Jimmy Johnson is even Convincing Atlanta with his Extenze Commercials

Now the Atlanta Braves may not have gotten the exact message Jimmy Johnson was trying to share, but they sure have been into extending contracts beyond expectations.  After a strong season, many speculated what the Braves were going to do with their young core, as many of them were in need of new contracts or would be facing arbitration.  With a good amount of money already invested in Justin Upton and Dan Uggla, who wont reach free agency till 2016, along with B.J. Upton who is signed till 2018, the Braves have been very active over the last few weeks locking up their young stars.
First off, though he had a rough season on the DL, the Braves signed 24 year old power bat Jason Heyward for two more years for $13.3 million.  Now two years doesn’t sound like much, but Heyward realistically should be happy with the offer and being able to avoid arbitration coming off the last season where he wasn’t as much support only appearing in 104 games and batting .254.  The Braves look for Heyward to be fully recovered and go back to his 2012 season numbers with homeruns in 20s-30s and RBIs at 80+.
On that same day, the Braves set a franchise record signing Freddie Freeman for eight years and $135 million. Freeman coming off an All-Star season with 23 homeruns and 109 RBIs, breaks Chipper Jones record of a six year deal which was the longest contract in team history.  Freeman finished 5th in the MVP vote last season, as he has made himself stand out as one of the top young players from around the league.  The 24 year old first baseman is now signed with Atlanta till the age of 32.
23 year old starter, Julio Teheran agreed to a six year extension with Atlanta for $32.4 million with a seventh year option.  This is some big commitment from the Braves, as the young starter has only appeared in 37 games with the 2013 season being his first full season.  The Braves are lacking an ace at the time being, so they look to Teheran to take that role and lead Minor and Beachy in the rotation.  Teheran went 14-8 with a 3.20 ERA in 2013 finishing fifth in the Rookie of the Year voting.    
The Braves locked up their well known closer Craig Kimbrel for four year at $42 million. Kimbrel has been an All-Star each season since 2011, as well as being among the MVP vote including the season he took home the Rookie of the Year Award.  Kimbrel has gotten 138 saves in his three years in the closer role, 50 of which last season.
Finally 24 year old Andrelton Simmons signed for seven years for $58 million. Known for his glove, Simmons is considered the best shortstop on the field.  He showed good consistency in his first season with his bat, but was known more for his power last season.  The Braves have high hopes for their young athletes, as they have put $280 million into the five them.