I too acknowledge that this is the internet and I'm sure that colors your judgment as to what a "random poster" is saying on a forum (and perhaps rightfully so). Some long-standing posters here know my source and know that I'm legitimate, but I can't convince anyone of that nor will I do so. Just in case you are wondering, however, my source is very, very high up in the FO-- not a marketing intern. In addition, my firm is working on the stadium financing transaction- but that isn't why I am connected to said person (I have known him personally for more than 13 years).
(e) You yourself previously stated "[I said:
apparently they are apart on both years and AAV by a "significant margin"-- I have no details as to what that means... but I can tell you with Stanton projected to make over $300M, Casey has a good case for Jason at or slightly above $200 and the Braves aren't comfortable at that price point.[/I]" But now you are saying that you know that he was asking for $240-250m? That doesn't mean you are lying but it leads me to believe you might be making some assumptions based on limited info.
I'm not making any assumptions. The point I was trying to make was that I know what the ask was, but I did not know the limits to what the Braves were willing to go to ultimately. I know it was north of Freeman's value but obviously far less than what Excel believed Heyward's true value to be. I do now have an idea of what the ceiling the Braves would have offered was (my conversations aren't static in a point in time, mind you)-- and I don't see how they could have bridged that gap without going far beyond their comfort level. There was also discussion of an opt out- something Hart and JS do not like (much like the no-trade clause).
Come to your own conclusions. I do not - for one moment - doubt my source's information but obviously, it's the internet and discount that for what it's worth. I won't get my feelings hurt. But I'd also ask you to take into account the fact that I'm not a fly by night poster- what premium multiple you ascribe to that is not something I can control, however.
Ultimately said:
Like I said previously, I'm not a front office apologist. Just because I have a friend in the FO doesn't mean I'm not a fan first and foremost and that I didn't cringe when I learned of the trade. However knowing some of the details helped me understand that the FO believes its better for the team in the long run to go this route and I can't say I'm more experienced than they are. I am saddened that Jason is no longer a Brave but I'm also looking forward to seeing how the FO believes it can add value back - in different ways - while continuing to operate within their own fiscal comfort zone.
