Should the Braves keep Brian McCann? For one year, yes
Brian McCann packs his gear. (AJC photo by Phil Skinner)
Brian McCann underwent shoulder surgery Tuesday and is expected to miss four to six months. This came at an awkward moment for both player and club. The Braves have until three days after the World Series ends to exercise their option to keep McCann for the 2013 season at $12 million. Should they decline, McCann would become a free agent.
To allow McCann to walk away — it’s doubtful he would be responsive to any Braves’ overture to re-sign at a lower price — is within the Braves’ contractual rights. Letting him leave, however, would not be in their best immediate interests.
Even as we stipulate that the McCann of the past 15 months has been a shadow of the man who made the All-Star team six years running, we must also acknowledge that, assuming a return to health, he’s an above-average catcher. The worthy backup David Ross notwithstanding, the Braves will need a No. 1 catcher in 2013.
Asked Wednesday if McCann’s surgery will affect the Braves’ choice, general manager Frank Wren said via phone: “It’s not a topic I’m discussing. We have three guys who have options, and we never discuss the decision to pick up an option until the deadline date.”
Which makes corporate sense: Why say anything until you’re required to say it? But there seems no compelling reason not to keep McCann for one year more, and no, to answer the next question, saving $12 million isn’t reason enough.
There are times when it might have been. The Braves traded Javier Vazquez, who’d finished fourth in the National League Cy Young balloting, in December 2009 because they weren’t crazy about paying another $11.5 million. This offseason is different. Chipper Jones retired, taking his $14 million salary with him. Derek Lowe’s partially offloaded contract is expiring, so that’s another $10 million. Jair Jurrjens, whose career fizzle is the strangest this franchise has seen since Nick Esasky got vertigo, is surely gone, and that’s $5.5 million. Michael Bourn, who made $6.8 million in 2012, is expected to demand nearly three times that in free agency, and it’s unlikely the Braves will meet his price.
Besides, the Braves had always planned to keep McCann through 2013, so it’s not as if this $12 million catches them by surprise. In sum, this is the first time since Liberty Media bought the club that money is less an object.
That’s the financial side. As for the physical: Catchers tend to age fast, and McCann hasn’t been nearly as good lately. (He was benched for the Braves’ one and only postseason game, a move once unthinkable.) Some of his decline — according to Baseball-Reference.com, McCann’s wins-over-replacement number this past season was a tepid 0.6; Dan Uggla’s was 2.7 — can be traced to injury. But how much?
That’s surely what the Braves will spend 2013 trying to determine. There will be no option attached to McCann next fall. Either he’s re-signed to a new contract or he’s a free agent. For a team that has reason to question the wisdom of re-upping the 30-year-old Uggla for five years at $62 million, the matter of what to do with a catcher who’s approaching 30 will be even more problematic.
Loading ...On the one hand, McCann has been a great servant — really good player, really good teammate, really good guy. On the other, he’ll be a catcher approaching 30, and with the younger Freddie Freeman at first base there’s no other positional landing spot. McCann’s best bet, at least monetarily, might be to look to the American League, where he could double as a designated hitter.
By autumn 2013, the Braves also will have a better feel for Christian Bethancourt, who’s 21 and ranked by MLB.com as the organization’s No. 2 prospect. Bethancourt isn’t ready — he hit .243 with an on-base percentage of .275 in Class AA and broke his left hand to boot — but he’s considered such a good defender that he stands to get a big-league look soon.
Ultimately the Braves will face the decision: To stick with the older and more expensive McCann, or to tap the younger and cheaper Bethancourt as the new No. 1? If McCann doesn’t return to form in 2012, the answer will be obvious. If he does, nothing will be obvious.
One year after losing Chipper, a B-Mac exit would be tough to take. That said, the quickest way to clog a payroll is to keep players who don’t figure to be half as good by the time their contracts lapse. Given that McCann isn’t yet 29, the Braves have every reason to bet $12 million that he’ll be better next year. The tougher call will be when they have to ask (and they will soon): How good will Brian McCann be at 34?
By Mark Bradley
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286 comments Add your comment
Heisenberg
October 17th, 2012
5:46 pm
Another former catcher that was converted was Dale Murphy
There it is! Let Bourn walk and put Mac in CF and hit leadoff. He is a stolen base machine.
Bronkelliott
October 17th, 2012
5:47 pm
I for one think he should be released. It may not be the popular opinion but it may lead to many griping by the fans come mid year when he becomes a possible liability. He has been on the decline for 2 years. He may never fully recover what he once was. He was a great player at one time but I think that is in the past. I am hoping for better but think this team needs to get younger and stop carrying too many players on the decline. Stick with Ross and a new young catcher that Ross can mentor and save the money for a good center fielder (not fade out Bourn).
Chris
October 17th, 2012
5:52 pm
Can’t really call someone making $1 million a month a “great servant”
Braves Girl
October 17th, 2012
5:54 pm
I think he got Uggla-titus. And, it is catching(no double pun intended). Let Brian heal(remember all the crys to get rid of Prado last year when he was hurt….) and he will come roaring back like our LF\ SS\ 2nd baseman\3rd baseman – Prado. Plus part of his salary will be paid by insurance, so let him do his thing and get better and better, and better, and better…… We should pay to trade Uggla to Washington so he can rub off on them. And, BTW – please tell me the person that paid for Uggla, Lowe, Nate McLeod…is not still holding the money bag. Someone should take away his credit card and give it to someone that can make a deal.
Three Jack
October 17th, 2012
5:56 pm
Let him go. The last thing we need is a recovering catcher who had trouble throwing out runners before his shoulder gave out. Re-sign Ross to make sure a veteran in on the roster then open competition between him, Bethancourt and Gattis during spring training next year. If the 2 minor leaguers are not ready, then pickup a free agent to split duties with Ross until one of them becomes ready. My prediction, Evan Gattis will win the job if given a fair shot.
JimK
October 17th, 2012
5:57 pm
This is a financial decision, so we need to know the facts. Will the months McCann misses due to recovery from surgery be 100% paid by insurance and deducted from the $12 million we would owe him for picking up his option? Let’s say with rehab time, age and all he isn’t back to 100% until after the 2013 All-Star break. What value should we place on half a season? I say the Braves should not pay more than $6 million in real money to McCann for 2013. If the insurance company requires the team to pay more than that, then the Braves should deny the option, make McCann a one season offer which tops at $6 million in team payments to him exclusive of insurance, and if he declines, we let him walk.
The team will need a catcher to share the job with Ross for the months McCann misses anyway. Watching Gattis get a chance against major league pitching would be fascinating. Other in-house options like Kennelly, Yepez, or Boscan may prove insufficient, so there will be some shopping for a transitional catcher anyway. The important thing is not to let emotion get in the way. We made that mistake with Glavine and it cost the team millions. Consider how many scouts a few million dollars can buy.
*{jj}*
October 17th, 2012
6:02 pm
Sign AJ Pierzynski for 2 years 14 million..135 games 27 hrs 77 rbi 278 ba 326 obp 501 slg 827 ops 3.3 owar 2 years for 14 are Mac 1 year for 12..
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
October 17th, 2012
6:07 pm
Isn’t Ross our backup catcher?
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
October 17th, 2012
6:08 pm
“Jair Jurrjens, whose career fizzle is the strangest this franchise has seen ”
No, that would be Steve Avery.
*{jj}*
October 17th, 2012
6:11 pm
no that would be KK
*{jj}*
October 17th, 2012
6:13 pm
no that would be Andruw Jones
*{jj}*
October 17th, 2012
6:14 pm
no that would be Kenny Lofton
Hillbilly D
October 17th, 2012
6:16 pm
This is a toughie. He appears to be on the decline but who knows, the surgery might reverse some of that. Don’t think I would extend him, right now, but I’d probably exercise the option and go from there.
Ross is a pretty good option but keep in mind, he’ll be 36 years old when the season starts. That’s pretty old for an everyday catcher.
Stinger 2
October 17th, 2012
6:39 pm
I am a believer in the wisdom of Frank Wren and Fredi. Whatever they decide will be fine with me. It does not matter what the opinions of bloggers are and that is why I never give one. I do like to read what those who share their opinions say. As of a few minutes ago, 71 persent of the voters are saying keep him for one more year.
Ted M
October 17th, 2012
6:42 pm
McCann shoulder will “probably” get better but he is gonna have other injuries. His knees have been barking pretty much lately. Ya gotta let him go.
Its always better to let them go too soon then too late.
Sonny Clusters
October 17th, 2012
6:56 pm
“There is nothing I could have did.” – actual quote on local news. We was thinking we don’t want to hear Frank Wren saying that next season when the Braves need a catcher and a bat or two with some pop and a shrewd strategist in the dugout. “There is nothing I could have did.”
64 year Ct. Braves fan
October 17th, 2012
7:00 pm
Don’t exercise the option on McCann. He is a terrible defender, so slow he can’t beat out a ground
ball that deflects off of 2 infielders. (Slowest major leaguer since Ernie Lombardi) Can’t see or hit
anymore. Take the 12 mil and use it to procure 2 outfielders who are “CONTACT” hitters with speed.
Angel Pagan comes to mind.
Dick Dodge
October 17th, 2012
7:09 pm
No player is worth $12 mil, just because he’s a good “clubhouse guy”.
While I’m pretty sure Braves management will exercise McCann’s 2013 team option….I feel that the smart move would be to decline it and let McCann walk.
Let’s suppose that McCann has a great second half in 2013 after he recovers from his injury? Not only will the Braves have to pay $12 mil for half a season of McCann (best case scenario)…but Braves management would then be faced with the dilemma of having to overpay to re-sign McCann beyond 2013…..because a team like the Yankees or Red Sox would surely be interested in signing McCann (his added value as a DH would drive up the price).
If McCann bombs in 2013…the Braves would have wasted $12 mil in precious payroll.
If McCann values getting a max contract…then he should force the Braves hand. To be honest, I wouldnt dog him for doing that…because he has every right to make that financial decision for him and his family.
However, if McCann really wants to end his career as an Atlanta Brave, if that is something that he truly values…then he will direct his agent to sign a contract extension along the lines of 5 years-$60 mil.
If the Braves decline McCann’s 2013 $12 mil team option…there is NO WAY that McCann gets $12 mil a year…given his production the past 2 years….his recent history of injuries. What would likely happen is that McCann would be forced to sign a one year contract that is laden with incentives…to protect said team from the possibility that McCann is slow to recover from his surgery. Think about it, what sense does it make for a team to sign McCann to a big contract….given the uncertain pace of his recovery?
It’s an important off season for the Braves. They have the payroll flexibility to put the Braves in great shape for the future. To me, unless McCann is willing to sign a contract extension that protects the Braves…I see little upside in picking up his $12 mil team option…especially given his recent surgery and expected recovery time.
Nativebird
October 17th, 2012
7:09 pm
McCann at third is not a bad thought…assuming his bat indeed does come back around…we need desperately a right handed power hitting third baseman that hits 30 singers and 100 RBi’s again. Power at the corners and defensive catching is a good mix.
Sonny Clusters
October 17th, 2012
7:11 pm
We was thinking . . . surgically repaired shoulder, balky knees, syrup-like speed, poor vision, defensively challenged, hits into lots of double plays , , , maybe they should let him go and spend that money on some bats. IF, the team had speed . . . would Fredi make use of it? Watching playoff baseball is different somehow. Can anybody else sense this or is this just something a Clusters notices?
wins-by-a-link
October 17th, 2012
7:14 pm
McCann should not be brought back, Nor should Bourn be signed to a new contract, McCann could be facing surgery and a long recovery plus his time behind the plate has taken a toll on his body, Bourn simply strikes out way too much for a lead off type player, He is good when he gets on base but the strike outs are a killer. Bring up the young players and let them have a shot, We can lose just as good with them as with the high priced vets.
Ken Stallings
October 17th, 2012
7:19 pm
This is a very tough choice for the Braves. McCann has been a multi-year All-Star catcher and likely the best hitting catcher in the NL over the last several years — this season being the sole exception. The problems are that catcher is the most debilitating postion in baseball, with the shortest career span and therefore the fastest path to the majors.
Bethancourt is an outstanding prospect and so the Braves might need one more season of bridge to get him ready. Boscan could be a bridge. He’s not a great hitter, but would he be any different that McCann was over the last month of the regular season?
David Ross cannot handle catching over 60 games a year, or he would wear down.
Can Brian McCann recover from this surgery and regain his career hitting form? Yes, it is possible. However, this is a $12 million question the Braves are in no position to spend another $12 million on a question mark — not even one with the track record of Brian McCann. Dan Uggla is — to put it politely — already a dubious $12 million a year outlay given plate performance over two years.
With another person waiting patiently in the wings, this might be a good chance for the Braves to make a hard choice and say goodbye to a good man and great player.
Dave
October 17th, 2012
7:31 pm
I’m going to be cold blooded here. McCann has been a great Brave given any criterion you want to judge him by. That said, he has a future in baseball, just not in the National League. The Braves would be crazy to sign him to a long term contract given his injuries. Trade him now or see him walk after next year is the question. The $12 mil cost isn’t really the deciding factor. Rather, can the kid and Ross cover for a year till the kid, we hope hits his stride and can we get enough in a trade to make the painful move palatable? No to the last part, pay the bucks and part ways after next season. A prospect or two for him? Trade now. Sorry Brian.
One more
October 17th, 2012
7:46 pm
I really don’t understand why there are even talks about BMac leaving. One bad year? He is a 6 time all star. And if he walks, who will be #1? David Ross….yeah right. I don’t believe for one second that Wren would shell out the cash needed for a good catcher for even one year. You let BMac walk next year and Bethancourt is in lineup in 2014.
Skeezix
October 17th, 2012
7:47 pm
I didn’t realize he would get $12m. I like Brian but $12m sounds like too much for an unknown.
Ted M
October 17th, 2012
7:49 pm
um Dave you can’t pick up McCann’s option and trade him. No one would want him unless the Braves picked up 8 mil of his contract and then you’d just get a non dis-script prospect and risk being stuck with him.
We are debating if he is even worth 12 mil; you seem to be saying he is worth 12 mil plus a great player or great prospect.
Hillbilly D
October 17th, 2012
7:49 pm
Sonny Clusters
You have to be able to play small ball in the post season. Take runs where you can get them. That’s the difference.
Dave
October 17th, 2012
7:59 pm
Ted, maybe I’m screwing up. I thought he had a year left and didn’t know you couldn’t trade in an option year. Sorry. To my mind, it then is time to let him go.
Sonny Clusters
October 17th, 2012
8:03 pm
Hillbilly, you are right!
Bob
October 17th, 2012
8:06 pm
McCann is a poor investment. All of you that are in love with him and want to exercise the $12M option, what would you do if it was YOUR money? Just my opinion.
ACE
October 17th, 2012
8:18 pm
Always good to hear from Clusters
Peter
October 17th, 2012
8:19 pm
Pleassssssse keep him and Ross !! Best combo in baseball if McCann is healthy !!!!!
ACE
October 17th, 2012
8:19 pm
They will pick up Mac’s option. Bourn will be gone.
ACE
October 17th, 2012
8:21 pm
If Mac is back by the end of May that might make him more rested for the playoff run at the end of the season.
ACE
October 17th, 2012
8:24 pm
Seems some people have moved here from the DOB blog.
OK Bradley
October 17th, 2012
8:26 pm
So you re-sign Mac. Say he has a decent year. Decent. So there is your next decision. Do you pay the guy based on his service as a Brave or do you just let him walk after next season? If the answer is you aren’t going to over pay for your catcher, then why did you over pay him next season to keep him from walking?
I can’t see the Braves overpaying the catcher position unless it is based on sentiment. When you base your payroll on sentiment, you’re going to over pay.
ACE
October 17th, 2012
8:27 pm
I did get attacked by one of the DOBBERS the last time I was here.
OK Bradley
October 17th, 2012
8:27 pm
ACE
“October 17th, 2012
8:24 pm
Seems some people have moved here from the DOB blog.”
Guess they wanted a blog that had been refreshed recently.
ACE
October 17th, 2012
8:29 pm
I think you give Mac this year and see what type of comeback he makes. This will give you a better idea about a long term contract. Since it would probably be ine Molina contract area.
ACE
October 17th, 2012
8:30 pm
OK that is true. DOB is probably on a motorcycle ride with Fredi.
rainman34
October 17th, 2012
8:32 pm
There is only one guy that would make it a great offseason for me and that is mike olt from texas. The best pure power hitter from the right side in the minors and he just happens to play third.
ACE
October 17th, 2012
8:32 pm
If anyone dares to question something he says he threatens to ban them. Then the rest of the DOBBERS pile on to tell you how stupid you are for questioning their leader.
Dick Dodge
October 17th, 2012
8:38 pm
There’s just little upside to picking up McCann’s option, given the surgery. A lot of McCann fans simply have not thought it all the way through…the sense of the Braves picking up McCann’s $12 mil 2013 team option. At best, we’re going to get half a season of All-Star production (is it realistic to believe that McCann is going to come out hitting the ball off the cover 6 months from today?).
What do we do for the 1st half of the season? Pay $4 mil for another catcher in addition to McCann and Ross that we’ll have to bench when McCann comes back?
As I said before, Braves fans need to think beyond 2013. Under what scenario does McCann re-sign with the Braves? Under what scenario would it make sense for the Braves to re-sign McCann after 2013? If you’re going to pay McCann $12 mil for half a season…wouldnt it only make sense IF you knew he would re-sign for a reasonable amount?
Let McCann and Bourn walk……package Tommy Hanson and David Ross in a trade to the Dodgers (who need starting pitching and have exhibited a willingness to absorb salary)…..sign Cody Ross to play left and Josh Hamilton to play center.
ACE
October 17th, 2012
8:41 pm
Josh Hamilton has too many question marks to give him a huge long term deal.
ACE
October 17th, 2012
8:43 pm
Lots of decisions to be made. Do you lock up Prado to a long term deal and what about Medlen do you try to sign him to a contract that will take care of his Arb years.
Nowhere man
October 17th, 2012
8:45 pm
@ACE, good to see that you are still around. They still talk about you on the O’brien blog.
ACE
October 17th, 2012
8:49 pm
Hello man, I miss some of the good bloggers, Capt Mudd, George, VJ etc. Just got tired of the thought police. If you say something that disagrees with DOB and the DOBBERS. DOB will go on some big diatribe that drives the DOBBERS into a frenzy.
ACE
October 17th, 2012
8:51 pm
It is somewhat scary that a reporter could be so obsessed with one blogger.
Nowhere man
October 17th, 2012
8:52 pm
Hang in there dude.
ACE
October 17th, 2012
8:53 pm
Thanks man.