Cool article on the Braves recent contracts.

[Heyward]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/atlanta-braves-have-strong-young-core-under-contract-for-years-to-come/2014/03/03/611d9aa2-a2f8-11e3-8466-d34c451760b9_story.html

Writer is a Nats blogger ironically, pretty good read.

[Orphan Black]

Yep...and here is a good reason why the Braves minor league system isn't as good as it used to be

"Most important, they had the players. After conducting a study, the Braves found their players 25 and under generated 18.2 wins above replacement, Wren said. The next highest was the Los Angeles Angels with 12 — and 11 came from Mike Trout. The Braves had more WAR from their under-25 players than the lowest 11 teams in the majors combined."

[cajunrevenge]

Wait a second. That sounds like stat head talk. Bill Shanks must be rolling in his grave.

[AUTiger7222]

Great article! Thanks for posting!

[thethe]

Yep...and here is a good reason why the Braves minor league system isn't as good as it used to be

"Most important, they had the players. After conducting a study, the Braves found their players 25 and under generated 18.2 wins above replacement, Wren said. The next highest was the Los Angeles Angels with 12 — and 11 came from Mike Trout. The Braves had more WAR from their under-25 players than the lowest 11 teams in the majors combined."

Yup, its so stupid to hear that argument against the Braves system. They are a victim of drafting too well. When you have guys like Simmons/Gattis/Wood skyrocket to the majors then your system isn't going to look as good.

[MadduxFanII]

Wait a second. That sounds like stat head talk. Bill Shanks must be rolling in his grave.

One can hope.

[nsacpi]

And here is the sequel looking at the Gnats' situation.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/wp/2014/03/04/the-nationals-coming-payroll-challenge/

The X Factor for the Gnats is Boras being the agent of a couple of their key players.

[cajunrevenge]

Don't worry mlb will just up the money they give the nats on the side so they can re-sign their players.