A.J. Burnett Braves-Related Update

by gondeee on Dec 9, 2008 3:35 PM EST in Braves Related Free Agents

Earlier in the afternoon, Atlanta Braves beat writer Mark Bowman reported that the team was getting concerned that other clubs were jumping into the C.C. Sabathia sweepstakes, and that might prompt the Yankees to step up their offer for A.J. Burnett. He added this:

Currently the Braves are sitting back and evaluating the developments surrounding Burnett. Braves GM Frank Wren is expected to meet with Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker, later this week. But there hasn't been any indication that the two parties will meet on Tuesday.

We now hear this from K-Ros:

The agents for free-agent right-hander A.J. Burnett will meet again with the Braves on Tuesday.

So, to meet or not to meet. I know the Braves are probably getting nerveous that they might lose out on any high-end pitching. My guess is that they meet with Burnett's agents and say "here's a five-year guaranteed deal."

I still don't know how I would feel about that...

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Comments

If the choices are:

1. Offer a 5-year guaranteed deal to Burnett; or

2. Fail to sign a front-of-the-rotation starter;

Let’s just get it done. 2. is a less attractive option than 1.

by matches on Dec 9, 2008 3:42 PM EST reply actions

Agreed

Honestly, I think Burnett’s upside is enough to make this a plausible choice. I do not want to strike out on every big name pitcher we’re going after.

by iLukeisamazing on Dec 9, 2008 4:01 PM EST up reply actions

i don’t even care anymore. just get the deal done this week, be it with us or someone else. i’m so sick of hearing the name AJ burnett.

I probably care about sports way too much. Like, waaaaaaaaay too much.

by bigjoe on Dec 9, 2008 4:07 PM EST reply actions

I hear Jon Garland turned down arbitration from the Angels, and is hitting the market.

No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.

by royhobbs on Dec 9, 2008 4:09 PM EST up reply actions

i hear he’s looking for a place to stay in atlanta, and he’s into scrawny little men that travel and are VT alums

I probably care about sports way too much. Like, waaaaaaaaay too much.

by bigjoe on Dec 9, 2008 4:12 PM EST up reply actions

But

Michael Vick and DeAngelo Hall don’t live here anymore.

No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.

by royhobbs on Dec 9, 2008 4:16 PM EST up reply actions

that was pretty good, i’ll give you that

I probably care about sports way too much. Like, waaaaaaaaay too much.

by bigjoe on Dec 9, 2008 4:17 PM EST up reply actions

i know, i say we bring back hearing Peavy ever 5 minutes.

by SayHeyWerd on Dec 9, 2008 4:12 PM EST up reply actions

Think of it this way. The Yanks are reportedly offering somewhere in the range of 4 years, $64 million. If we make our deal with a guaranteed 5th year, it would be 5 years, $75 million. That means an extra year for Burnett is likely only worth $11 million, which in this day is a good bargain for a 1-2 starter.

Let’s just hope he stays healthy.

by coldriver10 on Dec 9, 2008 4:08 PM EST reply actions

You make a good point and I agree, the Braves are going to have to guarantee that 5th year for us to have any chance. The bigger concern now is that is the Yanks mis-out on Sabathia then there is nothing stopping them from offering a guaranteed 5th year for more money.

by scstrato on Dec 9, 2008 4:11 PM EST up reply actions

I agree, though they’ve reportedly offered (or are talking about offering) a 2 year deal to Sheets worth $15 or $16 million per year. I’m not sure they’re going to want to spend more than $30 million on two pitchers.

by coldriver10 on Dec 9, 2008 4:14 PM EST up reply actions

but it's the Yanks

If they miss on CC I expect all hell to break loose on the FA market. LOL

Off topic, didn’t I read that you’re from NC? I’m curious about your handle coldriver, are you a river rat or is that a personal moniker?

by scstrato on Dec 9, 2008 4:26 PM EST up reply actions

haha yep, I’m from NC. And the handle is a nickname of mine because that’s what my last name means in another language.

by coldriver10 on Dec 9, 2008 4:46 PM EST up reply actions

Oops, not that this matters, but I’m from Florida but live in NC.

by coldriver10 on Dec 9, 2008 4:47 PM EST up reply actions

My wife is from Florida as well, Orlando native. She likes it here in the Spring/Summer but hates the Fall/Winter. Was it hard to adjust to having four seasons for you as well?

by scstrato on Dec 9, 2008 5:13 PM EST up reply actions

WNC native here. I recently took up fly-fishing but can’t get anyone to give me info on their honey holes (excellent fishing spots). Was hoping you spent a lot of time on the rivers of NC and could help. Oh well, at least I’ve got a new, fairly local beer to try (Red Oak).

by scstrato on Dec 9, 2008 5:06 PM EST up reply actions

Wow, you have a great memory. Red Oak is an awesome beer, unless you’re into really hoppy beers in which case you may not like it. It’s been only available at bars and in kegs, but I stopped by their brewery and was told they’re going to start bottling in the 6 mos – 1 year.

Yeah, I’m sorry I can’t help you out with the fishing. Where in NC are you? A good friend of mine is from near Asheville, I can ask him if he knows of any and get back to you. And the winters really aren’t so bad here (I’m in central NC). It gets colder than I’d like, but I’ve been here 7 years so I’m used to it. Fall is gorgeous, though.

by coldriver10 on Dec 9, 2008 5:29 PM EST up reply actions

Yep, i’m from Asheville. We’ve got a couple of really good micro-breweries here, but haven’t seen Red Oak yet. I keep good mental notes when someone mentions beer, just wish I could apply that trait in other facets of my life.

I appreciate you offering to talk to your friend, but I’m sure I’ll eventually find the best spots. Thanks anyway though!

by scstrato on Dec 9, 2008 6:36 PM EST up reply actions

Not a problem. Best of luck!

(and let me know what you think when you finally do try Red Oak)

by coldriver10 on Dec 9, 2008 6:52 PM EST up reply actions

Rosenthal says the price of Burnett could go up to 5 years 100 MILL! if the Yankees mis out on C.C. Better lock em up fast!!!

by SayHeyWerd on Dec 9, 2008 4:25 PM EST reply actions

Ugh...

I’m really not big on giving Burnett 4 years, much less five. He’s got an injury history as long as Joliet Jake’s wrap sheet.

That being said, with the Vasquez trade the Braves do seem to be in a better position to contend for a playoff berth in 2009. It’s a tough position to be in, but I think that the front office needs to put their foots down on a limit – four years plus a club option, 15 million base salary with incentives based on IP that could take it up to 20 million per. No NTC. Take it or leave it. The idea of being on the hook for five years/90 million with Burnett is pretty scary.

by BraveBronco0121 on Dec 9, 2008 4:51 PM EST reply actions