Article XX(B) and Roster Moves

Jose Veras once thought to be a front runner for a roster spot was released by the Braves today Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

This morning we learned that the Braves released Jose Veras once thought to be a candidate for a roster spot.  Yesterday’s unimpressive performance may have been the impetus for the release but it may have more to do with Article XX (B) of the CBA than a desire to dump him for a bad spring.

Article XX(B) and the Roster

If the free agent, minor league free agent, international free agent, arbitration eligible and posting situation isn’t already complex enough I offer for your consideration Article XX (B) or more specifically Article XX (B) (5) (d).  Article XX – The Reserve System – sets for the right of clubs to have a 40 man roster and how that’s handled.

Following details of dates how to notify everyone of tenders, nontenders and other minutia, it also addresses the ins and outs of free agency for players with six years of major league service who aren’t tendered a contract by their current club.  It affects two Braves players – well one now – Veras and Kelly Johnson.  It says essentially that such a player who is signed to a minor league contract must pay the player a “retention bonus” of $100,000 if,  at least five days before the season starts. they haven’t either:

• added him to 25 man roster
• or released him

If the club pays the $100K and keeps the player he may ask for his unconditional release (opt out) on June 1 if not on the 25 man by that time.  Players can and have negotiated a bigger bonus or earlier release date in the original contract giving rise to the media’s ubiquitous use of “opt out” as if it’s something new and different.

Jose Veras

The 34 year old Veras has a record of consistent if not remarkable performance throughout his career; you knew what you would get when you signed Veras. While he hasn’t impressed this spring – 11.8 ERA, 2.815 WHIP in 5 1/3 IP – over the past three seasons he posted a 3.34 ERA, 3.87 FIP and 1.312 WHIP over 175 2/3 innings spread over both leagues. His release is as much about a potential log jam in the Braves bullpen as it is about his spring numbers.  MLB Trade rumors says he’ll probably be picked up – implicitly pretty quickly.

"Despite Veras’ rough spring, his solid track record in recent years should make him a target for clubs looking to add some bullpen depth.  Veras was talking to at least four clubs during the offseason, including the Astros, so it seems likely that a market will exist for his services on another minor league deal."