A bullet dodged, for sure.
How does Ruben Amaro Jr. still have a job?
A bullet dodged, for sure.
How does Ruben Amaro Jr. still have a job?
Braves1976 (01-05-2015)
Probably won't work out, but it's hard to criticize a one year deal.
But I agree with everyone here. I would much rather go with some young guys like Banuelos.
Multiple reports have it as a one-year deal at $5m plus incentives.
I think it's a fair deal. Not a great value, but Phillies did fine.
Maybe, especially when you factor in the dearth of consistent arms left available on the FA market as it currently stands. The Phillies obviously have money to burn, so the dollars are largely irrelevant, but I've disliked 95% of the moves Amaro has made over the past several years as it has become more and more evident that the Philadelphia core was becoming decrepit. If you are not going to rebuild, then at least go young. I guess he's in the process of doing that -- the Rollins and Byrd trades did reap them surprisingly significant talent, and Hamels will probably bring a very solid haul, but Harang just seems like a waste of roster space to a team like Philadelphia or Atlanta. I like going after Banuelos types as back-end rotation filler, because the potential is abundant and cheap. Another strategy the Braves have found great success employing is simply waiting until the end of Spring Training to grab guys (see Harang 2014).
Interestingly, I read earlier that Florida is taking a hard look at James Shields (who apparently has an offer in-hand for $110MM).
Last edited by Hawk; 01-05-2015 at 12:41 PM.
Braves1976 (01-05-2015)
He's gonna be huge for Philly.
Something something Philly cheese steak.
Braves1976 (01-05-2015), Hawk (01-05-2015), Tapate50 (01-05-2015)
I didn't see this posted: Continuing their very busy offseason, the White Sox have signed free agent Emilio Bonifacio to a one-year contract with a team option for 2016. According to Jon Morosi of FOXSports.com it’ll be worth $4 million.
MLBTR: Bruce Levine of 670thescore.com tweets that Bonifacio will earn $3MM in 2015, and the option is valued at $4MM with a $1MM buyout.
Last edited by Braves1976; 01-05-2015 at 01:41 PM.
Vogelsong and Kendrick still out there. I'd be ok with Hale as the fifth starter.
I firmly believe Hale would do better than those two. Just look at his numbers starting last year (SSS I know but still very good). Plus I would argue that Hale is a better starter now than he had been in the minors. He wasn't throwing the sinker throughout the minors and has improved most of his pitches since then too.
Last edited by Braves1976; 01-05-2015 at 01:58 PM.
Yeah I agree that Hale is a different pitcher from when he was in the minors. Plus he's a groundball pitcher, which we need given our projected outfield.
Braves1976 (01-05-2015)
Sounds like we had similar interest in Harang to that of the Phillies. Not sure what to make of that. Could foreshadow pursuit of a similar option like Vogelsong.
@DOBrienAJC
#Braves say made offers early in process to Harang similar to what he signed for w/ PHI, were told at time he offers for more $ and yrs.
Braves1976 (01-05-2015)
Harang resented having to share with Laird last year. It was dumb of him not to realize he would be getting Gerald's portions this year.
Braves1976 (01-05-2015)
Yeah, from DOB's subsequent tweet, it sounds like they are definitely looking to add another SP. They just might be heading in a different direction than they were in early December. Maybe the presence of Banuelos leads them to acquire a more speculative option at a lower cost versus a veteran innings eater.
Julio3000 (01-05-2015)