Just when I write that the Braves haven’t done much this off season, I read they have offered A.J. Burnett a four year deal with an additional fifth year option. Money has not been released but it’s reportedly between $15 and 16 million annually. While it’s not exactly the five year guaranteed contract Burnett’s agent Darek Braunecker has been babbling about, according to the article the option year is “very attainable.”
So now the Braves must sit and wait to hear back. According to things I’ve read, they are just one team in a race of about six (Besides Atlanta, it includes the Phillies, Orioles, Red Sox, Yankees and Blue Jays) that are interested in his services. The Yankees are expected to make a play for him if not already, very very soon. However, Braunecker says Burnett will not make any decisions until the winter meetings, when he and his client plan to meet with teams.
Even with the acquisition of Vazquez, the Braves need a front line starter and Burnett definitely fills that description. I’m a bit nervous about his injury filled past (I believe he’s had 10 trips to the DL in his career), but last year’s stats, 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA and 231 strikeouts are not too bad. However, just glancing at his career numbers, I’m not too impressed with anything besides his strike out average (204). Otherwise, he’s never won more than 18 games in a season or had an ERA better than 3.30 and has only reached 200 or more innings three times in his ten year career.
If the Burnett thing doesn’t work out, the Braves have made inquiries to Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez’s people. Translation, they’re screwed. Honestly, I’m not worried. I look at 2009 as the first step in recreating a dynasty. So they don’t get three top of the line pitchers in one off-season. What about in the 2009 off season? What about the additional development of prospects in the Braves farm system? What about waiting for Tim Hudson to come back? Look when you overhaul your wardrobe you don’t buy 10 dresses, five pairs of pants, 7 sweaters, 8 shirts, 3 going out tops, 10 pairs of shoes and 3 handbags in one day. You slowly grow your wardrobe by buying a few key items (like Tim Gunn’s 10 essential items) and then add from there. The Braves need to realize they shouldn’t tie up all of their finances now on players that do not pan out quite as expected or are frankly not worth the money spent just out of desperation; they should fill their holes with quality players worth the money they're given.
News&Notes: Click here to see a piece of Thursday's press conference welcoming Javier Vazquez to the team.
(Photo: Reuters; source)
Friday, December 5, 2008
Atlanta awaiting response from Burnett
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2 comments:
Kate
I don't hold much opposition to the moves that Wren has made thus far. Vasguez is a good one as long as we remember him as he is...a solid #3. David Ross is a good backup C and as has been stated, an upgrade from the Corkster. If Burnett is indeed signed over the next week I think that one would have to look at the Bravos as the most aggressive of all MLB teams in addressing their needs. Having said that there are questions that remain...Which Francouer will play RF in '09? Will it be the young developing star who was an RBI machine in his first two full seasons or will he be the singular embodiment of the '08 season for the Braves. Will he turn out to be Dwight Evans or Joe Charboneau? I still think that Kelly Johnson should be either moved to LF (my preference) or moved in a trade for a LF who would bat 6th or 7th in the order, with good power and production from the bottom 3rd of the order. Kelly is a developing offensive talent but he can't provide us with the defense that wins pennants. I seriously doubt that you could get a Ludwick in a deal for him unless prospects were added from our direction. One bright spot from this season was seeing enought of Martin Prado to believe that he could be THAT GUY at 2b. Josh Anderson or Gregor Blanco had extended auditions and were good enought to warrent consideration as either starters in CF or qualified bench/role players. I need to see more of Kotchman to be convinced that he will be the answer for the next 2 to 3 years until the system can produce a qualified successor. Let's not forget that as spring training came to a close and the '08 season began, knowledgeable baseball men made the Braves their pick in the east. Of course, the injuries and poor performance soon followed and the season became one of what might have been. However, if Burnett signs we could have the makings of the finest staff in the NL with Burnett, Jurjens, Vasgues, Campillo, and a choice of several at the 5 slot (Morton, Hanson, James). Add to that the prospect of a Smoltz, who is ahead of schedule and received glowing reports for his side session today. and you can see where things could be very interesting. I tend to take the high road when considering the prospect of upcoming seasons for the Braves but if we get Burnett and can get a solid bat for LF I like their chances.
One player I would like to see the Braves pursue is Eric Byrnes for LF. Solid power (20-23 HRs) speed (30 bags) acceptable defense and an all-out gamer in every way. It is this kind of player that makes the difference in teams. He sets a tone and he is the kind of player who helps to win championships.
Thoughts to keep us warm in at the end of the year...
In closing, a legend calls it quits on Monday. Greg Maddux who blessed us with his talents for much of the 90's will retire and we will tell our grandkids about his greatness. God Bless him as he moves on in life.
Thanks
Mike De LaHoz
Great comment! I may sound like I'm throwing away 2009, but I'm not. I do agree that if the Braves pick up Burnett, they'll have the makings of a very good starting rotation. With great pitching comes great teams. However, as it is, I see the Braves sitting somewhere in the middle of the pack, not battling the Nationals for the cellar, but not battling the Phillies and Mets for a playoff spot either. And remember when you look back at the start of 2008 the Braves had Mark Teixeira, a player I don't see the Braves currently having an offensive equal at this moment. And yeah, Francoeur is a huge question mark.
I would be more than happy to eat my glass half empty words, but I'd prefer not to get my hopes up until I see what the team is like come spring training. Plus I think the Braves have a bunch of players in their system that keep getting better, but are not quite where they need to be to help transform the team into perennial contenders hence my looking towards 2010 as the year they return to their 90s and early 2000s form.
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