Chipper’s perspective on slump

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Supes

June 29th, 2009
2:22 pm

ESPN first take had a Tommy Hanson “segment” versus David Price.

The 2LiveStews were there, arguing on behalf of Tommy, that…if given the choice they’d take him over Price.

I agree with Jay Crawford…too early to tell.

McFann,

It’s not crazy talk…EVERYONE has a price. Again…I’m not advocating trading B-Mac…I realize the player that he is. I’m just saying if there is an overwhelming offer on the table down the road and the Braves are still “rebuilding”…(which they are denying but they are rebuilding!) you consider it. You get to raid someone’s farm system for top tier talent, you explore the option.

N8 pointed out…the Marlins are notorious for doing this, buying low and selling high and they’ve turned out some pretty good darn players, don’t you think (using that strategy). Too bad they don’t have money to keep some of their all star players that got away.

As far as Yunel to the RedSox…it would have be an OVERWHELMING offer from Theo Epstein, otherwise Wren should hang up the phone. If can ship off Jeff while at it, I’d consider it as a favor from the RedSox, if they took Jeff!:)

Bucholz is not enough. We’d have to get a top tier position prospect, and I don’t know who they have over there, but definitely a top 3 (within their organizational ratings) OF prospect, or a 3B prospect.

richbrave

June 29th, 2009
2:23 pm

Like RHR, I’m thrilled to be on the receiving end of e-mail spam from those two orgs. And all that off a measley few votes for the MAN McCANN.

GTSteve

June 29th, 2009
2:25 pm

That is correct Original, maybe Chipper won’t even get selected, and I agree I would rather se Chipper take a few days off. And if McCann goes, he will probably enter in the 6 inning or so……hope for no extra innings.

Supes

June 29th, 2009
2:25 pm

BTW…Looking at the NL…McCann is a shoe in for catcher…

Chipper should be a reserve, there aren’t 3 other guys better than him.

I’m surprised that Yunel isn’t considered for a backup ALL star slot. Not sure if Bobby Cox is going to compaign for him to get on the team, maybe make the call or talk to Charlie Manuel this week…given how he dislikes Yunel’s attitude (of wanting to win NOW).

Ramirez should start…but after that…Yunel is in the top 3-4 NL SS right now. It’s a down year for Rollings and Reyes is hurt…maybe Furcal?

joe

June 29th, 2009
2:26 pm

“joe, I don’t know that you would need thugs at both an OF position and 1B.” ncscoots

haha, I don’t need thugs, I need slugs(ers)

jason

June 29th, 2009
2:27 pm

Braint

I wasn’t being negative on your post. That just brought back that meomry, that’s all/ It does seem so long ago that we had an offense like that. Fick was not that bad of a hitter. He just was useless everywhere else.

Supes

June 29th, 2009
2:27 pm

2009 Braves all star game representatives:

McCann
Chipper
Yunel
Soriano/Gonzalez

glord

June 29th, 2009
2:28 pm

I will be shocked if Hudson is on the roster next year. It would be vintage Wren to go to Hudson and ask him renegotiate his contract knowing that Hudson is settled in Atlanta and is from the area. No way Huson is pitching for the Braves coming off surgery at 11 plus mil next year. This team just has to many issues to fix.

joe

June 29th, 2009
2:30 pm

Glord, let’s hope Huddy takes a discount next year. maybe 8 mill

Shaun

June 29th, 2009
2:33 pm

glord, in baseball there is no “restructuring” of a contract except maybe to defer money.

MFin04

June 29th, 2009
2:33 pm

Order of Braves that could be All-Stars this year (excluding Chipper because he shouldn’t be, but could):

1) McCann
2) Soriano
3) Jair
4) Escobar

Shaun

June 29th, 2009
2:34 pm

glord, but I get what you are saying: The Braves should buy out the option year and sign him to a lesser deal, I think.

glord

June 29th, 2009
2:38 pm

That’s exactly what I am saying. 1 mil buyout and a new 15 mil two year offer. Wren has a lot of leverage if Hudson wants to stat here. No way he plays at 11 mil next year.

PWHjort

June 29th, 2009
2:40 pm

MFin04,
You don’t think the NL’s strikeout leader deserves to be there but you think Jair should?

jason

June 29th, 2009
2:40 pm

I like the idea of a 6 man rotation. I know the cons about a routine and all, but look at it like this. You have JJ who has yet to throw 200 innings. You have Hanson who’s a rookie and you don’t want to over use. You have Lowe who might or might not be showing age. You have KK who is used to a 6 man, and Huddy coming off of surgery and needing time to build back arm strength. Yhen there is Javy at 32 and a work horse, and I am willing to bet that he will do what’s best for the team. I think a 6 man would work for the remainder of this year and next year at the most /least. Just an opinion.

McFann :Ô:

June 29th, 2009
2:43 pm

geauxbraves2000

And you left out doubles–BMac has twice as many doubles as Y. Molina!

I’d like to see a real All-Star Game, too…but, if you leave the voting up to the fans, this is what you’re gonna get.

To all those who have used up their 25 votes per e-mail: Just make up an address and vote some more! (I’m a huge hypocrite when it comes to this voting thing–I hate it, but I do it!)

Supes

Yeah, everybody’s got a price, but I don’t see the Braves trading McCann. (If Frank did that, I’d do like in the Flintstones and form the “Get Rid of Frederick Or Else” Club.)

You get to raid someone’s farm system for top tier talent, you explore the option.

Does that include trading HOF material for a bunch of prospects with big ?’s hanging over their heads? Doesn’t make sense to me, but maybe I’m stupid…

OK, so the Marlins got HanRam for Josh Becket, but it’s still a risky move to me. Heck, though, doesn’t really matter because Wren isn’t gonna trade BMac…no way, no how.

joe

June 29th, 2009
2:43 pm

heyward has as many HRs (10) in 172 AB as he did in 471 AB last year in Rome. out of his 51 total hits, 22 are extra base hits

Ron in Mobile

June 29th, 2009
2:44 pm

Jason the only problem with that is Lowe is a sinker baller and must pitch every five days to stay sharp. Gotta have the most expense man in the rotation at his best.

AndyC

June 29th, 2009
2:44 pm

I don’t understand this talk of trading BMac. If any one player on the current roster is untouchable it’s BMac. The guy is 25 years old and the best hitting catcher in the NL and arguably all of baseball. Catcher’s aren’t easy to find and when you find one as good as BMac you lock him down long term which is what the Braves did. It’s not like he is 35 and on the back end of his career. This is the guy you rebuild your team around. I think all the trade talk has gone to some people’s heads. (I’m looking at you Supes!) :roll:

MFin04

June 29th, 2009
2:45 pm

Jair has been a better pitcher than Vazquez, his ERA should be at about 2.50 if the stupid scorers wouldnt’ screw him over with bogus earned runs.

jason

June 29th, 2009
2:46 pm

Ron in Mobile, Yes but that would solve the Huddy or Javy debate since we are stuck with Lowe. I like Lowe but just like Huddy and Javy more.

jason

June 29th, 2009
2:50 pm

McFann :Ô: , I am GA. born and bread. I love all my GA sports teams. If FW were to trade BMac, then they would have one less fan. I will find another team to root for. That’s the type of deal that kills franchises.

joe

June 29th, 2009
2:50 pm

Lowe is a 4th or 5th starter on a great staff, which the Braves have. I know he has experience, but he is not a vintage stopper, and the Braves are paying him Ace money. Braves just have to be satisfied paying him ace money for bottom rotation stats, while paying Hanson very little next year for upper rotation stats. In my mind, this evens out.

The Braves Beat ... With Rick Springfield

June 29th, 2009
2:51 pm

This just in … I’m glad no one on this blog will ever be the general manager of a major baseball league … let alone the Braves. Stick to ripping off your buddies on Yahoo fantasy sports.

McFann :Ô:

June 29th, 2009
2:51 pm

AndyC

Ye-ep…yep yep yep…If he was 35, sure, I could almost understand, but dangit, he’s only 25!

Somehow, I don’t see these people as being happy with 140 games of Ross (not a knock against Ross at all–dude’s an amazing backup).

Chop Chop

June 29th, 2009
2:52 pm

Wren: “Huddy, we want you back, but you’ll have to take less money to be here. We just can’t afford it.”

(Chipper walks by, a trail of diamonds falling through a hole in his pocket.)

Huddy: “He’s got diamonds falling out of his damn pocket, man. I ain’t taking less money to stay here.”

Wren: “Well, we’ll just have to buy you out and pocket the money. Thanks for solving our payroll issues, hayseed. Oh, and…”

Huddy: “What else?”

Wren: “…and I hope your arm falls off.”

Huddy signs with the Mets or Phillies. Take your pick. I’m just typing here. My stories don’t have all the answers.

McFann :Ô:

June 29th, 2009
2:53 pm

Jason

Right! I think I’d be with you there. Wouldn’t wish ill on the Braves, but I’d have a hard time watching them for sure…

Haha! People think attendance is down now? Well…

jason

June 29th, 2009
2:53 pm

McFann :Ô, If we did trade McCann to st. louis, could we get Puljos back in return? That is about as sane a ? as Trade BMac, period.

McFann :Ô:

June 29th, 2009
2:55 pm

Jason

Ha! Yeah, that’s for sure.

sri

June 29th, 2009
2:55 pm

All the talk about using Hudson’s money vs trading Vazquez to get a big bat is interesting, but have you guys taken a look at next years free agent outfielders? Only Holliday,Bay,Dye qualify as ‘big bats’ (both RH, LH). Holliday would be too expensive, Bay will most likely sign with Boston/NY and Dye will be 37 next year. Nady,Guererro, Ankiel,Abreu,Cameron would be plan B’s. So there arent that many desirable options on the free agent list. Acquiring the bat through a trade may be more reasonable.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/2010-mlb-free-a.html

jason

June 29th, 2009
2:56 pm

See, the thing with the Chipper talk is about a 37 year old star who is only going to decline, not get better. Trade arguably the best catcher in MLB at 25 years of age. Where has all the common sense gone?

Crazy Trades McGee

June 29th, 2009
3:00 pm

Wow, some people on here make me look sane, and My name is CRAZY TRADES MCGEE!

joe

June 29th, 2009
3:00 pm

Chop Chop

June 29th, 2009
3:00 pm

If I were the Braves’ GM, I’d trade McCann in order to test McFann’s loyalty to the Braves. I wouldn’t last long as GM, but playing mind games with my fans would be fun.

McFann :Ô:

June 29th, 2009
3:01 pm

Jason

Exactly. Although I personally would like to see Chipper retire a Brave. (BMac, too, of course, but it’s a little early for that)

AndyC

June 29th, 2009
3:02 pm

McFann

Why do you hate Ross?

Just kidding. I really like him too and he has been great as a backup but I don’t think he could sustain his numbers over an entire season playing full time. One of the best backups around though. Glad we have him.

Efrim

June 29th, 2009
3:05 pm

Chop Chop, that was funny stuff at 2:52.

CorkylikesBeer

June 29th, 2009
3:07 pm

McCann and McFann for Pujols…seems like a good deal

PWHjort

June 29th, 2009
3:11 pm

MFin04,
No. Jurrjens hasn’t been better than Vazquez. Jurrjens has gotten lucky with his abnormally low BABIP and absurdly high strand rate. Vazquez has been legitimately great.

joe

June 29th, 2009
3:12 pm

N8 the Great,

My sincerest apologies for showing my appreciation for your post. Seeing as how you keep track of every one of my posts, I trust that you can see just how many times I’ve “clogged” up the blog with my “stupid” comments. Maybe you should pay closer attention. And your post at 3:03 is mildly hypocritical to say the least.

GTSteve

June 29th, 2009
3:13 pm

Instead of overpaying for a hitter, or trading too much for one….how about getting a hitting coach that can teach the guys that we already have how to hit…..

AZBravoFan

June 29th, 2009
3:14 pm

Holy cow! Someone mentioned trading for Adam Dunn. While the addition of Dunn’s HRs would be welcome, can you imagine the adventures out there with Dunn in RF and Anderson in LF? Poor McClouth would have to get a day off every week like McCann just to prevent sheer exhaustion.

jason

June 29th, 2009
3:16 pm

AZBravoFan, you could say that McLouth will ran slap out of town…

Slugger (Huzzah! refuge)

June 29th, 2009
3:22 pm

Anybody else here besides Rtrafford from the old Huzzah! group (formed after the espn dot com board blew up with SPAM)?

Noticed Rtrafford come out of the woodworks. Wonder if he found the AJC blog a couple years ago when the office banned ‘message board and forum’ with WebSense. Nice.

Slugger (sent using his Palm Pre)

June 29th, 2009
3:23 pm

And BTW, love my new phone :)

The Pre is kicking tail for me up here in Nashvegas. Bye Bye bberry and winMo.

Chop Chop

June 29th, 2009
3:23 pm

Jurrjens is up to a .294 BABIP now, PWH. Here’s a number for ya:

.241

That’s Tommy Hanson’s BABIP.

jeffrey d

June 29th, 2009
3:24 pm

You guys think they’re dumb on this blog, check out the “Cox or Piniella” discussion. People over there make willieg look like he just split an atom.

Way too many blindly loyal fans, a minor college football war of words, and some “sign Bonds” suggestions.

jason

June 29th, 2009
3:30 pm

Way too many blindly loyal fans, a minor college football war of words, and some “sign Bonds” suggestions.

Bonds is just as bad in LF as Loaf, and will hit a ton more HRs. Just saying…..

Am I blocked from the blog, Yet?

chris from md

June 29th, 2009
3:31 pm

I’m sure this has already been mentioned but perhaps help is on the way. Gwinnett, which, like Atlanta, had stellar pitching, now has a lot of hot bats. Included in this is former Astro 2b Chris Burke. I’d expect him to be called up some time this week. Even Barton is now hot. B.Jones is around .300. I’m not saying that they are going to make radical changes but I am predicting that Burke will be called up and given a chance and that Diory will be sent down. I wouldn’t mind seeing Blanco sent down either in favor of B.Jones or Barton.

Chris from MD

Slugger (sent using his Palm Pre)

June 29th, 2009
3:32 pm

Jeff D -

Agreed.

GT Steve -

I don’t doubt Terry knows an abundance on hitting, but I do doubt Terry’s ability to deliver that message to different types of players.

One can be the best salesmen in the world and never manage a day as a CEO.

Some of the best hitters in the world know the least about hitting and some of the worst hitters in the world know the most about hitting.

Neither case can relate to how well said hitters can teach hitting to one person, let alone a whole team.

Eckstein’s brother was one of the smartest guys I ever heard in person.
CJ Stewart (founder of RBI program in Atlanta) played MiLB ball, but he’s been the hitting instructor for about 5 or 6 first round draft picks in the last 8-10 years.

He knows a lot about hitting, definitely helped me tremendously.

Nöcho

June 29th, 2009
3:32 pm

“DOB will not be posting a new blog today so dont crash this one with stupid comments like that.” – Nate the GR8

When was the last time the blog crashed? Talk about wasting cyberspace.

jeffrey d

June 29th, 2009
3:35 pm

We haven’t had a blog crash since the Smoltz debacle of 2009

jason

June 29th, 2009
3:37 pm

jeffrey d, where do you keep coming up with this stuff? To funny, man.

joe

June 29th, 2009
3:40 pm

jason @3:37

beware, you might be subject to scrutiny and ridicule by the blogmaster Nate the Gr8 for complimenting a fellow blogger. We should all send any future blogs through Nate the Gr8 for approval. Only he refrains from making “stupid” comments on the blog. Instead, he makes stupid comments commenting on “stupid” comments. If only we could be as wise as that.

jason

June 29th, 2009
3:42 pm

joe, Thanks for keeping me in line. On that note, what about the Brian McCann trade for 16 nobody minor leaguers? Any updates, t=yet?

Coach (2010 or Bust)

June 29th, 2009
3:45 pm

Um, just to establish the truth, Micheal Jackson was in fact, a homosexual. He had many male lovers and preferred younger men. He publicly admitted to sleeping and sharing his bed with young boys and actually thought of his own behavior as NORMAL.

So, for those of you who feel the need to defend the King of pop music. don’t. He is guilty as charged. MJ is gone and now we can celebrate his music without the personal human disaster that was Micheal Jackson.

MFin04

June 29th, 2009
3:46 pm

What makes Jair great is his ability to strand runners when he does get into a jam. He never gets hit hard, and doesn’t have a “big inning” like Lowe and Vazquez have had.

Javy has been good, but Jair has been better. You just can’t argue with an “adjusted” era around 2.50.

Roman Gal

June 29th, 2009
3:47 pm

Hey, he said he’s pretty good at that thing, if memory serves me correctly… McFann

Meh…I could take him.

jason

June 29th, 2009
3:51 pm

MFin04, Just to argue. If Javy had gotten any run suppoet in over half his starts, he would have at least 10 wins. Me, I think one is as deserving as the other when you take in account our anemic offense and our pathetic defense.

Leftfield

June 29th, 2009
3:51 pm

In case you were wondering where Coach’s 3:45 came from.

fleming

June 29th, 2009
3:52 pm

DOB – You have a batting order yet for tomorrow night.

paul

June 29th, 2009
3:54 pm

nate the chipper glasses blinded fool…

on an excellent team he is a 6th or 7th hitter period… maybe a 2nd hitter, to take pitches for a good baserunner.

to put him (right now) in a lineup with what you listed is absurd.

go ahead and list all of the 3 and 4 and 5 hitters in the league that he is hitting above…

thanks

jj

June 29th, 2009
3:56 pm

I just don’t think the Braves are in a hurry to trade Escabor because they are getting a great return on their investment.They ain’t paying him but 400,000 dollars and thats very cheap for a starting ss that produces.And they have one more year before they have to offer him arbitration.You think the cost conscious Braves are going to trade him?It could happen and I really believe there would be a line of takers.Peavy said “if they trade Escabor,who would they have left”?Get the Braves a NEW MANAGER and lets see what happens.We have tried different player combinations,lets try something new.

Nova Scotia Steve

June 29th, 2009
3:57 pm

Vazquez looked darn frustrated on Saturday…Can you blame the guy? Man I felt for the guy…

jason

June 29th, 2009
3:57 pm

paul, I agree. He couldn’t hit third in BOS lineup. No higher than sixth.

jason

June 29th, 2009
3:59 pm

jj, If they trade Esco, it will be to rid him because BC and the Brave’s way ain’t going nowhere. If BC retires, there will be no reason to ship him out of town.

BravesFaninPhilly

June 29th, 2009
3:59 pm

Leftfield – classic

jason

June 29th, 2009
4:00 pm

Nice Zingers in here today.

Daslied

June 29th, 2009
4:01 pm

I’ve been wavering a good bit, but I now firmly believe that Coach is the biggest idiot on this blog.

Jimmy Joe

June 29th, 2009
4:01 pm

I think we should do the following if we fall out of it:

Trade Escobar to the Red Sox for Jed Lowrie, Clay Bucholz and another minor league pitcher
Trade Vasquez to the Brewers for Alcides Escobar, Corey Hart and a minor league pitcher
Trade Rafael Soriano to the Yankees for Austin Jackson
Trade Mike Gonzalez to the Rangers for Neftali Feliz

That would stock the farm system and still keep this team a conteder for next year.

GTSteve

June 29th, 2009
4:01 pm

i am with you JJ, the true definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over and expecting different results……..

McFann :Ô:

June 29th, 2009
4:03 pm

AndyC

I agree…one of the best backups there is, but probably not starting material. Some guys are just meant to be backups–there’s no shame in that.

CorkylikesBeer

Is that all you think we’re worth? :P

Roman Gal

Hey, that might be entertaining–a Guitar Hero match-up between you and BMac! Where cann we hold it? ;)

RHR

June 29th, 2009
4:03 pm

lmao @ left field.

Supes

June 29th, 2009
4:05 pm

AndyC,

The reason I brought up the “possibility of trading B-Mac down the road” was b/c N8 brought it up in the first place. I just agreed with his logic, I believe the post is on the previous page.

McFann,

No you are NOT stupid. However your loyalty knows no bounds. If a trade can be made to better the Braves I’m all for it. I’m a Braves fan 1st and foremost and no player is bigger than the team (right now on the roster, the only one that I would have a hard time seeing traded is Chipper Jones, b/c he’s a 36 year old vet and has earned the respectability status). With all due respect to McCann…he’s still “new”. 4 seasons is not enough:)

Oh, and I’d trade McCann + McFann to the Cards for Pujols right now;)

Supes

June 29th, 2009
4:06 pm

If they trade Esco, it will be to rid him because BC and the Brave’s way ain’t going nowhere. If BC retires, there will be no reason to ship him out of town.

********************************

jason,

Well said. We all know that it’s Bobby’s doing that Esco was shopped this past off-season and maybe shopped right now up until the trade deadline.

Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

June 29th, 2009
4:06 pm

Jimmy, the only one of those trades that would happen as you have them constructed would be the Yankees one and that one is doubtful. If the Red Sox gave up that much (and I think they would) they would likely want not only Escobar but Francoeur and at least one very solid minor leaguer if not two.

The Brewers are not giving up Escobar for Vasquez. And the Rangers aren’t giving up Feliz for Gonzales. Besides, the Rangers are stocked with too many good hitters the Braves should target first.

CB

June 29th, 2009
4:08 pm

Daslied, life is full of so many choices,why limit yourself?

jason

June 29th, 2009
4:09 pm

If the Red Sox gave up that much (and I think they would) they would likely want not only Escobar but Francoeur and at least one very solid minor leaguer if not two.

I would have jumped at that if not for the minor league add on…

PWHjort

June 29th, 2009
4:12 pm

“Trade Escobar to the Red Sox for Jed Lowrie, Clay Bucholz and another minor league pitcher
Trade Vasquez to the Brewers for Alcides Escobar, Corey Hart and a minor league pitcher
Trade Rafael Soriano to the Yankees for Austin Jackson
Trade Mike Gonzalez to the Rangers for Neftali Feliz” (Jimmy Joe)

Then we can trade Jeff Bennett for Matt LaPorta, Brandon Jones for Aaron Hill, Buddy Carlyle for Adam Jones, Brooks Conrad for Felix Hernandez, Reid Gorecki for Kyle Blanks… I could go on, but you get the idea. Ain’t gonna happen.

Jimmy Joe

June 29th, 2009
4:15 pm

Alright. But I bet you we could get a lot for Gonzalez and Soriano. Plus those Escobar and Vasquez trades would still keep us as a contender for next season. Maybe not to those teams and for those packages, but the Braves might be able to get tons for those four players and still be a very good team next year.

Roman Gal

June 29th, 2009
4:15 pm

Hey, that might be entertaining–a Guitar Hero match-up between you and BMac! Where cann we hold it? McFann

I’m thinking we should do it on the Jumbotron at the Ted.

joe

June 29th, 2009
4:19 pm

Does anyone know about Cody Johnson’s defensive skills?

McFann :Ô:

June 29th, 2009
4:20 pm

Supes No you are NOT stupid.

Well, thanks…

If a trade can be made to better the Braves I’m all for it.

I don’t think you cann better the Braves by shipping BMac off for some prospects.

With all due respect to McCann…he’s still “new”. 4 seasons is not enough:)

Not even 4 seasons of All-Star numbers (although ‘07 was pretty AVG)? Perhaps you saved yourself with that smiley face…

Oh, and I’d trade McCann + McFann to the Cards for Pujols right now

Ah, c’mon, man! The Cards would have to at least throw in Molina, right? :P

Roman Gal

Good call.

jason

June 29th, 2009
4:21 pm

Supes, The reason I brought up the “possibility of trading B-Mac down the road” was b/c N8 brought it up in the first place. I just agreed with his logic, I believe the post is on the previous page.

I can not comprehend how trading a 25 yr. old catcher who is right now arguablly the best in the game for anyone else as improving the team. It will be hancuffing us. We will then have to make even more moves just to make up for his bat. I am down with logic, if you can help me understand this.

Roman Gal

June 29th, 2009
4:22 pm

Does anyone know about Cody Johnson’s defensive skills? Joe

He’s adequate.

Disinformation

June 29th, 2009
4:22 pm

Yes, the braves should trade Brian McCann. The idea makes so much sense for so many reasons. B-Mac deserves better than the Braves losing organization. The young catcher will get far better exposure elsewhere than in Atlanta. He’s a winner and should play for a team capable of his talents.

Yes, the braves need to part ways with Tim Hudson. The guy can’t stay healthy anymore, the risk isn’t worth the reward. Keep Vasquez as the guy is a much better pitcher than Tim Hudson will ever be. The Braves need to make these two moves pronto if they are to ever compete with the Washington Nationals for last place.

MattyRoss

June 29th, 2009
4:22 pm

PWHjort

June 29th, 2009
4:23 pm

Joe,
Defensively, Johnson has made some positive strides as an outfielder, though he should be strictly limited to LF as a pro.

http://www.hot-prospects.net/tag/cody-johnson-scouting-report

jason

June 29th, 2009
4:24 pm

Does anyone know about Cody Johnson’s defensive skills? Joe

He’s adequate.
Sounds like most of the players we already have…

jason

June 29th, 2009
4:26 pm

sorry, I though it was inadequate. OOps, my bad.

jj

June 29th, 2009
4:27 pm

Is there a common thread to all the guys that would be traded?I hope I’m wrong and it’s all about making this team better.It’s funny that these guys are doing the job,why trade them?Escabor,Vasquez,Gonzo and Soriano are the guys I would try to build on,but I understand they will bring the most in return.But what do we do with ths underachievers that are left.?You still got problems.

Snowflake (The Braves chances)

June 29th, 2009
4:27 pm

35-40 with 13 games to go until the all star break.

15 games after the All star break leading up to the trade deadline.

28 games for the Braves to prove to the FO that they can win this division.

Rob from SC

June 29th, 2009
4:28 pm

Although I would hate to trade Vazquez and Escobar how about this trade

Texas gets: Yunel Escobar, Javier Vazquez, and Mike Gonzalez

Braves get: Justin Smoak and Elvis Andrus

joe

June 29th, 2009
4:29 pm

Thanks! not sure if I can deal with another girly-named Johnson on the Braves, but I’ve been looking at his minors stats for the first time really, he is a pretty intriguing 20 yr old power hitter. just raise those walks, cut down a few Ks, and hit the ball more the other way. heh, easier said than done.

Roman Gal

June 29th, 2009
4:29 pm

Jason-

He’s not a liability by any means. He’s not exceptionally fast, so he has that going against him. I’ve seen him several times and never really thought anything about his defense…good or bad.

Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

June 29th, 2009
4:30 pm

Rob, the Rangers aren’t giving up Andrus.

N8

June 29th, 2009
4:30 pm

For me, the first place to look with a starting pitcher, is his ERA. The next thing to look at is the team’s W-L record in his starts.

Now, when you have a good pitcher on a lousy team, that may not be a true sign of what a guy is or isn’t. But the truly great pitchers will rise to the occasion. Even with no run support.

Does this mean Vazquez is bad? No. Oddly enough, other than Hanson the Braves don’t have a winning record with any of their pitchers.

But please don’t talk about a pitcher’s personal W-L record, when discussing how good they are.

I don’t blame you. Even the media and the people in charge of handing out the awards do it. Anybody remember in 96 when Kevin Brown “outpitched” Smoltz, but came in 2nd to Smoltz for the Cy Young?

Smoltz went 24-8 with a 2.94 ERA. Kevin Brown went 17-11 with a 1.89 ERA. Braves went 26-9 in his 35 starts. Marlins went 20-12 in Brown’s 32 starts.

Highway robbery.

If we’re going by “team wins”, then Hanson is the true ACE of this staff. Team records in starts by each pitcher:

D-Lowe 8-8

Vazquez 6-10

Kawakami 6-8

JJJ 7-9

Jo-Jo 2-3

Medlen 1-2

Hanson 5-0

Now, on to run support:

D-Lowe 4.46

Vazquez 4.13

Kawakami 3.55

JJJ 3.87

Jo-Jo 4.02

Medlen 3.00

Hanson 5.60

I think it’s safe to say that our lineup pretty well sucks ass. But in the end, KK and JJJ have more to complain about than Vaz does.

I think it’s safe to assume that if we had even an average offense, we’d be 10 games over .500.

Now, one can argue whether Hanson’s time at AAA helped him or not. We’ll never know. But Buck and Kincade were just talking earlier about how different this season might or might not have gone with Hanson starting from week one of the season.

He would have had 10 more starts. Even if he only goes 5-5 in those 10 starts. Hell. Let’s just assume as the 5th starter, he ONLY makes the 8 starts that Medlen and Jo-Jo made and goes 5-3 in those starts (or the team does), that’s a two game swing in the standings.

I commend Wren and company “milking” the dollars and Super 2 status the way they have. But one could mak a reasonable arugument we’d be a helluva lot closer in the standings had Hanson started from the get go.

But to be 5 games under .500 with the starting pitching we’ve had is damn near criminal.

jason

June 29th, 2009
4:32 pm

Roman Gal, I was just being up to no good. I haven’t seen anyone from the minors play, so I am not one to say. Just from hearing some on here talk about him, I was getting the impression of Russel Branyan.

DAP

June 29th, 2009
4:32 pm

joe it looks like cody johnson made 7 errors in 109 games in the outfield last year in rome. a .946 fielding% isnt too good. but boy can he hit.

Disinformation

June 29th, 2009
4:32 pm

Jeff Francoeur is a Hall of Fame player in the making. Why anyone would entertain the idea of trading him is simply beyond insane. The real smart fans need to get behind “Jeffy” and start a petition and force the Braves to sign frenchy to a life time baseball contract. The guy should have an S right on the front of his uniform and wear a cape. Francoeur is that good.

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