Braves agree to 3-year extension with Chris Johnson

[tvsportscaster]

Deal done per Ken Rosenthal.

[thewupk]

oh boy

[Julio3000]

Him?

[drewdat]

Uh...

[BremanFan88]

May fools?

[jpack1]

What in the world. It better be cheap. Why?

[thethe]

Why would we do that?

This must be an admission that Salcedo isn't going to be a MLB player.

Not liking this deal.

[sturg33]

Better lock up Uggla while his value is down

[Hawk]

If it's for more than $7MM in AAV then I don't like it.

[sturg33]

Don't like it at all... Even if it is a good deal, would want that money going into Heyward/Upton/Minor

[tomahawkchop10]

Don't like it at all... Even if it is a good deal, would want that money going into Heyward/Upton/Minor

Agreed, an empty batting average with avg to below avg defense shouldn't be too hard to replace.

[skillet]

Apparently a 3 year deal with a 4th year team option. We already had him under team control for three years, so it sounds like we only locked in his remaining arb years, with a team option for his first free agent year. I agree, it better be for low money. And yes this speaks volumes about the dearth of any legitimate 3rd base prospects in our system.

[gilesfan]

Eeeel. Why

[UNCBlue012]

Meh and eh. I'm not "happy" about it, but I'm not against it. He just better start hitting more! Though he is 2-2 today.

[skillet]

Chip and Joe just stated that they had heard that Chris and his agent approached the team recently about an extension. Hopefully that means it is a very team friendly contract. Apparently it is for the years 2014-2017 with a team option for 2018. We had him under control through the 2016 season, so this would buy out his last three arb years, one free agent year, plus the option for one more year.

Chris is making $4.75MM this year, so maybe $6MM in 2015, $7MM in 2016 and $8MM in 2017 with a $8MM team option in 2018? I would hope it wouldn't be any higher than that.

[Millwood1Hitter]

CJ loves it here, and wants to be here. He's a solid piece on a championship caliber club going forward, what's wrong with keeping him. I'm sure it's pretty team friendly and I will take intense competitors that want to be a Brave like him any day of the week?

Going forward, who is going to be more productive at his position without depleting the farm or costing considerable $ in FA?

[sturg33]

Assuming it's team friendly, it shouldn't be too tough to move him if needed.

But I figured we'd be looking at TLS at 3b and Perazza at 2b in 2 years

[Dalyn]

Good.

[PurpleBrave]

3b position is the worst I ever remember it. No good fa and not a lot of prospects in the high levels of the minors. Don't like it at first, but when you look at the test of the 3b in the majors you see why wren did it.

[bravesnumberone]

Until I see details, I'm going to pray Uggla forfeited the rest of his years over.

[nsacpi]

Uggla's deal was restructured so we could sign Johnson. We now have Uggla through 2018 but at a lower AAV.

[Heyward]

Not sure about that but if it's team-friendly, i dont mind it.

[50PoundHead]

This is why I'm nervous about Wren.

[zitothebrave]

How is there no info on this yet?

[yeezus]

This is why I'm nervous about Wren.

I mean, you don't even know what the details are. If it's 3 years, say, 20-22 mil, is it that bad? He's solid and it's one less hole to fill moving forward, and it's a short time-frame.

[Gary82]

I guess the front office believes that the 3b market sucks, our minor league options suck, and we've got **** to trade. Also, Wren has a drinking problem.

[zitothebrave]

I guess the front office believes that the 3b market sucks, our minor league options suck, and we've got **** to trade. Also, Wren has a drinking problem.

That's a relatively decent analysis. Our only 3B option worth a damn in the minors is Peraza who's got at least 1 year away, maybe 2. Then we can pawn off Johnson or use him as designated bat on the bench. We don't know the value yet.

[thethe]

If we are talking about 5 million a year then I'm ok with it. I don't see how Wren gives him much more than that.

[50PoundHead]

I mean, you don't even know what the details are. If it's 3 years, say, 20-22 mil, is it that bad? He's solid and it's one less hole to fill moving forward, and it's a short time-frame.

He's a support level player at best and we've got other needs. Unless there is money around that we don't know about, the budget is getting awfully tight. It is started to resemble what he did in Baltimore.

[NinersSBChamps]

If we are talking about 5 million a year then I'm ok with it. I don't see how Wren gives him much more than that.

The same guy who is giving Uggla 13 million a season and BJ like 15?

[The Chosen One]

The same guy who is giving Uggla 13 million a season and BJ like 15?

Silly argument. When Uggs and BJ were given their deals they had earned it through the market.

[Dalyn]

Silly argument. When Uggs and BJ were given their deals they had earned it through the market.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-43n_imFL2uA/UeEPP1P8NyI/AAAAAAAARd4/qKULu66O6xY/s1600/day+three.jpg

[NinersSBChamps]

Silly argument. When Uggs and BJ were given their deals they had earned it through the market.

Uggla was traded for and then eventually was given an extension. What market what there for him?

[The Chosen One]

Uggla was traded for and then eventually was given an extension. What market what there for him?

We gave Uggla an extension as part of the trade.

[Heyward]

He's a support level player at best and we've got other needs. Unless there is money around that we don't know about, the budget is getting awfully tight. It is started to resemble what he did in Baltimore.

The budget isnt tight.

The new ballpark gives Wren more money to work with.

[The Chosen One]

The budget isnt tight.

The new ballpark gives Wren more money to work with.

That's debatable. We will be spending the next decade and a half paying off the stadium. So there is a net loss.

[zitothebrave]

He's a support level player at best and we've got other needs. Unless there is money around that we don't know about, the budget is getting awfully tight. It is started to resemble what he did in Baltimore.

InWren's defense he really didn't have much time to do anything in Baltimore. He made mistakes there for sure. But Wren didn't have a long time in Baltimore. Angelos is a grade A twat.

[jpx7]

Also, Wren has a drinking problem.

Don't you dare blame drinking for this.

[Carp]

Also, Wren has a drinking problem.


Don't you dare blame drinking for this.


http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01561/airplane2_1561253i.jpg

[goldfly]

Don't you dare blame drinking for this.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/577163_635549093146077_507307206_n.jpg

[50PoundHead]

InWren's defense he really didn't have much time to do anything in Baltimore. He made mistakes there for sure. But Wren didn't have a long time in Baltimore. Angelos is a grade A twat.

Good point on Angelos and maybe Wren felt he was under the gun, but I look at this deal as just tying up an average player for another three years.

In his defense, there currently isn't a solid major league prospect playing 3B in the Braves' minor league system. Salcedo has been challenged and it doesn't look like he's overwhelmed at AAA, but he's not flourishing either.

[zitothebrave]

I'll support, condemn, or be indifferent about this deal when we know the dollar amounts. If it's friendly like a 3/15-18 I will love it, Johnson will be easy to move when we need to at that cost. If it's 3/30 I'll be pissed cause that's money that can go to Jason, Justin, Minor, etc.

[gilesfan]

He's a support level player at best and we've got other needs. Unless there is money around that we don't know about, the budget is getting awfully tight. It is started to resemble what he did in Baltimore.

Johnson is the type of guy that you take advantage of and then the second he starts making multiple million, you send packing. I don't get the point of tying him up during his arby years because you lose some flexibility. If Johnson reverts to his career numbers, then you are paying millions for a guy that easily replaced.

[50PoundHead]

Johnson is the type of guy that you take advantage of and then the second he starts making multiple million, you send packing. I don't get the point of tying him up during his arby years because you lose some flexibility. If Johnson reverts to his career numbers, then you are paying millions for a guy that easily replaced.

You've said what I was trying to say very concisely. Just because there isn't a genuine 3B prospect in the system, it doesn't mean you should simply tie up the guy currently playing the position for multiple years.

[GovClintonTyree]

Good point on Angelos and maybe Wren felt he was under the gun, but I look at this deal as just tying up an average player for another three years.

In his defense, there currently isn't a solid major league prospect playing 3B in the Braves' minor league system. Salcedo has been challenged and it doesn't look like he's overwhelmed at AAA, but he's not flourishing either.

I think CJ is a little better than that. As others have said, if the money is right, I like the move.

[GovClintonTyree]

I guess the front office believes that the 3b market sucks, our minor league options suck, and we've got **** to trade. Also, Wren has a drinking problem.

I hadn't heard about his drinking problem. That's good to know.

[GovClintonTyree]

He's a support level player at best and we've got other needs. Unless there is money around that we don't know about, the budget is getting awfully tight. It is started to resemble what he did in Baltimore.

I don't judge Frank Wren on anything he did in Baltimore. You can't polish a turd.

[gtcway]

I like Johnson but there was no need for an extension. He's an average player at best. He wasn't a free agent for a couple more years.

[thethe]

If CJ came to Wren and said he loves playing here and wants to take below market value then there is nothing wrong with this.

[jpx7]

You can't polish a turd.

Well not if you don't gild it first.

[PawPawMaxwell]

Johnson is league average to a little above. If Fredi ever finds a place in the lineup for him on a consistent basis, it would help. And remember, his agent/agents are the same group that reps Freeman, Heyward and Kimbrel. They are not known to be hard headed.

I would not be surprised to see Gattis as the next extension. Getting ready for 2017.

[cajunrevenge]

I dont have a problem with this. We could do so much worse than Johnson at 3b. This is really only a 1 year extension with a team option for a second. I don't see any 3b prospect who was a serious option in the next 3 years to take over 3b. Peraza looks to be the 2b of the future. I would guess the deal is 7-8 mill per year which isn't that bad considering the ridiculous inflation going on in baseball. Worst case Johnson will be a hell of a lot easier to dump than Uggla is right now.

I also like having players on the team that want to be here. That's an intangible that I think helps more than people think. I think that had a lot to do with Bobby's succes over the years.

Edit - plus something just feels right about having a CJ at 3b.

[The Chosen One]

I also like having players on the team that want to be here. That's an intangible that I think helps more than people think. I think that had a lot to do with Bobby's succes over the years.

Are you saying players want to stay here and play for Fredi? :Gasp:

[sturg33]

Are you saying players want to stay here and play for Fredi? :Gasp:

Trying too hard...

[50PoundHead]

I dont have a problem with this. We could do so much worse than Johnson at 3b. This is really only a 1 year extension with a team option for a second. I don't see any 3b prospect who was a serious option in the next 3 years to take over 3b. Peraza looks to be the 2b of the future. I would guess the deal is 7-8 mill per year which isn't that bad considering the ridiculous inflation going on in baseball. Worst case Johnson will be a hell of a lot easier to dump than Uggla is right now.

I also like having players on the team that want to be here. That's an intangible that I think helps more than people think. I think that had a lot to do with Bobby's succes over the years.

You've just described the mediocre Minnesota Twins.

[The Chosen One]

Trying too hard...

The players liked playing for Bobby... sounds like the free market at work to me.

[weso1]

Unless there is money around that we don't know about.

I'm beginning to think this is the case. I think we're getting more money out of that stadium than we thought we would. I also can't help but wonder if moving out of the city of Atlanta has somehow given us a way out of our tv deal.

If the dollar amount is reasonable then I won't grump about this deal too much.

[jpx7]

If the dollar amount is reasonable

And yet there's still no word on that key detail?

[cajunrevenge]

You've just described the mediocre Minnesota Twins.

Like anyone anyone actually wants to live in Minnesota. It took 24 million a year to convince Mauer to stay and its his home state.

[Hawk]

Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei scoffed when a Wall Street analyst recently suggested to him that the Braves are worth about $650 million, which is $200 million more than the company paid for the team seven years ago.

"Oh, that's way light," Maffei replied.

He added: "If you've got another Braves to sell me at 650, I'll buy them, let's put it that way."

"Not only were they part of a tax-oriented transaction with Time Warner," Maffei said, "but the reality is two big upticks -- a re-cut TV deal for a bunch of reasons and a new stadium -- both are very helpful in increasing value for the Braves."

The Braves' revenue increased by $36 million to $261 million last year, following a $17 million increase in 2012, according to Liberty's financial filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Braves' operating income (revenue minus operating expenses) before depreciation, amortization and certain special charges increased by $20 million to $42 million last year, according to the filings.

[50PoundHead]

Like anyone anyone actually wants to live in Minnesota. It took 24 million a year to convince Mauer to stay and its his home state.

Yeah, but it's a team of gritty white guys who really love playing old-time baseball the right way for Gardenhire.

PS--Mauer knew where his bread was buttered. He'd get crucified in a tough market.

[50PoundHead]

Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei scoffed when a Wall Street analyst recently suggested to him that the Braves are worth about $650 million, which is $200 million more than the company paid for the team seven years ago.

"Oh, that's way light," Maffei replied.

He added: "If you've got another Braves to sell me at 650, I'll buy them, let's put it that way."

"Not only were they part of a tax-oriented transaction with Time Warner," Maffei said, "but the reality is two big upticks -- a re-cut TV deal for a bunch of reasons and a new stadium -- both are very helpful in increasing value for the Braves."

The Braves' revenue increased by $36 million to $261 million last year, following a $17 million increase in 2012, according to Liberty's financial filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Braves' operating income (revenue minus operating expenses) before depreciation, amortization and certain special charges increased by $20 million to $42 million last year, according to the filings.

When I heard what the going rate for the LA Clippers is likely to be, I almost crapped myself (thank God for my Depends). Braves are worth a boatload with the new stadium deal in place.

[weso1]

"...a re-cut TV deal for a bunch of reasons..."

There you go. Something happened to that tv deal in a positive way for the Braves. Braves officials don't want it out there cause they don't want our players' agents to know about it. jmo.

[The Chosen One]

Well this sucks. I wanted to buy the Braves for a little over 500 million. Now it's worth over 650 million... out of my price range.

[cajunrevenge]

There you go. Something happened to that tv deal in a positive way for the Braves. Braves officials don't want it out there cause they don't want our players' agents to know about it. jmo.

Its not really a secret. They sold the tv rights to something like 40 games. I don't know that the dollar amount was ever released but with the going rate of tv games these days I estimate it somewhere between an assload and a buttload of money.

[cajunrevenge]

Well this sucks. I wanted to buy the Braves for a little over 500 million. Now it's worth over 650 million... out of my price range.

I will go half in with you if you let me ban Glavine from the stadium.

[Hawk]

I will go half in with you if you let me ban Glavine from the stadium.

The broadcast booth would suffice for me.

[cajunrevenge]

The broadcast booth isn't in the stadium?

[cajunrevenge]

I wonder how quickly the team would go thru managers if it was owned by the fans. 2 maybe 3 games.

[Hawk]

The broadcast booth isn't in the stadium?

http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Gladiator_Thumb_Down_01.gif

[Hawk]

We could create a Kickstarter to buy the Braves. Vote on every trade, elect officials.

[drewdat]

I wonder how quickly the team would go thru managers if it was owned by the fans. 2 maybe 3 games.

Fredi would have a lifetime deal

because the fan owners would take out a contract.

[50PoundHead]

We could create a Kickstarter to buy the Braves. Vote on every trade, elect officials.

Game day chat room with the manager participating, so we can all give input on key in-game decisions.

[PawPawMaxwell]

Just had an epiphany: Baseball contracts being firm/fixed price and construction costs being cost plus, wonder if Liberty has Oked these extensions as a means of leveling overall costs to the new stadium???

[jpx7]

(thank God for my Depends)

I have doubts if you even wear Depends.

[stpeteirish]

Well this sucks. I wanted to buy the Braves for a little over 500 million. Now it's worth over 650 million... out of my price range.

you just need to put together a somewhat larger investor group, that's all.

[stpeteirish]

I wonder how quickly the team would go thru managers if it was owned by the fans. 2 maybe 3 games.

he'd get fired during a winning steak, for using the "wrong" relievers.

[Fredi Gonzalez]

Game day chat room with the manager participating, so we can all give input on key in-game decisions.

You already have that.

[50PoundHead]

You already have that.

Maybe I need to be more forceful with my suggestions!

[Fredi Gonzalez]

I file your input under T.

[50PoundHead]

I file your input under T.

T for "Terrific" I hope.

[NYCBrave]

Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei scoffed when a Wall Street analyst recently suggested to him that the Braves are worth about $650 million, which is $200 million more than the company paid for the team seven years ago.

"Oh, that's way light," Maffei replied.

He added: "If you've got another Braves to sell me at 650, I'll buy them, let's put it that way."

"Not only were they part of a tax-oriented transaction with Time Warner," Maffei said, "but the reality is two big upticks -- a re-cut TV deal for a bunch of reasons and a new stadium -- both are very helpful in increasing value for the Braves."

The Braves' revenue increased by $36 million to $261 million last year, following a $17 million increase in 2012, according to Liberty's financial filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Braves' operating income (revenue minus operating expenses) before depreciation, amortization and certain special charges increased by $20 million to $42 million last year, according to the filings.

Can someone shed some light on the restructured TV deal? Did we get out of that horrid deal we had?

[thethe]

Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei scoffed when a Wall Street analyst recently suggested to him that the Braves are worth about $650 million, which is $200 million more than the company paid for the team seven years ago.

"Oh, that's way light," Maffei replied.

He added: "If you've got another Braves to sell me at 650, I'll buy them, let's put it that way."

"Not only were they part of a tax-oriented transaction with Time Warner," Maffei said, "but the reality is two big upticks -- a re-cut TV deal for a bunch of reasons and a new stadium -- both are very helpful in increasing value for the Braves."

The Braves' revenue increased by $36 million to $261 million last year, following a $17 million increase in 2012, according to Liberty's financial filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Braves' operating income (revenue minus operating expenses) before depreciation, amortization and certain special charges increased by $20 million to $42 million last year, according to the filings.

This is why I have said in the past that we have no clue what the payroll is going to be. I think what all these extensions are saying is that the organization is comfortable that the future payroll will increase dramatically. It would not shock me if the Braves end up having a payroll around 13-140 by the time they move into the new stadium.

[GovClintonTyree]

There you go. Something happened to that tv deal in a positive way for the Braves. Braves officials don't want it out there cause they don't want our players' agents to know about it. jmo.

Yeah, I didn't know about this (the 40 game thing was just rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic).

This is a rather huge development. And if, in fact, the Braves were keeping that fact (and those terms) close to the vest, I wonder how they feel about Maffei spilling the beans.

Lolololololol! That's hysterical. Thanks, Boss.

[Hawk]

Buster_ESPN: Chris Johnson's deal with ATL: $23.5 million over three years, with a $10 million option.

$7.83MM AAV. Could really go either way. I wonder if there's a buyout.

[Hawk]

Yeah, I didn't know about this (the 40 game thing was just rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic).

This is a rather huge development. And if, in fact, the Braves were keeping that fact (and those terms) close to the vest, I wonder how they feel about Maffei spilling the beans.

Lolololololol


They could get him to offset the difference. Dude makes $90MM per year! WTF!

[The Chosen One]

What the 40 games were, were the Peachtree TV (Atlanta Local TBS turned into PTV) broadcasts. They were sold to Fox Sports and Sportsouth after the 2010 season (the last of Ernie Johnson Jr. and Smoltz calling games).

The amount was never announced, but that's it.

We're still stuck in that terrible deal with FSS/Sportssouth that's not over until I believe 2022?

[Hawk]

This is why I have said in the past that we have no clue what the payroll is going to be. I think what all these extensions are saying is that the organization is comfortable that the future payroll will increase dramatically. It would not shock me if the Braves end up having a payroll around 13-140 by the time they move into the new stadium.

Exactly. If revenue continues to increase, combined with MLB (and regional) TV income, stacked with all of the financial accoutrement of a new stadium, Atlanta is sitting in the catbird seat. It's a good time to be a Braves fan.

[gilesfan]

Buster_ESPN: Chris Johnson's deal with ATL: $23.5 million over three years, with a $10 million option.

$7.83MM AAV. Could really go either way. I wonder if there's a buyout.

Ouch

[cajunrevenge]

Thats about as fair of deal as can be expected. Johnson was going to make a lot in arbitration because he was a super 2 and goes thru the process 4 times.

[gilesfan]

$10 MILLION PER YEAR.. LOOK AT MY BATTING AVERAGE!

[The Chosen One]

This isn't a Turner Field deal. The City built Turner Field and gave it to the Braves for free (Braves do lease it).

The Braves are funding most of this stadium, and I assure you it will not all be paid off by the first pitch at the new park. They'll still be paying for the stadium a few years after it opens, which is what most privately funded ballparks do.

[nsacpi]

Buster_ESPN: Chris Johnson's deal with ATL: $23.5 million over three years, with a $10 million option.

$7.83MM AAV. Could really go either way. I wonder if there's a buyout.

Something like 6M, 7M, 10M. With the 10M option. I don't think Johnson will age particularly well. I would expect WAR of 2, 1.5, 1 over 2015-2017. It isn't an awful deal. But not a bargain either. It would be nice if Justin Upton approached the club about an extension.

[nsacpi]

Thats about as fair of deal as can be expected. Johnson was going to make a lot in arbitration because he was a super 2 and goes thru the process 4 times.

He's making 4.75M this year. I would guess his arb numbers the next two years would have been 6.5 and 8.5. He is giving us a discount relative to those numbers. But in exchange he gets the security. And he gets about 10M in his first post-arb season. That is his age 32 season. Obviously the deal turns on how you think he ages. Every player is different in that regard. But the slower, less athletic players tend to age worse. Also the guys who get to the majors at a relatively late age also tend to age worse.

[NinersSBChamps]

Like anyone anyone actually wants to live in Minnesota. It took 24 million a year to convince Mauer to stay and its his home state.

Pretty sure the Yankees could have matched or offered more anyway. Minnesota as a state has zero to do with it.

[thewupk]

Something like 6M, 7M, 10M. With the 10M option. I don't think Johnson will age particularly well. I would expect WAR of 2, 1.5, 1 over 2015-2017. It isn't an awful deal. But not a bargain either. It would be nice if Justin Upton approached the club about an extension.

I suspect some of the 23.5 million is either in a signing bonus or buyout too.

[nsacpi]

I suspect some of the 23.5 million is either in a signing bonus or buyout too.

That part is unlikely to be much more than 1M.

[50PoundHead]

Pretty sure the Yankees could have matched or offered more anyway. Minnesota as a state has zero to do with it.

I think Mauer did give the Twins a bit of a discount (at least that's the impression here in Minnesota). He's a Minnesota kid (and a really nice guy) and Hrbek (also a Minnesota kid) gave the the Twins a hometown discount (and he was pretty public about it while Mauer wasn't). The press rides him here a bit in Minnesota, but the New York press would crucify the guy because he's one of those players who doesn't appear to like to play when he's nicked up even a little bit.

[thewupk]

That part is unlikely to be much more than 1M.

Maybe, maybe not but it has been the Braves MO to have one or the other or both in their recent string of extensions. I think it's a fair deal overall.

[cajunrevenge]

He's making 4.75M this year. I would guess his arb numbers the next two years would have been 6.5 and 8.5. He is giving us a discount relative to those numbers. But in exchange he gets the security. And he gets about 10M in his first post-arb season. That is his age 32 season. Obviously the deal turns on how you think he ages. Every player is different in that regard. But the slower, less athletic players tend to age worse. Also the guys who get to the majors at a relatively late age also tend to age worse.

I think your arb projections are a bit low. Obviously his performance this year will impact it but I think he gets more than a 1.75 mill raise over this year. I think 7 mill for 2015 is more accurate then 10 million give or take 500k based on performance. Just being an everyday player gets a player a healthy raise because at bats are part if the formula used. Then all these big contracts given out cause arbitration numbers to inflate as well.

[Enscheff]

I don't see the point in this extension. I was predicting CJ was going to be a non-tender candidate this coming offseason, so why lock the team into any contract with such a mediocre player? Wouldn't it be better to have the flexibility to just cut him loose?

No way in hell that option is ever picked up.

[sturg33]

Arb numbers love them some batting average so his arb numbers could have been a little high

[yeezus]

$10 MILLION PER YEAR.. LOOK AT MY BATTING AVERAGE!

where did you learn to math?

[nsacpi]

Arb numbers love them some batting average so his arb numbers could have been a little high

That's one of those little subtleties that needs to be taken into account. Certain types of players (high batting average hitters, closers) get overpaid by the arb process. So everything else equal you want to avoid going through arbitration with them. Others (such as those with high defensive value) get underpaid by the arb process. Everything else equal you do want to take those players year by year.

[The Chosen One]

I must say, we take it for granted being on a board with intelligent posters... I just checked the Atlanta Braves' facebook and here are some of the comments about this Johnson signing:

-------------
Stephen Browne (https://www.facebook.com/stephen.browne.5203?fref=ufi)Cut Heyward, Uggla, and BJ. Bring in some kids who are hungry.

Guillermo Companioni (https://www.facebook.com/guillermo.companioni?fref=ufi) We have the homerun hitters but we lack in a steady batter that can keep 300, simmons and johnson needs to be those guys but we need to bat them 2nd and fifth right in between the big batters heyward needs to drop down to eight to see better pitches until he gets of the funk he is in.great grab.i am glad we building a championship team with all these signings

Joshua Nordan (https://www.facebook.com/joahua.nordan?fref=ufi) Cj deserves it why so much hate from fickle fans. In case you won't paying attention he was 3 for 3 with a walk last night

Chuck White (https://www.facebook.com/chuck.white.568?fref=ufi) Thank goodness. Finally we make a deal with someone who can hit.

Joseph Kelly (https://www.facebook.com/jyndmyl08?fref=ufi) It should be longer.. Were talking about a .300+ hitter here

Michael A. Platt (https://www.facebook.com/Snowflake710?fref=ufi) The NEW Face of the Braves!!!

-----------------
There were others that insinuated that CJ was our best hitter... I tried my best to preach the truth to the crowd but they're not having it. ALthough there's more and more people on there asking if people are insane.

[cajunrevenge]

I don't see the point in this extension. I was predicting CJ was going to be a non-tender candidate this coming offseason, so why lock the team into any contract with such a mediocre player? Wouldn't it be better to have the flexibility to just cut him loose?

No way in hell that option is ever picked up.

Its funny because when he was aquired most people questioned why the braves even wanted him. Then he goes out and almost wins a batting title. Sure he might be a mediocre player in reality but its better than a black hole at 3b. Mediocre players make 8-12 million in free agency.

Also of that 23.5 mill some is probably a buyout for the team option. I would guess 1.5 mill so it would be 22 mill over 3 years with a 10 mill team option with 1.5 buyout.

[NinersSBChamps]

I think Mauer did give the Twins a bit of a discount (at least that's the impression here in Minnesota). He's a Minnesota kid (and a really nice guy) and Hrbek (also a Minnesota kid) gave the the Twins a hometown discount (and he was pretty public about it while Mauer wasn't). The press rides him here a bit in Minnesota, but the New York press would crucify the guy because he's one of those players who doesn't appear to like to play when he's nicked up even a little bit.

I hear Mauer's dad is a huge jerk. Has something to do with his car dealership. Yeah Mauer is pretty down to earth I have heard too. Cretin-Derham Hall product.

[Carp]

Well this sucks. I wanted to buy the Braves for a little over 500 million. Now it's worth over 650 million... out of my price range.

You should raise membership prices. There's your extra 150 million right there.

[Knucksie]

Its funny because when he was aquired most people questioned why the braves even wanted him. Then he goes out and almost wins a batting title. Sure he might be a mediocre player in reality but its better than a black hole at 3b. Mediocre players make 8-12 million in free agency.


Yeah, there was a loud cheering section for Juan Francisco, which soon quieted down.

[Dalyn]

This is a fine deal. CJ would've likely earned more going one year at a time (and without the comfort of security).

[Russ2dollas]

I think this shows you where the Braves are convinced salaries are going to go. This seems like a cost certainty extension. I think the Braves expect salaries to jump dramatically and they are looking to lock guys down.

5 million per win will be a bargain in a few years, it may move closer to 8 or even 10 over the next 5 years.

3B is an oddly bad position across the majors. 10 million for one year of CJ with an option might be a very tradeable contract in a few years.

I don't love it, but I get it. Seems more of an indictment on the state of the 3B farm system and the ability to get a 3B via trade, draft, or FA.

[cajunrevenge]

Yeah, there was a loud cheering section for Juan Francisco, which soon quieted down.

I liked Francisco and I still do. I just don't like him in the context of this team. We have too many all or nothing hitters as it is. Francisco is just overkill.

[Hawk]

Yeah, there was a loud cheering section for Juan Francisco, which soon quieted down.

Within the organization, too: I remember reading a quote early last Spring Training where a Braves scout said, 'We've got Little Panda' -- or something along those lines.

Francisco is still so young (26). I could see him blossoming late much like David Ortiz, José Batista, etc.

[gilesfan]

I still wish we kept Juan fat over BABIP

[Dalyn]

I still wish we kept Juan fat over BABIP

I bet. Would've been nice for the Nationals.

[yeezus]

I still wish we kept Juan fat over BABIP

There's no way Francisco fits on the Braves with all the high-K hitters we have. He'd K the most.

[zitothebrave]

Lukewarm on the deal, if it was 7M a year on average It would be in the minimum amount for like. Right now it's a touch over. So I'm in the ehhh. It's not a bad contract, Johnson likely is worth 24M in at least 2 years maybe less, but I don't think it's honestly necessary but I guess it just goes to show the faith the Braves have in other 3B options.

[yeezus]

Yeah, I also think this deal reflects what we have in the way of 3B in the minors: Nothing. Good 3B don't become available, and CJ is at worst a decent hitter. Not sure where a better offensive 3B would come from.

[gilesfan]

I bet. Would've been nice for the Nationals.


A .750 OPS with bad defense helps the Nats

[TURBO]

A .750 OPS with bad defense helps the Nats

He can make the throw to first.

[stpeteirish]

They must have been convinced he'd play better if he has a long term deal. That's pretty iffy IMO.It really doesn't look much different than what he was going to get in the year to year process if he keep playing about the same. otherwise it doesn't really make sense from the teams perspective; we have control now for two more years.

So if there's a dearth of great 3b around the league I guess we can trade him if he gets too pricey, we'll not get much in return but the flexability is still there, somewhat. Still rather just go to arb every year with CJ, last year was as good as it gets with him, IMO.

[gilesfan]

He can make the throw to first.

Juan is better defensively.

[keithlaw]

When I heard what the going rate for the LA Clippers is likely to be, I almost crapped myself (thank God for my Depends). Braves are worth a boatload with the new stadium deal in place.

I figured you for an Oops I Crapped my Pants (https://screen.yahoo.com/oops-crapped-pants-undergarments-elderly-000000402.html) man

[yeezus]

Juan is better defensively.

I disagree with that, and Juan will age terribly.
Johnson is likely higher than a .750 OPS guy. And teams could do a lot worse than that, anyway, especially with the talent they have elsewhere.

[skillet]

I'd say probably a fair deal for both sides. Had he gone year to year and performed somewhere around his career averages, he probably would have made between $15M and $16M for the next two years, and then maybe around $10M in his first free agent year. That would have come to around $25M to $26M while his is now going to get $23.5M. I'd say we got a slight discount while Chris got cost certainty.

If we had a decent option in the minors, this deal wouldn't make a lot of sense, but as others have correctly pointed out, our 3rd base prospects in the minors is pretty much non-existent. Not overjoyed with the deal, but I can understand it.

[Dalyn]

I disagree with that, and Juan will age terribly.
Johnson is likely higher than a .750 OPS guy. And teams could do a lot worse than that, anyway, especially with the talent they have elsewhere.

Exactly. He has only had one year below .757. He has had four above.

[gilesfan]

Exactly. He has only had one year below .757. He has had four above.

Playing in Houston and Arizona helps.

[DirkPiggler]

A .750 OPS with bad defense helps the Nats

Francisco is a solid bet to put up an OPS better than .750. In AAA.

Never understood the infatuation with him. Lots of fat guys who could hit mistakes a long way are selling cars right now.

[emk418]

This is retarded. The guy is juan Pierre minus speed and defense. It makes absolute no sense locking him up.

[ChapelHillMatt]

Have no problem with the deal, I wish there was another Chipper Jones roaming around but there's not. Johnson is solid and you need players like him to win.

[50PoundHead]

I figured you for an Oops I Crapped my Pants (https://screen.yahoo.com/oops-crapped-pants-undergarments-elderly-000000402.html) man

I guess I'm too price conscious. Ooops I Crapped My Pants are higher quality, but cost a little more. I do love Amy Poehler though.

[50PoundHead]

This is retarded. The guy is juan Pierre minus speed and defense. It makes absolute no sense locking him up.

Politically, I am left-of-center but have no time for all of the PC language scrubbing that goes on and I wish the word retarded could be used effortlessly in common parlance without recrimination. No other word puts the exclamation point on stupid better.

[thewupk]

This is retarded. The guy is juan Pierre minus speed and defense. It makes absolute no sense locking him up.

Except that he's not.