Braves sign Gavin Floyd 1 yr 4M + incentives

[Hawk]

I happen to be pretty content with the path of fiscal restraint that the Braves have operated from this offseason (especially in relation to MLB as a whole), but I can also understand the frustration expressed by those who prefer splashy and aggressive moves. The team was so close to postseason success in 2013, yet it seems as though Wren and Co. have dug in and prepared for a battle of attrition as opposed to marching in for the kill with a couple of major deals/signings.

There is inherent risk in a player like Gavin Floyd, who is coming back from a major, career threatening injury (and three years of mediocrity.) There is logic in displeasure at the terms of the contract -- an $8.5MM commitment is sizable and risky, especially when $4MM of it is guaranteed to a balky arm that might not even throw a single pitch in Atlanta (see: Ryan Madson and Scott Baker). There shouldn't be any disputing that it's a roll of the dice. But could the Braves have done any better? Doubtful.

[Hawk]

But could the Braves have done any better? Doubtful.

And now, after reading the following tweet from Bowman, stand by that statement completely:

@mlbbowman: #Braves interest in Samardzija died more than a week ago because of the asking price. They then looked at Capuano, Chen, Volquez and Floyd
[ http://twitter.com/mlbbowman/status/412737258253328385 ]

[Enscheff]

David O'Brien @ajcbraves
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#Braves GM Frank Wren post Floyd signing today: "I don’t think that we’re going to be actively pursuing starters at this point."


2:48 PM - 16 Dec 2013

As I said, this is the Hudson replacement. Very underwhelming to say the least...

[nsacpi]

As I said, this is the Hudson replacement. Very underwhelming to say the least...

The way I think of it Wood is replacing Maholm in the rotation and Beachy replacing Hudson. And Floyd is our sixth starter. If everyone is healthy and pitching well, I suspect Floyd ends up in the pen as a long reliever. But chances are someone(s) will miss some starts.

[nsacpi]

And now, after reading the following tweet from Bowman, stand by that statement completely:

@mlbbowman: #Braves interest in Samardzija died more than a week ago because of the asking price. They then looked at Capuano, Chen, Volquez and Floyd
[ http://twitter.com/mlbbowman/status/412737258253328385 ]

Volquez has already signed with the Pirates. I thought Capuano and Chen were interesting options as sixth starter/long reliever. Capuano though probably will get a multi-year contract which the Bravos were not going to hand out.

[jpx7]

Very underwhelming to say the least...

What if it ends up being $4-million spent as leverage in trade talks with the Cubs, now that the Braves have yet another rotational option and can argue they even less "need" to acquire Samardzija (or any other starter).

[thewupk]

Because some of us would like to go to the playoffs with a chance to actually advance past the 1st round. Losing your two biggest leaders on the team and adding pieces that have no guarantee to ever contribute this year is clear regression in my eyes.

Leaders =/= longest tenured players. If Hudson returned he is likely our 5th best starter anyways. He is going to be 39 years old. It is time to move on.

[emk418]

And now, after reading the following tweet from Bowman, stand by that statement completely:

@mlbbowman: #Braves interest in Samardzija died more than a week ago because of the asking price. They then looked at Capuano, Chen, Volquez and Floyd
[ http://twitter.com/mlbbowman/status/412737258253328385 ]

I'm very curious what the asking price was. I know it was going to be steep but how much of it was the Cubs asking for too much and how much Wren making way too many prospects untouchable.

[The Chosen One]

I'm very curious what the asking price was. I know it was going to be steep but how much of it was the Cubs asking for too much and how much Wren making way too many prospects untouchable.

Apparently the Cubs were asking for Laird AND Fredi, and Wren had already started to laugh in Epstein's face when he mentioned Laird first before Fredi's name was even brought to the table.

[thewupk]

I'm very curious what the asking price was. I know it was going to be steep but how much of it was the Cubs asking for too much and how much Wren making way too many prospects untouchable.

Probably a combination of both. He would of been helpful to the team and if we had major weaknesses in the rotation he might of been worth what the Cubs were asking. But he wouldn't be a major upgrade to the team. He is no ace.

[weso1]

I understand the move, but it seems extremely risky. That's a lot of money for someone who has a very good chance of not being productive at all. I guess it was either this or Wren's annual, "We can get an all star caliber player for half the cost at the deadline," quote.

[weso1]

Actually Floyd has been better than I thought after looking at his stats with the White Sox. I didn't realize he had been that good. That's a tough park to pitch in and he was pretty consistent. It makes me feel better about it now.

Could we potentially get a pick out of this if Floyd comes back and puts up a 3.5 ERA for 3 months?

[emk418]

I didn't realize Floyd is coming back from a torn ulnar collateral ligament AND a torn flexor tendon. Meaning it's HIGHLY unlikely he's back at the 12 month mark. Most pitchers take a minimum of 12 months for one of those.

[skidlee]

Dan Connolly ‏@danconnollysun 2m

Industry source: #Orioles offered Balt native Gavin Floyd 2-yr deal worth, w incentives, $20M. Took 1yr, $4m (pot. $4.5 more w inctvs) w Atl

[jsebe10]

Dan Connolly ‏@danconnollysun 2m

Industry source: #Orioles offered Balt native Gavin Floyd 2-yr deal worth, w incentives, $20M. Took 1yr, $4m (pot. $4.5 more w inctvs) w Atl

HIGHLY and I mean HIGHLY doubtful that happened.

[skidlee]

HIGHLY and I mean HIGHLY doubtful that happened.

Why?

[Hawk]

Does seem a little curious, but if anything, glaringly illustrates the fact that Floyd will almost certainly be a 'one and done' in ATL.

[yeezus]

How do people see this as "expensive"? If he's unproductive or average, he won't be getting 8.5. If he's really good, he gets 8.5 and is well worth it.
I really want to know what people would prefer we do. Give me specific examples.
Did you want to trade a guy like Sims for Kendrick? How about 3-4 of our top prospects for Samardjiza? Is Josh Johnson a better signing than Floyd? Floyd could EASILY outproduce Johnson this year.
There is nothing wrong with what's happened this off-season. We possess a very young team in every area. Our franchise is expecting growth in many of them.
Wood in the rotation is likely a big upgrade over Maholm. Beachy can match what Hudson did provided health. Add in the expected growth of Teheran and Minor, and the steadiness of Medlen - how is that not a very good rotation?

Again, please list specifically what YOU wanted done, and what you would have given up to get it done.

[yeezus]

Does seem a little curious, but if anything, glaringly illustrates the fact that Floyd will almost certainly be a 'one and done' in ATL.

I'm totally cool with that. He will pitch motivated and try to raise his value and get a longer deal.
Also shows we got him for far below what another team offered him, which should shut some people up.

[yeezus]

It's not like we had a ton of leverage with the Cubs. If no one offers what they want for JS, they will just keep him.
Wren knew we couldn't just wait that out and hope they lower their price. He likely decided they will just hold on to him, barring an unreal return, and had to move on.
Paying 8.5 for a really good starter is great. If Floyd pitches to his previous career levels, 8.5 is a total steal.