The Braves and two former Yankees were in the news today, and it seems that the Braves may have 2/3 of the 2009 Yankees outfield patrolling Turner Field in 2010. First comes news about Melky Cabrera, from ESPN:
Atlanta Braves outfielder Melky Cabrera avoided salary arbitration and accepted a one year offer worth $3.1 million from the club, sources familiar with the situation told ESPNdeportes.com.
This seems to be a fair deal for Cabrera, who was worth 7.3 Million last year according to Fangraphs. Melky is a slightly above average bat in CF and slightly below average in left. Defensively, he is likely about average or a bit below average in CF and above average in LF. Add it up, and you have a league average player who is certainly worth 3.1 million dollars. I was always a fan of Melky, even when I questioned his ability to succeed in New York, and wish him all the best in Atlanta.
The second bit of news was regarding Johnny Damon. Dave O’Brien of the AJC reported the following:
Braves are still pursuing Johnny Damon, and it could happen now that his price has presumably shrunk along with his market.
With the Yankees reportedly out of money to the extent that they cannot afford Xavier Nady, let alone Damon, it seems that Atlanta is the only suitor left in the Damon derby. If Atlanta offers Damon a 2 year deal for 7 million per year, or a 1 year deal at 8 or 9 million, they will likely land the lefty bat they are looking for.
The Braves have already brought Eric Hinske aboard, and he will likely serve in a similar role to the one he held with the Yankees. If they want to complete the 2009 Yankee outfield and give Brian Cashman uber-prospect Jason Heyward for Nick Swisher, I am sure Brian would oblige them.
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2 Responses to Braves Rebuilding 2009 Yankees Outfield?
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The Braves have (in financial order):
Nate McLouth – 4.5M, 396 PA, 115+
Melky Cabrera – 3.1M, 540 PA, 102+
Matt Diaz – 2.55M, 410 PA, 139+
Eric Hinske – 1.0M, 224 PA, 111+
Gregor Blanco – 415k, 42 PA, 39+
Jordan Schafer – 415k, 195 PA, 63+
Also, as noted, they have the top prospect in baseball in Heyward. Why would they pay 7 million for Damon? Makes zero sense. They can trade Schafer, but I assume a young outfield with Schafer and Heyward, plus a good left fielder, in a couple years will be good to great. Adding Damon? Why?
As I have said over and over, Cashman knows where Damon will end up. New York, New York.
The should start Mitch Jones in the outfield over Melky.