Braves sniffing around on Markakis; Official 4 years 44 million.

[Dalyn]

First they got Jenkins, but then they needed Markakis for those other two Ks.

[Hawk]

Hometown discounts are about as rare as hometown bonuses. Are we sure the Braves didn't give him a hometown bonus?

A handy BJ is bonus enough.

[nsacpi]

We know that or sure? Being from Atl area had nothing to do with Nick's decision? We know what San Fran's offer was?

So if San Fran offered 4/40 it would be a good deal for them?

I don't know what they offered or even if they made an offer. My impression is we were the only team willing to do four years.

[Dalyn]

A handy BJ is bonus enough.

I'm pretty sure giving him BJ is illegal, even in Georgia.

[BremanFan88]

First they got Jenkins, but then they needed Markakis for those other two Ks.

[NinersSBChamps]

Explain why this move "had to be made"?

Quality right fielder and a good bat. Also the huge hole the team had in right field.

[BedellBrave]

aka Garrett Anderson

Well you can choose that comparison. Not sure if I would.

[Hawk]

Gross.

They probably think they sold high on Heyward and bought low on Markakis.

Yeah, this is exactly what MFII was referring to earlier when he envisioned Hart and company giving each other high-fives and back-slaps as if they had just pulled off some massive coup.

[The Chosen One]

Quality right fielder and a good bat. Also the huge hole the team had in right field.

So you wanted Wren fired for giving big contracts to BJ and Uggla, who were actually more valuable than Markakis, but signing a 31 year old to a 4 year contract with a contract like this is a good idea?

[NinersSBChamps]

His last 3 years disagree with you. And he only gets on base at a good clip compared to his new teammates.

I will take his last three seasons and him moving forward than a bunch of guys on the Braves.

[Dalyn]

Dave is looking rough.

[Dalyn]

Yeah, this is exactly what MFII was referring to earlier when he envisioned Hart and company giving each other high-fives and back-slaps as if they had just pulled off some massive coup.

That is also called a Mukaki.

[NinersSBChamps]

So you wanted Wren fired for giving big contracts to BJ and Uggla, who were actually more valuable than Markakis, but signing a 31 year old to a 4 year contract with a contract like this is a good idea?

I stopped reading when you said BJ Upton was valuable. Uggla was at the time because he was a legit power hitting right handed batter.

[BremanFan88]

Dave is looking rough.

Couldn't live up to the standard James had set.

[Dalyn]

I stopped reading when you said BJ Upton was valuable. Uggla was at the time because he was a legit power hitting right handed batter.

In fairness to BJ, he nearly had a 30/30 season the year we signed him.

[Carp]

In fairness to BJ, he nearly had a 30/30 season the year we signed him.

Also hit .240 with a .sub .300 OBP.

[CyYoung31]

If we're looking broadly at the current market for outfielders in baseball then I believe a decent case can be made that the Braves signed Markakis at-value. Where I draw pause is at the question of whether or not this acquisition was ultimately necessary, given the team's position to contend in 2015. If Hart were to keep Justin Upton around Markakis would be a welcome addition at the top of the order and a palatable substitution for Heyward -- especially if you are choosing to accept the assertion that he was demanding $25MM from Atlanta.

However, seeing as how the Braves appear to have no real intention of keeping J. Upton we have to treat Markakis as an integral addition to the roster. And he just isn't - that's not an attack, just an honest assessment of the skills he brings to the table at this stage of his career. I accept that he will help unite the clubhouse and embody consistency across the board, but, again, at a real premium cost to an organization that is resource deficient.

This deal falls between the ass crack of those that wanted to rebuild, and those that wanted to reload. It pleases no one.

[Hawk]

This deal falls between the ass crack of those that wanted to rebuild, and those that wanted to reload. It pleases no one.

Unfortunately, this tends to be where the spoils of a Mukaki end up.

[nsacpi]

In fairness to BJ, he nearly had a 30/30 season the year we signed him.

But Murkakis has the veteran leadership, grit, clutchness that we need. Plus players like him age extremely well. Much better than players like BJ and Uggla.

[Metaphysicist]

Well you can choose that comparison. Not sure if I would.

BJ Surhoff?