How Can the Atlanta Braves Structure a Deal for Lazarito?
Arranging a Bonus Plan for Cuban Teen Lazarito Could Be Tricky
Ordinarily, I would not have bothered with this much detail on something that still ranks as ‘speculation’ – that the Atlanta Braves have shown “strong interest” in Lazaro (“Lazarito”) Armenteros. However, since Tuesday’s story broke, there have been additional indicators to suggest that the Braves are certainly in the hunt for the toolsy Cuban teenager.
Source: Lazarito is now considering teams for this int'l signing period or the next & is expected to make a decision as early as 2/10 (1/2)
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) February 3, 2016
Source: There are nine teams with serious interest in teen. Lazarito is evaluating packages & how he fits in different organizations. (2/2)
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) February 3, 2016
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale confirmed the “nine teams” aspect of this via an earlier tweet. He used the phrase “heavily involved.”
Right away, that screams “bidding war”, which is almost certainly a contest that Atlanta cannot win. However, there are ways this could be done, and the fact that Lazarito and his advisers are willing to wait until July 2nd to sign definitely invites the Braves to participate.
Such a message could be a signal that whatever preliminary terms that might have been discussed ahead of Saturday’s private workout session are worth considering. Of course, the cynical viewpoint would be the more simple explanation: they want as many teams as possible to be involved in the bidding process.
Factors in Atlanta’s Favor
The Braves do have a few arguments to make… and they should be very appealing.
- Ability to spend some money. Mostly that comes from the 2017 payroll, but they have set aside 2016 funds for this kind of purpose.
- New stadium
- Revamped farm system with a load of talent that is likely to be ready to go just before Lazaro might hit the majors
- Commitment to continue to to refill the system in order to build a perennial winner.
- Timing that could mean that the Braves are rising as other clubs in the division are waning with talent, age, bloated contracts, etc. There are reasons to believe that only the Phillies could be competitors in another 8-10 years, though their own rebuild is a year behind the Braves.
- Other Cuban players currently on the roster… and you can’t ignore Fredi Gonzalez‘ (current) presence, either.
- Commitment to the acquisition and development of Latin players, especially in this particular year. Lazaro would have multiple contemporaries to ‘grow up with’.
Armenteros will also see the Braves facility in the Dominican on Saturday, though if he somehow ends up being a Brave, I can imagine that he’d never see it again – going straight to the GCL.
Next: The Ugly Numbers