12 December 2006

The Braves non-tendered Marcus Giles today, who was eligible for arbitration. He might have made 6 million and the Braves couldn't afford him, especially with his declining production since 2003.

Giles, whose offensive production has slipped over the past three seasons, would have likely received a contract in the $6 million neighborhood for the upcoming season. With an $80 million payroll and the desire to put their emphasis on rebuilding their pitching staff, the Braves determined him to be expendable.

Chris Reitsma was also non-tendered, as his contract could have also been a problem. However, because he is coming off an injury-marred season, the Braves might sign him to a cheap contract. I wouldn't mind that. Reitsma shown that he can be a good MLB pitcher when he's not overused or put in high-leverage situations. Maybe the Braves could try him as a starter, or he could be a good middle reliever. Adam LaRoche and Oscar Villarreal were both tendered contracts.

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