The Market for McCann

[nsacpi]

Saw this quote from Ruben Amaro Jr.

"Catching is going to a very big priority for us - maybe the biggest. There are some players out there. But there's not a lot of catching in the industry. It's going to be a tough decision for us. We might have to look to try to acquire it via trade. Or we could be looking right here at Chooch [Ruiz]."

Who else might be looking for the catcher? If he does leave, I imagine McCann will make it a high priority to go to a contending team.

I suspect the Phillies would not qualify as a contending team.

Would the Yankees? They probably will try to re-sign Cano first, but might make a splash elsewhere if they lose him.

The Rangers certainly would. There were the reports of them asking about McCann before the trade deadline.

The Red Sox would be a fit too. Saltalamacchia is going to be a free agent and Ross has been dealing with a concussion.

The Dodgers could look to upgrade the position. But Robinson Cano might be their main priority.

I have a feeling the team that makes the biggest offer for him will be the loser of the Dodgers-Yankees battle over Cano.

Anyone else that might be a serious competitor?

[yeezus]

He will have to take a discount to stay here.

[zitothebrave]

He will have to take a discount to stay here.

That's always been the case. That said I hope the Braves don't just let him leave without giving him a shot to stick around. Which I fear they may.

[Braves1976]

I hate it but I don't see the Braves bringing him back. I expect the Rangers to sign him to a long term deal. They have wanted Mac for a while now.

[MadduxFanII]

Yeah. I mean, look at the list nscapi posted, which seems pretty reasonable to me. Boston, New York, Texas, Philadelphia...that's pretty much a who's who list of big spenders. McCann's had a great season coming back from injury, and he's been as consistently excellent as they come. Brian's getting paid.

[nsacpi]

Yeah. I mean, look at the list nscapi posted, which seems pretty reasonable to me. Boston, New York, Texas, Philadelphia...that's pretty much a who's who list of big spenders. McCann's had a great season coming back from injury, and he's been as consistently excellent as they come. Brian's getting paid.

Some on that list are more plausible than others. I don't see Brian going to Philly, partly because they are a divisional rival and partly because they are an old team in decline. The Yankees are even older and are also in decline. Not sure if Brian wants to go there. But they sure need a catcher.

The two other American League teams (Boston and Texas) make the most sense, partly because of the DH option. Both are well run organizations (with the notable exception of the Bobby Valentine hiccup). Contending teams. Good-sized payrolls. Boston did make a point of avoiding signings last off-season that would have cost them their #1 draft pick. That is becoming increasingly important to most teams. Texas probably is our #1 rival for holding on to Brian's services.

The Dodgers are a wild card. I think they will keep spending freely, but if they get Cano they might stop there.

[Carp]

I hate it but I don't see the Braves bringing him back. I expect the Rangers to sign him to a long term deal. They have wanted Mac for a while now.

I think this is the most likely case only if the Rangers don't acquire Stanton, which I think will eventually happen. At least, if this does happen, Mac will play for a team that I don't hate. And he will be able to improve his HOF status tremendously playing in that park.

[PawPawMaxwell]

Dont overlook Detroit. Especially if they make a long run in the post season.

[ProbationDeac]

That's always been the case. That said I hope the Braves don't just let him leave without giving him a shot to stick around. Which I fear they may.

I think they'll make an offer to him. If he's looking for a big pay day he won't stay here. He'll have to give a big hometown discount and who knows he may do it. But I think the writing is on the wall for this one. He's had a great season coming back from injury and I think he'll get paid accordingly for it.

[gilesfan]

Braves are in a tough spot. Lose McCann and you possibly add a blackhole to lineup (gattis/Bethancourt) to go along with Uggla, Simmons, Upton. Plus, you have to assume regression with Johnson. That leaves the everyday lineup as a huge question mark. Or you sign him and you worry about whether he can keep it up in the back half of his contract.

I say keep him because Texas and Philly are going to throw a **** ton of money his way.

[nsacpi]

I'd make go up to 16-17M/year for four years plus an option. If he cares about staying in Atlanta that should be good enough. There's always a chance some other team will blow that offer out of the water. We don't have to join them in the craziness.

[PawPawMaxwell]

Where to start? I think the resurggence of Heyward has created a dilema for Wren tho a very positive dilema. Been awhile since weve had a productive leadoff batter. So where this is heading, if Heyward is retained long term then at least one of four big contracts has to go. Uggla CAN be dumped but it will be expensive, at least half will have to be eaten. See how long it took Cubs to divest of Soriano. BJ is unmoveable, Justin can probably be traded. McCann can go either way at this time. Personally, I think the NL shift on him, his aging and physical profile, and cost all add up to him moving on. If the Braves continue and run long thru the playoffs, there will be some HUGE arbitration awards (Kimbrel, Freeman, Johnson and Heyward all will get rich this off season),

[Sheffield10]

You despise LeBron because you are a hater.

The guy took less money to be part of a dynasty and shape basketball in a different way. Instead of only thinking for himself, and his spotlight.

That's ridiculous.