The Braves have contacted David Ross' agents at Sports One Athlete Management and made it known that they'd like to re-sign him, tweets David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. O'Brien adds that Ross has made it known he'd like to return to Atlanta.
With Brian McCann now a possibility to miss the beginning of the 2013 season, re-signing Ross likely becomes more of a priority for general manager Frank Wren. Ross, who will turn 36 during Spring Training next season, hit .256/.321/.449 with nine homers in 196 plate appearances for the Braves in 2012.
Ross initially signed a two-year, $3MM contract with the Braves prior to the 2009 season. He elected to sign a two-year extension worth $3.25MM prior to the 2011 season rather than testing free agency. The veteran will likely require a larger annual commitment given his strong play over his tenure in Atlanta. He'll represent one of the more desireable options on the free agent market for catchers.
I like it. Give Ross another 2-3 year deal and then pick up McCann’s option unless they can work out a deal to bring him back for multiple years cheaper than expected. The worst case scenario is McCann struggles when he comes back next year but at least you’ve got a dependable Ross to turn to.
Either way you’ve got a reliable plan. I think a healthy McCann and Ross as a backup is what we need bad. Both are huge veteran leaders and great friends that work together. Plus Bethancourt needs another year or two in the minors to work on his offense and he can be a nice one for the future.
2-year deal for Ross for more money. Decline McCann’s $12M option and restructure the deal. Guy is going to miss at least the first month of the season. No way is he worth it especially knowing he hasn’t been productive past August the last 2 seasons. It’s bad timing for McCann’s injury, and ATL shouldn’t have suffer because of it at $12M.
It’s a case of loyalty Derek. Yes you are correct about the facts and circumstances. However the $13Mil commitment to Mac is for THIS YEAR ONLY. That contract will in no way hinder the GM’s ability to build this season’s roster. You are paying Mac out of loyalty and for having been one of the top 5 MLB catchers for the past seven seasons. With all of the budget flexibility the Braves have, combined with the fact that there are no viable options to replace McCann right now (Betancourt isnt ready, Ross isnt an everyday player) it really is the right move, and the only move. Come down off the mountain now bro, everybody hears you.
Ross is tough as nails. probably not a starter, but both he and Shoppach could end up getting some kind of contract out of the blue from a team that wants them to be one next year.
I’d like to see him stick around as a super backup, but one never knows with how poor catching is in general around the league.. We could be in for a surprise with either of those two.
Ross is a bit too old to play Catcher every day now as is. 2/4 sounds about right. Bump to 2/5 if needed.
Something in the 2/5 or 2/6 range sounds right for Ross. I imagine he’ll be willing to take a few hundred thousand less than market value to stay where he’s comfortable.
I’d love to have Rossy back. He’s done a great job in Atlanta and the fans love him.
He is a fan favorite, a clubhouse favorite, they need him, let’s just say I’d be really surprise to see him go. 2 years 5 million seems about right
Braves need to let McCann walk and use that money along with the money they have from Chipper’s retirement and D Lowe coming off the books to re-sign Bourn, lock up Kimbrel, and land a free agent outfielder (preferably Josh Hamilton). I say save money and platoon the catcher position between Ross and top prospect Christian Bethancourt, depending on whos pitching. McCann’s bat is valuable, but mostly because of the position he plays, and he has long been batting too high in the braves order. I’d rather have Ross/Bethancourt batting 7th or 8th giving you the occasional production you’d expect in that part of the lineup, than McCann batting 4th or 5th and only hitting 20 home runs and 70-75 RBI. These are good numbers, but not middle-of-the-order on a world champion team good. McCann is perennially out of shape and his recent shoulder surgery makes him an even riskier signing health-wise. As a Braves fan, I like McCann and appreciate all he has done for our franchise, but its time to move on. The team has shown a consistent ability to win without him in the lineup, and we need more production in the middle of the lineup, better catcher defense, less slowness on the basepaths, less strikeouts, and less runners stranded. I’d set the 2013 Braves lineup as follows:
1 Michael Bourn CF (Bats Left)
2 Martin Prado 3B (Bats Right)
3 Jason Heyward RF (Bats Left)
4 Freddie Freeman 1B (Bats Left)
5 Dan Uggla 2B (Bats Right)
6 Josh Hamilton LF (Bats Left)
7 Andrelton Simmons SS (Bats Right)
8 Ross/Bethancourt C (Bats Right)
9 Pitcher
5 and 6 are pretty swappable. I’ve set it as 5. Uggla, 6. Hamilton because of the alternating bats this creates with the 4-7 batters.
Bethancourt can’t hit AA pitching right now, what makes you think he can play ML baseball?
Hamilton that will never happen
In related news – the sky is blue.
He’s not going anywhere. Both sides have made it clear they want a deal.
He may also be in line to take Fredi’s job in a few years. He’s going to make a great manager someday.
I’d love to give Ross a 2 year deal, then have him stay on as a coach. The man is going to be a great manager one day.
David Ross is a REALLY GOOD BACKUP CATCHER. I know this because the Nats’ broadcasters say so every time we play the Braves.
Why is Ross in line for a pay bump? He is almost exactly the same player today as he was two years ago when he signed his extension. The only difference is he is now 36. The catching market was weak then also. Tell me again why it’s a forgone conclusion that he gets a raise?
I’d say just because the Braves organization is a little desperate. But I think I agree with you. He’s not getting any younger.