Hanson, Heyward sent to minors

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18 Wheels of Love

March 26th, 2009
2:36 pm

Morton for Jeff Baker.

Dadgum

March 26th, 2009
2:36 pm

So PWH….do you seriously think that the Braves will grab the Hudson 12 mil option for 2010? I don’t see that one at all. Assuming we get good results from Vazquez and Kawakami then I think the Braves pass on that price tag especially after they threw 16 mil at Lowe. Way way too early to make those projections but on principle with all else being known to date, nah I don’t see Hudson with the Braves unless a deal is structured or restructured.

Rock on…..TnBrian / Lew, is New Cars a redneck? Just wondering…..

Schafer Obliterator

March 26th, 2009
2:36 pm

Melky Cabrera……. lmao :-)

wilymo

March 26th, 2009
2:37 pm

doggsbrekky,

You’re kidding right?

18 Wheels of Love

March 26th, 2009
2:37 pm

scratch that, forget he went to Clemtech.

David O'Brien

March 26th, 2009
2:37 pm

Oh my, THIS JUST IN: Get ready for the Asian Invasion on Monday, when Boston comes to Dark Star to face the Bravos, and Dice-K makes his spring debut for the Sawx against Kenshin Kawakami. Kid you not.

Tomas

March 26th, 2009
2:37 pm

Schafer crushed damn wind pulled it back.

arobs3

March 26th, 2009
2:38 pm

Asian invasion…ahahahaha!!

David O'Brien

March 26th, 2009
2:38 pm

Lowe: 6 innings, 5 hits, 1 run, no walks, 7 K’s. Threw 62 strikes in 91 pitches

brian

March 26th, 2009
2:38 pm

As money strapped as the Braves have been in recent years (I wish I was money strapped with only an $80-$90 million budget) I do not see the Braves sending Jordan Schafer down to the minor leagues only to prolong his free agency. If Josh Anderson or Blanco convince the Braves they deserve a chance to be the starting CF this year then yes, Schafer will go down for more seasoning. If Anderson continues to have a rough spring and Schafer continues to hit well against expected major league starters (not minor leaguers) then the Braves will start Schafer. He was had a strong spring and one thing I have been most impressed with is the improvement and work ethic. Schafer worked hard in the off season and it shows. I wonder if Anderson is second guessing his decision to skip winter league baseball

Steve from OH

March 26th, 2009
2:38 pm

Dadgum, I think DOB has previously reported that the Braves intend to exercise Huddy’s option as long as he proves he’s healthy…

winthrop09

March 26th, 2009
2:39 pm

ill be at the charlotte opening day, hopefully hanson pitches. I actually like the 11 start time. also, gotta love the IL schedule makers. charlottes first 3 series are home against gwinett, norfolk, and durham. ill be able to see hanson, weiters, and price.

mbatl

March 26th, 2009
2:39 pm

just for the record, I NEVER suggested the Braves should pursue Melky Cabrera. That’s the last thing we need. Just noting that he’s on the market, and teams MAY have the option of trading for him or Josh Anderson – that it’s an interesting choice, IMO.

Brandon

March 26th, 2009
2:39 pm

Great outing from D. Lowe

Jeff Blauser

March 26th, 2009
2:40 pm

dogsbrekky, I think you’re giving up too much there for two guys who have never proven they can succeed for a team south of the Canadian border.

KC

March 26th, 2009
2:40 pm

Schafer just crushed a ball to deep left-center off a lefty. Would’ve been out of the part if not for wind. And of course, he had a single earlier and gunned down a runner at the plate.

Heading into this spring, it just made so much sense for Schafer to start at AAA and have Anderson in CF on opening day. But now????

Gosh, if you had to make the call today, wouldn’t you have to go with Schafer?

Bear

March 26th, 2009
2:41 pm

I was catching up on the posts.

18 Wheels, your 2:o5 post was hilarious.

BB5795, your 2:10 reply to 18 Wheels was equally as funny. I couldn’t stop laughing because that “backwards refresh” happens to me a lot, too.

Mekons

March 26th, 2009
2:42 pm

The starting pitchers and most of the position players seem ready for the season. Looks like the bullpen still needs time to get ready, though.

Thrillhouse44

March 26th, 2009
2:44 pm

Schafer and The Fran Man – 2 great arms. That could be a lot of fun to watch.

Schafer Obliterator. Not that we need another person pulling a Kenny Powers, but everyone knows Schafer talks in third person…at least Thrillhouse knows it.

PWHjort

March 26th, 2009
2:45 pm

It’s only 15 for Lowe, and Hudson at 12 million is one HELL of a bargain.

Woogidy

March 26th, 2009
2:45 pm

How come nobody has mentioned Campillo? I think he’s the #6, if you will. I mean if Glavine can’t go on April 18th, I think Campillo is the guy. I do, however, think he’ll be the one traded if there is a trade.

Dan

March 26th, 2009
2:46 pm

First game of the season is on ESPN. Derek Lowe vs Cole Hamels(probably) Good game.

JEZ

March 26th, 2009
2:46 pm

Hudson is still in his prime and can be a solid ace. We have to exercise his option!

vabravesfan

March 26th, 2009
2:47 pm

wow DOB I thought it was bad when I went down there recently and saw the Japanese reporters that were following Kensin, can’t even imagine how many will be there now. Better claim your spot in press box early that day.

bry22

March 26th, 2009
2:48 pm

Said it before and I’ll say it again. Brave should sign Ohman for 1 mil or so and if Braves are in it at the Allstar break great. That is what it is all about! But even if they are not, trade Ohman to a contender and get something they need for next year. That would cost the braves 1/2 mil for a position player that could help in years to come.

Tomas

March 26th, 2009
2:48 pm

So Hamels will be ready for opening day?

cvbraves

March 26th, 2009
2:48 pm

Dan: Don’t believe Hamels will be ready opening day…I’d guess Brett Myers for the Phils.

The Real Don Steele

March 26th, 2009
2:48 pm

Phillies have already announced that Hamels first start has been pushed back to April 10. He won’t be their opening day pitcher against the Bravos. Won’t appear in the series.

Epinephrine

March 26th, 2009
2:48 pm

I really don’t know how the Braves can afford to go with Anderson at this point.
1) This team lacks relative pop, and will rely on playing the odds of having a lot of guys getting on base, hitting for average, and moving runners over. Anderson doesn’t get on base. Schafer will get on base, will steal bags, and has decent pop. Clear upgrade in all categories.

2) Schafer’s defense is clearly superior. Between him and Francoeur, we are going to be holding people on base. That is an asset.

Anyway, it’s been discussed to death. But the contrast between today and yesterday should make this a no brainer for the Braves.

N Nine (eta10)

March 26th, 2009
2:48 pm

Can someone please inform me why we should pick Josh over Jordan?(other than losing Josh)

Dan

March 26th, 2009
2:48 pm

Thats right!! Where’s Hudson goin to be in the rotation once he gets healthy??

Jonathon

March 26th, 2009
2:49 pm

Put Morton or Jo Jo in a deal with the Dodgers for Blake DeWitt. Then you’ve got a young 3B “just in case.”

Epinephrine

March 26th, 2009
2:49 pm

We are going to match up real well against the Phils. Vazquez will face Blanton, JJ with Moyer? Yes, please.

18 Wheels of Love

March 26th, 2009
2:49 pm

IMO, the only way we bring Huddy back is if we some major injury to a starter or if we trade Jurrjens.

bry22

March 26th, 2009
2:51 pm

Jonathon- That is a great idea. But, I do not think LA would let him go. They do need pitching!

Jim

March 26th, 2009
2:51 pm

Moylan and Boyer have been the 2 best pitchers out of the bull pen this spring.

Dan

March 26th, 2009
2:51 pm

Score update??

Woogidy

March 26th, 2009
2:52 pm

Asian Invasion, I can only IMAGINE the flashbulbs

Runnin

March 26th, 2009
2:52 pm

BC better hurry up and send Schafer to the minors while he still can.

HokieBravefan

March 26th, 2009
2:52 pm

Update anyone??? Who’s pitching now???

Epinephrine

March 26th, 2009
2:52 pm

Next year’s rotation, in terms of “stuff”
1) Hanson
2) Lowe
3) Hudson
4) Vazquez
5) Jurrjens

That is a beautiful rotation. Ground out galores with Huddy and Lowe. 800 innings, you’d hope, from 2-5 in our rotation. Strikeouts galore from Hanson and Vazquez. It would be a pure powerhorse.

You could also sub Reyes for Vazquez if we decide to deal, and Reyes is lights out in AAA. Same with Morton. Exciting stuff. No wonder the Braves are thinking of Medlen in the pen. Where else could he fit? And as Lowe and Hudson age, you see Reyes, Morton, Rohrbough and Locke on the horizon. Not to mention Schafer, Heyward, Freeman, Hernandez, and whoever the Braves take 7th in this round. Looking good indeed.

bry22

March 26th, 2009
2:53 pm

We are definitly not trading young Jurrjens. Young, good pitching is hard to find.

McFann :Ô:

March 26th, 2009
2:53 pm

mbatl A little credit to the Toronto runner for not pulling a Pete Rose and crashing the catcher.

Yeah! What a terrific guy! :P

Epinephrine

March 26th, 2009
2:54 pm

Why wouldn’t we pick up Hudson? He’s been great the last few years. And he puts up innings. I think the Braves definitely exercise that option.

braint

March 26th, 2009
2:54 pm

Picking up Hudson’s option is a no-brainer. An ace for $12 million is a bargain.

josh

March 26th, 2009
2:54 pm

dave,

any additional info on kotchman? how’s he looked when he wasn’t sick?

chris from md

March 26th, 2009
2:54 pm

Dadgum,

I used to think it was a slam dunk that we’d pick up Hudson’s option but not anymore. Though $12 million may be a bargain, the Braves have a lot of guys due for significant arbitration raises. They’ll likely have Soriano and Glavine off the books but that only saves us about $8 million. I’m thinking Chipper’s new contract will be similar to what we were paying him before. So, regretably, I don’t see how we could afford Hudson, especially in light of the economy and the plethora of young pitchers waiting in the wings.

Chris from MD

Steve from OH

March 26th, 2009
2:54 pm

Freeman knocks in Escobar, 5-1 Braves.

cabravesfan

March 26th, 2009
2:54 pm

Epinephrine

If the rotation follows the current pattern Vazquez will actually pitch the 3rd game- on the 8th (he is scheduled to pitch the April 3rd game in ATL against the Tigers)- JJ is in line to pitch the 2nd game on the 7th.

Jonathon

March 26th, 2009
2:55 pm

DeWitt might be too valuable for the Dodgers to part with, but they also have 3B prospects Joshua Bell and Pedro Baez.

Brandon

March 26th, 2009
2:55 pm

18 wheels i highly doubt the braves will trade JJ. KK would probably be the odd man out, with Hanson taking over for Glavine. Rotation could possibly be.. Lowe, Vazquez, JJ, Hudson, Hanson. I dont know tho, it will be interesting to see what happens.

Fischerking04

March 26th, 2009
2:56 pm

Epinephrine—Or I guess to anybody—How has Blanton looked for the Phils so far this spring? On paper our 2-5 pitchers should be much more successful this season than any other NL East team. Meyers would be lucky to fill the 4 spot for us IMO and he is slated to be their #2…well 1 if you count Hamels out of the first start.

Epinephrine

March 26th, 2009
2:56 pm

WOW. Heyward just absolutely CRUSHED a ball. The wind pulled it back, but that was just absurd.

JEZ

March 26th, 2009
2:56 pm

Are you kidding me? Hudson is like what 32? He’s a veteran and fierce competitor. He had this injury which you know killed him to miss the season. He is like a Smoltz in that he will not let this keep him down. He has to be in a braves uniform next year. Even with our prospects almost ready, we need another proven starter, need I remind you of the 3 dominant starters we had that carried us through the 90’s..We would have Huddy, Lowe, and a wealth of talent behind them.

Tomas

March 26th, 2009
2:56 pm

Oh man…Damn wind.

TnBrian

March 26th, 2009
2:57 pm

Lowe is great AGIAN! What else is new? He was the guy that I was yapping about last summer to “BravesFanInRockies” when he started listing pitchers we should go after in the winter. He left out Lowe and then agreed with me that he’d be one of the better options. He just doesn’t get the “highlights” on ESPN but gets the job done most of the time. I love him and think he’s the perfect fit as our go to guy.

18 Wheels of Love

March 26th, 2009
2:57 pm

So KK is a 7m long relief guy?

BostonBravesGirl

March 26th, 2009
2:58 pm

MLB.com Gameday is just pathetic.

Epinephrine

March 26th, 2009
2:59 pm

Blanton has looked fine this spring, but the numbers don’t matter. Prospectus has him at 4.43/Whip of 1.36, which I think is about right. He fluctuates between quality starts and getting absolutely lit up early. But he’ll never absolutely dominate a quality lineup. I feel very comfortable with JJ matching up against him any day of the week.

Epinephrine

March 26th, 2009
3:00 pm

I think KK is most likely to get dealt. I could be wrong-a lot of guys have Vazquez pegged. But I think Javy is going to really enjoy A) Being under Cox rather than Ozzie, and B) more importantly, being back in the NL. He has dynamite stuff, he’s just never really put it together in a way you’d expect from the pitches he has. If he has a very nice season, I think the Braves are going to be hard pressed to send him packing.

Brandon

March 26th, 2009
3:01 pm

If KK proves to be productive he might be used in a trade..But it all depends on how productive Hudson can be coming off major surgery.

Jersey Gil

March 26th, 2009
3:02 pm

Don’t make any plan for opening day here in Phillis, Forescast not look to good. Cold Rain, low 31 Sunday, and Monday Posible Snow…this accord Accuweather. Crost Finger…I think is Myer vs Lowe.

Fischerking04

March 26th, 2009
3:02 pm

I agree about taking a JJ .vs. Blanton matchup any time. My only concern with JJ is that he doesn’t put too much pressure on himself to outperform last years stats. I think the added veterans in the rotation should help to relieve some of that. I just hope that he is able to relax and play to his game. If so he should have an outstanding year.

Epinephrine

March 26th, 2009
3:04 pm

Logan looks terrible again. This could turn in to an issue.

MinnesotaJacket

March 26th, 2009
3:05 pm

That has been my point…what do the Braves do about pitching in the end?? I definately say we pick up Hudson’s contract because we will most likely be trading Kenshin or Vaz if we do pick it up.

Tomas

March 26th, 2009
3:05 pm

Logan can’t get righties out. Thats why Will Ohman is so valuable.

Jonathon

March 26th, 2009
3:06 pm

The Dodgers might be desperate enough to part with Josh Bell: they’re in a winnable division, and just paid big money for Manny, Casey Blake and Furcal. Right now they have Eric Milton as their #5. Yikes.

The Rockies don’t have any major 3B prospects right now. I think any trade from our pitching depth should net a solid 3B prospect, b/c we don’t have an obvious front-runner to take over for Chipper when the time comes.

18 Wheels of Love

March 26th, 2009
3:06 pm

Sign and trade Huddy for a power bat?

MinnesotaJacket

March 26th, 2009
3:07 pm

Jon totally agree with you on the 3B prospect, but also just throwing it out there that we really don’t have a great catcher coming up either (yes I know we have Bmac forever now) but saying it would be good to get a young catcher in my opinion in the wings just in case BMac goes down with injury plus catchers knees can only hold up so long IMO

MinnesotaJacket

March 26th, 2009
3:08 pm

DOB I had someone mention this to me and I have no idea if it is true at all…but can you trade someone just for cash room (so pretty much we give you this player to clear up cap room with no player in return)? Sorry if this is a stupid question haha

KC

March 26th, 2009
3:09 pm

Will Ohman!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeff321

March 26th, 2009
3:09 pm

Sorry, but JoJo is better than Logan. So, what’s the point in letting Logan stink it up this year?

Oh right. Because Bobby Cox said JoJo wasn’t going to the pen, eh? Well, I’ll be sure to let y’all know how that works out. Because I have my eye on this wannabe member of the GIVE IT UP BOYS!

Jonathon

March 26th, 2009
3:10 pm

Brandon Hicks is probably the top 3B prospect in the Braves org.

cabravesfan

March 26th, 2009
3:10 pm

18 Wheels

What exactly do you think we could get for a guy coming off major elbow surgery?

cabravesfan

March 26th, 2009
3:10 pm

Anyone care to share what is going on in the game?

Tomas

March 26th, 2009
3:11 pm

Boone Logan is not getting it done, and O’Flaherty is even worse. WILL OHMAN might still be back in a Braves uniform.

MS

March 26th, 2009
3:11 pm

Hey DOB…it’s Josh Johnson, not Jason Johnson who recovered from TJ surgery on the Marlins….close.

Gil In Mechanicsville

March 26th, 2009
3:11 pm

With every at bat Boone Logan must be seeing his chances at making the big club get dimmer and dimmer. All the while Ohman is saying there may be hope for a phone call from Frank Wren yet…

KC

March 26th, 2009
3:11 pm

I think the Brave MUST sign Will Ohman, not only to have a reliable lefty in middle relief… but also because of Soriano’s health questions. If Soriano isn’t ready to go, or doesn’t look in any way reliable, the Braves could really use another proven reliever they can use in the 7th or 8th inning. Ohman can do more than just serve as a situational lefty.

Epinephrine

March 26th, 2009
3:11 pm

You look around our league…
Utley, Howard, Victorino, Ibanez
Reyes, Delgado, Church
Adam Dunn
Hermida

You gotta have a guy that can come on in relief in get lefties. Whether that is Ohman, Royce Ring, or someone in a trade…it’s just too big of a liability.

PWHjort

March 26th, 2009
3:12 pm

EOF and Logan will be fine filling the lefty role.

Jonathon

March 26th, 2009
3:12 pm

You don’t think Clint Sammons is going to be ready to step up in a year or two should something happen to McCann?

Gil In Mechanicsville

March 26th, 2009
3:13 pm

I like this kid Brooks Conrad too…

Tomas

March 26th, 2009
3:13 pm

Thank you Conrad.

chris from md

March 26th, 2009
3:13 pm

I gotta tell ya… it is completely bafling why Ohman has not been contacted. I mean 1.75 million isn’t going to break the bank. Was he a bad influence or something?

Chris from MD

BB5795

March 26th, 2009
3:13 pm

OK. I’m taking up a collection to help the Braves purchase Ohman. I’ll throw in the first $5. I may have a few empties around here, too. If we can get DOB to cut back on those expensive, illegal cigars, I’m sure he can contribute a nice chunk.

N Nine (eta10)

March 26th, 2009
3:13 pm

DOB please give Ohman a call…

18 Wheels of Love

March 26th, 2009
3:14 pm

cabravesfan….I don’t know, but I would think twice about giving anyone coming off major elbow surgery 12m.

Jonathon

March 26th, 2009
3:14 pm

If it’s a catcher propsect you’re looking for, then a trade with Colorado for Wilin Rosario is possible. He’s their #3 overall prospect, and blocked by Chris Ianetta.

Epinephrine

March 26th, 2009
3:15 pm

It’s amazing what throwing strikes will do. Hopefully Medlen is back out next inning. I want to see more.

18 Wheels of Love

March 26th, 2009
3:15 pm

We could give Ohman my retro refresh button and he could go back in time and accept that deal we offered him last Nov and Jan.

dogsbrekky

March 26th, 2009
3:15 pm

I think we must have lost Ohman’s phone number, DOBI please be giving it to FW……….. like yesterday

Andrew

March 26th, 2009
3:16 pm

the bullpen is looking very suspect right now…i think they really need to add a proven guy..through trade or what..i would like to see them call ohman.

Rob from SC

March 26th, 2009
3:16 pm

how did medlen look

Mekons

March 26th, 2009
3:16 pm

The Braves actually have some good-looking catching prospects, but they’re all in rookie ball (one hasn’t even played in North America yet, I think he was in the Venezuela league over the winter.)

3B and SS are our only real long-term needs. Escobar is fine, but if he goes down, we really don’t have a good replacement.

David O'Brien

March 26th, 2009
3:16 pm

So Boone Logan got beat up again while we were downstairs talking to Lowe.

Four hits, a walk and two strikeouts for Logan, before Medlen came in to induce inning-ending groundout with diving stop by Brooks Conrad. At least that’s what I’m told happened.

Jim

March 26th, 2009
3:16 pm

Worst trades in Braves History (chronologically)
1954 — Johnny Antonelli to Giants for Bobby Thomson.
Thomson breaks his leg in ST opening a roster spot for young Hank Aaron.
Antonelli wins 20+ games for the Giants and helps them to 4-game sweep of Cleveland. (He would have won the Cy Young in 1954 if there were one for each (or either) league. Thomson is never more than a 4th outfielder for the Braves.

1960 In separate trades Braves trade Joey Jay to Reds and Juan Pizzaro to the White Sox for no real help in return.
Braves decide to keep together the aging rotation of Spahn, Burdett, Buhl and give up on their potential replacements Jay, Pizzaro, and Carlton Wiley. Buhl and Burdett are no longer Braves in three years time. Jay has 20-win season in 1961 leading Reds to Pennant (and would contend with Spahn for Cy Young if there were one for each league), Pizzaro becomes a mainstay of the WhiteSox staff for the next few years.

1982 — The Barker trade!! (no explanation needed)
Behenna was part of that deal along with Butler and Jacoby, and had a promising future derailed by arm problems.

Moral of the story. Be careful in giving up young pitching too soon, or blocking their ascent with aging veterans.

David O'Brien

March 26th, 2009
3:18 pm

Two-out triple for Schafer

MinnesotaJacket

March 26th, 2009
3:18 pm

I think Sammons is an ok defensive player with ok offensive skills…Id rather have a better option than that (pretty much Flowers who we trades) but the Braves have liked the idea of paying a few mill for backup veteran catchers who are good defensive but have been lacking in offense for years haha

Andrew

March 26th, 2009
3:18 pm

triple schafer ..screw anderson

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