Choosing Between McCann and Justin Upton (and maybe others)

[nsacpi]

There is a chance the Braves will have enough budget to extend all of McCann, Justin Upton, Heyward and Freddie Freeman.

But I think it is a close call. So I want us to assume in this thread that signing McCann to a new contract means we eventually have to let one of the above walk. I think Justin Upton is the most likely one that would leave in this scenario.

So which would you rather have:

1) McCann is brought back (let's say a four year deal with an option for $16M per year). Gattis is a supersub in 2014-2015 and the left fielder thereafter.

or

2) Gattis becomes our catcher. Upton is extended and continues to be our left fielder.

There are a lot of things to consider. Under scenario 2, we have a bit more financial flexibility in 2014-2015 to upgrade elsewhere. But we should also consider that there is no guarantee that all three of Upton, Heyward and Freeman can be extended on terms that are reasonable to the club. That surely has to be taken into account if McCann is amenable to a deal the club considers reasonable.

[Dalyn]

Have to let McCann go unless the NL is going to adopt the DH in a year or so, which isn't going to happen.

[NYCBrave]

At what point do we look at Justin and wonder when we're going to get the production he was advertised to bring? I know he's only 26, but just like big brother BJ, we're still waiting on his potential.

[Dalyn]

At what point do we look at Justin and wonder when we're going to get the production he was advertised to bring? I know he's only 26, but just like big brother BJ, we're still waiting on his potential.

He is having a fine season. One of our better offensive players. He has had about two seasons better than this one. Not sure where this is coming from.

[zitothebrave]

My extension pecking order is

1. Jason
2. Freddie
3. Justin
4. Mac
5. Simmons

Simmons is last because he's cheap for much longer.

[NYCBrave]

He is having a fine season. One of our better offensive players. He has had about two seasons better than this one. Not sure where this is coming from.

I don't know how you could think he's not a disappointment. His age 24 season in 2011 was top 5 MVP voting, 30+ homers, .290 avg, .900 OPS. That's the player I thought we were getting. You are actually happy having a guy who has declined since?

[NYCBrave]

to further my point, Justin's defense has declined heavily since 2011 if you go by UZR. His defense used to be a positive and now he's well in the negative.

[Teheran_49]

At what point do we look at Justin and wonder when we're going to get the production he was advertised to bring? I know he's only 26, but just like big brother BJ, we're still waiting on his potential.

Justin is nothing like his brother. Justin has routinely put up OPS' of 800+ and this is the first season he has been streaky at the plate. If you look at his numbers from years previous he's been pretty consistent every month. If this is J-UP's down year then I'll take it and he's shown that he knows how to hit and can make adjustments. Something his brother hasn't shown one bit. I would take Justin over Mac because of mac's age at his position and FF shouldn't go anywhere. If there is one guy this offense needs it's a consistent player like FF.

[PawPawMaxwell]

I keep remembering Tom Harte,s interview with the original Bossman during opening week when he expounded on how competitive his sons were growing up. I wonder if maybe the older one perhaps hasnt completely grown up and cant stand for his baby brother to out shine him.

[Dalyn]

I keep remembering Tom Harte,s interview with the original Bossman during opening week when he expounded on how competitive his sons were growing up. I wonder if maybe the older one perhaps hasnt completely grown up and cant stand for his baby brother to out shine him.

Being competitive doesn't usually work that way. Can't help but feel like people wouldn't question BJ in such a manner (or display such a lack of patience) if not for a few defining features. Not necessarily you, PPMax, but just in general.

[yeezus]

I keep remembering Tom Harte,s interview with the original Bossman during opening week when he expounded on how competitive his sons were growing up. I wonder if maybe the older one perhaps hasnt completely grown up and cant stand for his baby brother to out shine him.

I think that's just way too simplistic of a view and very unlikely.

[ProbationDeac]

Have to let McCann go unless the NL is going to adopt the DH in a year or so, which isn't going to happen.

It's not a matter of letting him go, we won't be able to afford him. I know there's some hope by some on here that he'll give us a big hometown discount but I don't see it. I think the writing has been on the wall most of the year about this one. Hope I am wrong.

I think scenario two is the most likely though I wonder how well Gattis will do for a full season.

[The Chosen One]

It's not a matter of letting him go, we won't be able to afford him. I know there's some hope by some on here that he'll give us a big hometown discount but I don't see it. I think the writing has been on the wall most of the year about this one. Hope I am wrong.

I think scenario two is the most likely though I wonder how well Gattis will do for a full season.

We can afford him if we get rid of Uggla and probably not re-sign Huddy.

Maholm is definitely gone too.

[CyYoung31]

At what point do we look at Justin and wonder when we're going to get the production he was advertised to bring? I know he's only 26, but just like big brother BJ, we're still waiting on his potential.

I don't even know how to properly respond to this. It's that silly.

[cajunrevenge]

How about this trade Both Uptons and Uggla to Rangers for Rios/Kinsler/Nathan. Rios and Kinsler are more productive than BJ and Uggla but are still overpaid by a lot. The Rangers desperately need outfield help, maybe they gamble that a return to the AL helps BJ. He's worth a little just to give Justin incentive to re-sign. All 3 could be helped by a better hitters park. In the first year the salaries are virtually a wash with the Rangers adding taking on 3 million more. The second year is where the Braves get a lot of salary relief. Beyond that its Kinsler's bad contract for BJ's bad contract. For taking on salary the Rangers give up little or nothing in the way of prospects. Braves re-sign McCann, Gattis starts in LF full time, Rios holds down center for 1 year, Nathan sets up for Kimbrel, and Kinsler starts at second. I know 9 million is a lot for a setup man but its a compromise to even up the salaries while giving the Braves a useful piece. Braves could probably trade him pretty easily.

[zbhargrove]

Read what I said again. 'In such a manner.' - I think certain criticisms have a weird way of only being directed toward non-white players. We saw it with Andruw Jones. Kenny Lofton. Jason Heyward etc etc "Doesn't hustle." (Even Justin got this one a few times this year) "Doesn't care." "Isn't trying." And such. What did we hear about Uggla? "At least he hustles." "You can tell he is trying, even if he is horrible." Schafer? "At least you can tell he wants to be out there." "Would rather have someone playing who wants to play."

Why is that?

Do I think race is an issue for most of us? No. Do I think it is for some? Absolutely.

^Nailed it and Teheran_49 looks silly once again.

[Teheran_49]

Who are you exactly? LOL

[zbhargrove]

Who are you exactly? LOL

Someone who's been around MUCH longer than you

[Teheran_49]

Someone who's been around MUCH longer than you

Around where? LOL

[zbhargrove]

Around where? LOL

This community... if you don't know what Fanhome.com was, best to just keep your mouth shut. This board may be new, but I guarantee the community has been around much longer than you realize.