True, but there are ways to work around that if you cost average it out. If there is a free agent that fits long-term that we want, we can always backload the contract or write the contract so that that player will receive a larger sum during the years of lower payroll obligations. I'd like to know where we are going to be operating as far as budget wise going forward, as we've all heard that we can anticipate a higher budget. But in all reality, next years FA class is weak, really weak and if we are to have a competitive team going into the ballpark I think we need to make some hay this offseason and acquire one of the younger big names on the market that fits like Price. If not, than I fail to see how we expect to be competitive in the short term and during the opening of the new ballpark because then we're in a position where really the only thing that is going to work to acquire an upgrade is acquire a big contract that someone else needs to dump, which will also deplete some of the resources at our disposal that could still be used to fill other lesser needs whether it be at the acquisition level or on the roster. And if that doesn't happen, then I don't expect a magical turn around by the time of the opening of the new ballpark, and I'd be fully on board and believe a complete teardown is necessary and build from the bottom up all over again with all the talent at the lower levels. I hope that we're kinda laying in the weeds this offseason and that we are indeed going to make a splash and sign a big name or 2, but I have my doubts. I'm also very skeptical about payroll increases going forward despite the fact that we know we should have substancially better revenues going forward due to the TV deal and hopefully the new stadium. I can see a modest increase, but that won't be good enough, considering the increase in salaries that has taken place over the past years for even average MLB performers. If that is the case, then I see us being the modern day Minnesota Twins where we see an influx of good young talent that develops into a competitor only to see those players traded or gone during their prime years.
As far as Chris Johnson is concerned, while I think he is a good role player on a contending team, it was apparent that his attitude was not something that the Braves brass was willing to put up with anymore considering the amount of turmoil and roster turnover you can expect with youngsters trying to get experience for a club that is rebuilding/retooling like us, and I think they had a chance to move him and did so.
I mean when you look at the 2017 free agent crop, it's pretty pathetic, and I sure hope we aren't holding money out expecting to make a splash in it, because besides a few role type players there is no one that is going to be a significant upgrade, and with a less than stellar crop, I'm sure those players are going to get overpaid despite not being an elite type of talent.
Last edited by Millwood1Hitter; 11-11-2015 at 11:35 AM.
I completely agree that if we are going to do something that it needs to be this offseason. Next year's FA class sucks. Backlog a contract a little bit bc in a couple of years our team will be graduating alot of cheap young talent and our payroll we be higher. I'm sure the FO knows this to, I just hope they don't rule it out. Bc there's no way we can do everything we need to next offseason to compete going into the new stadium.
A free agent class always looks better the year of, instead of the year after.
Spend if you absolutely need to, but I advocate keeping money freed up until we know we are ready. I don't think 2017 is realistic unless we see real improvement this year.
We should be looking at trades. Every offseason has a player traded that has no business be traded. Last year it was Donaldson, three years ago it was Justin Upton, etc. That's what I would like for us to identify and pursue.
Tapate50 (11-11-2015)
Some news on the catching market this afternoon. The Twins have landed a primary catcher in Murphy. AJP has been rumored as a Twins option, and now it's easy to see how he could fit in with them as a LH bat and mentor. Also, action picking up on Salty. Wonder if the Braves are one of the teams who have inquired.
Trade or Don't Trade:
Maybin: Don't Trade
Teheran: Trade in the right deal
Freeman: Don't trade
Peterson: Trade if it makes sense
Bethancourt: Trade, time to go in a different direction
Simmons: Trade if the moon is the return
Olivera: Trade if we can get Alex Wood, Perazza, and Johnson back....
I can see hicks improving to be a pretty decent player.
Giants could use an OF and had shown interest in Maybin at deadline.
I'd like to get Susac from San Fran.
It's gotta be San Diego! Welcome
Back Kimbrel haha
think it was just a blogger.. so I didn't pay much attention.. but that tweet had me scared..
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/...-get-underway/