That's what happens when you are on the wrong side of 30 and was average at best in your prime.
Printable View
And he's guess what, old. He's over 30, guys dont't usually turn it on in their 30s. Unless you're Ichiro you usually don't age that well. Even Ichiro started bottoming out once the 30s rolled around.
Speakign of which, why didn't we go after Ichiro? I mean I'm sure he'll sign in a bigger market, which is what he'd want. But what the hell he's coming up on 3000 hits offer him 2/15 or something to get him here. Maybe we can plant a few asses in the seats when he gets close to 3000.
Just wanted to chime in and say how much I enjoyed reading each and every one of your opinions on this tricky situation. This is how all the discussions on this site should go with everyone being open to other's take and opinion on the same matter. For instance, [MENTION=89]nsacpi[/MENTION] -who is the original thread creator- gave a detailed opinion and when someone else countered that and gave another outlook, he admitted he didn't think of that, acknowledged the posters opinion, and then continued to add on to his original post as well as the other opinions. Instead of saying that his way was the only and right way. There are so many different views to every topic and this is the prime example, and such a fun thread to read. Nice job to all.
What if there is actually a THIRD scenario?
<MIND BLOWN>
I'm 32, and so passed my prime!:Sad:
One stat.
Markakis was good offensively overall (112 wRC+) but that's not exceptional for a RF. The "disappointing" Heyward has a career 117 wRC+
Markakis once looked like one of the best RFers in the game, then the bottom dropped out. from 2009 on he's floated from good to terrible.
The WRC+ for right field since 2009 is 105. Markakis has a WRC+ of 107 since 2009. And I've already mentioned how I think he has average at best defense. To me that screms average player despite what his OBP is. Camden Yards is a hitters park so his OBP is going to get a boost anyways. In fact almost the entire AL East (where he plays 2/3's of his games) is hitter friendly.
Imagine this:
It's Opening Day, and Nick Markakis steps to home plate for the first time as an Atlanta Brave. The stadium is filled to 50% capacity, but the crowd manages a semi-rousing 'welcome to Atlanta' ovation. Markakis tips his helmet, digs in, breathes, but suddenly flips his hand back to the umpire indicating his desire for a time-out. It's granted. He steps back and suddenly inexplicably starts clawing his face, tearing skin and hair off -- the sight is gruesome, Fredi Gonzalez weeps ... but suddenly, from under the bits of superficial flesh emerges JASON HEYWARD!
"I knew this was the only way my agent, who was trying to negotiate a $250MM deal apparently completely behind my back, would ever allow me to sign with Atlanta. So I killed Nick Markakis and slipped into his exoderm for a few months. NOW WHAT KIND OF BARGAIN AM I?"
And the Braves lived happily ever after, for four years.
The end.