Braves SIGN Ervin Santana, 1yr - 14.1 Million

I woke up this morning to several alerts from MLB and ESPN letting me know that the Braves have indeed gone ahead and signed Ervin Santana. Was I shocked? Yes. Was I disappointed? No. What more could I have expected with 20 days left to Opening Day? A Jeff Samardzija or David Price desperation trade? That would have been a better headline to wake up to but then again can we afford to give up the farm?

Now after a few hours of the Santana acquisition settling in, it's not THAT bad of a deal. Especially considering the situation the Braves are in. Let's take a look at some of Santana's line from 2013: 

(9-10) with a 3.24 ERA, 211 IP, and 161 Ks

Compared to David Price:

(10-8) with a 3.33 ERA, 186.2 IP, and 151 Ks

Compared to Jeff Samardzija:

(8-13) with a 4.34 ERA, 213.2 IP and 214 Ks 

I completely understand that I'm comparing apples to oranges, BUT I am really only comparing what was out there for the Braves to be able to make a move for. I believe the price tag on Santana is higher than what I would have preferred, but Santana will be pitching for a mega contract next season, and we didn't have to give anything up for him. 

Signing Grade: B+

Also, hats off to the Braves' front office. Going over the budget and signing a pitcher shows only that the Braves are not rebuilding an organization but actually setting up for a dynasty.