The Atlanta Braves say goodbye to Marcus Giles on Tuesday, deciding they could no longer manage to pay for the second baseman under their ever-tightening budget. The Braves had been attempting to trade Giles, but when those efforts went in vain, the team decided to cut ties with Giles by declining to tender him a contract for 2007, eight days before non-tendering deadline.
The 28-year-old Marcus Giles made the All-Star game in 2003, during his debut season as a starter. He wound up hitting a career-best .316 with 21 homers and 69 RBIs, all career highs. But unfortunately Giles was snowed under injuries and evidently uncomfortable when the Braves enthused him into the leadoff spot for 2006, seeking a replacement for Rafael Furcal. The second baseman slumped to .262 with 11 homers, 60 RBIs and 10 stolen bases, his disappointing season coinciding with the end of Atlanta’s record streak of 14 straight division titles.
The only reason for Giles departure is funds, he made $3.85 million in 2006 and likely would have commanded over $5 million for next season. General Manager John Schuerholz cannot take the risk team’s funds by arbitrating with Giles.