Braves agree to 3-year extension with Chris Johnson

I don't see the point in this extension. I was predicting CJ was going to be a non-tender candidate this coming offseason, so why lock the team into any contract with such a mediocre player? Wouldn't it be better to have the flexibility to just cut him loose?

No way in hell that option is ever picked up.
 
sturg33 said:
Arb numbers love them some batting average so his arb numbers could have been a little high
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That's one of those little subtleties that needs to be taken into account. Certain types of players (high batting average hitters, closers) get overpaid by the arb process. So everything else equal you want to avoid going through arbitration with them. Others (such as those with high defensive value) get underpaid by the arb process. Everything else equal you do want to take those players year by year.
 
I must say, we take it for granted being on a board with intelligent posters... I just checked the Atlanta Braves' facebook and here are some of the comments about this Johnson signing:

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Stephen BrowneCut Heyward, Uggla, and BJ. Bring in some kids who are hungry.

Guillermo Companioni We have the homerun hitters but we lack in a steady batter that can keep 300, simmons and johnson needs to be those guys but we need to bat them 2nd and fifth right in between the big batters heyward needs to drop down to eight to see better pitches until he gets of the funk he is in.great grab.i am glad we building a championship team with all these signings

Joshua Nordan Cj deserves it why so much hate from fickle fans. In case you won't paying attention he was 3 for 3 with a walk last night

Chuck White Thank goodness. Finally we make a deal with someone who can hit.

Joseph Kelly It should be longer.. Were talking about a .300+ hitter here

Michael A. Platt The NEW Face of the Braves!!!

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There were others that insinuated that CJ was our best hitter... I tried my best to preach the truth to the crowd but they're not having it. ALthough there's more and more people on there asking if people are insane.
 
Enscheff said:
I don't see the point in this extension. I was predicting CJ was going to be a non-tender candidate this coming offseason, so why lock the team into any contract with such a mediocre player? Wouldn't it be better to have the flexibility to just cut him loose?

No way in hell that option is ever picked up.
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Its funny because when he was aquired most people questioned why the braves even wanted him. Then he goes out and almost wins a batting title. Sure he might be a mediocre player in reality but its better than a black hole at 3b. Mediocre players make 8-12 million in free agency.

Also of that 23.5 mill some is probably a buyout for the team option. I would guess 1.5 mill so it would be 22 mill over 3 years with a 10 mill team option with 1.5 buyout.
 
50PoundHead said:
I think Mauer did give the Twins a bit of a discount (at least that's the impression here in Minnesota). He's a Minnesota kid (and a really nice guy) and Hrbek (also a Minnesota kid) gave the the Twins a hometown discount (and he was pretty public about it while Mauer wasn't). The press rides him here a bit in Minnesota, but the New York press would crucify the guy because he's one of those players who doesn't appear to like to play when he's nicked up even a little bit.
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I hear Mauer's dad is a huge jerk. Has something to do with his car dealership. Yeah Mauer is pretty down to earth I have heard too. Cretin-Derham Hall product.
 
cajunrevenge said:
Its funny because when he was aquired most people questioned why the braves even wanted him. Then he goes out and almost wins a batting title. Sure he might be a mediocre player in reality but its better than a black hole at 3b. Mediocre players make 8-12 million in free agency.
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Yeah, there was a loud cheering section for Juan Francisco, which soon quieted down.
 
This is a fine deal. CJ would've likely earned more going one year at a time (and without the comfort of security).
 
I think this shows you where the Braves are convinced salaries are going to go. This seems like a cost certainty extension. I think the Braves expect salaries to jump dramatically and they are looking to lock guys down.

5 million per win will be a bargain in a few years, it may move closer to 8 or even 10 over the next 5 years.

3B is an oddly bad position across the majors. 10 million for one year of CJ with an option might be a very tradeable contract in a few years.

I don't love it, but I get it. Seems more of an indictment on the state of the 3B farm system and the ability to get a 3B via trade, draft, or FA.
 
Knucksie said:
Yeah, there was a loud cheering section for Juan Francisco, which soon quieted down.
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I liked Francisco and I still do. I just don't like him in the context of this team. We have too many all or nothing hitters as it is. Francisco is just overkill.
 
Knucksie said:
Yeah, there was a loud cheering section for Juan Francisco, which soon quieted down.
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Within the organization, too: I remember reading a quote early last Spring Training where a Braves scout said, 'We've got Little Panda' -- or something along those lines.

Francisco is still so young (26). I could see him blossoming late much like David Ortiz, José Batista, etc.
 
Lukewarm on the deal, if it was 7M a year on average It would be in the minimum amount for like. Right now it's a touch over. So I'm in the ehhh. It's not a bad contract, Johnson likely is worth 24M in at least 2 years maybe less, but I don't think it's honestly necessary but I guess it just goes to show the faith the Braves have in other 3B options.
 
Yeah, I also think this deal reflects what we have in the way of 3B in the minors: Nothing. Good 3B don't become available, and CJ is at worst a decent hitter. Not sure where a better offensive 3B would come from.
 
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