The second week of free agency reminded Braves fan a lot of the first - no significant additions to the MLB squad. Owner/GM of the Braves said, "This free agency period is has been dominated by teams paying big money to fill holes in their rosters. The way I see it, the fringe clubs and those who are rebuilding have chosen to compete for free agents. Its surprising to see this many rebuilds cannonball into FA instead of taking on bad contracts and building their farm system."
Back by popular demand - Notable contracts in week two;
Jose Altuve - 5YR @ $33M DET - I'm still not over Kyle freaking Seager getting $31M a year but this makes it mildly better. Altuve is a saint for all of us short people of the world. Quoting Teddy KGB of the movie Rounders, "Pay that man his money".
DJ LeMehieu - 5YR @ $22M TB - Big contract for one of the best hitters in the MLB. He plays in a stacked line up and a hitter friendly park. Good pick up for TB also joining Moose.
Jason Kipnis - 5YR @ 15M TB - Ummmm, not sure where to start. TB now has $71M wrapped up in their infield through 2020 - for 4 starters - if you include Tulo. I like their DJ and Moose signings...this one will hurt their knees with how much the will be praying!
Brandon Crawford - 5YR @ $10M SF - Very interesting contract after a sub-par year...or was it sub-par? After reviewing the stats, Mr. Crawford hit his career AVG, scored his AVG in Runs, and had his third best HR season total. SF is hoping he is a late bloomer and can reach his prime in his early 30's. He's currently 31 Years Old!
Adrian Beltre - 3YR @ $13M CHC - at nearly 39 years old (according to a Dominican birth certificate for all that's worth) this looks like a garbage deal. However, when you look at the stats, Beltre has put up surprising great numbers throughout his 30s. Even last year with injuries, he put up really good stats. The risk is retirement...does he hang em up after this year - his last real year under contract?
Cristian Santana - $5.8M signing bonus SF - makes me wonder why I am here writing for the Herald when there is this much money to blow on a 20 year old in A ball! Sure he has upside - but 5.8M worth? I guess teams can do this since you have to use your budget or lose it!
Week three rumblings have heard ATL looking to make a splash on an OF. Not sure why when they have the best OF in the league, but there is always a method to the madness with GM Nelson. Plus a fan can always hope!
Please feel free to comment on any FAs below. Please keep unsigned FAs off the topics unless you want to be trolled!
