4/$45. Didn't see this elsewhere.
http://m.ajc.com/news/sports/baseball/braves-sign-markakis-to-4-year-44-million-deal/njLGk/
http://m.ajc.com/news/sports/baseball/braves-sign-markakis-to-4-year-44-million-deal/njLGk/
Markakis to Braves
- Thread starter BroodsSexton
- Start date
That's going to set Baltimore back (along with losing Cruz). I won't say he was the heart and soul of the Orioles, but ....
But what?dhellers said:
He was worth 6.0 bWAR and 5.8 fWAR over the last four years, is 31, and has a neck problem that may continue to hamper him.
Steve Pearce and David Lough were more valuable and they pulled them off the scrap heap (Duquette has a knack for this). Their right field is tiny so defense isn't as much of a priority there as it would be in other stadiums.
As for leadership or whatever, if anyone is their "heart and soul" it's Jones and Showalter seems to know what he's doing.
They'll be fine.
Toe Nash said:
He also had a knack for going to the well too often with these types (see: Troy O'Leary 2000-2001). They may well be fine, but it's somewhat risky assuming AAAA guys will continue to rake. Pearce had a 87 OPS+ over 847 PA coming into 2014. Perhaps he finally figured it all out (and he was a Jim Callis binky for years), but his HR/FB rate spike looks like an aberration.
Whether or not Markakis was worth an extension with the Orioles is another story altogether, though. Perhaps they think Urrutia can bounce back in case Pearce falters.
As a fan, I loved Nick for years. But I agree with not going 4years and 45 for declining production. He has not had much power since Sabathia broke his wrist in 2012 and his range in right is much less though he has reliable at bats, hits left handers and catches and throws well. We shall see how Dan plays this out, but I believe replacing Nicks production will not be difficult. Dariel Alvarez, not Urrutia, is the minor league guy to watch as to replacing Nick.
Braves thought process
1)Lets trade away Heyward,our best player, to do a bit of retooling and try to contend in a year or two
2) Lets sign a mediocre outfielder would will be bad in 2 years and owed money when we are trying to contend instead of trying to extend Heyward or Upton.
1)Lets trade away Heyward,our best player, to do a bit of retooling and try to contend in a year or two
2) Lets sign a mediocre outfielder would will be bad in 2 years and owed money when we are trying to contend instead of trying to extend Heyward or Upton.
GilaMonster said:
2a) signing a declining outfielder who is now considering neck surgery which may make his Opening Day availability questionable.
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal
Sources: Markakis leaning toward surgery to repair bulging disc in neck. Recovery time up to 12 weeks. #Braves knew of possibility.