Braves sign Jason Grilli
- Thread starter blueagleace1
- Start date
blueagleace1
Playing the Waiting Game
Gotcha, just remember John Hart saying he likes Hale in the bullpen/longman/6th starter role he was in last year. However, I could see Russell as a potential long man too.
chop2chip
Well-known member
Considering the guarantee covers only his arbitration years its not a good comparison to a guy on the open market.
Not comparing the two.
Just noting what Walden could've been retained for versus paying $8MM to a 38-year old aging veteran.
But, by all means, let's continue to rebuild!
blueagleace1
Playing the Waiting Game
I agree.. although wouldn't they be getting 1 free agent year with the option?
Walden had to be traded to get Miller/Jenkins back. Not sure how this is even something to discuss in this thread. There was no option to exclude Walden from the deal as far as we know.
1) I highly doubt that. But you are right, it doesn't matter. Again -- I'm just making an observation.
2) Really though ... on what planet is signing a 38 year old RELIEF pitcher to a multi-year deal, for team that won't contend, remotely baseball savvy?
Millwood1Hitter
Anytime Now Frankie...
Hart: "Look what we have here is a guy that is a quality veteran reliever in Grilli that can put zeros on the board. Look we assembled a pitching staff that will put up a lot if zeros, with great depth in the rotation as well as the pen. Look I assure you this is exciting and an enticing time to be a Braves fan, as, look I assure you we have an offense that as well is going to put up a lot of zeros, so, look what you have here is a team, when you look at it is going to give you good value for your money in the form of a lot of close low scoring games, as well as, look, the assumption that on any given day you can come to a game one day, and look still be at that same game the next day. Look we're gonna be in a lot if those extra inning games, and look you as a fan will have the capacity to do a lot of 2 for 1 value plans."
And if he has a good season (highly likely considering his last three years) then he can easily be flipped for a decent prospect.
blueagleace1
Playing the Waiting Game
More so since he won't be a rental.
chop2chip
Well-known member
The option is at 5.5 million which is a good deal.
blueagleace1
Playing the Waiting Game
I agree, was just stating that they are indeed getting an "extra year".
cajunrevenge
Well-known member
They can only be signing these washed up closers for one reason, trading Kimbrel. The braves way is not to pay closers. Better stock up on some rolaids.
chop2chip
Well-known member
(2) We have 20 million sitting in our budget. We could let that either (a) go unused and avoid long term obligations (b) spend it on a higher end FA (c) invest in marginal upgrades that can be traded later on for prospects
(C) is strategy that's been used quite successfully by the Cubs. I have liked what they've done. I hated seeing the guy go that we traded for Russell and Bonifacio.
I'm not suggesting there isn't any downside to signing 38 year old relievers. But if there is any downside, it's not much.
Metaphysicist
Not Actually Brian Hunter
So... we can trade Kimbrel now?
You kind of want 38 year old 'power' relief pitchers with declining velos signed to multi-year commitments to be rentals.
The "decline" has been very small the last three years.