The Centerfield Market

Things are starting to heat up on the Hot Stove this week for the Centerfield market.

The Atlanta Braves just finalized a 5 year $75 million deal with BJ Upton. Looking at the numbers, Upton is not actually that far overpaid, I think (the kneejerk reaction is that he is), and I think he'll end up being cheaper contrat-wise than Michael Bourn, Atlanta's recent CF.

Last night, the Washington Nationals stole Denard Span from the Minnesota Twins. He's a speedster like Bourn, but a whole lot cheaper than Bourn will be ($21 million for the next three years). He's a true CF, which allows the Nats to put Werth and Harper at more natural defensive positions.

Both teams improved, but I think Washington will be happier with the price-tag. The biggest winner may be Bourn, since with two contenders out of the market, he becomes a bit more valuable being ON the market.

Baseball's Postseason

All but one wild-card slot are locked up, with a couple division races still ongoing.

I'm happy the Nationals are in. I will admit though, I am getting tired of hearing about how this is DC's first postseason baseball in 80 years... this statistic is rather stupid when one notes there was no team in DC from 1979 to 2004. So that's 25 years and no team to even try to win, thank you very much.

The Orioles are also in the dance, though they and the Yankees are still fighting for the AL East crown. I'm happy they're in the postseason, but I'd like them to win the division. It's okay if they don't.