Where's the payroll increase, Frank?

As a fan, I know I probably shouldn't feel jipped by the Braves inability to add more payroll considering that Liberty Media is the one that has them by the testicles, however in November, Frank told the media that the Braves will increase payroll, and thus far, they haven't.

In fact, even if every single incentive, buyout, or bonus is factored into the equation, the Braves are still only at 90.5 million (maximum), which is a decrease of 2-3 million, depending on the amount of money the Pirates sent with Diaz (which was reported as "insignificant" by Braves' reporters).

Letting Cody Ross go to the Sox (which would have filled every need that we were looking for: RH hitter, backup to all OF position, cheap) for 3 million + incentives tells me that the payroll increase that was advertised in November is no longer on the table.

I'm glad the Braves have decided to keep Prado. I'm upset that the Braves haven't found a trading partner for Jurrjens, but happy that they didn't trade him for a bag of balls. However, I'm hacked off that the advertisement to increase payroll has, thus far, been false. If Cody Ross signing for 3 million doesn't solidify that the Braves have no money, then I don't know what else will.

Go Braves. You suck, Liberty Media!

4 months ago ryan c 11 comments 0 recs |

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Nice rant.

And we are in agreement about Liberty Media.

I’ve already commented about Wren apparently being constrained, limited and trying to maneuver around the problem as best he can, in the other Cody Ross fanshot thread.

by fandave on Jan 24, 2012 11:08 AM EST reply actions

The Opening Day Payroll last season was reported as $87 MM, it’s now $90 MM, there’s your increase.

Q: If not us, who? If not now, when? A: The Batman. And "when you least expect it."

by Lennox on Jan 24, 2012 12:01 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Midseason move(s)

Frank stated in an interview after signing Wilson that he was done for now unless he was blown away with a deal and that he’ll have flexibility around the deadline

by Jay212033 on Jan 24, 2012 12:01 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Reply not working, so this is in reply to Lennox...

The opening day payroll last year was 91 million. With additions of Diaz and Bourn, it increased to 93-94 million.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=0Ah4PW47PiAi-dEpLMUV5NDlubmF0YmpGQ21FYW1lOGc&output=html

Just Beachy here. How 'bout you?

by ryan c on Jan 24, 2012 12:13 PM EST reply actions

CBS Sports and Cots both have us around $87 MM Opening Day 2010, ESPN and USA Today both have us around $84 MM last year.

Q: If not us, who? If not now, when? A: The Batman. And "when you least expect it."

by Lennox on Jan 24, 2012 12:19 PM EST up reply actions

Actually Cots has us at around $84 MM last season too.

Q: If not us, who? If not now, when? A: The Batman. And "when you least expect it."

by Lennox on Jan 24, 2012 12:21 PM EST up reply actions

Ah, that’s 2010, never mind then.

Q: If not us, who? If not now, when? A: The Batman. And "when you least expect it."

by Lennox on Jan 24, 2012 12:26 PM EST up reply actions

Similar rant

What bugs me is the letter John Scheurholtz sent out after the Sept collapse. He said the Braves would address the problem and give the fans what they deserve in 2012. I’m ok with nearly standing pat, but it seems like that letter never should have been released if they weren’t going to do anything.

"An insult is an insult either way you fucked up freaked out wierd people want to spin it"

PhillyBrave Jan 18, 2012

by bighop on Jan 24, 2012 6:53 PM EST reply actions

Here's the letter

http://www.talkingchop.com/2011/10/6/2472921/john-schuerholz-sends-a-letter-to-braves-fans

"An insult is an insult either way you fucked up freaked out wierd people want to spin it"

PhillyBrave Jan 18, 2012

by bighop on Jan 24, 2012 6:56 PM EST up reply actions

I don’t think Scheurholtz and Wren wanted to stand pat, nor do I believe they failed to “focus[ ] throughout the off-season on … repairing our weaknesses ….”

We should be glad they didn’t pull the trigger on less than favorable trades; and be able to acknowledge that they simply didn’t have the money needed to get add established players, and don’t have control over the amount of money available to them.

by fandave on Jan 24, 2012 9:05 PM EST up reply actions