I could def see payroll goin up to about $130. Even more if we could rework our tv deal. Simmons, Minor, Heyward, Upton would be the order I would work the next extensions. This all gives Wren a clear picture of our payroll for the next 5 years or so. Don't be surprised to see him target an ace at the deadline either.
This is a fundamental (and common) misunderstanding about our payroll. The Braves might not be in Philadelphia territory in terms of dollar flexibility, but it is pretty clear they are no longer a $100MM team. No payroll has been set for this season, much less next. It isn't outside of the realm of possibility that Atlanta be closer to $150MM+ when the team transitions to the new stadium in Cobb.
This contract is a steal for Atlanta, there's really little argument against it. The base AAV ($10.6MM) puts things in perspective -- it's only $600K more than Jim Johnson is being paid this season, at age 31, by the Oakland A's (a solidly small payroll team).
I think we can keep both. Provided they want to play here.
Take a look at the three most recent MLB parks to open, and the way those teams' payrolls trended upward in the two years prior.
[Miami Marlins]
2012: $101,628,000
2011: $ 57,695,000
2010: $ 47,429,719
Increase: ~$54MM
[St. Louis Cardinals]
2010: $ 97,659,167
2009: $ 65,299,266
2008: $ 56,932,766
Increase: ~$41MM
[New York Mets]
2009: $149,373,987
2008: $137,793,376
2007: $115,231,663
Increase: ~$34MM
The Cardinals stadium opened in 2006.
Thanks, that was actually the info for the Twins.
I don't remember too many complaints the consensus was that Lowe was still good and without him we don't make the playoffs in 2010
This is a fundamental (and common) misunderstanding about our payroll. The Braves might not be in Philadelphia territory in terms of dollar flexibility, but it is pretty clear they are no longer a $100MM team. No payroll has been set for this season, much less next. It isn't outside of the realm of possibility that Atlanta be closer to $150MM+ when the team transitions to the new stadium in Cobb.
I almost wonder if we're going to have to (and should) wait until next off-season to lock up Simmons. If the sides are truly that far apart on the offensive side of things, give him a season to show improvement there and we can see what we've got.
Nice deal...never thought they'd be able to afford Kimbrel...glad I was wrong, and glad he was willing to sign for this.
It's a good question.
But what if he has a very good year offensively and will cost more to sign?
Not bad to try to sign him now at a little discount (Longo's first, MadBum, Goldy among others) were discounts.
Im not sure what type of numbers are being thrown out though, years as well.
But what if he has a very good year offensively and will cost more to sign?
CK's deal appears to have a decent amount of incentives.
Maybe we can do that with Simmons. Lock him down and then use incentives to pay him for offense if it comes. If they do, I just hope they use OPS vs avg or HR.