Morning Chop: Atlanta Braves News 2/5
By Jeff Schafer
Heyward two; outfielder set to make $13.3M
Oct 4, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder
Jason Heyward(22) hits a 2-RBI single against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning of game two of the National League divisional series playoff baseball game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
There is a chance Heyward could sign a similar deal within the next couple of years. But coming off an injury-tarnished season, the 24-year-old outfielder has reason to feel good about the fact that he avoided arbitration by agreeing to a two-year, $13.3 million deal that was announced Tuesday morning.
Heyward’s deal includes award bonuses and performance bonuses that could escalate his 2015 salary.
“You never know what is going to happen with the business side of things,” Heyward said. “You know what you want and you know you have to be prepared for the worst. I knew my agents were going to work with the Braves on something.”
What’s next?
This is a blog that I’ve known for a while I was going to write. I just didn’t officially decide to write it until last night. I’m moving on in my life from playing baseball. Notice, I didn’t say, I was done with baseball! How could anyone who loves the game ever “be done.” And certainly I love the game! I love the way it taught me to fail and get over it. I love the way it helped me become the man I am today. I love the way it’s provided for me and my family. There’s so much to love about this game. I just don’t love playing it anymore, and that’s how I know it’s time to not pursue a job playing this year.
When I was talking to my dad about this last night, he said, “you should have no regrets on the field or off of it.” This was a great thing to hear, but really since 2011 I have not been as driven playing as I had before. And, to be totally honest, this has led to some regrets on the field. Sure I hustled when I’d put a ball in play, and I’d work out hard in the off season, but mentally, I was not as focused or as hungry as I had been earlier in my career. That is regrettable! I knew if I played this year, not only would I have regrets on the field, but I knew I’d have regrets off. See the pictures below 🙂 I’m ready to be daddy. I’m ready to tuck my kids in bed most nights, and if I leave for work, I want Leslee and the kids to be able to be home, not in some rental house in Georgia, Pennsylvania, New Orleans, etc.
Teammates (30 seconds)
Staring Craig Kimbrel….