Braves Meeting with Lester

Dalyn said:
If we are going to build a monster rotation, the team really needs Justin to stick around. But I do think, as I mentioned, that Minor is ideal for unloading BJ's contract.
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I actually would prefer to lock up Justin but not sure how open he would be to that if BJ is unloaded. Justin has proven he can actually carry a team offensively. That has tremendous value over some phantom defensive metrics.
 
ramadon101 said:
Look - I'm no front office apologist but how many damn times do I have to tell you guys that the Braves tried to negotiate an extension with Heyward but he and Casey Close were always insisting on a comp package well north of $200m (with an opt out too, mind you) or that they felt it was in Heyward's best interest to test the FA waters after 2015? What do you want Hart to do if they did not feel comfortable paying Jason $220 or $240m? Just let him walk next offseason with a measly draft pick?

Get over it.
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In my wildest dreams I was thinking 8\200 and was thinking that was high. WOW.
 
ramadon101 said:
Yes. Under Wren's administration it occurred during last offseason's arb discussions. Hart was involved at that time as well in the structuring of the long-term extensions for our guys. Heyward wanted something well north of what Freeman got and it became clear both sides felt there was no way to "bridge the valuation gap" (i.e., Heyward wanted to be paid like a premier player; the Braves were hesitant because they did not want to pay him like a premier offensive and defensive player when his bat hasn't yet hit his once projected ceiling)-- hence the two year arb buyout just to get into this offseason. All further extension talks were tabled.

Then John C and Billy Ryan (among others) had ongoing discussions over the past month with Casey Close at Excel. Casey was adamant that any reasonable offer needs to start above $220 and even then Heyward was tempted to test the FA waters. There was also discussion of an opt out. The Braves still did not feel he was worth that much (I have no indication as to what they did feel was reasonable, but I do know it was north of what they agreed to with Freeman) and that was that.

What do you want them to do in light of same? It was VERY clear that Heyward wanted top dollar and there was never any suggestion or offer that he would take any form of a hometown discount (on either AAV or the years) to stay here long term.
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Thanks
 
I can't see it happening. Also not sure it's the best use of our limited resources. We need offense so unless signing Lester means trading Minor plus for offense I'm not sure it makes sense.
 
I don't fully understand how this would really improve us much this year, but apparently Chris Johnson being traded is becoming a bit of a idea as well. (Per rumors I hear) So, I guess we are seeing this team move to dominant pitching and decent offense? I'd love to sign Lester, move Chris and sign Headley. Trading BJ/Minor for even a prospect would be fantastic. I trust Hale in the 5 spot. Lester, Teheran, Miller, Wood, Hale. That's incredible good and without a doubt keep up with the Nats, Mets or Marlins.
 
I just don't think spending all your resources to have 5 great pitchers is the smartest thing. If we were to be lucky enough to make the playoffs....most likely two of those guys aren't even playing. If we sign Lester I think we need to trade Minor for offense. But I also think our best bet is to role with Teheran, Wood, Miller, Minor, and a veteran like Masterson
 
What about handicapping the fans here? A lot of you are acting like you are handicapped. Quit bitching already.
 
Maybe just maybe Lester is one of those rare players that money isn't everything and wants to be here. I doubt it but he does make home here, so who knows. We will still have to pay him no doubt, but if he is willing to take a slightly below market deal to come here, then lets do it.....and that would so be the polar opposite of cough....cough....Hey.....Pay.....Ward....Cough....Cough....Cough
 
I don't understand why Hart would trade away offense for pitching, and then sign more pitching at $20M+ per year well into that pitcher's decline phase. Especially when the Braves were one of the worst offensive clubs in the game and have several terrible offensive position players that should be replaced. The team is down to 3 good/great hitters, and the rest are pretty much garbage offensively.

If Hart is looking to spend big money then he needs to be looking to add offense. The best source of offense right now is probably the Cubans that are currently flocking to the MLB. Sign some of those guys (Moncada and Tomas) please.
 
Enscheff said:
I don't understand why Hart would trade away offense for pitching, and then sign more pitching at $20M+ per year well into that pitcher's decline phase. Especially when the Braves were one of the worst offensive clubs in the game and have several terrible offensive position players that should be replaced. The team is down to 3 good/great hitters, and the rest are pretty much garbage offensively.

If Hart is looking to spend big money then he needs to be looking to add offense. The best source of offense right now is probably the Cubans that are currently flocking to the MLB. Sign some of those guys (Moncada and Tomas) please.
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My guess is that we are going to package Minor/BJ together to shed that contract. Lester is only going to be here if he is going to sign at a discount.
 
thethe said:
My guess is that we are going to package Minor/BJ together to shed that contract. Lester is only going to be here if he is going to sign at a discount.
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Seems unwise to sell low on Minor, and I still disagree with using assets to unload BJ. If the idea is to contend in 2017, just keep all the talent assets and let BJ play out his terrible contract.
 
Enscheff said:
Seems unwise to sell low on Minor, and I still disagree with using assets to unload BJ. If the idea is to contend in 2017, just keep all the talent assets and let BJ play out his terrible contract.
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I think they will look at it as saving BJ's money while also trading someone (Minor) who is going to get too expensive before 2017.
 
Hawk said:
BillShanks

@BillShanks

Remember when Andruw Jones almost got traded to the Red Sox, the three players coming back to ATL were Jon Lester, Craig Hansen & Coco Crisp

Ok.
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Remember!
 
Dalyn's scenario makes a lot of sense. I wouldn't be surprised to see it happen. Well, I guess I would be surprised because the idea of Lester actually signing with us for a discount seems unlikely.
 
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