Braves sign Nick Markakis and Jim Johnson

[Chewbaccer]

Markakis is signed to a 4 year, 44 million dollar contract, which is a few million less than his projected contract.

I like the idea of Markakis being a Brave, but 4 years is a long time for a player his age and injury history.

Jim Johnson is signed to a 1 year, 1.6 million dollar contract with a possible 900,000 in incentives.

Low risk move for bull pen help, I like it. He struggled big time last season but the two years before, he was one of the top closers in the game. He won't be expected to close this season, so maybe the pressure is off and he can provide us with a reliable 7th inning arm.

 

[jeffro151]

Markakis is signed to a 4 year, 44 million dollar contract, which is a few million less than his projected contract.

I like the idea of Markakis being a Brave, but 4 years is a long time for a player his age and injury history.

Markakis has played less than 155 games in a season only twice since he joined the O's in 2006. He's only been on the DL once, and that was in 2012 when Sabathia hit him and broke his hand. That is the only injury he's ever had.

 

[Chewbaccer]

Markakis has played less than 155 games in a season only twice since he joined the O's in 2006. He's only been on the DL once, and that was in 2012 when Sabathia hit him and broke his hand. That is the only injury he's ever had.

Guess I should research before posting. Thanks for the correction.

Don't get the opportunity to see the O's play much and I guess I just remember the 2012 injury and him missing a lot of time.

 

[Demonjoe93]

Not sure how I feel about this signing. He looks like he's a little better than Heyward, but he's a lot older and we're paying him $44 million for four years.

 

[Chewbaccer]

Not sure how I feel about this signing. He looks like he's a little better than Heyward, but he's a lot older and we're paying him $44 million for four years.

Markakis is a little better hitting wise, and while he is a very good defensive outfielder, Heyward was the best glove in the game at right field.

He's 31, so he still has some years left, but I thought we learned our lesson with Dan Uggla offering more than 3 years to a player over 30.

 

[Mondo Jay]

Good signing. Nice to have more of a contact hitter in that lineup. I think he will fit in well.

 

[UVA_Guy81]

In my opinion, you guys got a solid talent. Not a superstar or even a hall of famer but a guy that is a good team player. We (the O's) had him batting leadoff mainly because we really haven't had a prototypical leadoff hitter but I believe he would fit good batting second in a lineup. He still has plays good defense as well. Would have liked to have had him stay in the O's uniform but understand why he left.

 

[tabascojet]

In my opinion, you guys got a solid talent. Not a superstar or even a hall of famer but a guy that is a good team player. We (the O's) had him batting leadoff mainly because we really haven't had a prototypical leadoff hitter but I believe he would fit good batting second in a lineup. He still has plays good defense as well. Would have liked to have had him stay in the O's uniform but understand why he left.

he left??....the Os excersied a buyout

 

[UVA_Guy81]

he left??....the Os excersied a buyout

When I say left, I meant didn't re sign with Baltimore and went with a different team. But yes, well aware Baltimore didn't want to pay the huge salary increase he was due this upcoming season.

 

[huskers1217]

and he took heywards number.















oh..and the reason the O's didn't want him is because he is having neck surgery.

sweet

 

[broncosmitty]

Was pretty bummed to see this signing. Markakis was really the only position player Id wanted to see come to Detroit. Would have been a great option in front of Miggy. And still a high end outfielder.

Jim Johnson though..... Good luck with that.

 

[bravesfan]

Was pretty bummed to see this signing. Markakis was really the only position player Id wanted to see come to Detroit. Would have been a great option in front of Miggy. And still a high end outfielder.

Jim Johnson though..... Good luck with that.

Turner Field can revive a pitching career....look at Derrick Lowe and Javier Vazquez

 

[ugafan6612]

We'll find a way to blow it in the playoffs no matter who we sign anyways