Millwood1Hitter
Anytime Now Frankie...
That's a big assumption.
Miller market 'hot'
- Thread starter Hawk
- Start date
That's a big assumption.
I don't think it's that big considering he likely signs for 23-25 this off season.
chop2chip
Well-known member
You are slowly changing the topic. The question was whether paying an OF 20 mil in 2016 (Heyward) was the same as paying 20 mil to an OF in 2019 (Pollock), and whether that difference mattered if the team wasn't in contention. I say that was irrelevant because that money saved in 2016-2018 could be used towards building the next good Braves team (international free agents, signing free agents, trades, etc.). Being a contender isn't a prerequisite to being able to add pieces.
I don't think the potential difference for those 3 years is going to secure any long term assets. I think it will be filled on more players like Markakis.
chop2chip
Well-known member
You can choose to be subjective about what that money is spent on. It could be Markakis or it could be used to trade for Touki, huge international pool, etc.
The money saved can definitely be used to improve the team, so it's definitely unwarranted to say it doesn't matter.
50PoundHead
Hessmania Forever
I think Close and Heyward were determined to test free agency unless the Braves offered $25 MM per year for at least five years. And that might not have gotten it done. I think Close guessed right on a couple of fronts.
That's a completely separate matter, though. You judge the decision based on what it brings in against what it cost. It's cynical to suggest that a deal would be a poor one based on not believing the front office will utilize the new resources effectively.
It certainly is possible that they wanted to go to FA no matter what.
Well I guess we will see how the Braves spend that extra money the next couple of years that could have gone to Heyward.
Russ2dollas
10 yr, $185 million Extension
No idea what heyward wanted. But everything that I've seen says they are never close. Maybe braves made a big mistake but we will see.
If I'm going back in time I'm giving heyward better hitting coaches and seeing if he traces offensive potential instead of trying to lock him up.
From what I read he was going to be a free agent regardless
If I'm going back in time I'm giving heyward better hitting coaches and seeing if he traces offensive potential instead of trying to lock him up.
From what I read he was going to be a free agent regardless
zitothebrave
Connoisseur of Minors
I don't dislike Pollock. But he's not as valuable as Heyward given age, health history, etc.
Right now, Heyward is not as valuable as Pollock. Doesn't mean he won't eventually reach his level but until then Pollock is the better player
Pollock has done it for 1 full season. Heyward has had a career of being extremely valuable.
There's the matter of team control remaining and price. Right now Pollock is a better value.
Extremely valuable defensively
That is also true.
zitothebrave
Connoisseur of Minors
Looking at fWAR Pollock has amazing season with a 6.6 fWAR his other 2 were in the 3s. Jason has had 2 seasons in the 6s, 1 in 5s, 1 in 4s, 1 in 3s. Pollock has a lot of intriguing stuff. But if they were both at the exact same cost, you'd be taking a massive huge gigantic gamble that Pollock is legit, you know at worst with Heyward he's an above average hitter who's amazing in the bases and field.
chop2chip
Well-known member
I won't say you are wrong because I understand your point of view, but I think the Braves, or any team, would be justified in preferring a player like Pollock.
chop2chip
Well-known member
At this point is it much of a gamble? Per 600 PA, Pollock averages 5.3 WAR. That's incredible. By comparison, Jason Heyward averages 4.9 WAR per 600 PA's.