11
2013
Latest On Bourn: Cubs, Mariners, Rangers, Indians Interest Greater Than Being Reported
An article by Hojo's Mojo
Updated at 3:30 PM by Joe D.
Following up on the tiny bit of updates coming in today on the Mets and their pursuit of Michael Bourn, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, believes the Mets’ path is still cloudy.
Maybe the New York Mets can pull the whole thing off and sign free-agent center fielder Michael Bourn without losing their first-round pick, Rosenthal says. ”But he Mets’ path to Bourn still might not be clear.”
Other clubs might have greater interest in Bourn than is being reported currently — and those clubs could sign Bourn without needing to wait for the union and baseball to resolve the draft-pick question, potentially in arbitration.
Rosenthal says the Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs all have interest.
There also seems to be some growing tension about what Nick Cafardo reported earlier today regarding the MLBPA negotiating with MLB on the Mets behalf to protect the pick. Some are viewing this as unfair to the other teams in the chase.
Updated at 12:00 PM by Joe D.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe updates the situation on Michael Bourn as it pertains to the Mets:
That is a significant development that could mean the Mets are very well still in the thick of it for gold glove centerfielder Michael Bourn.
I’m starting to believe that this could really happen…
Michael Bourn could very well be the Mets Opening Day centerfielder.
Remember that the Mets have always asserted that they wouldn’t push the protected pick issue unless they negotiations with Bourn had progressed to the point where a deal is very much possible.
There could very well be an offer on the table.
Original Post 2/9
Here are two significant updates from Jim Bowden of ESPN XM Radio:
According to a team source that is involved in the Bourn negotiations, the free agent outfielder is likely to end up with an average annual salary in the $14-15 million dollar range.
“With Victorino getting an average annual salary of $13 million,” Bowden says. “And with Bourn turning down a qualifying offer of $13 million, it only makes sense that he would get north of that.”
A league source also told Bowden that if the Mets were able to sign Michael Bourn, negotiations with the MLBPA will most likely culminate in their first round pick being protected.
This is really going to boil down to whether the Mets and Bourn can come to an agreement, and if those numbers are right, his price really hasn’t come down all that much at all. Scott Boras has been looking for that range of annual dollars all Winter long.
Also, according to Andy Martino of the Daily News, while the Mets remain very motivated to sign free-agent center fielder Michael Bourn, they won’t make a deal if it
- will cost them their first round draft pick.
It turns out that the decision about the draft pick would be in hands of an independent arbitrator, not the commissioner’s office. Here is how the process could work:
The players association could file a grievance on behalf of Bourn, a Type A free agent, at any time before or after he signs a contract.
The union could then argue that since the Mets were the 10th-worst team in baseball in 2012, they should have a protected pick, and be able to sign Bourn without losing it.
I’m not sure if this means the Mets would have to roll the dice and actually sign Bourn before it goes as far as filing a grievance, scheduling an arbitration hearing, and then waiting for a decision to be rendered. It kind of sounds to me that none of this will happen until the Mets actually sign Bourn which would be a gamble that could go either way for the Mets.
Martino says that while the Player’s Union can file a grievance arguing that the Mets were one of the ten worst teams and therefor the pick should be protected, MLB has a solid counter argument on their side:
In a hearing, Major League Baseball could argue that the CBA says nothing about the 10 worst teams deserving a protected pick, no matter how the Mets wish to interpret it.
MLB could also argue that it is unfair to all other teams to allow one club to re-interpret the rules in the middle of the offseason. What if, that reasoning goes, another team emerges to say that it would have considered Bourn under the circumstances that the Mets are requesting?
This is getting very interesting to say the least.
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Interesting indeed.
‘The players association could file a grievance on behalf of Bourn, a Type A free agent, at any time before or after he signs a contract.’
Are those Martino’s words or wording in the CBA agreement? ‘Cause correct me if I’m wrong but there is no such thing as a Type A free agent anymore.
You’re correct, no such thing.
As for his value, that number range can’t be considered anymore. You can’t compare what Victorino got to what Bourn will get. Victorino signed his deal 3 months ago when demand for center fielders was high. The main teams that needed CF’s were Giants, Redsox, Phillies, Nats, Braves. Once those 5 main teams are off the board as they are currently, the demand no longer exceeds the supply.
The current teams looking at Bourn (i.e. Indians and Mets) would have never bid on Bourn if those other teams were still in play because it would mean they have to pay 14-15mil a year over 4 or 5 year. However that is no longer a true value, at best Bourn will get an offer of 4 years 42 million or 3 years 35 million. No team is giving him more, and no team will give a one year deal because signing him for 1 year and losing a 1st round pick just isn’t worth it.
If Bourn has not signed with anyone by Feb 25th, he is in big trouble because the remaining offers on the table will only go down.
actually…if one of those teams offering him a 1 year deal is among the first 10 picks, they can keep the pick and Boras/Bourne have their 1 year deal. Everybody happy
Kind of wish this would be taken care of by now, one way or another. Getting tired of reading about nothing with this.
Getting tired of reading about nothing with this”
That’s called blowing smoke… if we’re not punting in 2013 then why not add help to the team, while i don’t think ths guy is anything special, he fits certain need the team lacks, speed, defense and a lead off hitter. he let reyes go, the least he could do is bring in someone who in some terms is similar to him.
this is obviously an issue that has to be addressed before next off seaosn. so I don’t quite understand why they just don’t do it, and settle the matter, right now. Why wait for a team to officially request a review? Really sounds illogical, even by the standards of Seligville.
It is a joke. The ten worst teams get a bye. That Pitt pick is not for last year.
It’s not a joke, it’s a grey area. Granted, the league and PA should have seen this coming, but still, a grey area.
Sandy says the Mets won’t sign Bourn unless guaranteed their protected pick. The draft pick cannot be guaranteed until after an appeal is submitted, either by the Mets, the player’s union or Foghorn Leghorn.
Why is it that the Mets have yet to file an appeal so to get the issue settled?
the way I understood the initial reports (not that it made any logical sense) is that they had to bascially have a deal in place, and submit that to MLB, for them to make the ruling. They can’t just say give us the ruling first.
Gotta squeeze bora$ and if ruling came before signing, bora$ gains hand.
Hi If,
Don’t know one way or the other with all the conflicting stories going around. Last week USA TODAY wrote:
“The Mets are planning on asking baseball for an exception arguing that they earned a top 10 spot by finishing with one of the worst records in baseball, and that they should have to only give up a second pick. The ruling in favor of the Mets is unlikely and if it were in favor of the team, New York would entice Bourn to lower his price.”
I would think Sandy would want the issue settled before signing Bourn because he wants to retain that protected draft selectio for if it can’t, he is not the one to gake such a gamble.
Of course, I don’t trust Sandy on these issues and for all we know this is the Mets way of allowing the media to make a story which makes them look good.
Hi Joey,
Politics make strange bed fellows: Hillary and Obama.
Alderson and Borus: The Miser and the Con Man.
I believe Borus being Harvery’s agent makes the two of them strang bed fellows;
Sandy can clarify the loss of first round pick by one of the ten worst teams and give all agents leverage now and in the future.
Borus also has Krod who wants to be a closer again which the Megts need..
Borus wants the Mets back in the steak aisle to put his hands on the scales and do con jobs.
Sandy would like to avoid Harvey becoming a FA,
Stay tuned.
Hi Hotstreak,
Let’s face it, the team might be dull but the front office is anything but that.
What about working out some 3 way trade, so the Met’s are not directly trading for Bourn. This may also protect their draft pick. Although, this trade/work around may be not be approved by the league.
Can somebody please get my the arbitrators contact info.
I’d like to “bribe” him so he does NOT protect the draft pick, so we DONT sign Bourn.
Please. I mean, we signed Cory Patterson. I thought he could always run too, which is what Bourn is good for. Nothing more. Defense? I am sure you can find a defensive OF who cant hit. Giving this guy 15 million dollars a year is ridiculous
It was a League source that told Bowden if the Mets were able to sign Bourn that it is likely through negotiations with the union the pick would be protected.
https://twitter.com/jimbowdenespnxm/status/299589476383072256
If what Bowden said is true the devil is in the details….
If they are talking AVERAGE value that means they are trying to backload it (or frontload it but back load makes more sense) and don’t really intend to keep him for the duration…
Makes some sense but it will mean eating some money later on to trade him.
What was Reyes’ average salary? 6/100 so that’s like 16.6 a year? LOL
Good point. Jose is a much better player. Don’t sign Borne Sandy. Stay with the PLAN. Whatever is…..
whatever the plan is, signing Bourn to a 3 year deal has no effect on it whatsoever as Brandon Nimmo wont even make his debut by the time Bourn’s contract would expire…
Reyes got 10/10//16/23/23/23. Bourn wont sniff anywhere near that in length or dollars nor should he.
Reyes was also a 28 SS coming off a batting title
If Bourn was 28, im sure he would be looking for a 6 year deal too
I am praying day and night that this deal happens.
Go for it Sandy, balls to the wall!
If that’s the price we should pass.
Not interesting, and not worth it. Look at this guy’s comps- he’s Roger Cedeno without he power.
I’ve always wondered why he thought he was a power hitter. When he went to Houston, who told him he that? Dude never hit 10 HR in a season and his SLG broke .400 once.
But, when he comes back here, he’s got this huge upper cut swing and he’s hacking so hard, you could hear him grunting from the mezzanine.
Cedeno is to Bourn defensively what Lucas Duda is to Carlos Beltran.
Bourn would be a fine addition, 14+ million annually is a bit steep if it’s more than 3 years. And obviously the draft pick question has to be solved first.
King Felix is apparently not going to hit the open market. 7 years, 175 mil.
Can you imagine what Verlander & Kershaw are gonna get now? Especially Kershaw.
Well, last time Felix signed, Verlander did the same for slightly more, so I would assume the same will happen this time? 7 year, 182 mil?
Whoa, that’s a king’s ransom.
Worth EVERY penny…
Honestly, I thought he’d get more on the open market. He must love Seattle.
That is CRAZY, for a career .272/.339/.365 hitter?? What is everyones obsession with this guy? I know he plays a great CF, and we need OFs, but if thats his price, NO THANK YOU! Hes another Chone Figgins.
I TOTALLY agree.
His numbers, OBP, & AGE dont constitute a conract of the size he wants.
Only because those dumba$$es overpaid for the flyin hawaiin doesnt mean a team should overspend for a player whos agent has convinced him he has more value than he does.
This is a case of some blindsided Mets fans wanting the front office to make a deal just to make one.
This contract will bite us in the ass if we give him $14-15M a year for EVEN ONE year.
SA may just be feigning interest in Bourn to help slimy Boras raise his price w/whatever other team(s) are interested, so we may get a “bye” in a few years when having to shell out a contract for Harvey, which Boras represents.(Not that I would trust that a snake-oil salesman like Boras could be trusted).
If the deal with bourn wasn’t happening, now there’s your real reaon… Got pitbull on this deal and bark the hell of it. not worth it. then again, we just gave $138 million to a guy who’s not worth it either so….
Hey Alex!
Everyone says Alderson will be defined by Wheeler and D’Arnaud. I say it will be that Wright and Bourn deal if it happens.
Very well could Maniac. ANY thing over 3 years for Bourn is stretching it and anything close to 5/75 will result in Jason Bourn… oh that’s too close to the other, Michael Bay.
Maniac, too bad alderson (Pray to god) won’t be here much longer to watch both of them play and see the return he got back for a CY Winner and an all star…
Why are people acting like they don’t know what’ll happen?
We’ll get him, lose the draft pick, overpay him, get one year out of him, then he’ll get hurt and never be the same,…
Case closed… there just saved a lot of time.
GW, or… or…. We don’t get him, and just as we thought, sandy was just blowing smoke to the fans as he’s been for the past 3 years, only this time, he’s within his rights. but if you think of it, the guy fits THREE NEEDS of ours, leadoff, CF defense and speed, so…..
You’re crazy, good leadoff hitters dont have his numbers.
You need to get on base, not strikeout and/or be able to draw walks consistently. None of which he is capable of, ESPECIALLY at that price.
PASS !!!
what is the avg OBP for a leadoff hitter?
Or not get him, our CF will bat .105 and we will draft Jim Abbot’s brother with no arms in the 11 spot. (I know, that was cold.)
not cold just disarming…
Sounds about Wright I mean right.
[...] According to Bowden, who has been a veritable font of knowledge today, Bourn and his camp are looking for $14-15 million per year. The Mets, at this point, are not willing to pay that much, nor are they willing to give [...]
someone needs to explain the law of supply and demand to Bowden. Getting a qualifying offer was a calculated risk by Atlanta (not some floor for his next contract), betting that he would rather go after a multi year deal. And Vicky signed months ago, when there were multiple teams looking, and holes to fill.
since then, most of the teams that needed a guy of his profile signed or traded for one. And ST starts next week. So a much different environment than back in December.
so bottom line, he can think he wants or should get X, but doesn’t mean he will get it. And the longer he holds out, the less leverage he may have (though that could go either way into ST).
just like real estate. If your neighbors house sold to the only person interested doesn’t mean you can now sell your house for just as much!
Off Topic:
@AdamRubinESPN
Mets’ stadium in St. Lucie, which was called Tradition Field from 2004-09, is reverting to that name. Tradition, Fla., is again sponsor.
https://twitter.com/AdamRubinESPN/statuses/299604637647007744
I’d rather go higher on the yearly compensation and minimize the guaranteed years.
Bourn is clearly better than Victorino who, at this point in his career, doesn’t have much left. So it’s only logical Bourn should look for more.
I just hope Sandy doesn’t blink first. 4 guaranteed years should be the absolute max. And that’s only if they keep the yearly compensation down.
Yep, no doubt, more money less years, Three year max with an option, first year out clause. 3 years 40 mill. 13.5 a year average, beats Pagans deal monetarily
Mets are making alot out of nothing and is getting very boring to mets nation. Either sign Bourn or shut up.In the final analysis the mets will not sign Bourn and will feel good about there sorry outfield.
Hahaha besides John Buck’s man crush for Tom Koehler if this pic is his place he or someone in the household is a hard core gamer with both a XBOX360 a Kinect and a PS3 system plus it looks like they are True Blood fans.
https://twitter.com/johnbuck44/status/299615050543538176/photo/1
That looks like the Stars War 360 too…
Eh, I’m a ps3 man through and through.
Meh, I have both and I’m by no means hard core. The X-Box is hooked in my living room so I can watch Netflix and HBO Go on my big screen.
The PS3 is honestly just gathering dust in my office.
I’m on ps3 because I prefer adventure type games.
God of War, the New Sly Cooper, Infamous… I liked those.
I find that if you play shooters more often, you’re better off on XBOX.
Looking forward to the Sony (PS4?) announcement later this month.
It’s a shame, really. I might buy 3 games a year and they are usually used from Gamestop. I’m still working my way through the first Assassin’s Creed.
Although, I did buy Black Ops II when it dropped. But that was more because I knew a bunch of people who were getting it and I wanted get in on the multiplayer.
Look if your not giving up the pick and get him on 3 years it is a good move, otherwise it is not, they need a draft pick, I’m a huge Met fan and I do not want them to make a move just to make a move, bottom line is he adds speed and gold glove defense up the middle that will be extremely helpful to the pitching staff, especially the young pitchers. Aside from Murphy the up the middle defense will be strong and that with very good starting pitching leads to wins. So it is a good move. If they don’t get him at what they want Gomez, Ellsbury, and Young are available next year, no biggie.
If the Mets sign Bourn, I’m thinking it’ll be for something around 4/56, which I think is ok. What I won’t like though, is that since the Mets can’t afford Bourn (yet), I have a feeling the deal will be structured like this:
2013: $8M
2014: $12M
2015: $18M
2016: $18M
Paying Bourn anything near that amount when he’s 32/33 years old is forfeiting future roster flexibility for present day public relations.
Harry,
4/$56 too much. I think 3/$42 max, throw in team option for 4th year.
4/56 is my realistic guess, and I’d be ok with it so long as it’s not backloaded and looks something like this:
2013: $13M
2014: $13M
2015: $14M
2016: $14M
2017: $15M team option w/ $2M buyout
I don’t think 3 years gets it done. A fourth year really doesn’t concern me much though. Bourn at 33 shouldn’t have too bad of a drop off, if any at all. Barring injuries, it’s very doubtful he loses much on defense by then. Heck, maybe all that experience will help him get on base a little more consistently.
To me, Wright making $20M at age 35 is much more concerning than Bourn at age 33. But regardless of the dollars and years, my biggest concern is a backloaded contract. Bourn better not be paid anywhere near $18M in the final year(s) of his contract.
That’s just foolish. Giants, Redsox, Phillies, Nats, Braves are all off the board. The current teams bidding on Bourn are the teams that waited out the 5 teams that I listed. Those were the only team willing to pay 14-15 mil a year for him. Like I said in my reply to the first poster on this thread, at best bourn will get 3 years 35 mil, or 4 years 42 mil. There is simply no longer a demand that was there 3 months ago. The laws of economics are in play. And if Bourn doesn’t sign in the next 2-3 weeks he will regret not taking the first offer he received this off season.
If I had to guess, I would say this is what Bourn will settle for:
2013: $10 mil
2014: $11 mil
2015: $13 mil
2016: $2 mil buy out ($11 mil team option)
3 years 35 mil guaranteed.
The teams that are currently bidding are all low ball offer teams (i.e. Mets, Indians, Mariners)
If it happens (which I´d guess is about a 50 % chance it does based on the lack of other suitors who appear like a strong fit), I expect a deal to be something like this (if it´s with the Mets and the 1st rounder is safe):
2013: 6 million (with an opt-out clause after the season)
2014: 13 million
2015: 13 million
2016: 13 million + 1 million $ buyout or 2017 club option at 15 million
+ 10 million $ signing bonus that is deferred over the next 10 years.
So, according to Boras, the overall value will be a guaranteed 4-year, 56 million $ deal with the potential to reach 5-years, 70 million $ if the Mets pick up the 2017 option. And, of course, the “opt-out” as an added bonus for Bourn to go back to the market again next year. The Mets will look at it as a 4-year, 46 million $ type deal with some deferred payments going forward. While the opt-out is a risk, they get Bourn for 2013 at a bargain rate and can at least receive an extra pick for him if he opts out that essentially equalizes the 2nd round pick they´d sacrifice by signing him now.
Hi Joe D.
Is this updated after what appeared in the Daily News this morning?
“Still, people familiar with the process say that the Players’ Association has not yet filed a grievance on behalf of Bourn, or engaged in settlement talks with Major League Baseball about resolving the draft pick issue related to the outfielder.”
Yes this is hot off the press.
Rubin adds some more info.
Major League Baseball and the Players’ Association have engaged in preliminary talks about whether the Mets’ 11th overall pick in the draft ought to be protected if they sign free agent Michael Bourn.
“Inquiring/position nature at this point in time,” one source described the level of conversation.
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/60697/mlb-union-have-had-preliminary-bourn-talk
Very interesting. I’d have to say that the odds of the Mets signing Bourn are now more than 50/50 and closer to 70/30. What do you think MNJ?
The draft pick is such a wildcard that I really cant place a number. As far as I can tell this is unprecedented in MLB regarding trying to protect a draft pick. Though I will say that I agree with something I read that the longer this goes the better chance the Mets have of signing him.
Joe D was you aware that David Prouty is the man that replaced Michael Weiner who is suffering from an inoperable brain tumor for the MLBPA? When I saw his name I just figured he was someone appointed by the higher ups as a liaison type but he is the “higher up”.
http://bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/02/10/david-prouty-takes-over-general-counsel-for-baseball-players-union/TVv3qHoZRC9Ce56tPjWwMO/story.html
By the way Joe D This particular quote from Prouty yesterday confirms what cafardo tweeted today.
“We didn’t foresee this particular problem,” said Prouty. “In the Bourn situation, now that it’s presented to us, you can see there’s a little bit of a loophole, different interpretations you can make. We’re in the process of trying to work that out with MLB and through the Mets. I shouldn’t say more about it now because we’re still negotiating.”
Doesn’t sound that serious but what I would like to know is what triggered this preliminary talk?
I would also like to know what has been discussed between Borus, the Mets and the other teams involved as far as the decision if it goes in the Mets favor.
Has Boras reached an understanding with the Mets based on the fact that they have already submitted the highest bid for Bourn’s services which other teams refuse to meet? Or are those other teams still willing to deal with them but simply waiting to see if the Mets up the ante before offering something they might not need to?
Huh, I guess it wasn’t all just noise to sell tickets after all.
Who woulda thunk it?
Five beat writers all following the same rumor with no real substance that this is even real. Perfectly time to appear when P&C report. Isn’t Mets leaks, propaganda and marketing wonderful.
Hi Maniac,
Exactly the point I was trying to make the other day about misreading or putting too much into what one writes about. It is very vague and it does not address many important questions Is this the first inquiry made by any of the parties concerned or is the player’s union now getting involved because it appears MLB is still holding onto it’s original stand to keep things as is and so this is an additional push by the player’s union to get them to consider an alternative solution?
Or, it could also be that MLB simply needs an official statement of position from the MLBPA in order to legally make changes to that CBA.
So this can either be significant, insignificant or something in between.
The Mets front office has become very good at getting beat writers to chase the same stinkin’ dime.
Hi Maniac,
And remember “and one thin dime won’t even shine your shoes”.
Even though this is an inquiry, if the two parties cannot negotiate a final decision, it still has to go to an an independent arbitrator. Would love to know how far apart – or how close – they are in how they see this situation because it is going to affect all future free agency ventures with one team being a winner while another one becomes a loser.
My own thought? All teams go into the draft knowing which players appear willing to sign with them if chosen by talking with them (though I don’t know if that can include any discussion of money). Whatever the rules are, Pittsburgh knew there was no guanantee just like all other clubs. If one selects a draft choice that they feel they might not be able to sign or then gets screwed by the prospect demanding more money than they suspected it doesn’t matter. Chose and lose.
Ok, so are we or are we not? either way i think adding this guy to a reasonable deal helps the team and who knows, come august we might still be watching. get him and fingers cross. it’s time to show the money we saved on krod, reyes and beltran is being put to use to help the team improve
Unprecedented territory.
From comments I’ve read regarding this on MLBTR, majority fans of other teams are none too happy with the fact the Mets might get this draft pick projected.
Only a few are going down the road of ‘the spirit of the agreement’ was supposed to be such that the worst 10 teams would have that pick protected.
interesting saga.
almost sounds like it is not the Mets pushing the issue, but the union. Which really means Boras. Since that is the side that really wants Bourn taken care of, and soon. It certainly seems that if the union, on behalf of a player, files a grievance (or whatever this would be called) MLB would have to address it, even if the Mets did not formally request something?
In any case, MLB has to resolve this before next off season. even if Bourn signed with another club today, you certainly don’t want to have the potential for the same scenario next year!
if the league had any clue (and with Bud in charge, not assuming they do) they would have already decided what the answer is going to be, since it has been hanging over them for quite a while now.
HI Van,
Points well taken. This could also backfire on the Mets in future years if they are the ones who fail to sign a first round draft pick and their record otherwise would not warrant a protected draft selection.
Off Topic: I am listening to the Baseball Tonight podcast and Jayson Stark made what I found an interesting observation concerning the Braves. He said he found it surprising that a poll of MLB GM’s had the Braves on top as most improved team and he thinks it might be due to the belief that the Upton brothers may be better together that if they were apart. What stood out to me though was the following observation. He said that in a way the Braves traded Chipper Jones, Martin Prado, Michael Bourn, David Ross, Tommy Hanson, Randall Delgado and prospects and got back the Upton brothers, Gerald Laird, Jordan Walden and Chris Johnson and he asked does this make the Braves better or just different?
Well, the value of ” WAR” could be tested this year.
Bourn, Prado and Chipper combined for a 14 WAR in 2013.
The Upton brothers and the Johnson / Francisco platoon better be highly productive.
Now, Heyward and Freeman may break out, And Andrelton Simmons could emerge as a Gold Glove SS. Still, the Braves may not necessarily be any better in 2013 than they were in 2012.
Well it’s not about the value of “WAR”. It’s about who’s better now in relation to competing for the post season. Not a stat. You’re just sidestepping.
Just answer the question. Just look at the talent involved in the deals and give your opinion on who got the better of the trade and why, that’s it. Are you even capable of doing that?
I think it makes the Braves better.
The upside for Upton & Upton certainy is higher than Bourn & Prado, However, the floor is lower too. And the combos are just different. Power vs. ” small ball”. And Chipper isn’t there either, replaced by the Franciso / Johnson platoon that reminds one of the current Mets OF.
I don’t think the ATL has improved significantly. However, there’s potential for significant progress from within if Heyward & Freeman step up more and McCann does well in his final year pre free agency.
The Braves SP could be somewhat shaky for a team looking to contend deep into October.
Hudson – Medlen – Minor – Maholm – Teheran and eventually Beachy isn’t exactly Strasburg – Zimmerman – Gonzalez – Haren – Detwiler on paper nor Cain – Bumgarner – Lincecum – Vogelsong – Zito either.
We have to take into account that the Braves OF will probably have 350 strikeouts between them.
Trade for Bonafacio, younger cheaper and can play cf.
Breaking News: Bourn signs with Indians
@BNightengale
Bourn will get $48 million over four years from #Indians with a fifth-year option that could turn deal into $60 million.
https://twitter.com/BNightengale/statuses/301140953819926528
@Ken_Rosenthal
Source: Bourn with #Indians: Four years, $48M with $12M vesting option for fifth year if he reaches 550 plate appearances.
https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/301140198056685569
Well. Perhaps I should have waited.
@Ken_Rosenthal
Bourn can earn $60M max. #Indians will lose competitive-balance pick, approximately No. 71 overall. They forfeited 2nd-rounder for Swish.
https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/statuses/301140897670778881
Wonder what the option is. If it’s easily attainable, 5/60 is too rich for my blood.
and u gained what from not signing him?
Bourn signs with Indians…4/48
Well the Indians sign him to 4 years $12 million per plus vesting option for 5th year. I thought this whole business was a PR ploy. I am old enough to remember the last cash-strapped Mets teams claiming to be in the running for Pete Rose and Dave Winfield when you knew there wasn’t a chance in hell they’d pay the money. I’m not necessarily upset the Mets didn’t sign him, but it just underscores the general lack of credibility/candor of this front office.
New Rumor: Sandy Alderson is looking to sign…
wait…there isnt anyone left…
This post was right. Interest by other teams was being under reported. Interest by Mets greatly exaggerated. Hmmm, what 3-4 posters kept saying that all along????
Bayonne, Metsie, Joey D., Alex68 and me – TAKE A F**KING BOW!
Well, you guys weren’t right about that. Their interest was so over aggregated that they had a deal agreed upon? The Mets were in it till the end another team overpaid in dollars an years. That’s not exaggerated interest at all.
HI Maniac,
Like you, I just sat back and let everybody else take in what they were saying.
We gave valid opinions based on Sandy’s actions, past actions and specifically moves NOT TAKEN. We also questioned all those reports with un-named sources or just referred to as third hand. We also questioned other reasons the MLBPA representative could have been making inquiries. And of course, we reminded everybody of who knows how many unfounded reports that the Mets were on the verge of signing others players too.
On the other hand, the opposite opinions were not based on facts but only innuendo or speculation based on nothing credible but more on hope.
Hi Xtreme,
Please provide us first hand evidence that Mets interests were not being exaggerated either by the media or fans. Not quotes from un-named sources but first hand information.
Seriously? The Mets matched the guaranteed offer Bourn eventually took. You can’t be any more involved than that. I don’t even understand how you still can sit there and talk about exaggerated anything.
We are bowing….X is just bending over waiting to take it.
I’m so taking my bow too. I feel like I’m always little brothering it…you kids always forget about me.
Hi Hank,
Always questioned how serious the Mets were and if they were using that protected draft selection as a smoke screen.
It is indeed upsetting when one has to even think that one’s organization would stoop to that level of deception with the public but it is not difficult to read through the lines. If the Mets were considering going after a top name free agent and felt they could unfairly lose their protected slot by doing so, they would have petitioned MLB as soon as possible. Granted, it takes time to research and create a legal argument and to then properly prepare the required documentation, but I don’t think it would have taken more than three months to do so.
They also got their loans re-financed before the end of the year so that still gave them time if they suddenly found they had money to invest if they wanted to.
I just want April to come already. Our team looks to be destined to win less than last season’s 74 games. But you never know. Like I’ve been saying all off-season, hold on to hope for the morrow Mets fans…it’s all we have got.
Hi Metsie,
LOL- right out of the Canterbury Tales?
Hi Xtreem,
If you could please provide me either a quote or a link (even if it’s here in MMO and I overlooked it) I will then apologize for any doubts I might have had. But I did not see it reported in any of the above MMO updates (that I at least saw) nor have I read anything about what the Mets were willing to do other than the usual un-named sources as appearing in MLB trade rumors.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/02/michael-bourn-rumors-wednesday.html
Is this guy serious? All the beat writer tweets? Did you want Sandy to personally call you?
Whats the matter Mr Credibility?
Can’t answer the question?
You said that we matched the offer he eventually got so show us your proof already…
Andwhat would you have said if some reporter tweeted “Sandy said Screw the fans we are not spending”
You would dismiss it as just a tweet.
So get out your little google and show us some proof that we matched the offer and he decided to go somewhere else or just be proved a liar once again.!
Hi Xtreem,
Nope, my number is unlisted.
Just asking for one that specifically quotes a named source. Just one that is factual and not speculative.