, so he can play there quite a bit.

CB

November 26th, 2012
9:03 am

Alex Gordon would very well fit our needs for a lead off hitter,doubles type hitter with good OBP. Upton is far from my top choice but would not hate his signing. Big question is would we be better with Gordon and Upton over Chipper and Bourn? Probably not although still a solid lineup top to bottom.

DAM

November 26th, 2012
9:13 am

We’ve got a young core of Medlen, Minor, Beachy (when he returns), and then Delgado/Teheran. If KC would take something centered around Delgado or Teheran, I say do it, and quickly.

ncscoots

November 26th, 2012
9:15 am

Big question is would we be better with Gordon and Upton over Chipper and Bourn? Probably not although still a solid lineup top to bottom.

I don’t know if there ever was a possibility of getting “better” with this year’s acquisitions, at least, on a player-vs-player basis. And those two are certainly not what I envisioned previously. But I’m with you, I wouldn’t have a tantrum if those are the new guys.

Couch Tater

November 26th, 2012
9:15 am

“Where there’s a will, there’s a won’t.” – Ambrose Bierce

Chone Figgins receiving $8million not to play. Gene Chizik receiving 7.55mil not to coach.

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
9:16 am

Rays signed 3B Evan Longoria to a six-year, $100 million extension through 2022.

Damn.

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
9:17 am

No elite position player ever hits free agency on the sunny side of 30 years old. It’s sort of amazing.

Ray

November 26th, 2012
9:17 am

@Dam, its more like Medlin, Minor AND Delgado.

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
9:18 am

Longoria’s previous deal:

- 6 years/17.5M (2008-13), plus 2014-16 club options
- signed extension with Tampa Bay 4/18/08
- 08:$0.5M, 09:$0.55M, 10:$0.95M, 11:$2M, 12:$4.5M, 13:$6M, 14:$7.5M club option ($3M buyout), 15:$11M club option, 16:$11.5M club option

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
9:20 am

13:$6M, 14:$7.5M 15:$11M 16:$11.5M 17-22: $16.66M annually

10 years, $136 million for Evan Longoria. He’ll play 2013 as a 27 year old.

ncscoots

November 26th, 2012
9:22 am

its more like Medlin, Minor AND Delgado [for Myers].

That’s the same as not wanting to trade the guy, period. No team is going to give up two ML starters and a close prospect starter for a minor league OF, no matter how good he is. I’m not sure even Heyward would have pulled in such a haul.

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
9:24 am

AdamRubinESPN Adam Rubin
A 6-year extension on top of year already owed would take David Wright through age 36. But 6 years would be letting Mets off easy, I think.

I love Sandy, but if he lets Wright go, I’d have to question his GM’n skills…..

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
9:25 am

Myers is a great prospect, but there is no way the Braves would have to give up much more than Medlen for him, imo.

CB

November 26th, 2012
9:25 am

Efrim,I think that is a great signing for Rays. Also the kind of deal that would allow him to be a great trade candidate when higher salaries start kicking in.

ChattTownBrian

November 26th, 2012
9:28 am

BJ Upton will be a mistake signing. That’s a ton of money for an Uggla with speed. Surprised at Wren going this route. No Chopper anymore, FF and JHey are young and still learning, McCann has been an injury bug and it has hurt his numbers. We need a legit star in our lineup, not a complicated, maybe he can be a superstar type like Upton.

Lew

November 26th, 2012
9:30 am

They’ve already replaced Chippers 100 game performance and improved on most of it with Prado playing a full year. What they need to replace is Prado’s numbers in LF and Bourn’s performance in CF.

NO BJ UPTON

November 26th, 2012
9:30 am

This deal makes no sense to me. if Borun is a better CF and is leadoff and can steal bases, why in the world would pay Upton the same money to be less. From what I have read, Upton is going to ask for 15 Million a year, which is the same amount as Bourn. It sounds like they are not even going to entertain Bourn’s offer and move on. If this happens, this would be the dumbest move Wren could do. If you cannot get Bourn at the right price, go after Span. He is affordable, is a career .280 hitter and can hit leadoff. We have the pitching prospects just withering away and obviuously you are not going to use all of them. Definatley, you dont want to give everything away for Span, but I do not believe Upton is the answer. The article says it all. His stats are going down every year. Yeah, his homers are going up, but he hit a 28 homers. Big deal. i would rather have Bourn’s 7-10 homers, his .280 batting average and his speed. I will be disgusted if they get Upton. Horrible mistake

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
9:30 am

CB, agreed. He’ll be 31 years old at the start of that six year deal. Coudl very well be a team willing to take that contract on if Longo continues to produce. Not a deathnail for the Rays, at all.

ncscoots

November 26th, 2012
9:31 am

We need a legit star in our lineup, not a complicated, maybe he can be a superstar type like Upton.

Not too many move-in-ready superstars out there for $15MM. Gonna have to get the fixer-upper and do some reno.

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
9:34 am

BJ Upton will be a mistake signing.

Anyone get the feeling that Wren simply doesn’t care? If it’s not Upton, it’ll be Bourn or Swisher. So, maybe we should be crossing our fingers that it will be Upton and neither of the other two older players.

Denard Span and Cody Ross is most likely a combined $12 million to the 2013 payroll. That’s well short of the expected opening day payroll. This isn’t the NFL. No salary cap where the Braves can use that money to extend Heyward or Freeman. Not the way it works. Wren has $25 million to spend and it sure seems like he has intentions of spending it on someone. He may not have interest in a player like Nick Swisher now, but if he strikes out on Upton I could see it happening.

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
9:36 am

And I guess that’s the most depressing part about the offseason. I’m sitting here not really wanting BJ Upton, but scared to death at what the ramifications are if we miss out on him. Overpayment for Bourn or Swisher. Awesome. Great!…..

ncscoots

November 26th, 2012
9:38 am

And I guess that’s the most depressing part about the offseason.

C’mon, Efrim, no need to go Gloomy Gus on the Monday after Thanksgiving. Plenty of time for Frank to surprise us.

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
9:39 am

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/jon-heyman/21135110/red-sox-giants-braves-and-others-in-robust-nick-swisher-market

The Red Sox, Braves and Giants are viewed as being among the teams looking at switch-hitting Nick Swisher, whose market appears robust enough for him to get at least a four-year deal.

The Mariners, Orioles, Rangers and Phillies also are teams that look like they could be a match for Swisher.

Sigh….

It’ll be someone, sadly. Rather it Upton than Swisher or Bourn.

Lew

November 26th, 2012
9:41 am

Efrim – Like I’ve been saying al along – the ship to overpayment left the dock long ago and is in open waters (though hardly uncharted seas). It does not matter in the least if you trade or sign a Free Agent. You will overpay in terms of length of contract or total dollars. Just no two ways about it. You will have to pay to play.

Ray

November 26th, 2012
9:42 am

@nc and efrim. I agree with both of you in regards to KC wanting too much. I don’t think I would want to give up Medlin straight up for Myers. Delgado or Teharan absolutely.

raleighbravefan

November 26th, 2012
9:43 am

I know this thought makes many here queazy, including my friend scoots, but if Gattis and Francisco prove to be the real deal (at least very dependable…not necessarily all stars)…that would go a very long ways. We could fix CF, extend Heyward and Prado, and have resources available before the trade deadline. Best case scenario, but risky, for sure.

Lew

November 26th, 2012
9:43 am

Or in terms of talent given up from a not very deep farm system.

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
9:43 am

Plenty of time for Frank to surprise us.

Well, I don’t think he’ll sign two free agents. One outfielder needs to be acquired via trade. But I’d be pretty surprised if we don’t end up with one of Upton, Bourn or Swisher – which eliminates a draft pick for the team(which I don’t think Wren really cares about) and makes it four draft picks given up by Wren since taking over six offseasons ago. Folks keep pointing to Heyward, Freeman, etc. getting to the majors and that’s the the farm system has thinned – but it’s also because Wren has given up four picks in six drafts for a mid-market team. And maybe he shouldn’t care……but I think he should.

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
9:45 am

Or in terms of talent given up from a not very deep farm system.

I’d rather go this route. Heck, he may have to go this route anyway to fill the other need. But unfortunately, if it ain’t Willingham, that player that Wren is willing to trade pitching for may not be there. Thus, we are left to pay Nick Swisher four years, $60 million.

Jeff R

November 26th, 2012
9:48 am

a few posts I have been reading in KC the Royals want a ransom for Gordon and Myers.

Yes, but have you ever seen a big trade consummated in which the rumored ask turned out to be the actual ask? It almost never goes that big. Teams know that kind of robbery tends to put a damper on future trades, even if the victim is willing to be robbed once.

Indeed. Thanks to the Tex deal, which became a textbook example for other GMs, the Braves’ brass are understandably shy of forking over a bevvy of young talent for one player (even those that might be controllable for a while).

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
9:48 am

Sorry to be all doom and gloom this morning. I’m actually quite happy. This is the best four week stretch of the year. Thanksgiving -> Winter Meetings/Trade Rumors -> Christmas. Good times.

Lew

November 26th, 2012
9:57 am

Swisher for four $60 mil – sign him up. He’s the most consistent offensive outfielder available. If we have to overpay, I’d like to get power, OBP, and a switch hitter.

the truth...

November 26th, 2012
9:59 am

Barf……….that’s what comes to my mind when I think of replacing Chipper’s “game” and impact on a team wiht the under achieving BJ…Upton………..20 years of stability and production along with a long time positive influence in the club house and on the field for a malcontent disappointment…..

Bad choice Frank………….

And I can think of another acronym for BJ…………and it is not Bossman Junior

tony austin

November 26th, 2012
10:02 am

I’m not a huge fan of signing Swisher or Bourn, but I’ll take any one of those two any day of the week over Upton.

Lew

November 26th, 2012
10:04 am

Swisher – 6 of last 7 years .800+ OPS

6 of last 7 years – .359+OBP

8 straight 20 HR seasons (including in Oakland as well as NY)

5 of last 6 years – 30+ 2B

And a switch hitter. What’s not to like?

Don

November 26th, 2012
10:06 am

Mr. O’Brien, just imagine another hitter (Upton) in the batting order approaching 200 strike outs per season, hitting below .250, with an On Base Average below .300. Unbelievable. You do not win at cruch time with the Upton, Uggla kind of hitters.

RC

November 26th, 2012
10:06 am

Swisher for four $60 mil – sign him up. He’s the most consistent offensive outfielder available. If we have to overpay, I’d like to get power, OBP, and a switch hitter.

If the Braves end up giving Swisher 4 and $60 I’d be very unhappy about it. I wouldn’t be against the Braves signing him, but only at a year and a few million dollars a year less.

Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)

November 26th, 2012
10:06 am

Let’s get right to the point……

B.J.Upton is an underachiever. He’s also the best free agent talent available. Our Bravos will have to overpay because they are no longer the most attractive franchise in MLB. Upton is also more affordable than Bourn, although our Braves are gonna have to open their wallets regardless.So no matter what Upton does should he actually sign with my Braves, I get the feeling he’s gonna disappoint somewhere down the road.

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 26th, 2012
10:07 am

Longoria gets a nice deal…

Ray

November 26th, 2012
10:07 am

I like Swisher, but apparently he is not high on Braves list. Swisher appears to be a good clubhouse guy. Goes all out all the time. His postseason numbers are just horrible. Which has not bothered me any since he has been playing for the Yanks.

RC

November 26th, 2012
10:09 am

Swisher – 6 of last 7 years .800+ OPS

6 of last 7 years – .359+OBP

8 straight 20 HR seasons (including in Oakland as well as NY)

5 of last 6 years – 30+ 2B

And a switch hitter. What’s not to like?

A contract that would pay him $15 million at age 36.

Murph

November 26th, 2012
10:11 am

I took a week completely off from the internet (aside from posting pictures of my kids to facebook) and am in disbelief that there’s not a single new lead, rumor, etc regarding the Braves and their hunt for 2/3 of an outfield. Things are moving slooooow this offseason.

Pay Upton, trade for Myers, win the WS. Done and done.

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 26th, 2012
10:11 am

Why would you want Upton over Swisher? I gotta disagree w/ that Efrim. Swisher has performed, BJ hasn’t. And I’m not buying into this “potential” talk either… + he costs at least an extra 4mil

Vegas opening line has Bama 7 1/2 point favorites over UGA.

Good luck with that,

chc4

November 26th, 2012
10:14 am

Upton at $15m/yr is NOT the answer. Let the Phillies overpay him like they do everyone else.

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 26th, 2012
10:14 am

Minor for Myers. After all Mikey is a cheap #1….

ncscoots

November 26th, 2012
10:14 am

but if Gattis and Francisco prove to be the real deal (at least very dependable…not necessarily all stars)…that would go a very long ways.

Hey, I’m all for both those guys stepping up. But I’d like that to be gravy, not the main course.

$25MM in cash and trade currency, too? And use none of it because a 26-year-old minor leaguer and a bad-swing-one-dimensional guy are Plan A? Bring on the Maalox!

DS1

November 26th, 2012
10:15 am

Not sure where all the Swisher hate is coming from. I’d rather pay him 4/60 than to pay more to Upton. Most definitely.

And with that, I’ll hit the long road this morning.

Bo Graves

ncscoots

November 26th, 2012
10:18 am

I like Swisher, but apparently he is not high on Braves list.

Frank’s been cribbing my notes, after all.

Murph

November 26th, 2012
10:19 am

If the team signs Swisher, then who plays CF? Schafer? They ain’t going to get Pagan, or Bourn… Victorino/Swisher doesn’t exactly fill me with a lot of hope.

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 26th, 2012
10:20 am

Don’t go 4 years on Swisher… he’s gonna be 36 at the end of his deal. 3years max, 4th year a team option if need be

tony austin

November 26th, 2012
10:23 am

I’ve been reading about Upton on this and other DOB/Carroll blogs and from what I can tell, the general consensus is overwhelmingly “No” on Upton.

As in the immortal words of a fellow blogger (I apologize, I can’t remember who) “THIS^”

Lew

November 26th, 2012
10:24 am

If they sign Swisher, they trade for Span or Fowler.

Come on people – this ain’t rocket science. If you’re going to overpay for whoever yuo sign, sign the one with the best offensive track record. Swisher is the most consistent of the bunch in OBP, in OPS, has almost as much power as BJ, has no baggage, can hit in the middle of the order and is a switch hitter.

chc4

November 26th, 2012
10:25 am

Swisher for 4/60 would be a total disaster. The Yankees have the cash to sign him and have no interest.

Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)

November 26th, 2012
10:28 am

Bargain basement, bottom of the barrel option…….

Grady Sizemore and I’m talking strictly bench material at best due to his chronic bad knee’s. But still, we put up with Chipper’s bum knee’s. Sizemore is a low risk, high reward option to back up our outfield.

ncscoots

November 26th, 2012
10:35 am

Sizemore is a low risk, high reward option to back up our outfield.

Everybody here knows that I’m a huge Grady fan, but I’m not sure he can even pass the physical.

Wouldn’t you think Reed Johnson is their first choice for that backup OF position? They’ve been in love with the guy forever and finally acquired him, so it’s hard to see them not going full-tilt on the guy.

Murph

November 26th, 2012
10:35 am

Ah, nothing like a recap of the horrible TV deal to start the week off right.

I really hope that the person who pushed to get that deal signed is now unemployed.

DAP

November 26th, 2012
10:36 am

chc4 Swisher for 4/60 would be a total disaster

its not worse than locking upton up for 6 years or so, paying him $15mil per. i think thats lew’s point.

i think there is a pretty good chance that upton OBPs about .320 over the next 6 years, while playing decent but not great defense in CF. im trying, i really am. but i can wrap my brain around upton making sense for this braves team. at least not enough for him to be the #1 priority.

i think its totally logical to think….if we are willing to go all out for upton, why not bourn(better defense, OBP, experience with the team) or swisher (much better hitter)?

monty

November 26th, 2012
10:40 am

I like Bossman,Span,Pagan heck even Ross but I also like Bernadina. Would hit leadoff, steal 30-40, excellent defense, and hit 12-15 HR’s, walk 50 times+. Nats only consider him a 4th OF. Wouldn’t have to back up the Brinks truck. Will play at 28 next year. Would free up money to go after a heavy hitter in LF or 3B. Or he could start in LF and free up money for CF. JUst don’t see us getting 2 bangers in the OF.

Double down

November 26th, 2012
10:41 am

Enter your comments here

Lew

November 26th, 2012
10:41 am

Upton will cost $15 mil per year for at least four years.

Bourn will cost at least that much if not more than that in years and total dollars.

Swisher has BY FAR the best offensive numbers of the bunch. He gets on base more than either BJ or Bourn. He has a higher OPS than either BJ or Bourn. He is consistent – puts up the same numbers year after year. He switch hits. He’ll be no older than Bourn will be at contract’s end.

I fail to see the hate.

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 26th, 2012
10:41 am

“Everything about (Swisher) is annoying, from his mannerisms to his always wanting to ‘bro’ it down,” an unnamed American League veteran told the magazine. “Being around him is just exhausting.”

the truth...

November 26th, 2012
10:42 am

The dude that negotiated and signed that deal most likely retired from the kick back he got from making that deal happen………..

Looks like he should be in a cell next to Bernie Maddoff……..

Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)

November 26th, 2012
10:42 am

Diamond in the rough with nowhere to play……..

Peter Bourjos

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 26th, 2012
10:45 am

Diamond in the rough with nowhere to play……..

Peter Bourjos

I agree with you, except that know he does have somewhere to play. Trout moves to LF, Bourjos will play CF for the Angels. Hunter is gone.

space monkey

November 26th, 2012
10:47 am

Dodgers new TV deal could top $7 billion for 25 years. Ours is barely peanuts. We’ll be lucky if the Braves still exist by the time that contract is up.

smitty

November 26th, 2012
10:48 am

I know its a long shot, but is it a forgone conlcusion that Ichiro will go back to New York? I think he would be a good fit in our outfield and leadoff hitter. He may have lost a step, but would still categorize him as a top 10 leadoff hitter in the bigs.

smitty

November 26th, 2012
10:48 am

I know its a long shot, but is it a forgone conlcusion that Ichiro will go back to New York? I think he would be a good fit in our outfield and leadoff hitter. He may have lost a step, but would still categorize him as a top 10 leadoff hitter in the bigs.

Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)

November 26th, 2012
10:48 am

ncscoots, I have no idea why Reed Johnson hasn’t been resigned already. The guy is incredibly valuable as a back up outfielder.

Murph

November 26th, 2012
10:51 am

ncscoots, I have no idea why Reed Johnson hasn’t been resigned already. The guy is incredibly valuable as a back up outfielder.

The Laird deal obviously left the front office exhausted and they are taking a few weeks off to recuperate.

I hope there are some players left when they decide to get back to the office.

Lew

November 26th, 2012
10:53 am

No doubt about it – always listen to what unidentified critics have to say.

And as for exhausting? I nominate The Only BraveFan for his 24-7 posting of the same thing (Trade everyone making over $4 mil a year, get Greinke and trade for Bourjos) and overall numbing effect.

Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)

November 26th, 2012
10:54 am

I agree with you, except that know he does have somewhere to play. Trout moves to LF, Bourjos will play CF for the Angels. Hunter is gone.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Knowing Mike Scioscia that’s fairly accurate, but I can still hope for a trade!

TheOnlyBravesFan

November 26th, 2012
10:56 am

Trade everyone making over $4 mil a year, get Greinke and trade for Bourjos

Never did I say to trade Heyward, Prado, Uggla, Mac, Hudson… all guys making over 4mil next season

Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)

November 26th, 2012
10:57 am

Murph’s 10:51 post……….Hilarious

Lew

November 26th, 2012
10:59 am

Wow – You’d like to keep five players to back up Greinke and Bourjos. Decided they couldn’t win a WS on their own?

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
11:01 am

No way Swisher signs for less than 4 years. Way too many teams need corner outfield help. I think he can get a four year deal worth $60 million. But that may be the ceiling.

extremus

November 26th, 2012
11:02 am

WOW, did anyone else here read the breaking story about FOX’s TV deal with the LA Dodgers? 6 to 7 BILLION (with a “B”) DOLLARS. The article didn’t mince words; the number isn’t big, but officially dangerous.

As ludicrous as it sounds, the enormous annual payroll and spending advantages of the Yankees just got trumped big-time. Unless some sort of restrictions on payroll are put into place ASAP, the divide between the big and small markets is now going to be even bigger. Perhaps even bad enough to cause an implosion where just the big markets with the most lucrative TV contracts can even survive.

Capitalism only works where greed and power are kept in some sort of check, otherwise it ends up consuming itself and everything that once made the system sustainable.

brian

November 26th, 2012
11:05 am

somebody accepting such a below market value TV deal and for such an extended period of time should be fired.

Jeff R

November 26th, 2012
11:05 am

Here’s story Tim Tucker broke in January about the Braves’ bad TV deal. While Braves haven’t provided specifics, it’s believed to be worth only about $20M per year for nearly two decades more. Not clear how much the “cost of living” increases McGuirk refers to in article could affect the price, especially given the cost of living is going up dramatically as it relates to the gargantuan TV deals other teams are negotiating, topped by the new Dodgers deal that could be worth up to $280 million PER YEAR!

Truly, the Braves should hunt down the pencil-neck at Time-Warner who agreed to this awful deal and scalp him.

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
11:06 am

Yeah, I think I’d rather give Bossman Junior six years, $96 million than Nick Swisher four years, $60 million.

Ray

November 26th, 2012
11:06 am

Can’t believe why Braves have not yet signed Reed Johnson? hmmm maybe JUST maybe he hasn’t accepted their offer yet. I know interesting concept, it takes a player to accept an offer. He and his agent are probably weighing multiple offers.

Jeff R

November 26th, 2012
11:06 am

San Francisco Giants” full postseason share per player was a record $377,002.64, topping the previous record of $362,173.07 for the 2006 Cardinals.

Nice bonuses. Who said the economy was bad?

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
11:08 am

While Braves haven’t provided specifics, it’s believed to be worth only about $20M per year for nearly two decades more. Not clear how much the “cost of living” increases McGuirk refers to in article could affect the price, especially given the cost of living is going up dramatically as it relates to the gargantuan TV deals other teams are negotiating, topped by the new Dodgers deal that could be worth up to $280 million PER YEAR!

So I’m guessing this will mean that the Braves will fall back from being middle of the pack – ranked 15 or 16 in payroll – to more like 20-22 range in the next five years or so?

extremus

November 26th, 2012
11:10 am

Kansas City’s reportedly shopping their big outfield prospect Wil Myers in exchange for “top of the rotation-caliber” starting pitching. The Braves currently have more starting pitchers than their rotation can fit in, albeit not all of them are truly “top of the rotation” quality. Any chance that Frank Wren has placed a call that way, though?

Jeff R

November 26th, 2012
11:10 am

I think Braves’s brass should ask Ted Turner to make up the annual shortfall on TV revenue. He sold the club to the suits, after all. Say, $100 million per year, since the Atlanta market isn’t L.A. Ted would just need to sell off two or three states worth of real estate he owns to make the payments.

What about it, Teddy-boy?

Efrim

November 26th, 2012
11:14 am

Kansas City’s reportedly shopping their big outfield prospect Wil Myers in exchange for “top of the rotation-caliber” starting pitching

Yeah, I think Dayton would want Medlen back for Myers.

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Bossman Junior, El Oso Blanco & other matters

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