Michael Bourn a Phillie or a Nat? Say it ain’t so, Scott Boras
Michael Bourn has been a big part of the Braves' rebuilt offense. (AJC photo by Jason Getz)
We all know that Michael Bourn will be a free agent at season’s end. We all know that he’s represented by the dreaded Scott Boras, meaning he won’t come cheap. We all know that the Braves haven’t been willing to pay for big-ticket free agents lately, unless you count Derek Lowe.
And now comes more good news: If Bourn doesn’t stay here, he’s apt to wind up playing for a team in the Braves’ division.
Buster Olney of ESPN Insider lists the Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies (link requires registration) as likely-if-not-downright-ardent Bourn suitors. The Washington link has been around a while, and the Philly tie makes sense. Bourn came up in the Phillies’ organization.
On cue, Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer names Bourn as a probable target for the Phillies, who just dumped center fielder Shane Victorino and right fielder Hunter Pence. To his credit, Bourn refused to sniff at the notion, telling Brookover: “Ryan [Howard] and Jimmy [Rollins] are friends. I know Cole [Hamels]. I know Kyle Kendrick. I know they have a good team, but right now I’m worried about putting this ‘A’ on my head and going out and playing baseball. That’s about it.”
We’ve gotten used to seeing big names depart Atlanta after a brief layover here — Gary Sheffield, J.D. Drew, Mark Teixeira — but for the Braves to lose Bourn would be a real blow. They’d long sought a center fielder and a leadoff hitter, and in Bourn they’ve found both. And the thought of seeing him leading off for someone else in the same division would be rather revolting. But, as they say in baseball, that’s baseball.
Oh, and how good has Bourn been in 2012? FanGraphs assesses his WAR (wins above a garden-variety replacement player) value as 4.6 games. Among non-pitchers, that’s the 14th-best in baseball. Jason Heyward is 15th, Martin Prado 26th. Be a shame to break up that outfield.
By Mark Bradley
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202 comments Add your comment
Benjamin
August 8th, 2012
11:47 am
First. And hopefully Bourn will be stealing second for us for years to come…
J-MO
August 8th, 2012
11:49 am
If the Braves don’t at least make a competitive offer to re-sign Bourn, I’m going to have a really hard time being a Braves fan in 2013.
JoshTown
August 8th, 2012
11:50 am
Thanks, Mark. I’m hoping with all the money coming off the books we can at least make a RUN at signing him. With Prado moving to the infield next year, it’d be nice to keep 2/3rd’s of it intact. Maybe if his production continues to dip like it has these last couple of months, he becomes more affordable at seasons end?
Old devil
August 8th, 2012
11:50 am
First?
JWOOD
August 8th, 2012
11:50 am
How much money can the Phillies keep tying up in big contracts? I know they sell a lot of tickets, but they are going to have a lot of money tied up in old knees, ankles, arms without taking on a long term contract with a young now, soon-to-be-old center fielder.
Old devil
August 8th, 2012
11:51 am
Maybe next time, like a lot of atl teams
Chipper Why(Have you been so good)
August 8th, 2012
11:52 am
J-MO,
Blame Liberty Media and MLB. It is a complete joke that one of the largest market teams is being trashed by a worthless corporation.
Mark Bradley
August 8th, 2012
11:52 am
Kudos, Benjamin.
Mark Bradley
August 8th, 2012
11:53 am
And nobody becomes more affordable, JoshTown, with Boras behind them.
Chipper Why(Have you been so good)
August 8th, 2012
11:53 am
The only way we will keep Bourne is if he can convince Boras to not go for the top dollar.
In other words welcome to the Nationals Bourne. I loved seeing you in a Braves uniform.
Clemson Brad
August 8th, 2012
11:54 am
Really curious what kind of contract offers Bourn will get..
5-6 years, 70 Mil? something in that range? Hell, with Boras..it could be even more.
Sneakers O'Toole
August 8th, 2012
11:54 am
Pay the man. Got some money coming off the books ( Chipper 14, Lowe 10, JJ 5.5), the next year you got Mac’s 11.5 coming off. Pay Bourn, we can afford it and still do some shopping.
Sneakers O'Toole
August 8th, 2012
11:56 am
Also Atlantans… There is no “E” in Bourn. That’s a movie.
It’s also M-E-D-L-E-N not Medlin.
ChopAttack
August 8th, 2012
11:56 am
Makes sense… DC and Philly fill their stadium every night. The Braves have a middle of the road attendance and a middle of the road payroll. Not sure why anyone is surprised.
PHX Jacket
August 8th, 2012
11:57 am
Heresy I know, but I’d trade McCain and use three money that frees up to pay Bourn.
StevoDeg
August 8th, 2012
11:58 am
Nice little article, Mr. Bradley! By the way, any idea what Bourn’s monetary value is? What type of deal do you think Boras would be looking into, per year and how many years?
Chopattack
August 8th, 2012
11:59 am
Until Braves fans start selling out the Ted the Braves won’t be able to compete for high priced free agents.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 8th, 2012
11:59 am
Agree w/ JWood at some point the Phillies cannot spend the 75-80 mill it would take to get Bourn. The Nats obviously have the payroll flexibility but do they have a need? They have a OF of Harper,Morse and Werth. Laroche is signed longterm to play 1B. This could simply be Boras being Boras and working the back channels stirring the pot.
TampaGator
August 8th, 2012
12:00 pm
When was the last time Braves management dealt with Boras?……If the Braves falter down the stretch….I see Bourn being dealt to someone for multiple on field prospects….because the Braves management will not deal with Boras…..no matter how good the player is. I think they said that a few years ago….if I am not mistaken. However, if Bourn is not signed….I guess they move Heyward to center and Johnson plays full time in right. Braves….therefore…..not as good in 2013. Relent Braves manahement: RESIGN BOURN….DEAL WITH BORAS. GET OVER IT. SPEND SOME DAMN MONEY ON A REALLY GOOD CENTERFIELDER WHO CAN CAN GET ON BASE, STEAL BASES…IF GONZALEZ WOULD EVER LET HIM……AND PLAY GREAT DEFENSE IN CENTERFIELD. SHOW THE FANS SOMETHING….GET BOURN BACK.
Brian H.
August 8th, 2012
12:02 pm
The Braves HAVE to sign Bourne. No question. That is a no-brainer.
I’m tired of hearing the penny-pinching talk. We’re not going to mortgage the future on high-paid free agents. We’re not going to trade away our future by giving up prospects.
High-paid free agents are usually high-paid because THEY ARE GOOD. Now I’m not suggesting going crazy with big money contracts, but you have to spend some money to get good talent.
Protecting the prospects makes sense if you have legitimate talent that needs to be protected. However, I’m not too impressed so far with any of this “great” talent that is being protected. All of these young pitching studs that come up seem to be inconsistent and get sent down.
TampaGator
August 8th, 2012
12:03 pm
Chopattack….
All you have to do to sell out the Ted is announce that fans will be REQUIRED to do the wave twice every inning…..and texting during key times during games is REQUIRED. And no one will be expected to watch the game and know anything about baseball.
TampaGator
August 8th, 2012
12:04 pm
…….everyone knows in their heart….right now…..that the Braves management has no intention of resigning Bourn. Hell….Johnson can play in the OF for less than a mill. Why resign him?
Steve From Dalton
August 8th, 2012
12:06 pm
Make a good offer but don’t pay stupid money for Bourne.
ragnar danneskjold
August 8th, 2012
12:07 pm
A smart GM would start planning for life after Bourn. Andrelton Simmons looks like he could be a lead off batter, with a little more seasoning. Reed Johnson looks like a solid outfielder, so we need only one more. There will surely be a couple of non-Boras outfielder-free-agents in November; is this a contract year for Hunter Pence?
Bahwitdabah
August 8th, 2012
12:09 pm
First?
Chipper Why(Have you been so good)
August 8th, 2012
12:11 pm
They cant sign him people.
The Braves dont have the money.
If we offered 20 million a year Boras would get 22 from the Nationals, and they will certainly pay it. Not a big deal considering our division rivals spend 30 to 60 million more a year than we do.
That’s enough to buy a Bourn, a Cliff Lee, and a Victorino.
JoeFan
August 8th, 2012
12:13 pm
Bourn looks weak against in lefthanded pitching and strikes out way to much for a leadoff / contact hitter. Expect the Braves to opt for a one year rental if they think Cunningham will be ready in 2013 /14.
Rick
August 8th, 2012
12:13 pm
As I watched the game last night I knew that Philly would make a play for Bourn in the off season. It makes great sense! They got rid of the whole outfield and will need to sign a true center fielder to play. I dont want Bourn leaving and I think that this is one of the guys you finally decide to pay in terms of years and contract if you are the Braves. We got him for a STEAL so after all this money comes off the books this year lets shift some of it towards Bourns way……………..Scott Boras client or not!
JM
August 8th, 2012
12:17 pm
this is terrible news
George Stein
August 8th, 2012
12:17 pm
Mark Bradley just cited WAR. This is a momentous occasion.
abby normal
August 8th, 2012
12:19 pm
If Frank (The Genius) Wren had not given Uggla that insane extention we might have the bucks to get into the Bourn sweepstakes. As is, I don’t think we have a chance to sign him. Hope I’m wrong.
Dawg Haus
August 8th, 2012
12:25 pm
Locking up Bourn should be priority #1 for the Braves this offseason. They’ll have a good bit of money that would otherwise be used for Chipper’s salary to play with, so I’m sure they can make both Bourn and Boras very happy.
Coach
August 8th, 2012
12:25 pm
I am sure the Braves will make a competitive offer for Bourn, they would be insane not to. If he does not resign, why not give Constanza a shot at the job? He has speed, covers alot of ground, steals bases. Granted, he does not have the experience that Bourn has, but you are not going to gain experience unless you play everyday. Prado will be our long term answer at third, and should be locked up long term for the work he has put in with the braves. Last, but not least, when we lose Bourn (hopefully not, but expecting the worst here!), you go after a BIG bat. I am not talking some run-of-the-mill outfielder, but somebody that will sticks butts in the seats and that will draw big crowds. It should be interesting if the braves will even tender a contract to Jurrjens after the season, as he is up for arbitration again(who is also represented by Boras)
Milt Famey
August 8th, 2012
12:26 pm
MB,
Just how much money does Phil. have? I believe they owe Hamels, Lee and Halladay approx 68 mil next yr and I’m not sure how much they owe Rollins and Howard. The problem with signing Bourne is that he will want a six-yr contract (or longer) for 15-20 mil per yr. These contracts which look good now may not be so attractive when he is 37-38 yrs old. (See Cliff Lee)
Heisenberg
August 8th, 2012
12:26 pm
So Buster Olney only regurgitates what myself any many other on these blogs have been saying for months when it comes to Bourn. And people pay for it? Not a worldwide leader insider subscriber and this only confirms no need to ever be one.
Dirty Dawg
August 8th, 2012
12:27 pm
Enter your comments here
Chipper Why(Have you been so good)
August 8th, 2012
12:28 pm
I wonder who we will get after the Phillies, Nationals, Angels, Rangers, Yankees, Rays, Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, and Phil Mickelson’s Padres drain the talent market?
I agree with the poster that suggested we trade Michael Bourn right now. Trade him to an AL west coast team.
If you cant have him then make it hard for our division rivals to get him.
Old Dog
August 8th, 2012
12:28 pm
Free agents are never worth the amount of money or the number of years they receive. Remember Lowe? Though Uggla wasn’t a free agent, he still commanded big bucks and long years. The list goes on and on.
Why?
August 8th, 2012
12:29 pm
Has anyone thought if Bourn even wants to be here? The Braves could give him the contract he’s looking for, but may decide to go elsewhere. Just something to think about…..
Milt Famey
August 8th, 2012
12:31 pm
It’s easy to criticize FW about Uggla now. I’ll bet nobody was doing so last Aug-Sept when he was hitting HR’s consistently. There are no guarantees. How about the Ben Sheets gamble? Not bad, huh? And lest we forget, FW brought Bourne without trading away very much.
Bill
August 8th, 2012
12:31 pm
Good as gone, thanks Liberty Media.
dixie brave
August 8th, 2012
12:31 pm
I believe the Braves will make him a fair offer for his services. It probably won’t be the highest offer but it will be fair. So at the end of the day if he truly wants to be a Brave, He will be a Brave.
Coach
August 8th, 2012
12:32 pm
This is true that there is alot of money coming off of the books, but some players are going to be getting raises next year. Prado, O’Flaherty, and Jurrjens will be arbitration eligible and will get raises. McCann will be up around $13 million for his option/contract year. Needless to say, it will be an interesting offseason for the Braves. First things first, make the playoffs in 2012.
C from Marietta
August 8th, 2012
12:33 pm
ROFL
How exactly will trading Bourn now make it hard for a divsion rivial to get him?
That’s funny. He is still a free agent after this season.
bill
August 8th, 2012
12:33 pm
Knowing the braves we will let him walk and use that money to give McCann a “FAT”(pun intended) contract when it’s time to re-up him. Does anybody else find it shameful that a professional athlete is so out of shape that he gets thrown out at second base after hitting a ball off the wall down the 3rd base line like McCann did last night… What a joke.
Why?
August 8th, 2012
12:33 pm
@dixie brave …….Agree! This will be the one and only time that Bourn can decide where to play.
Chipper Why(Have you been so good)
August 8th, 2012
12:36 pm
C,
Because a team like the Angels has the money to make him an offer that Boras will accept.
It does not matter what Bourn wants in this. He is a client of Scott Boras. Scott Boras does not let his clients sign extensions.
Tumbledown
August 8th, 2012
12:36 pm
Let’s just focus on this season. We have Bourn now and a chance to reach the playoffs. Once in the playoffs, maybe the Braves can forget about their playoff failures and go on a run. The Bourn situation can be addressed by all of us later.
C from Marietta
August 8th, 2012
12:36 pm
Trading Bourn now would be VERY stupid. Not sure about the logic about how it would be harder for a division rivial get him. If traded now. Can someone explain?
C from Marietta
August 8th, 2012
12:38 pm
@ Chipper
Bourn has already said time and time again. He will be a free agent after this season. Still not sure, how trading him will make it harder for the Phillies and Nats to get him. Maybe, your thinking is he moves to California and likes it enough to stay there?
TuffShhhtuff
August 8th, 2012
12:39 pm
I’ve always viewed MOST lawyers as the “scum of the earth” but after seeing a few things Scott Boras has done and said over the years, I’m of the opinion he lives on a snakes belly. ANY athlete who associates themselves with him should be ashamed of themselves. He is bad for sports.
atlpaddy
August 8th, 2012
12:39 pm
Bourn will jump ship because the Braves won’t pay. Bank on it.
Art
August 8th, 2012
12:40 pm
For what it’s worth, at the recent State of the Braves reception for season ticket holders, Fran Wren flat out said that re-signing Bourn was the team’s #1 priority and that they are in a great position to offer him a competitive salary given all the money that is coming off the Braves books this offseason.
Herschel Talker
August 8th, 2012
12:40 pm
Chipper Why(Have you been so good) :
You might be the stupidest human alive. If you think trading Bourn during the season makes him less likely to sign as a free agent with the Phillies, then you sir are a moron.
HT
C from Marietta
August 8th, 2012
12:42 pm
I forgot to add. WTF does Buster Olney know anyone. He is and has always been a jackass.
Coach
August 8th, 2012
12:44 pm
If Bourn really likes it here, I think he’ll be here, but Boras will indeed push the issue for him to test the market and find out how much it feels to be wanted by other teams. Boras, I am sure, will make Bourn feel like that he is worth much more than he really is. Which begs the question…..Are you in it for the money? or the love of the game? Fact is, he can stay here if he wants to and still be rich. Tim Hudson has taken pay cuts to stay in Atlanta because he likes it here, loves the game and is close to his Alabama home.
Watch Bourn take on a Carl Crawford type contract and not live up to the hype. You know, and that would be a damn shame too because I like Bourn and he seems like a nice guy.
Runner-
August 8th, 2012
12:44 pm
Trust me, Bourn is out after this season, the Braves are not willing to offer him how much he wants. He will be a Nat by next season, and the Braves will have to settle for someone like Victorino who would probably hate being a Brave. Face it, with this ownership, Bourn is not going to be a Brave for much longer
Runner-
August 8th, 2012
12:45 pm
Coach,
There has been no indication Bourn has liked his time here more than he would, let’s say, in Washington. He will leave for the bigger payday at the end of the season, guaranteed.
Why?
August 8th, 2012
12:47 pm
@TuffShhhtuff …….Can you blame players for wanting Boras “he’s the best in the business.” Boras will get you an extra 10 million or so that other agent’s wouldn’t be able to get. At the end of the day it’s about the money at some point for athletes.
Tralfaz
August 8th, 2012
12:47 pm
bourn ain’t THAT good. He’s decent, but not great. If he wants to walk, I say let him
Jimmy Crack
August 8th, 2012
12:47 pm
Well, we saved money by not grabbing one of the many expensive and overrated Free Agents who bombed around the league last week. However…
Boris Badenough is the Antichrist. So…
Enjoy him while we can.
tvsportscaster
August 8th, 2012
12:48 pm
Enter your comments here
Stinger 2
August 8th, 2012
12:50 pm
Mark: The price that is being thrown around is 75 million minimum. A 15 and 5 deal. Could take more. I am against these long term high dollar
commitments for a player at Bourn`s age. Too risky. That kind of money can be spend more wisely. Sure, I would not like to see him go to a division rival but that would be better than giving him the amount he will command
at his age. If he was only 25, I would go for it.
Larry
August 8th, 2012
12:51 pm
If he does leave, I’d take a look at Simmons in that role…but Gonzalez could take half a season to think of this.
Old Squid
August 8th, 2012
12:52 pm
No way the Braves keep Bourn. They will not offer the money that several other teams will offer.
With Chipper and Bourn gone next year this team will likely be out of the running for the post season.
The bottom line is that until we get new owners who really want to win, this will remain a mediocre team.
sb
August 8th, 2012
12:53 pm
Should have traded him and got some prospects in return instead of just letting him walk in free agency with nothing coming back
Speedy Gone zalez
August 8th, 2012
12:55 pm
The Bravos will certainly make a good offer & he will certainly receive & take a better offer somewhere else not named Atlanta, too bad cause its taken a long time to fill the CF hole after Andruw left so looks like we’ll be back to needing 2 outfielders again after Prado moves to 3rd!
JT Grace
August 8th, 2012
12:55 pm
Olney seems to think that Bourn will get up to 22M/yr in a multi-year deal. If that is the case then let some other team overpay for him. The Braves should make their priority giving McCann a contract extension.
ChipperisGod
August 8th, 2012
12:57 pm
Wren needs to do EVERYTHING to keep Bourn. The guy gets on base a lot and gets 170-200 hits a year with 40+ stolen bases. We have plenty of great young pitching, ship Hanson and keep Mac and Bourn. This MUST be done. Last thing we need is the evil Phillies or Nats to get him.
We have more money than we’ve had in a long time, so use it to keep this man. If he asks for 100 million that’s one thing, but hopefully he’ll keep it to 50-60 million. This is a guy that has ACTUALLY PROVEN he can play for our team. He’s actually worth that amount of money unlike Uggla and Kawakami. Give the money to the people who actually deserve it and have proven they can play for us, Wren.
I have a bad feeling Uggla’s absurd contract might keep us from keep Bourn, unless we can ship him to the Yanks or something. He’s not worth the money he’s making and if there’s a way to keep Bourn and Uggla is standing in the way, get rid of him. I appreciate Dan’s hustle and effort, but it’s time to realize, he’s not the man we thought we were getting, even if he’s starting to hit a bit better.
htownbravesfan
August 8th, 2012
12:57 pm
To Coach: If you think Constanza can play centerfield everyday in the majors, then you haven’t been watching too much baseball. The guy is no better than a .225 hitter with no threat of anything but a bunt or slap single. If the Braves give Constanza this job, then I will never say a belittling word to any of you Frank Wren haters again.
bobbymahlon
August 8th, 2012
12:59 pm
I think we have two players that have Boros for an agent,JJ and Hanson. So forget them along with Bourn. What Boros would want for Bourn in a longe term contract will be redicules because as he gets older he will lose a step and stop stealing bases like all base stealers do in addition to his range in the outfield.
Dozer
August 8th, 2012
1:00 pm
No way he gets 15M a year – lead off hitters just don’t get that (excluding Jeter) – this is the real test for Liberty & Mcgurk to demonstrate commitment. My guess is he walks & we get subjected to that nonsense about their TV contract limitations (by the way – who negotiated that for the Braves?) and wealth in the farm system….
Bravothusiast
August 8th, 2012
1:01 pm
Make him a qualifying offer, let him walk and take the draft picks. I’d rather go after somebody like Hamilton who would probably be more willing to sign a shorter contract due to his “injury-prone” label even if he would demand more per year. When Bourn reaches the end of whatever contract he signs, he will become an albatross. Speed guys like him are notorious for their fast declines. I think Simmons will turn into a solid leadoff hitter- great contact guy with a little bit of speed. A true power bat like Hamilton is what this lineup needs. I’m more worried about replacing Chipper’s bat than I am Bourn’s.
Tumbledown
August 8th, 2012
1:01 pm
Correct me if I am wrong. If the Braves give Bourn a qualifying offer and he chooses to go elsewhere, the Braves would then get a high compensatory draft pick. Thus, the Braves could get something back with Bourn signing elsewhere. Right? Wrong?
Tumbledown
August 8th, 2012
1:04 pm
The Braves are on a budget. They have to think long and hard as to whether Bourn is worth a big expensive contract for a time period when his output will likely decline.
Back to my original post: let’s just focus on the here and now while the Braves have Bourn (and Chipper) on the payroll.
DC Brave Fan
August 8th, 2012
1:06 pm
Look at the history of 30 year old speedsters and how their performance drops off and get back to me. It’s easy to say you don’t want to break this OF up — who would? But are you willing to pay 5-6 years at the top of the market for a guy who will likely face a significant decline on the back half of the deal? That’s not an easy issue to get past if you have a limited budget.
Bravothusiast
August 8th, 2012
1:06 pm
I don’t know all the ins and outs of the new CBA, but I believe you are correct, Tumbledown. If a player like Bourn gets traded mid season, then the team who acquired him can no longer get picks for letting him walk, but I believe in the Braves situation, they would still get the picks.
The Dude
August 8th, 2012
1:06 pm
What kind of money are we talking with Bourn? In asking that question, the real question is: do the Braves owners have any intentions of spending money? On the other side… we don’t fill up Turner Field, so we shouldn’t gripe a whole lot about how much money gets spent.
bgtodd01
August 8th, 2012
1:09 pm
They better re-sign him….all fans need to show him lots of love and let him know how much we appreciate what he does for the team….
Bravothusiast
August 8th, 2012
1:11 pm
I would expect Bourn to get something similar to Reyes’s contract – $106 million over 6 years. I’m thinking a little bit less, maybe $85 million over 5 years?
tulsabravo
August 8th, 2012
1:12 pm
The Braves should have traded him before the July 31st deadline. Now we get nothing of value from him except memories of what could have been. I don’t understand how the Braves could have put all their eggs in the World Series basket without seriously upgrading the team. Obviously, management is hoping that making the playoffs will be enough to carry the Braves to a World Series, like it did for St. Louis last year. Sorry, but I don’t see that happening. And it’s painful.
bruce mac
August 8th, 2012
1:14 pm
Yea, I would really miss seeing Borny strike out more than any of the Braves since Jeff Francour. I would much rather have Victorino than Borne. There are several other free agents that would be cheaper and better. Good riddance, hope you go to the Nats. They deserve a strike out king at the top of their lineup. Is he even looking at the friggin ball half the time?
Patrick
August 8th, 2012
1:14 pm
I really hope that the Cheap ass Braves are smart enough to know that they will not find a player like this anytime soon..and that they do not have a player like this in the minor league system at all.
After all the years of searching for a leadoff hitter…I hope the spend money to keep him.
They have shown the willingness to spend money on junk (Lowe, Kawakami, Uggla (if he keeps not hitting)
So, I hope that they spend money wisely for once!
Benjamin
August 8th, 2012
1:19 pm
Losing Bourn would be devastating to the club, without question.
The good news is that we should have plenty of money built in this offseason to prevent that from happening, with Lowe’s contract coming off the books as well [10 million] as Chipper’s and [potentially] Huddy’s. Factor in the money that Bourn makes already, and there should be plenty in reserve to retain him. It really should boil down in the end to whether or not the guy wants to stay here more than anything else.
Coach
August 8th, 2012
1:19 pm
I am just saying, he can stay in atlanta if he wants to. Atlanta will make him some type of offer, and it will be up to him to accept the offer or not. The agent works for the client, not the other way around, but I am sure that Boras will work his magic with Bourn. I mean, look at Hudson…..He could have made alot more money playing elsewhere, but he likes being close to home and he likes playing the game, and whichever idiot said that Bourn should be traded needs to have their head examined!!!! We are in the middle of a pennant race as the wild card leader and chasing the Nats for the Eastern title!!!! Quit sipping the Kool Aid will ya??!!
cornjolio
August 8th, 2012
1:21 pm
Why re-sign Michael Bourn when you can have Dan Uggla to pay the big bucks to ?
Ryan Langerhans or Matty Diaz in CF are much cheaper options in 2013.
Bravothusiast
August 8th, 2012
1:21 pm
I’d also rather have Victorino than Bourn. Him and Hamilton are both FA. Denard Span is a trade option, as is Peter Bourjos. There’s options out there better than overpaying for somebody like Bourn IMO.
Ron Roberts
August 8th, 2012
1:22 pm
Can’t help that Fredi rarely gives the “steal” sign. How’s a guy s’posed to pad his stats for his free-agent year?
And Meg....
August 8th, 2012
1:25 pm
Mr. Bradley, do you think Liberty Media will ever sell the Braves? How come they seem so resistant to sell them yet they do not help them with payroll?
Joe
August 8th, 2012
1:25 pm
Why in hell would we have traded bourn at the deadline? We are within striking
distance of the nationals and he’s our leadoff/cf. Please tell me how trading him would
make any sense
JustAThought
August 8th, 2012
1:26 pm
Maybe if the Braves didn’t average 25,000 empty stadium seats a night, we might be able to afford to keep guys like Bourn.
O.J.
August 8th, 2012
1:28 pm
I really like Bill Shanks idea of trading Dan Uggla for another player that has a bad contract, like Alfonso Soriano, let Soriano stay in LF, move Prado back to 2nd and have Juan Francisco play 3rd.
Joe
August 8th, 2012
1:28 pm
All those cheap options yall are throwing out, arent very good full time players. Just because
they are cheap, they wont help.us win much of anything
Coach
August 8th, 2012
1:28 pm
What the Braves can do, or what teams need to do, is have player’s contracts backloaded in terms of how their money is to be paid out annually. Think about it, is a 37 year old outfielder with weak legs and lack of spring in their step worth $15 million dollars, I seriously doubt it. Pay the money early in the contract while they are at their peak, and let it decline with their age/performance.
Nativebird
August 8th, 2012
1:29 pm
NO WAY, NO HOW. aint happenin as long as Liberty Media is running the show. Say goodbye to Bourn now, because anyone that thinks Liberty is paying this guy is smoking something not from this earth.
Joe
August 8th, 2012
1:30 pm
@Oj….are you serious or do you not watch baseball?? Man im glad you people arent in the front office
ChopAttack
August 8th, 2012
1:30 pm
Braves might believe Simmons is the future leadoff hitter. If losing Bourn means the Braves can sign a dependable RH bat to replace Bourn it might be in the team’s best interest. Move Heyward to CF… and move someone to RF.
The Braves will likely give Francisco a chance to be the everyday third basemen. He’s another LH hitter. Getting a good RH bat is a priority.
Joe
August 8th, 2012
1:32 pm
Jj will be non-tendered. he succs this year, why would we.give him a raise.
ChopAttack
August 8th, 2012
1:32 pm
People need to get over the ownership. The Braves have a terrible local TV contract (not Liberty’s fault) and they have a half empty stadium. When your team has an average attendance it deserves an average payroll.
Braves Guy
August 8th, 2012
1:33 pm
WE DON’T WANT TO SIGN HIM!!! Free-agent contracts for (soon to be) over-30 outfielders are bad news. Werth, Soriano, Bay…look how badly the Crawford deal looks so far. Bourn is great right now with his speed and D. He probably will for a couple years as a Phillie or Nat. But in years 3-6 of his contract we will be SO happy we’re not the ones paying $15-20 mil for a slap hitter.
Joe
August 8th, 2012
1:34 pm
Frank and Fredi have already said martin looks to be the 3rd baseman nxt year. No juan francisco.p
Coach
August 8th, 2012
1:35 pm
All of this money coming off of the books is going to be nice, and if we go deep into the postseason, there may be money added to acquire/fill needs this offseason. Wouldn’t it be nice if Auther Blank purchased the Braves?
Braves 73
August 8th, 2012
1:37 pm
Anyone that believes this team (offensively) would be as good as it is now, is just fooling themselves. With money coming off the books, this seems to be the biggest offseason move the Braves should make. Bourn is a known commodity that if given the opportunity, would sign with the Phils or the Nats.
Frank Wren and the Braves would be wise to open up dialogue with Boras now (if Bourn is really committed to the Atl), and have the exclusive right to work out a deal (without open competition driving up his price). This is a huge and with Chipper retiring, this move is an absolute must. There is no way to place how valuable Bourn is to this team (if you want to find out, let him and leave).
cornjolio
August 8th, 2012
1:38 pm
Trade Uggla to Boston for Carl Crawford; put Crawford in LF; move Prado back to 2B;
Give Bourn what he wants
Frank Wren
August 8th, 2012
1:39 pm
If we lose Bourn, Rick Ankiel is an option for CF. He’s not playing anywhere right now.
Dan Uggla
August 8th, 2012
1:41 pm
Once Chipper retires, this will be my team to lead.
Fell better now?
Duh.
Doug Glanville
August 8th, 2012
1:50 pm
Nats have richest owner in baseball, and Phillies are the second most profitable franchise behind Yanks. This was obvious a fear. For those saying how much money can Phillies shellout there, well that depends if they are willing to break the luxury tax. Many believe they will be willing this yr seeing how the next is when the penalty comes into play and the Phils are due for a new TV deal after next season which means they are just getting started spending.
Ron
August 8th, 2012
1:52 pm
The Braves need to re-sign Bourn, if he goes to the Nats or Phils the Braves won’t win the division for the foreseable future. But knowing Liberty Media and the Braves organization, Durango will be our center fielder next year.
Gman 84
August 8th, 2012
1:55 pm
Say goodby. He will be overpriced and even if he weren’t LM is too cheap to make it happen.
Columbus
August 8th, 2012
1:55 pm
Bourn will be a Brave. McCann is not going anywhre either I do not think and nor should he. I know there is a great catching prospect in the minors, but McCann is special and a fan favorite and he wants to win more than anyone on the team. Anyone suggesting the Braves trade Bourn before the end of the season, doesnt have much of a brain and has a 0 for a baseball IQ.
Nats not giving up any ground in NL East | Atlanta Braves
August 8th, 2012
1:56 pm
[...] esteemed colleague Mark Bradley shared his thoughts on the possibility of seeing center fielder Michael Bourn in the uniform of a division rival next year. Other teams emerging as candidates for the impending free agent’s services are the Phillies [...]
NickGranite
August 8th, 2012
1:59 pm
Has anyone else noticed Bourne is on a precipitous slide. His OBP earlier in the year was really tied to his hitting and both have dropped. Hopefully he can rebound for a good end of season run but I agree with a lot of posters here. He’s very careful with his remarks on the subject so as not to offend. He’s gone.
Myke hawk
August 8th, 2012
2:03 pm
Do people really STILL not know how to spell his name?? It’s BOURN, not bournE
JT Grace
August 8th, 2012
2:07 pm
Make him a qualifying offer, let him walk and take the draft picks.
Teams no longer get multiple draft picks if they lose a free agent. If they make him a qualifying offer and he goes elsewhere the Braves will get an extra compensatory pick between the 1st round and 2nd round. The team that signs him will lose a 1st round pick but the Braves don’t get that pick….it just disappears.
Devil's Advocate
August 8th, 2012
2:11 pm
There’s a big difference between player motivation to win championships and organization motivation to win championships. Players go into every season wanting to make magic happen. Organizations go into every season with a plan. That plan could be to retool a new identity for marketing purposes, reload to maintain a successful run, rebuild after a successful run comes to an end, break .500 to stay respectable, reach the playoffs to spark an apathetic fan base, or contend for a championship.
Our Braves are in “reach the playoffs” land. They are trying to lean on the off chance of getting in and then anything can happen. In other words, the Braves are hoping to get lucky. If the Braves as an organization were interested in winning championships then there would be no doubt about making a player like Bourn a legit offer (him accepting isn’t the Braves problem). I think if the Braves win the World Series or miss the playoffs this year they let Bourn walk. If they come just short in the NLCS or WS, they they might try to keep Bourn.
Tumbledown
August 8th, 2012
2:16 pm
Thanks JT Grace for your explanation.
Mike
August 8th, 2012
2:24 pm
it would be an insane and a pure sign of mismanagement to let Bourn go…while paying Uggla $13M a season to be a league leader in strikeouts…we need to trade him eat half the salary and pay Bourn his money…5yr/60M is fair and he might re-sign for that
JoeFan
August 8th, 2012
2:26 pm
Bourn not only looks weak against lefthanders but strikes out way to much for a leadoff hitter. Further, he will be over the hill when his next contract ends. Hopefully the Braves aren’t so enamored with his performance that they throw reason out the window.
space monkey
August 8th, 2012
2:28 pm
Dump McCann. Sign Bourn. I can’t stand the thought of Prado leading off next year.
Ken Stallings
August 8th, 2012
2:35 pm
I’d believe the Nationals before the Phillies. The Phils are already way above the luxury tax threshold and I don’t see them paying the money that Bourn will command. The Nationals have an excellent center fielder in Bryce Harper already, so signing Bourn would be a luxury no doubt.
My view is the Yankees are going to open up the wallet big time and if not them, then the Braves have an excellent chance to re-sign Bourn if they are willing to pay market rate for him.
Chipper Why(Have you been so good)
August 8th, 2012
2:38 pm
C,
That was my thinking. I certainly dont want to see him in a National’s uniform.
Tami
August 8th, 2012
2:39 pm
So…what issues would there be to NOT re-sign Bourn? Chipper’s retirement frees up some money, and I’m sure Liberty could {{cough}} up enough to keep him. Boras may very well end up being the factor. Let’s hope Michael wants to still play for the Braves badly enough to stay. But let’s also hope the Braves offer him what he deserves without getting carried away.
JoeBravesFan
August 8th, 2012
2:44 pm
You guys can talk about attendance all you want, but the fact is that Liberty Media’s CEO made more money for himself than the entire Braves roster made last year combined. Liberty Media has the money, but they refuse to spend because we’re just a tax write off for them.
I agree that we should trade McCann for 4 reasons: 1) It would free up a lot of payroll, because I have a feeling we won’t be able to afford him after 2013. 2) We could get some great prospects and/or some pitching help in return if we traded him and 3) David Ross would be a great starting catcher while Christian Bethancourt is getting seasoned in the minors. 4) We could use that money to resign Bourn.
Mr. Hankey
August 8th, 2012
2:47 pm
As a long time Braves fan letting Bourn get away would be akin to financial suicide on the Braves. The lost revenue on pissed off fans I submit would be staggering. I mean it. It would be like the Falcons letting Matt Ryan walk for nothing. (Well, maybe not quite but you get my meaning.) I’d say literally to hell with everyone else until we glue him down. It’s time to either S…t or get off the pot, Braves, and I suggest getting off the pot and cutting a check. To hell with Huddy, McCann, all oof them until we sign him unless, that is, after frank talks with him and Braves management it’s plain he doesn’t want to play for Atlanta a la that Cubs pitcher whose name escapes me at the moment. It that case se la vis, sianara, adios, and go pound sand, Mr. Bourn.
Mr. Hankey
August 8th, 2012
2:49 pm
We’ll see just how much the Braves want to win on this one, folks. If they let the stud walk I will officially wash my hands of them. Damn near did after last September. DO YOU HEAR ME LIBERTY MEDIA? Don’t you know they’re scared now.
Clark Howard
August 8th, 2012
2:51 pm
re-signing a .236 hitter like Brian McCann to longterm big bucks would not be prudent, especially with a .210 hitter like Dan Uggla on the books for 3 more years.
Devil's Advocate
August 8th, 2012
2:57 pm
The people doubting Bourn’s abilities sound a lot like those who think Josh Smith isn’t the best talent on the Hawks. It’s funny that players other championship contending teams desire isn’t good enough for Atlanta teams. Hmmm….
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 8th, 2012
2:59 pm
Again the Nats would have to make a move of Morse or Werth to have a slot for Bourn. No room for him in the OF! Laroche could be moved and then slide Morse to 1B but as it sits the Nats do not have a slot for him!
The Phillies have Utley,Howard,Lee,Hamels,Rollins,Papelbon and Halladay signed for 2013 at roughly 125.5 million. So it makes it tough to see how they would sign a 30 year old OF to a 5 year 15 million dollar or so deal. The Phillies have 19 other slot on the roster to get the 2013 payroll to match the 173 million payroll for 2012. Amaro Jr will have his work cut out for him.
Hillbilly D
August 8th, 2012
3:32 pm
Trading Bourne? I saw that mentioned earlier and that’s not going to happen because A) he’s a free agent at year’s end, if they were going to trade him, they would’ve done it at the deadline and B) he’d now have to clear waivers and some lesser team would likely claim him to block one of the higher teams.
Either the Braves re-sign/extend him or they lose him.
wins-by-a-link
August 8th, 2012
3:39 pm
I guess we will find out just how serious Liberty Media is about building a winning team over the long haul, If Liberty does not make a serious run at signing Bourn then we will know that they are not interested in winning a championship, I have a feeling that they will not make an offer or a competitive one to Bourn.
Alaska Braves Fan
August 8th, 2012
3:43 pm
The situation with regard to Bourn reminds me of an old joke. A guy asks a woman whether she’ll go to bed with him for a million dollars, and, after some hesitation, she says, “Yes.” This fellow then asks her whether she’ll go to bed with him for $20, and she says, indignantly, “What kind of a woman do you think I am?” The guy’s response is, “We already have established that; now we’re just haggling over the price.”
For the any baseball team, quite clearly, there is a salary level above which the team cannot afford Bourn, or any given player. When one adds up all the factors – Bourn’s numbers, the Braves’ needs, Boras’ predatory and avaricious approach – it seems the Braves will try very hard, but likely will fail to outbid other teams with more money to spend. Who’s to fault for the team’s not having much more money to spend? Not an easy question to answer, partly because everyone involved has at least slightly different interests. I’m just glad I’m not having to work all that out.
ABF
Clark Howard
August 8th, 2012
4:06 pm
In recent years teams with comparable or even smaller payrolls than the Braves have reached the World Series.
It can be done. However, when you consider what Dan Uggla is making & what little offense he is generating, its time to unload him even if it means eating part of the contract.
Chief Pitchanono
August 8th, 2012
4:13 pm
Even more reason for us to keep him. But if washington is gonna offer him jason worth kinda silly money then were probably screwed. I dont think philly can offer him anything crazy they already spent there silly money on pitching. I do think the braves will make him a very good offer and if he truly wants to be a brave he will accept.
Michael Bourn
August 8th, 2012
4:39 pm
Sho me da money !
Dan Uggla
August 8th, 2012
4:40 pm
This will be my team to lead in 2013 and beyond …
BRAVESFAN
August 8th, 2012
4:59 pm
After the disappointment of Bourn last year I expected he would of set personal records coming up to his big day but I’m still waiting for him to show up. If he wants wants the money let’s see the goods. I’d replace him with someone younger who isn’t on the decline.
Zing
August 8th, 2012
5:05 pm
Bourn is a fine player, but he doesn’t deserve linchpin money, and that’s the kind of money he’ll get in a bidding war with the Phillies and Nats.
BillEGoat
August 8th, 2012
5:06 pm
Yes, Bourn is very valuable, but his batting average has been sinking like a rock. IF he can cut back on his strike outs (he has a LOT) and put more balls in play, he would be even morre valuable. Wirth his speed, he does not seem to beat out that many infield hits. His K’s against LH pitchers are a problem. With a K, he gives himself zero chance to get on base, whereas any ground ball he hits is a potential infield single and a baserunner. I think perhaps the HR’s he has hit MIGHT be encouraging hom to go after the long ball. He has the potential to be at the very TOP tier of players, and I hope he stays in Atlanta, but I do hope he can make a little more contact.
Zing
August 8th, 2012
5:07 pm
Maybe if Turner hadn’t foisted that terrible local tv contract onto Liberty in what seems to me to be an increasingly squirrely deal.
Inquiring Mind
August 8th, 2012
5:31 pm
Why do players come to the Braves like Bourn & Uggla and strike out far more times here than with their previous teams?
Is it the Braves’ culture of swinging for the fences ?
bob
August 8th, 2012
6:10 pm
I have mixed feelings about this issue.
On the one hand, there is no question the Braves need a leadoff hitter with some speed. I recall the days when the Braves traded Brett Butler and lost a leadoff hitter and lost some speed and then spent a great deal of time looking for a replacement.
If the Braves do not sign Bourn, who will be the leadoff hitter? I am not aware of anyone in the farm system who can fill the role.
Further, it will be double trouble if the Nats or Phillies sign Bourn.
The Braves lose their leadoff man as well as lose Jones (the top dog) and will flounder for a few seasons.
Let’s wait and see the approach the front office takes on this.
Chipper's ACL
August 8th, 2012
6:17 pm
If the bidding gets insane you must let him walk. Pagan will also be a FA, plays a solid center, switch hits, can steal bases, and doesn’t strike out as much. If Mac is delt during the winter, a young CF could be in the deal. Maybe Marte from Pitt. Lots of tough calls will be made this off season. Mac’s option. Huddy’s option. JJ will be released I’m sure. Hanson has not been a stable force in the rotaton and is also a Boras client. Will Sheets be brought back? Can they continue with the pen arbitration raises (Venters, the O man) or will one be traded? With the obvious being youth in the rotation in 2013 is it time for an overhaul? I believe a few good deals for young players could keep the team competitive and lessen the payroll.
Mister Frisky
August 8th, 2012
6:45 pm
Let him walk!
foultip
August 8th, 2012
6:52 pm
Maybe we can ask Uggla to renegotiate his contract and use this extra money to sign Bourn. We’ll throw in a few sessions of batting lessons to sweeten the deal with Uggla.
richie
August 8th, 2012
7:00 pm
Jeter Weaver is a Boras Client. and he signed. a 5yr. 85 mil extension with the Angels . Book or no book the agent works for the player . Instead of opting for t he free agency. route, he chose to stay , even though it was against. Boras. wishes
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 8th, 2012
7:02 pm
Move Heyward to CF, end of problem except for the lead off part. Which leads me to the Reds Billy Hamilton……
Dude’s a lightning fast lead off type who is blocked in Cincinnati, and this is one fan who would love to see our Braves offer for him in trade.
J-bone
August 8th, 2012
8:09 pm
Its Boras job to get Bourn a lucrative offer,but its up to Bourn to decide where he wants to end up.
If he wants to be a Brave, he will be.
Teddy B
August 8th, 2012
9:10 pm
With all the bad money coming off the books next season, I hope we lock up Bourn, long, long term deal with Mr. Jason Heyward because 2013 might be an even bigger year for him as he rises to super stardom so does the price, Prado just because he plays all the positions and still manages a .300+ avg every season, and some pitching. Enough pitching to where we aren’t losing all our big defensive/offensive guys.
I’m sure Wren will take a run at keeping everyone and some players may give a hometown discount like Chipper did, so at least there is some hope.
Teddy B
August 8th, 2012
9:23 pm
One thing on our side is Bourn really likes it in ATL and really likes the guys on his new team. He is always talking about how much he likes it here and if you fall in love with a place and your team, it is much easier to work out a deal. Greinke wasn’t in any kind of love with Milwaukee after they started losing. He soured on them. So he wasn’t going to accept a deal from them at all he wanted O-U-T.
ATL is known for having guys like Chipper Jones spend decades with us and everyone knows we treat our guys fair. Might not be the biggest contract a player could get, but if you sign with the Braves you’re playing with a heck of a group of guys. And Boras will try to tell him to test the waters but Bourn might tell him no just sign me back up with this kick *&$ team because we’re winners.
Spud
August 8th, 2012
9:38 pm
What percent of Boras clients re-sign with their team? I’m guessing less than 5%. Chances are the Braves are going to be needing a new CF and lead off hitter next season.
Reality
August 8th, 2012
10:40 pm
Ha. The Phillies impending pursuit of Bourn is the worst kept secret in Philadelphia. Sorry this is just being brought to your attention Braves fans. As a Phillies fan I don’t even particularly want the Phils to sign him, but it is going to happen. They traded Victorino and Pence to get under the luxury tax threshhold for this year, so they can go over next year without the extreme 37% penalty, while for 2014 the threshhold rises to $189 million. Those that think the good times stop rolling at CBP are deluding themselves, you don’t understand what the past 5 years have done in terms of growing the fan base. I live in Ocean City New Jersey, six years ago you would never see children playing baseball, wiffle ball etc on the beach. Now it is an endless string of games as far as the eye can see. They will be at 90% capacity for the season before a single game ticket is sold, plus there is the aforementioned new TV deal with Comcast or the creation of a Phillies regional sports channel. Sorry to break it to you, but the Phillies payroll at close to $200 million is the new normal.
Gritsfed
August 9th, 2012
12:16 am
I think one of the reasons the Braves’ dottled around at the trade deadline was because they need money to resign Bourn.
John Leonard
August 9th, 2012
12:31 am
Bourn is a good player and more valuable to the Braves than most,but not worth more then 8or9 Mil per year.
the truth...
August 9th, 2012
12:34 am
Jurgens get NO RAISE in arbitration….they might even end up releasing him if he continues to crash like he has….remember we have a bunch of pitchers already.
Phil Niekro
August 9th, 2012
1:22 am
Wren will fart around like he always does and Bourn will sign elsewhere,then Wren will BS us fans and say his usual Bs that we offered him a contract but he signed elsewhere.Watch and see.When it comes to signing free agents like that he farts around too much and drags his feet.even though he has the money coming off the books he will act as if he is afraid to spend it.Watch and see.we need Bourn back and do whatever it takes to keep him here for years to come.keep him here until he retires.But Wren won’t.
VOL
August 9th, 2012
5:52 am
The Braves should let Bourn walk at the price he will command. He’ll be 30, stikes out a lot, has a decent but not great OBP and will not get any faster. At the 15 mill + per yer he might get the price is just to high. Also the Braves should strongly consider dealing Mac to get younger and cheaper. ‘Court is developing in the minors and probably is MLB ready defensively. With Chipper retirng we need to add some pieces. Mac would/should bring a nice return. After this the lineup needs to be deconstructed and rebuilt around Heyward and Freeman for the future.
hal
August 9th, 2012
7:36 am
somone did explain how trading him would help trade him too soone with the money too sighn him and jusyt maybe get something worth while back
Show Bourn, the MONEY
August 9th, 2012
7:57 am
With Chipper retiring. Wouldn’t that free up some money, to offer, Bourn, a good contract. BRAVES NEED, HIM.
Packer Ed
August 9th, 2012
8:31 am
Hey Folks, maybe Santa Claus will bring us a new owner that has cash and a burning desire to win it all and then we can sign Michael Bourn.
At some point the Braves will have to anty up to compete.
Could happen.
CRMAC300
August 9th, 2012
8:36 am
I am confused. Don’t the Braves compete practically every year? Weren’t the Braves competitive before Michael Bourn? Won’t they find a way to be competitive without Bourn? Get over Bourn, Braves fans. No matter what the Braves offer him, half a dozen other teams will beat it. Instead of overpaying for a lead off man who strikes out too much, the money will be better spent on starting pitching and strengthening the bench. Braves give their fans a reason to watch them play every night. They don’t need to cripple the roster with another ridiculous contract (see Lowe, Derek).
Pippa's hiney
August 9th, 2012
9:35 am
I would not automatically assume him gone.
disbot3000
August 9th, 2012
10:50 am
If you’re pleading to Scot Boras’ good nature, you’re wasting your time. I don’t think he’s aver shown himself to really care about the teams involved, or even what may be in the best personal interest of his players. He only cares about the highest dollar amount, and if getting that big pay day (let’s not forget he gets a percentage of whatever the amount is) means even going to a last place team that’s going nowhere with a reputation for a toxic clubhouse, that’s where he’s going to steer his client. Hey, maybe I’m not being fair, but I think I am.
I sure hope we can hold onto Bourne somehow though. I think it would require the Braves really stepping up and Bourn demanding that his agent keep him in Atlanta for it to happen though.
doug
August 9th, 2012
10:51 am
I hope Bourn stays also, however the Braves can’t mortgage the team with one player. With the retirement of Jones it should free up some money to at least compete on Bourn, by the way, you don’t think the Yankees know about him.
The Braves could be wise to inquire with the Angels about Peter Borjious (sp) he can flat fly also, great glove and could show some power if he played every day.
Don Sutton
August 9th, 2012
11:25 am
@ CRMAC300 and everyone else suggesting we just let Bourn walk — I’m tired of COMPETING! I want a championship and Bourn is exactly the piece we need to maintain. Not asking to bring in a bunch of high priced free agents like Phillies, Yankees, BoSox, etc. Just break the bank on this one to mesh with our young talent and the pitching we already have. LET’S GO BRAVES!!
Fastball
August 9th, 2012
1:30 pm
Let Bourn go. In fact, trade him if possible.
Tim Scott
August 9th, 2012
2:51 pm
It’s been enjoyable watching MB this year and half of last. He will not resign with Atlanta,Liberty is not going to pony up what Boras is going to command. Like him or not Scott Boras does exactly what his clients hire him to do,get as much as they can. It simply is not in the Braves best interest to tie up millions of dollars in a long term contract for Mr Bourn. The Braves have so many holes to fill and it is not the practice of this cheapskate ownership to part with a nickel.
So thank you Mr Bourn,lets enjoy the rest of this season and see how far you can take the home team and good luck in the off season.
Mark Teixeira : The Latest Fuzz
August 9th, 2012
4:19 pm
[...] Michael Bourn a Phillie or a Nat? Say it ain’t so, Scott Boras – Atlanta Journal Constit… [...]
(Philly)Hater
August 9th, 2012
5:42 pm
Enter your comments here
(Philly)Hater
August 9th, 2012
5:50 pm
Someone posted earlier that Liberty Media has all this extra money and should pour more money into players salaries…….must be a liberal or communist. If you look at Dave O’Brian’s last blog, the Braves are currently revenue neutral. Billionaires don’t become billionaires by LOSING money on their buisness.
The reason Braves don’t make as much money is that the Braves fan base can’t even sell out PLAYOFF games!!!! Red Sox, Phils, and Yankees sell out just about every game!!! It’s simple math…..
The Braves will lose Bourn. That’s a given. If the Braves are smart, they should trade McCann (while his value is high) and get some nice pieces in return while bringing up ‘Court. It hurts me to say that since I’m such a huge fan of McCann….but buisness is buisness
This is the current Braves’ reality….we have to think and act like a middle market team that we are.
(Philly)Hater
August 9th, 2012
5:58 pm
Looks like even the Phillies have some second thoughts about paying Bourn $15-20 million/yr
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20120809_David_Murphy__Bourn_not_the_answer.html
(Philly)Hater
August 9th, 2012
6:01 pm
@Reality….gloat all you want. But since when has $200 million/yr payroll guaranteed anything??
With all the money y’all have tied up on medical nightmares like Upton and Howard….not sure you’re in any better position than the Braves
nick p
August 9th, 2012
10:17 pm
and there in lies the difference between the 1990s braves and Braves post 2000s, those times we could have anyone we wanted, now just the first 5 years before real free agency kicks in!
Reality
August 10th, 2012
12:10 am
Well Hater, I didn’t believe I was gloating, but having been on both sides of the Baseball Franchise revenue picture, I will certainly take the Phils situation now (or the Braves situation in the 90’s) over when our owner claimed we were a “small-market” club in 1996.
And if you read my post, I clearly stated that I do not want the Phillies to break the bank for Bourn, even if it will benefit the team in 2013. However, there are reporters who regularly have access to the thinking of Phillies executives, Jason Stark for example, talk radio hosts around town for another, who sussed out their thinking with their deadline trades and offseason plans. The Pence deal was the giveaway. David Murphy has always seemed confused in purpose, he is supposedly a beat writer, but regularly writes theoretical pieces, like the one you linked to, more befitting of Bill James. Read it again, he is just laying out an argument against signing Bourn, not quoting sources from inside the organization that they are bluffing.
Nothing is guaranteed in baseball, the best team rarely wins (which fans of both the Braves and Phils can ruefully agree on), but having established players certainly gives a team a better chance. Utley’s (I presume this is who you mean) contract as a whole has been a bargain for the Phils, he signed below market well before hitting free-agency. Howard’s contract is obviously ugly looking, but how much money has he brought into the team’s coffers over the years? $500 million? A billion? That was my original point, a high revenue team can eat these contracts and move on.
That's Expensive
August 10th, 2012
3:46 am
It seems that everyone is in love with Bourn. I’m not saying he isn’t a good player but, at 30 I don’t see giving a leadoff man whose game is built on speed a 5 year contract worth 75 million. After starting off hot, his average has slowly fallen which is now under .290. If someone gives him that contract, let him go.
need for speed
August 10th, 2012
6:11 am
Bourns numbers have been droping and will continnue to drop. The Braves have speedy outfielders in AAA. Luis Durango is a righty hitting 285 and has 39 stolen bases. Constanza the lefty is at 323 but with just 11 stolen bases. Bourn gets the big contract and starts eating more he’s just going to get fater and slower. Give Durango a shot.
Mark
August 10th, 2012
7:55 am
I love Michael Bourn’s speed and defense, but he’s not a huge money player. If the Phillies or Nats want to drop $17 million a year on him, they can have him. Ask the Red Sox how that worked out for them will Carl Crawford, who was a similar player to Bourn when he hit free agency.
The Sertoma Kid
August 10th, 2012
9:33 am
Let the greedy bejeeber go. Free agency may have been great for the players, but it’s lousy for the fans.
GoHeels27330
August 10th, 2012
12:17 pm
Milt… I was thinking the exact same thing. Everyone was excited about having Uggla when FW resigned him. I still like this. Uggla is streaky but he does have a solid glove and when he gets hot he is as dangerous as any hitter in MLB. He is starting to show signs of heating up now. Once he convinces himself of that he will go to work and propel our Bravos into and through the playoffs. As far as Bourn is concerned I hate to lose him but I have yet to hear him say he would like to stay in Atlanta so only time will tell. We have him now so lets get that WS Championship and then he can decide where he wants to be.
For the person that said Atlanta said they would not deal with Boras again you are right. I believe it was Sheurholtz that said it after he and Furcal screwed the Braves over
metalman
August 10th, 2012
12:30 pm
I say trade Bourn now, get a little something for him and we will still be able to make the same “FAIR” offer that Boarass will reject!
lou
August 10th, 2012
1:53 pm
Signing Bourn would be a nice way to start winter. Don’t know how wren can and will stand up to Boras. Length of contract should be no problem. His age at the end of a 5 or 6 year contract he will still be capable. physically., unlike a lot of guys who sign multi-year contracts( i.e. Pujols at 41 with a bad elbow already). Some guys are a young 30 and some guys are an old 28. BRYAN McCANN. The braves would be insan e to offer a longterm deal to him. He used to be in the top2 catchers in baseball. you can make a case he is now 9th and sinking rapidly. He can’t move. He actually waddles. He can no longer block balls in the dirt even slightly off the plate. Good Hit(not this year),No Defense and No Run(LIABILITY ON THE BASES). Bad combination Bad PR now but good for team long term..
Klaus
August 10th, 2012
2:35 pm
Uggla was a mistake and fans were complaining last year from week three with a breather over the summer and them more complaining as the collapse unfolded.
Uggla has been great for one month and very poor the rest of the time.
He was hired for RBIs & power not solo shots, SO and Walk combo records.
Uggla was a lifetime .250ish hitter and Wren just saw 30 HRs a year for 4 years and hit speed dial.
Klaus
August 10th, 2012
2:38 pm
Put it this way if Uggla was making 2-3mm a year he would be in AAA or traded by now. 13.5mm/yr and three+ years left on his deal is why he is still a Brave.
If Uggla’s was named Constanza making league min he would be DFA with his performance thus far in 2012.
urban redneck
August 10th, 2012
2:44 pm
MB, please stop giving kudos for first. you’re just encouraging them.
we can’t afford bourn unless we don’t re-sign bmac. however, i would hate to see someone within our division acquire him. go bravos.
Klaus
August 10th, 2012
2:45 pm
With Chipper leaving the Braves need a real #4 hitter who can carry a team. Heyward will be a 3 and FF 5-6 (along with Mac til he leaves).
The Braves lack a true every day cleanup guy who makes pitchers sweat bullets.
On any give day Chipper will beat the best pitching in the Majors – no one else on the team can do that as consistently as Chipper (when he is healthy).
Losing Chipper and dumping money on a 30 yo lead off guy would be a bad idea. This whole line up face plants when Chipper is out for more than a game or two.
Put Heyward in CF and Johnson in RF for a month you could still win. Put Prado at 3B for a month with Chipper on the DL and you wont make the post season.
Now or next year.
Which means the first priority is to replace Chipper’s bat in the line up. That is where the biggest check has to go.
Klaus
August 10th, 2012
2:51 pm
After that its (money) for a true Ace and then a CF assuming Chipper’s spot in the lineup (presence versus actual 3 or 4 in the order) is in LF.
I still can see Prado being traded this offseason bc he doesn’t hit like a LF or 3B. He also fades (injuries or fatigue) come the summer dog days.
If they can find a way to unload Uggla then Prado returns to 2B where his offense profile fits best.
Wren will have some complex scenarios to work through this offseason. They will require patience and chess match strategy.
If he impulsively jumps on the first thing he sees (like Uggla) he will regret it.
bravo-n-knoxville
August 10th, 2012
3:59 pm
Bourn will command $18-20 mil per yr.from age 30-35 who relies on his legs and strikes out way too much for a leadoff hitter. Trade for Jacoby Ellsbury as his replacement that way the Braves get a younger, more powerful replacement at a cheaper rate…imho.
chad
August 10th, 2012
4:34 pm
i like bourn but i have a feeling he will look for carl crawford money…at that price let him walk and i will still be a fan to the day i die,,,not like some of your other busters
GB's Hamburgers
August 10th, 2012
5:19 pm
I feel so dang sorry for all the baseball players having to uproot their famililes and concubines …. forced to take undeserved millions of dollars …. it’s enought to make a grown man ______________ (fill in the blank)
ohhawk
August 10th, 2012
5:59 pm
You could put together a pretty good starting lineup with the players the Braves have shed over the years……you can add Bourn to that lineup.
I thought corporate ownership was intended to enhance your position in the marketplace? Any good Yale graduates out there with a secret mathematical formula?
Shawdaddy
August 10th, 2012
9:21 pm
Scott Boras, by the direct actions of a most just and powerful God, if Michael Bourne so much as puts one arm into a Phillies or Nats uniform, a wrath and fury of biblical proportions will rain down from the skies upon you and you shall cower in regret all the days remaining of your life. Now, you have a nice day.
Teddy B
August 10th, 2012
11:42 pm
Unfortunately I think that in the long term the Braves are going to have to make some tough choices as to who they keep and who they let go. Think about it, we’ve got to start figuring out some contracts soon. Kimbrel, Heyward, Freeman, plus guys like Prado (invaluable due to all the positions he can play but don’t tell his agent). We might not have the money to lock up all of our home grown talent and we might have to let a few great guys go. Just the way it is and always will be.
Bourn is a great lead off guy, hate to see him go but what can you do? If Boras had it his way Atlanta could only afford Bourn. That is why I despise him, he is unreasonable and makes teams squeeze out a few guys to sign that one whopper. Can’t win a championship with 1 superstar though Scott. I’d like nothing else than to see MLB BAN HIM and have his clients represented by humans and not reptiles.
At least we have Bourn for now and if we keep playing this good we just might have all the pieces to win it all this season!
Teddy B
August 10th, 2012
11:50 pm
Boras has no friends in the MLB or life in general, the way he put the fix on Mark Appel this year shows that he isn’t the best choice of an agent any more. He cost that kid a whole lot of millions, and when Appel gets hurt or just doesn’t do any good this coming season and realizes how much money Scott Boras cost him I think people will start to realize the way he plays the greed game is rotten and totally against everything Baseball used to stand for.
Thank goodness Heyward isn’t represented by that snake or I’d find a new favorite player real fast. I’m hoping Heyward is easy on the Braves like Chipper was during his career. Sure he can make more money somewhere else but why not stay close to home and all his family and friends?
Maybe he’ll be the type of man to leave the team enough money left to field a competitive squad to play with him and win some championships!
Rowland Office was good in CF
August 11th, 2012
12:00 am
I’m a big Bourn guy, too. Been a long time since we’ve had a truly productive CF, but he’s 31 and at that age where speed can fade suddenly. I’d love to have him, but it’ll take a 5 yr deal at least. I just don’t see him being the same player in 5 years, and I haven’t even touched on his struggles against
lefties.
the mace
August 11th, 2012
12:01 am
Forget Bourne. Sign Maholm.
ragnar danneskjold
August 11th, 2012
8:48 pm
Just looked at season stats in the middle of Saturday game:
Bourn OBP .352
Uggla OBP .352
ESPN puts the D in ouche
August 11th, 2012
9:32 pm
Take this $&it off the web page all ready.
BravesfaninWis
August 12th, 2012
11:01 am
Bourn will not be a Brave after this season, bank on it. The Braves are to cheap to be able to outbid other teams for his services. We as fans have been down this road multiple times before. The only reason guys like Chipper and Smoltz stayed with the Braves is because they took loyalty over a bigger payday. That kind of commitment is a dying breed these days. I would love to see Bourn stay, but there is no possible way that will happen. We better get used to watching tear up Braves pitching as a leadoff hitter for another NL East team, because its going to happen sooner rather than later.
Ted Turner
August 12th, 2012
11:50 am
Signing Bourn will show how much the front office is willing to win….
Rob from Carolina
August 12th, 2012
1:37 pm
I say they let Bourne go, put Andrelton in the outfield, and keep our shortstop we have right now. Andrelton can play outfield and lead off.
dave batman
August 12th, 2012
4:18 pm
You’ve got A Simmons at short, send Uggla packing to one of the front runners that may
need his power (sometimes), then sign Bourn. Anyone who can hit 240 or 250 can play
second.
RunninWithTheDawgs
August 12th, 2012
5:49 pm
Reed Johnson can play all over the outfield and he’s batting .300.
The Bourn Lunacy
August 13th, 2012
8:33 am
Bourn will absolutely be looking for long haul 6 year contract. He knows his per year value will never be higher and that he will be the benefactor of the perfect storm. See ad…..Top paying teams needing career year CF ,,, Will pay top dollar. Boras will get him the 6 years and there will be no talk of 5. It could even get as nutty as 7 years ,, which would (will) be The Bourn Lunacy. It will be this type of longer haul contract that will sink the Braves chances. Bourn knows when he is 35 or 36 his per year on the market will likely be grim by comparison, so his goal will be 6 years and he will get $110 – $120MM. Mark it a 6 dude!!