Atlanta Becomes Big Spender

Interesting developments in Atlanta this off-season, as the Flyers are making a statement about winning. After years of following the "draft and develop" model, GM Jim Masters has opened the coffers to keep his top-tier free agents.

In the past, Masters has traded products of his farm system before they started asking for the big bucks, as there was always someone cheaper in the pipeline. Will Hunting, Troy Paris, and Dennis Dennis Jr. were sent off to save some money and restock the farm system.

But last year, CF Darren Lemming, arguably the best player in SLB history, was up for free agency, and in a surprising move, Atlanta showed him the money, ponying up $52.5 million over three years to retain the three-time MVP. The change in philosophy made a statement to Flyer fans that the team was willing to invest in a long term drive for another championship.

Lemming's contract, however, led many to believe that Masters would have to let one of his big three pitchers go this off season. With $17.75 million invested in one player, how could they retain Bailey, Prior and Zambrano, all of whom would command 8-figure salaries?

$43 million later, all three are signed to new, 3-year deals in a huge move by Masters. Kyoto GM Darin Keesing had the most money to spend this year, and pushed the contract talks on Bailey and Prior to $15 million/year, but Masters used his matching power on his RFA's and stuck with the horses who have given him seven consecutive winning seasons. Zambrano, an unrestricted free agent, also chose to stick with Atlanta.

The Flyers have committed over $60 million of their $82.5 million salary cap to four players in 2017. In the past, Masters would have cut Zambrano or Prior loose, promoted an top prospect like Al Krieger or Peanuts Plantier, and rolled the dice that his farm system's success would give him enough for another division title. Is the new strategy of investing in free agents a statement about winning, or a new lack of faith in the farm system?

The gamble is that the team will a) increase next year's cap with post-season success and b) none of the big-ticket players will win the MVP or Cy Young. With just the $500k Angel Berroa coming off the books next season plus arbitration raises due to Hernandez, Tucker, Clement, Jacobo, Yenkel, Twain and Brady, Masters may be forced to trade one of his All-Stars anyways. The window for the championship seems to be now.