Morning Chop: Atlanta Braves News 1/20
By Jeff Schafer
Report: D-backs make 6-year, $106M offer to Tanaka
Japanese newspaper Nikkan Sports reported Saturday that the D-backs have offered Tanaka a six-year deal worth 10.5 billion yen, roughly $106 million. The paper also said the Yankees, Dodgers, Cubs and White Sox have made offers in that same range, and those teams could be emerging as Tanaka’s final five. No contract length or terms had previously surfaced.
Tanaka has until Friday to pick a major league team, which also must pay the Rakuten Golden Eagles a $20 million posting fee. Tanaka does not have to accept an offer, but it appears a foregone conclusion.
If the reported figure is accurate, it would be the largest contract in Diamondbacks history. But they have not been shy about their interest in Tanaka since the winter meetings, when team president/CEO Derrick Hall said Arizona would make a bid.
The Diamondbacks had no comment on the report, in deference to the wishes of Tanaka and his agent, Casey Close, who have asked teams not to publicly discuss the process.
Tanaka, 25, was 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA for Rakuten last season with an 0.93 WHIP in 212 innings.
Atlanta V=Braves Foundation – Grants For Children’s Programming
Application Deadline:
July 31, 2014
Grant Category:
Participant Development and Behaviors
Program Design and Activities
Grantor:
Atlanta Braves Foundation
Amount of Grant:
up to $10,000
Grantor Type:
Private Foundation
Applicant Location Requirement:
Georgia
Description of Grant:
Applications for grants of up to $10,000 each from the Atlanta Braves Foundation to support local organizations that serve children and focus on health, education, and recreation. Who may apply: organizations classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Additional guidelines are available on the foundation’s Web site starting April 2014
Atlanta Braves Stars Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman to Sign Autographs
Sep 28, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Jason Heyward (22) is congratulated by first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) after scoring a run against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Braves star outfielder Jason Heyward and first baseman Freddie Freeman will be signing autographs at the Town Center Mall in Kennesaw, Georgia on January 28 from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. as a part of the Atlanta Braves Country Caravan. During the event Heyward and Freeman fans will have the opportunity to meet both players, take pictures, and get an autograph.
Jason Heyward, known as “J-Hey” by the Braves faithful, was selected by the Braves in the first round of the 2007 MLB Draft. After hitting a home run in his first major league at bat on opening day of the 2011 season, Heyward has become one of the most popular players on the Braves roster. In 2012 he solidified the hype behind his play by earning his first Gold Glove Award in right field.
Freeman was also drafted by the Braves in the 2007 MLB Draft and made his major league debut with the Braves in September 2010. In 2013 Freeman emerged as an MVP candidate after hitting .319 to go along with 23 home runs and 109 RBI. Known for both his offense and defense, Freeman is considered to be one for he best all around players in the game and one of the fastest rising stars in major league baseball.