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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
913 comments Add your comment
Lew
September 22nd, 2009
11:02 am
scoots-That should have read that I wouldn’t mind another boomer. I think we can’t wait until ST to find out if Heyward is ready or not and forego getting someone else. If we DO pich up a bat and Heyward DOES prove he’s ready then we can always deal an outfielder later. Wouldn’t it muddy the waters if Schafer and Heyward proved ready? Who could we get for McLouth?
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
11:04 am
ncscoots,
The guy made 3 starts and pitched twice against Cuba in the WBC Classic this year and ended with an ERA of .83
You’re not taken 7th in the draft unless you’re real good. Or maybe the Braves can’t scout anymore.
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
11:05 am
WBC, re your 10:57, the alternative is a trade for a proven run-producer who can anchor the middle of the order, lengthen the lineup, and promise an order of performance that will keep the Braves from relying on “everybody has to hit” every bleepin’ game.
Trade a pitcher, gut the farm, sell some body parts, whatever, LOL. Otherwise, you’re just looking at the same offensive team in 2010: a fairly good offense that has to play at its peak almost all the time, to win consistently. No team can do that without favor from the gods, and I tend to have little faith in that kind of “plan”.
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
11:07 am
Didn’t say Minor was a bum. My implication was that David Price is a good bit better, and it’s unlikely that the two are in the same conversation.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
11:11 am
ncscoots,
I agree, we need to score more and close better. I still think the power of this organization is it’s ability to draft and develop young players. Wren has many options and will again be dealing from strength because he rebuilt our pitching.
Train Wreck Bystander
September 22nd, 2009
11:18 am
I don’t really understand all the man crushes for Roachey. Yes, he’s been a great 2nd half addition. I seem to remember him always having great 2nd halves here. But he’s slow to boil, and come next spring I doubt he’d be doing for the Braves what he is doing now.
Right now, I don’t have a better answer.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:18 am
ugh…I forgot about the Minor signing. Seems like we had so many better options to pick from. Then again, I said the same thing about Matt Ryan so maybe Wren knows something.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:22 am
Oh yeah, totally! My Lovey cann whistle the theme song McFann
At first, I thought “My Lovey Cann” was some cute nickname you had for Brian. I’m assuming Lovey’s your bird?
And totally agree that the black and white episodes are the best. It’s just not the same without Barney.
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
11:23 am
yeah, i think the team has to be put together as if heyward wont contribute much. in other words, i want get a guy who is versitile in the field so that next year, the out field could be mixed and matched a bit. a guy that can play center field would be great, and there is a really good option out there. a guy with power, and a very good defensive outfielder.
ozzie
September 22nd, 2009
11:23 am
It may be tough but there are two primary scenarios that will fix this team:
1. Resign LaRoche (3yr deal – FF is no where near ready for the MLs) & sign one of Bay, Holliday Dye for LF – best move IMHO but you will need to call CO for cash and clean house via DFA. Means a lower priced bench, more rookies and letting Gonzo & Soriano walk. You can pick up Wagner here for 1yr as the closer and have Moylan as the 8th inning dude.
2. Trade for Fielder or Adrian G, let LaRoche walk – sign Figgins to platoon in LF with Diaz and 3B with Chipper. You lose a starter in this scenario likely Vaz or JJ which I doubt they do especially in the case of JJ. I still see Wagner in this scenario with Gonzo and Soriano going to other teams.
Sure there are other players (lessor) and combos but either of the two above will get you the division or a WC with no drama in September.
Others have mention getting Konerko, Cameron, DeRosa et al but they are not difference makers IMHO. This team needs a 30-40HR/125+ RBI guy desperately.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
11:23 am
ncscoots,
I know it’s only Rome, but Minor 14IP, 1ER, 0BB, 17K .64ERA
I guess the Braves have seen enough to send him to the Arizona Fall League.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
11:26 am
jeffrey d–
LOL! Sorry! Yes, my Lovey is Petey Bird. I call him my Lovey because he has a “crush” on me–I mean, he doesn’t really like to sit on anybody else. And he looks at me with googley-eyes…
It’s just not the same without Barney.
Yeah…that Warren dude is annoying–”Huh-yeah! Huh-yeah! Huh-yeah!” And Goober’s in too many episodes. I mean, ya know, he’s funny…but enough is enough.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
11:29 am
ozzie,
Moylan closes next year. He just set the major league for appearances without giving up a home run. The guy’s got the goods and will be even better in 2010.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:29 am
Like the Geico money.
And I’m not sure who Warren is.
timthebrave
September 22nd, 2009
11:29 am
I vote for this as post of the month from Ron in Mobile on first page.
“I recomend that for a real men of genuis commercial.
Make it a Bud Light Mr composer of the repetitive douche bag blog comments. Day after day you scream to the world what an enourmous chum you are. We know your not afraid to use CAPS…cause thats just how you roll” I’m still laughing
rammerjammer
September 22nd, 2009
11:29 am
Cameron would be an upgrade from Garret and would almost certainly sign for one year, giving the Braves flexibility with Heyward and, yes, Schafer. No, he’s not a 30-HR guy, but how many of those are affordable and make sense with Heyward on the cusp and maybe Schafer in the mix? One year is the way to go. If not Cameron, another RH-hitting outfielder who’ll sign for one year.
And when you think about what LaRoche has brought this team, and what this team had in Kotchman before, well, you just don’t let him get away…especially when there is no Plan B if he leaves.
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
11:36 am
there is a really good option out there. a guy with power, and a very good defensive outfielder.
Let me guess…his middle name wouldn’t be “park-adjusted”, would it, LOL?
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
11:38 am
jeffrey d Like the Geico money.
Haha, right!
And I’m not sure who Warren is.
He’s Andy’s new deputy…at least I think that’s his name…
SUN!! WOW! That’s cool-looking!
jmart
September 22nd, 2009
11:38 am
O’Brien
September 21st, 2009
4:20 pm
Next year, the Braves have questions at 1B, 2B, LF and RF.
How in the world can anyone doubt what a hard nosed player Prado is? Have you watched his approach at the plate? His defense continues to improve. He is a clutch hitter and has many multiple hit games. I believe that he has proven over the course of this year that he deserves to be a starting 2nd baseman. His versitility is also very beneficial for a team that occassionally needs a replacement at 3rd base.
Same goes for Diaz. He now has 12 home runs. What would his number be if he had started all year. He plays an adequate right field but would be better off in left field. His OBP was well over .400 as the lead off batter but when McClouth came back Cox reinserted McClouth in the one hole. Diaz has the versatility to bat virtually anywhere in the lineup.
If Haywood becomes our right fielder I believe that our only questions for next year are who plays first base, can we resign Hudson? and can we make over our bullpen?
Danga
September 22nd, 2009
11:39 am
I think Cameron could be a difference maker if you look at him as GA’s replacement. Cameron will hit more homers and get on base at a better clip. Then there is his defense. If he ends up in Atlanta, I think he plays CF and McClouth gets moved over. Either way, OF defense is much better.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
11:39 am
And the sky is like…blue in some places. This is odd…I think I’ve seen this happen before, but I don’t remember when that was…
P. W. Hjort
September 22nd, 2009
11:42 am
I know it’s only Rome, but Minor 14IP, 1ER, 0BB, 17K .64ERA
Minor had been facing competition roughly equivalent to AA for the past 3 years. Anything less and I’d be disappointed.
I guess the Braves have seen enough to send him to the Arizona Fall League.
They pretty much decided to send him to the AFL before he threw a single professional pitch.
Soph
September 22nd, 2009
11:42 am
Oh, sunshine how I’ve missed you.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
11:43 am
Soph–
I’ve missed it, too! Wow…this is amazing…
Q
September 22nd, 2009
11:44 am
Why not trade for Dunn who has got one year left on his deal? Trade Medlen and JoJo Reyes and one other player for him.His salary is about 10 million or so next year so don’t pick up Hudson’s 12 million option and you free up the money for Dunn and still have 2 million to add a bullpen arm. Or improve the player package and trade for Adrian Gonzalez who is under contract for the next 2 years for a total around 12 million.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:45 am
If Haywood becomes our right fielder I believe that our only questions for next year are who plays first base, can we resign Hudson?
The day Haywood becomes our right fielder is the day I sing hymns in a mosque
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
11:45 am
white blood cellsMoylan closes next year.
i dont know about this. lefties are hitting .300 against him this year.
rammerjammer it might take two years on mike cameron, but i agree with you that he is a great option. and, he may not be a 30 homer guy but he has 21 homers at age 36, and has hit at least 21 in each of his last 4 seasons. great defense, speed, and some power. he, mclouth, diaz and heyward should be our OF guys next season.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
11:45 am
P.W. Hjort,
Maybe we should trade Minor while his value is high, saving money to keep Kelly Johnson on the bench. This way the matrix of players will work better.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:46 am
I’m gonna miss the rain. Not the monsoon we had yesterday, but I do enjoy the rain.
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
11:46 am
If Haywood becomes our right fielder I believe that our only questions for next year are who plays first base, can we resign Hudson? and can we make over our bullpen?
Yes, an OF of Diaz, McLouth, and Heyward simply screams “800-run offense”, LOL.
abwright
September 22nd, 2009
11:48 am
Whatever happened to JoJo Reyes? Did he have surgery or something?
Or, have the Braves just said, you’re done for the year, see you next year.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
11:49 am
jeffrey d–
I like the rain, too…but I am ready for some sun (low-humidity, though–I hate heat).
That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy going out back and stepping in DEEP puddles and getting all wet yesterday!
Soph
September 22nd, 2009
11:50 am
And, of course as soon as I declare my love for the sun, it disappears. It’s teasing me.
Rock On......
September 22nd, 2009
11:50 am
lew….just getting back to an earlier response from you. Seems you me and DAP are on the same page. Not sure though we can keep everyone of the SP’s and then acquire a bat through FA. Putting KK in the pen at 7.5 million for middle relief I can’t see happening throughout 2010. This is why I feel the Braves best move is to trade KK/KJ for another big bat which is assuming of course Wren feels he will get the necessary mileage out of Hudson. The Hudson scenario still has to play out before any trade of KK or whomever. Sign LaRoche first though.
abwright
September 22nd, 2009
11:51 am
With the Braves bullpen woes, I was very happy to see KK get to go four and get the save last night. I wish that the Braves would use their former starting pitchers (KK, Medlen) in this role (or go to a six man rotation, which is not going to happen this late in the year).
KK is better for four every five days than Nunez, Acosta, Logan, and whatever meat is left on the bench.
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
11:51 am
Q, dunn gets $12mil next season, and the nats would want alot for him, i think. that will be a hard trade because its in our division.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:51 am
Well according to weather.com, it looks like the sun’s going to stay for awhile, with maybe a couple showers later.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:52 am
But you know how I’m usually wrong, so get your rain boots ready.
Daslied
September 22nd, 2009
11:52 am
Train Wreck – if LaRoche had his typical 2nd half numbers in the 1st half as well, Atlanta wouldn’t have a prayer of signing him.
JMart – Diaz has 12 HR in 391 PA (about the same as 2007). Over 650 PA (roughly a full season) that would be about 20 HR. This year he has 6 each against RH/LH, but in his career the split is pretty pronounced – 24 against LH (662 PA) and 11 vs RH (705 PA). The knock on Diaz is that split – his OPS is nearly .200 higher against LH (.919 vs. .727).
That being said, I’d be okay with him out there, but not as “the” power guy in LF.
Rock On......
September 22nd, 2009
11:53 am
Heywood?…What happened to Dagwood?
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:54 am
If the Braves didn’t want Dunn last season, why would they want him now that his salary’s increased and he’s going to cost prospects?
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
11:54 am
Soph–
A can’t stand getting teased like that!
jeffrey d–
I saw a 5-day forecast that showed rain…rain…rain…
But I’m usually wrong, too, so get your sunglasses ready!
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:55 am
Dagwood’s still getting owned by Mr. Dithers.
Daslied
September 22nd, 2009
11:55 am
White Blood Cells – you’re joking about trading Minor, right?
Soph
September 22nd, 2009
11:56 am
If the Braves didn’t want Dunn last season, why would they want him now that his salary’s increased and he’s going to cost prospects?
Hellooooo. Didn’t you see that post yesterday from someone? If we get Dunn, we sell out every single home game with standing room only and he carries us to the World Series. Duh.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
11:57 am
haha, oh yeah I saw that. It was after I left and you backed me up with some sarcasm (props, btw)
Rock On......
September 22nd, 2009
11:58 am
Oh, here we go with the Adam Dunn thing again! Lew, I am gonna let you take that one. I remember how much my head hurt beating it against the wall debating Adam Dunn or any other defensive stiff for that matter.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
11:59 am
OK, I got my photos from yesterday uploaded. Photobucket came through this time!
I also uploaded some photos of my Lovey, since we were talking about him a little while ago…
P. W. Hjort
September 22nd, 2009
11:59 am
White Blood Cells
You really enjoy pissing out of your @ss, don’t you. Anyway:
Maybe we should trade Minor while his value is high, saving money to keep Kelly Johnson on the bench. This way the matrix of players will work better.
The Braves can’t trade Minor until next August. If any of that made any damn sense to begin with.
Efrim
September 22nd, 2009
11:59 am
Yes, an OF of Diaz, McLouth, and Heyward simply screams “800-run offense”, LOL.
But scoots, didn’t you know that Heyward was going to crush major league pitching as a 20 year old? .320/.410/.540 at the very least.
abwright
September 22nd, 2009
11:59 am
I’m wondering if the Braves are getting close to shutting down Hanson.
Playoff hopes are slim, he’s reaching that mystical number of increased innings from the previous year that you don’t want to exceed. He’s had a great year and can build from here.
I’m betting that the Nationals’ start is the last one Hanson makes this year.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
12:00 pm
But it’s like….every homerun hitter suddenly becomes an option on here. Logic and economics go flying out the window.
If we could just trade for Braun, Howard, and Utley, we could move Escobar to pitcher and start wearing sombreros instead of baseball caps! It’s almost too easy…
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
12:00 pm
My photos from yesterday are of the rain “damage” in our backyard…shoulda been more specific there…
Daslied
September 22nd, 2009
12:00 pm
Short version: With Dunn, there’s probably no KK, Lowe, McLouth or LaRoche, and possibly no Javy if we signed Dunn early. Each player has been much more valuable, according to WAR, except for KK. He’s been equally valuable.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
12:01 pm
Daslied,
Of course, I was making a wise crack @ Hjort in response to his wise crack.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
12:02 pm
Geeze McFann…you weren’t foolin about that river
Soph
September 22nd, 2009
12:03 pm
Me? Sarcastic? Nu uh. Props to you for the props you gave to me.
McFann – awwww, Petey’s a cutie. Very handsome bird.
jeffrey d
September 22nd, 2009
12:04 pm
I don’t need props. But you just bought yourself a shut-up free day.
Lovey Cann looks like a fun bird
sportsmandh
September 22nd, 2009
12:04 pm
Guys,
Haven’t been able to post in a while, but I’ve still been paying much attention and have several comments:
1) Why does anyone have any question about Prado being the future everyday 2nd baseman? There should not even be any question. What more can you ask from a guy? Why would you even want to take a chance on Kelly Johnson? He is dead weight, cut him. Prado makes much less and has produced much more than Johnson. It isn’t even a question. Further more, Prado is a hitting machine. He is going to be the Braves version of Placido Polanco for the next several years. A .300 hitter, 8-10 homer, 40 double, 80 plus rbi guy. Most teams would be very happy to have that for their everyday 2nd baseman. Given the combination of things Wren will have to manage for trying to adjust the roster in the offseason, 2nd base is an easy answer.
2) A lot of you posters are underrating McClouth. He has done a good job. He is a good player. Same as Prado, finding a spot for McClouth is a no brainer. Now whether you play him in left or center is up for debate, but he’s on the team regardless. People keep talking about finding a speed leadoff guy for center. Hello, again just like with Prado, given the combination of things Wren is going to have to look at, this is not an issue. You stick with McClouth. He’s not even close to the problem. He is a 20 stolen base guy (by far the best on the team there), a gamer, a good outfielder, and about the only thing you could complain about is his throwing arm. Also, do you guys realize Schaeffer may not ever even develop into the caliber player McClouth is? Now, I hope he does, and he may. But sometimes it’s better to go with ‘the bird in the hand’. Plus McClouth is under contract for 3 more years.
3) There is and always will be a place for Matt Diaz as the 4th outfielder on this team. And when he’s not playing a very good pinch hitting candidate. He’s a good leader and chemistry guy too. Let’s say if Schaeffer does develop well, and by the start of 2011 you have Heyward, McClouth, and Schaeffer. That’s a very good, athletic, solid defensive outfield. There will still be a place for Matty D as the 4th outfielder.
I personally don’t think outfield is the problem or as big a concern as some others. If Heyward turns out to be what everybody thinks, the power problem isn’t as bad as feared. Unless there’s a way to sign Jason Bay, then I wouldn’t even give it as much thought as some other spots.
The bigger question is what to do with some other roster spots. The whole 1st base issue for the next 2 seasons. I’m for signing LaRoche if they can for 2 years. What to do if they can’t? Not sure. And what to do about 3rd base down the road? And BULLPEN?
Personally, I would not bring back Church or Johnson. I may consider bringing back Loaf just for one season if he would accept the role of a stop gap it he’s on the cheap which he probably will be. I would do this too hoping for a June or so callup for Heyward, and then have Loaf as a solid pinch hitter, spot starter, and dh for interleague games during the midseason.
My only pie in the sky idea I wonder if Derek Lee may be a trade candidate, or free agent candidate? I have no idea of his contract status. I know he would command top dollar. But if Wren makes some other tough decisions. For example doesn’t resign Hudson. Then maybe you could sign Lee for 2 years. Check this out for 2010 2011, all you got to do is fill in the bullpen holes
1) McClouth – cf
Diaz – rf (Heyward when ready)
2) Prado – 2nd
3) Chipper – 3rd
4) D. Lee – 1st
5) McCann – c
6) Escobar – ss
7) Loaf – lf (Schaeffer when ready, or Diaz)
bench:
Ross
Infante
Brandon Jones
whoever else wins the spot
Rotation
Vazquez
Lowe
Jurrjens
Hanson
KK
pen
Moylan
Medlin
O’Flaherty
Sorianno or Gonzalez (we know they won’t resign both)
Johnny Schuerholz
September 22nd, 2009
12:04 pm
Lew…
Do not want to get political on you…however, you brought it up.
As far as CNN and Michael Moore are concerned…it will not matter at all. Michael Moore is out of touch with mainstream USA (and so is CNN…have you seen the ratings!). All that fat slob wants to do is bash America…and any company that tries to make a profit…and to bash any, living…breathing conservative on the planet.
Will not matter cause CNN is talking about it and no one watches CNN anymore unless you are a bed-wetting leftist…and as far as the drivel that comes from Michael Moore..he can go to hell (or to Cuba)…as he is sure on his way to some where very warm come dirt nap time…hopefully…sooner… rather than later!
njbraves
September 22nd, 2009
12:05 pm
Any offseason move that involves trading JJ is not only dumb, but also completely unrealistic. He’s one of the best pitchers in the NL and he makes peanuts. Why on Earth would the Braves trade him, especially for someone like Fielder, who will be a FA in a year. Cameron isn’t happening either. Would a full season of Mike Cameron have made this team dramatically better?? Nope. You want a legit contender next year, find a way to keep Vazquez and Huddy and add either Bay or Holliday. I’d be happy to let Gonzo and Soriano walk and find a cheaper replacement. Neither guy really impresses me that much and both guys, especially Gonzo, put too many people on base. This team is close to being a legit contender, let’s hope they do the right thing.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
12:05 pm
jeffrey d you weren’t foolin about that river
Sure wasn’t. Yeah, it cann get pretty big…think that’s the biggest it’s ever gotten, though–even counting hurricanes.
Soph–
Thank you! He’s a good boy…most of the time.
White Blood Cells
September 22nd, 2009
12:06 pm
DAP,
I select Moylan’s 2007 numbers v. left handed hitters (pre-surgery). They batted .242 with no homeruns that year while right handers batted .185 with 6 home runs. I think he has finally recovered fully. You know they say it really takes 18 months. I believe he can pitch to either side effectively.
Will
September 22nd, 2009
12:07 pm
Didn’ know if anybody posted this but I thought some of the huge bobby haters might like to see this. You have to scroll down a little bit to the part about the braves.
http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ge-managers092109&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
12:07 pm
jeffry d–
Oh, he’s a very fun bird–’sept when he screams. Sometimes we’ll be sitting right next to his cage, and he’ll be screaming his head off!
But we love him…we’ve had him for 8 years!
Soph
September 22nd, 2009
12:09 pm
I think I had a shut-up free day yesterday. I’ve grown accustomed to your shut-ups now. I’m immune to them.
RHR
September 22nd, 2009
12:09 pm
Aw your bird is beautiful, McFann. I bet he’s fun to have.
Johnny Schuerholz
September 22nd, 2009
12:14 pm
Peter Moylan will try to close out the next Braves save situation…starting tonight. Gonzo and Soriano…will go back to set-up roles for the bullpen. Hey…this came down from Bobby Cox.
BELIEVE
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
12:15 pm
sportsmanh
i agree prado should get a shot to play everyday, mclouth is a solid player, schafer should be a september callup in 2010 at best, and matt diaz is fantastic for this team, and should stay for a long time.
derek lee is signed for one more year at $13mil, and has a full no-trade clause. i do think the cubs would consider moving him depending on what they are thinking for the immediate future. i think they are realizing they made some bad signings and might need to regroup a bit. but, a derek lee trade is a longshot.
cabravesfan
September 22nd, 2009
12:18 pm
McFann-
Thanks for the pics
I still can’t believe how much rain you all have gotten…
I’ve always thought it would be fun to have a bird but sadly, my “roommate” would not agree (actually she might like a bird…)
Liberal Lion
September 22nd, 2009
12:19 pm
Easy there, Johnny Schuerholz.
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
12:20 pm
white blood cells
his numbers against lefties are slowly getting better, but i wouldnt anoint him. lefties have really hit him hard this year, and i wouldnt thrust him into a closer role without knowing first if that is fixed.
RHR
September 22nd, 2009
12:20 pm
Lew…
Do not want to get political on you…however, you brought it up.
No, he made a comment about a film being made regarding Liberty Media, owner of the Braves.
Don’t hurt yourself with those far reaches to share your political leanings with us, “Johnny Schuerholz”.
sportsmandh
September 22nd, 2009
12:21 pm
DAP,
What about a trade of Vazquez and maybe a prospect or 2 for D. Lee? A better idea than the crazy suggestions about trading for Prince Fielder or Ryan Braun. No way the Brewers trade either of those guys, especially for a shorter term piece of the puzzle like Vazquez.
Either way, if there’s no Hudson or Vazquez, one or the other, there may be payroll to sign/trade for a Bay or Lee. Plug them in the clean up spot and this team is ready to roll.
abwright
September 22nd, 2009
12:21 pm
My off season predictions …
1. Braves sign Hudson to multi-year extension (3 years, $24 million)
2. Braves renegotiate with Vazquez to extend his contract (3 years, no idea on the money)
3. Braves try to sign LaRoche to two year deal
4. Anderson, K. Johnson, Church, Gonzalez, Soriano are not extended contracts
5. Braves trade one of Lowe, Hudson, Vazquez, or Kawakami to fill outfield and bullpen needs. No idea which one or whom they receive in trade, depends on what is offered.
6. Braves do NOT trade for Adam Dunn or Ryan Freel.
It should be noted that, post-KJ, post-Francoeur, and post-Kotchman, that the Braves are well above .500 team, despite a very shaky bullpen. How much do the Braves really have to improve in the off-season? First base and closer are going to be the only real needs for the Braves. A power hitting outfielder will really help, but is probably not necessary with Heyward on the way and Schafer hopefully bouncing back.
Even if Roachy doesn’t sign, Braves should be able to promote Ryan “Spangles” von Furstenburg to cover 1B.
abwright
September 22nd, 2009
12:22 pm
P.S., I doubt that Greg Norton gets resigned either.
RHR
September 22nd, 2009
12:23 pm
Speaking of man crushes, I’ll be glad when everyone gets over Adam Dunn. Will they ever? Probably if he ever became a Brave.
Daybed Wagmoe
September 22nd, 2009
12:25 pm
DOB — music recommendation for ya: Joe Pug’s “Nation of Heat” EP.
Chris
September 22nd, 2009
12:28 pm
How ironic that a 30 HR guy is now considered a “big bat” in the post-steroid era.
Marc in FL
September 22nd, 2009
12:34 pm
The bullpen is fine the way it is, most bullpens suck with one guy or maybe two guys at the end that can close it out. Our bullpen is actually one of the best in the NL, if not for Soriano’s struggles lately, Moylan’s early on, and Bobby’s love affair with Bennett, it would probably be leading all the major stats.
I don’t know if signing Laroche is very smart, he’s a good second half player but absolutely tanks in the first half. Look the NL central and there’s 3 or 4 good 1B that will probably be available this offseason and only have a year or two left on their contracts. I would argue with Berkman, Lee, or Fielder at first next year.
We’ll get another cheap OF bat, but with McLouth and Diaz already locked in place, and the Braves’ confidence in Schafer and Heyward, I wouldn’t expect anything too drastic. They’ll probably try to find someone who went FA after a injury plagued season and try to get a one year deal. Hell, it might be Church.
Quite a few people maybe walking, it’s a shoe-in that Hudson, Norton, and Anderson are off the payroll, maybe Church and either Gonzo or Soriano (but not both, maybe neither), and good chance that Laroche and Johnson aren’t going to be back.
That opens up a lot of money to do what any smart team building for the future would do, start locking up young talent. Spending some of that on a true power bat at first would be smart, but you’d still have some money leftover for locking up people. Blowing ALL of it on FA’s and expensive trades is just poor management
Efrim
September 22nd, 2009
12:38 pm
What about a trade of Vazquez and maybe a prospect or 2 for D. Lee?
Why would the Braves have to add prospects to that deal? And why would they want to make a trade like that? Vazquez has more value than Lee, imo.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
12:41 pm
RHR–
Thank you! He’s very fun.
cabravesfan–
You’re welcome! I can’t believe it either…but it’s sunny right now! We just got back from getting Icees for lunch, and we drove over the Yellow River–those poor people who live along that! I saw one car under water…and a quite few houses with water with flooded yards. Our little “river” was nothing in comparison.
Our grandparents can’t get out of there neighborhood (actually, we have an aunt, an uncle, and their four kids who live in that neighborhood, too). It’s right by the Yellow River.
I’ve always thought it would be fun to have a bird but sadly, my “roommate” would not agree (actually she might like a bird…)
It’s quite an adventure!
Scary when he flies–but we keep his wings clipped. He’s lots of fun, though.
Haha, but yes, I’m sure your “roommate” would like Petey–lot’s of meat on that Bird!
(Sorry, Lovey!)
dmack2027
September 22nd, 2009
12:42 pm
DOB,
Do you get a sense where the Braves stand with Jordan Schafer? Personally, I think his wrist was hurting him much more than he let on this year with the Braves. He would be a cheap OF. He could play CF and shift McClouth to LF.
Braves need power or speed. Jordan gives them speed, although he was not given a chance to display it hitting in the 8th spot in the order. Let Diaz platoon with a LH hitter until Hewyard arrives in June. If the Braves go this route, they need to acquire/retain power at first base. Signing LaRoche to a two year deal makes sense.
Bullpen is also a concern. I like Moylan as a setup guy, but he does not have closer stuff. Gonzo and Sori do. Any talk of extending one of them?
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
12:46 pm
marc in fl, he’s a good second half player but absolutely tanks in the first half.
this is false, and so is your idea that hudson is a shoe-in to be off payroll next year.
Jeff R
September 22nd, 2009
12:49 pm
RichBrave had a good post last night on Freeman’s hitting lapse after his promotion to AA Mississippi. He wanted to know more. I didn’t see any posts that followed his from anyone with any info. It would be interesting to get some insights.
Sign LaRoche to three years. Braves don’t give no trade clauses. That provides some flexibility IF Freeman is ready in ‘11 or ‘12.
cabravesfan
September 22nd, 2009
12:51 pm
McFann-
I’m sure he’s quite tasty
(Sorry Petey!)
Hopefully some of that water will start receding soon…that’s scary
ncscoots
September 22nd, 2009
12:56 pm
with McLouth and Diaz already locked in place, and the Braves’ confidence in Schafer and Heyward, I wouldn’t expect anything too drastic.
Man, I bet folks are going to get tired of me on this subject between now and the winter meetings, LOL. I guess all the Braves really need is for McLouth to have a career year, Diaz to hit LH a couple hundred OPS points above career, and Heyward to win ROY. Sounds like a plan.
Sheesh. Nothing like “everything goes perfectly” as Plan A!
Let me know when a lineup of McLouth-Diaz-Heyward-LaRoche-Prado-Escobar-Chipper-McCann strikes someone as World Series bound. I’m having a little trouble getting that picture.
Rob from SC
September 22nd, 2009
1:00 pm
ncscoots
You have to also realize that McCann, Escobar, and Prado will only get better.
bravesfan84
September 22nd, 2009
1:00 pm
MLBtraderumors says there is tension between cox and wren, but they expect cox to return next season….hmmmmmmm
Marc in FL
September 22nd, 2009
1:02 pm
DAP – you’re almost sort of right.
Laroche had a better first half than second half in 2005. Other than that he’s been a below average first baseman (offensively) in the first half.
And Hudson isn’t coming back, you’re assuming he’ll be cheap to sign (he won’t because Red Sox Nation. Dodger Blue, and a couple other teams are probably going after him), and that we’ll be able to trade one of our high dollar pitchers for a good return, and that he’d be better than Lowe if he did come back which is really just happy thoughts. Hudson would be more of a gamble than a safety; he isn’t coming back.
Efrim
September 22nd, 2009
1:03 pm
You have to also realize that McCann, Escobar, and Prado will only get better.
Be careful. That really isn’t a given.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 22nd, 2009
1:03 pm
My hopeful steps for the Braves this offseason:
1- Sign LaRoche
2- Extend Vazquez
3- Let Hudson walk
4- Trade Church/KJ for relief help(have to agree with Lewy on that)
5- Resign one of Gonzo/Soriano
6- Trading for a guy like Cameron would be cheap– both in prospects & dollars… Could go a little further and try to pry Ludwick from St.Louis
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
1:03 pm
cabravesfan–
Well, one Thanksgiving when he was being a bad boy we threaten to forget the turkey…
Hopefully some of that water will start receding soon…that’s scary
Yeah…the water in our backyard is gone, but everywhere else…eesh. Scary indeed.
Marc in FL
September 22nd, 2009
1:05 pm
ncscoots –
Unless the Braves blow up the team and spend the next 4 years rebuilding, they can only change so much. We need a solid bat and I think finding a better first baseman is the answer. The other guys on that list would be acceptable if we had just one big bopper between Chipper and McCann.
Our pitching is solid as-is, I think we all agree on that.
Efrim
September 22nd, 2009
1:05 pm
Let me know when a lineup of McLouth-Diaz-Heyward-LaRoche-Prado-Escobar-Chipper-McCann strikes someone as World Series bound. I’m having a little trouble getting that picture.
Platoon Diaz with Heyward and sign Matt Holliday……
I’m not sure if the Braves can afford to add a contract like that, but it’d be nice.
Jeff R
September 22nd, 2009
1:06 pm
ncscoots… need a proven power bat in place of Diaz. Whoever that is. Think having LaRoche and a new power bat in the lineup makes the difference.
McFann :Ô:
September 22nd, 2009
1:10 pm
Efrim Be careful. That really isn’t a given.
True…but if BMac’s surgery works, no real reason to doubt he’ll be better next year, right?
RC
September 22nd, 2009
1:12 pm
“Let me know when a lineup of McLouth-Diaz-Heyward-LaRoche-Prado-Escobar-Chipper-McCann strikes someone as World Series bound. I’m having a little trouble getting that picture.”
I’d say it’s about as likely as a starting rotation of Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer, Brett Myers, Joe Blanton, and Kyle Kendrick competing for a World Series. With the rotation strength the Braves should have next year, they don’t need to be the ‘27 Yankees. Just like the Phillies didn’t need Whitey Ford due to the strength of thier lineup.
Jeff R
September 22nd, 2009
1:13 pm
Efrim, can’t imagine management paltooning Heyward with Diaz. When Heyward’s up, he’ll be an everyday player.
DAP
September 22nd, 2009
1:15 pm
marc in FL, the fact that laroche’s numbers are better in the 2nd half isnt what im disputing. im challenging your definition of “tanking”. a guy OPSing .783 with 12 homers in the first half isnt “tanking”. it might not be great, or ideally what you want from your first baseman, but it is far from “tanking”. besides, if you are going to talk about what an average first baseman does, you cant really just take laroche’s splits. you should take his average.
and im not assuming anything about hudson, unlike you, who thinks he is a “shoe-in” to be off the payroll next season.