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Oh Man, What About Ohman?
Written by Colin on February 6, 2009 – 12:20 amFirst, please forgive me for the title of this post. You knew it was coming somewhere in the article, so I figured I’d get it out of the way up front. The Braves have been after the left handed Ohman this offseason and have made him what Ohman termed “a very strong offer intended to show me they want me back.”
And even though the Braves extended that offer early in the offseason, Ohman hasn’t signed. Why? He’s in fairly high demand. Besides the Braves, Ohman has also been linked to the Phillies, the Nationals, the Padres, the Orioles, Indians, Rockies, Cardinals, and Rays – at least. Oh, and today it was reported that the Mets gave him a call for the first time this offseason. Dirty New Yorkers.
Where will he end up? Good luck guessing. The Braves’ offer is still on the table. Ohman has told the AJC that he wants to sign with the Braves – but I’d assume they’re asking for a little more money than we’re offering. If the Mets sweep him away, I am not going to be a happy man. I’m sure they’ll try and offer more money – and I’m not sure the Braves want to spend tons more money than they’ve already offered to bring Ohman back. We don’t have THAT much budget flexibility.
One thing is clear: Ohman is a valuable lefty that will benefit whatever team lands him. He had a 3.68 ERA last season, but held lefties to a .197 batting average – which is what he’ll be used for primarily. We can only hope that the Braves land him to bolster their already promising bullpen, which is promising to be one of the better bullpens in recent memory, barring the Mike Hampton effect.
C’mon back to Atlanta, Will. We’d love to have you. Hope to see you at the Wide World of Sports in just a few days!
Tags: Will Ohman, Will the Braves Sign Will Ohman?
Posted in Speculation | 11 Comments »
By dave on Feb 6, 2009 | Reply
I know we have some young guys we traded for on the 40 man roster. I have wanted to see Glavine back with Atlanta. I would like to see the big bat. I think we can make it without Glavine, and the big bat if we have to. Of all the things I wish to happen is first we need to sign Will Ohman!!! He is one of the pieces we do not need to lose. Best Wishes
By Ben on Feb 6, 2009 | Reply
I agree that Ohman needs to come back to Atlanta. He was arguably the best reliever for Atlanta last year. Ohman wants to come back and the Braves want him back, this needs to happen.
By Colin Ake on Feb 6, 2009 | Reply
Here's what Dave O'Brien had to say today about Ohman. He apparently has Ohman's cellphone number, which I don't have. Feel free to pass it along if you want.
"Meanwhile, the text messages I got from Will Ohman today were kind of cryptic, and I really don’t know what to make of it. He said he’s not at liberty to discuss the state of negotiations, as much as he’d like to update us. Part of me says that means he’s getting close to a deal with the Braves, who always like for the other parties they negotiate with to keep matters close to vest.
So if Ohman ain’t talking at all (only texting, and not giving any hints in those words), then I’m guessing he might be close to a deal to return to Atlanta, especially since Ken Rosenthal reported earlier this week that the Phillies were no longer going after Ohman.
But we’ll see. At least we know it’s likely to be resolved very soon, because I’m fairly sure Ohman (and many, many other unsigned free agents) would like to know where they will be reporting for spring training in just over a week."
By dave on Feb 6, 2009 | Reply
This has been without a doubt one of the strangest off seasons I have ever witnessed. The way things are going with all the negotiations that have taken place coupled with the fact John Smoltz will not be here. I just cannot believe some of the things that have happened. I cannot believe some of the contracts the Yanks have given. I cannot believe some of the offers some have turned down. I cannot believe some of quality players still out there, and their offers are much less than I expected them to be. Its been a wild one. Back to Will Ohman, I just hope we get him and not some other club in our division, especially the NY Mets.
By Keith on Feb 6, 2009 | Reply
Of all the possible moves that the Braves are considering, I believe Ohman will be the one that pans out. He has tested the market for quite sometime and no other offers have been made. If someone tops their offer then don't expect the Braves to counter. At this point in the season, all teams are playing the waiting game to see if the players come off their demands. Look for a few pichers to cave real soon since the market is nothing like they expected.
Having said that I believe that Glavine will hold his own and sign only a major league contract. I believe he would just retire rather sign a minor league deal. He has millions, 300 wins and a Hall of fame ticket. I say hold out watch him throw more side sessions and offer him 1 to 2 million dollar contact with incentatives provided he continues to prove that he is healthly.
By RueGrant on Feb 6, 2009 | Reply
I think Ohman is an important keep for us. His move to any other club will not be good for us, and I promise if he stays I will stop referring to him as "A Bad Ohman." Really.
By Larry on Feb 7, 2009 | Reply
I think Will Ohman is one of the better lefty specialist in the game. We need to settle this before worrying about an outfielder or Glavine. Will I like to see Glavine back, sure, but he's not a neccessity. I don't feel any loyalty to him like I do Smoltz or Chipper. I would love to see Ohman back, then them address the outfield because our offense just isnt quite up to par with the Mets or Phils. With the pitching in this division, runs are going to come at a premium.
By Colin Ake on Feb 7, 2009 | Reply
And I thought that my pun was bad…
By Colin Ake on Feb 7, 2009 | Reply
I hope that Ohman pans out too, Keith. Hopefully we've got something coming down the pipe soon. As far as Glav, we'll see where that ends up. No way to predict it at this point.
By Colin Ake on Feb 7, 2009 | Reply
Oh, and as far as Glavine goes, We just offered him a contract. Article coming up soon.
By Tim on Feb 7, 2009 | Reply
We need Ohman. He got out of so many tight situations last year. He flatout put Utley and Howard in their places last year. About the only positive we had against the Phils last year.