Atlanta Braves Morning Chop: GM Poll, Newsy Stuff
We’ve had a lot of bad news lately… and there’s probably more coming at some point. So let’s back up a bit and do a little catch-up today.
First topic by request: let’s do a little poll… who would you like to see as the next Atlanta Braves General Manager?
(Here is the direct link if the poll doesn’t scroll in your browser)
Coppy Accused of Misleading Agents/Players
It is kind of a shame that this kind of information comes out after the fact and not before things got out of hand. Such reports, though, are often looked on as anecdotal or hearsay evidence as people rush to leap off a bandwagon.
That’s why this report is so damning: while ‘multiple agents and team officials’ have related similar stories to the AJC this week about John Coppolella’s dealings with them, one of them took the unusual step of going on the record and naming names: player agent Jim Munsey.
The story (please refer to the link above for the full treatment) involves verbal promises made to Munsey and his client, pitcher Sean Burnett in 2016. He details how those promises were broken, both in word and in contract form.
Coppy was apparently going to unusual lengths to have language inserted into agreements that would permit team control to be retained under certain conditions – effectively allowing the Braves to control Burnett should no other club claim him after an opt-out was exercised (which normally removes such control).
All the while, Coppolella’s words did not match his deeds, according to the agent.
Curious whether other agents will now go on record as well now that Munsey has related his story.
Rangers, Braves both Breaking Ground on New Stadiums
Within the next week or so, the Braves will break ground in North Port, FL for their new Spring Training site. Of course it’s being built on Florida sand, so the hole will probably fill itself in immediately as fire ants attack and lizards scatter for cover.
But this will be the first step to get their $100 million complex started with a need to have it ready to go in just 15-16 months’ time.
Two weeks ago, the Rangers got started on their new stadium – Globe Life ‘Field’ – in Arlington.
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Their 41,000 seat facility will have a retractable roof… and SunTrust will be financing the construction.
Their numbers are a bit interesting, though: taxpayers actually voted to support the project, up to a $500 million cap in a 50/50 partnership with the Rangers.
Why do I mention this? HKS is building this stadium, and the stadium budget is currently listed at $600 million.
Sun Trust Park – sans roof – came in at something close to $622 million with Populous as the project architect.
Next: Arizona Fall League is Underway
In theory, adding a roof would have added $150-200 million to the SunTrust price… but it’s curious how the Rangers are going to get the same seating capacity – and a roof – for just a bit less money than roofless STP.