TnBrian-A full season of McLouth (even at 2009 levels) as well as a full season of LaRoche and Cameron would be enough with the Braves pitching. I am not sold on Cruz at all – average at best away from Texas. Fangraphs remarkably also has Cameron as more valuable last year than Cruz.
Really like that Carlos Lee-Derek Lowe idea but that won’t be enough for Houston. I expect they’d want probably two more guys, say, Schafer and (hopefully) Reyes. They get two guys for their horrible rotation and a young, cheap outfielder with good upside. We get our knuckle-dragging bone crusher. What’s not to like?
Mycal Jones – rookie ball player, SS, drafted around the 4th round in 2009. Good speed but got caught stealing alot, decent enough batting average, low powerd demonstrated but probably enough potential power to be in Prado/Escobar range. I agree he’s among our better prospects.
Dave, I just got the new Avett Bros. CD, and I love it. I think they may be on the verge of breaking out pretty big in popularity, but what do I know.
They were here at The Cain’s Ballroom three weeks ago, but it was on a Saturday night and I went to the Oklahoma St. football game.
What do you think about KU vs. Colorado tomorrow? CU played Texas pretty good for awhile last weekend, but before that they looked to be the worst team in the Big 12. The BIG guy has done a great job coaching the Jayhawks IMO. Playing at Boulder, I’m goign to go with Ku by 7-10 points. I think Nebraska wins the North this year, but KU has a great shot.
I am heading over for the oSu vs. Mizzou homecoming tilt tomorrow night (it doesn’t start until 8:15, brrrrr.).
October 16, 2009 3:50 PM
With Game 2 looming, Dan Rosenheck has already seen enough of Joe Torre:
With six pennants, four world championships, and a lifetime .540 winning percentage as a manager, Joe Torre’s ticket to Cooperstown has already been punched. However, if this year’s Dodgers give him his first pennant for a team other than the Yankees, it will be in spite of Torre’s managing, not because of it. Just one game into the N.L.C.S., he has already made three mystifying choices.
Gosh. Strong words.
Among Torre’s three mystifying choices: starting Vicente Padilla in Games 2 and (probably) 5, which is indeed mystifying. Another (according to Rosenheck) is using Jonathan Broxton Thursday night when the Dodgers trailed by two runs in the ninth inning. Rosenheck:
Well, OK … But maybe Broxton actually needed the work. He hadn’t pitched since last Saturday, throwing 21 pitches in the Dodgers’ clincher against the Cardinals. Four days off isn’t a big problem for a closer, but what if the Dodgers don’t need him in Game 2? Suddenly you’re looking at almost a full week of vacation.
Which, again, probably isn’t much of a problem. The more relevant argument is that managers don’t need to worry much about resting their closers in the postseason because of the forgiving schedule. Game 5? Game 5 is preceded by an off-day. Game 6? Also preceded by an off-day. This best-of-seven series — if it goes the distance and the weather cooperates — will last 10 days; plenty of rest for everyone, including the short relievers.
Rosenheck’s No. 1 complaint, though? Leaving Clayton Kershaw in the game for too long:
But after delivering four scoreless innings to start the game, Kershaw lost it in the fifth. He surrendered a leadoff single, a wild pitch, a walk and a three-run homer to catcher Carlos Ruiz to start the inning, leaving the Dodgers trailing by two runs. He then proceeded to walk the pitcher on four straight balls, induce a ground-ball out, notch a strikeout on another wild pitch and then toss a third wild pitch to Chase Utley before walking him, too. The electric but erratic Kershaw has struggled with his control all season, and by the time Ryan Howard strolled to the plate with two men on, it was obvious that the Kershaw had no clue where the ball was going.
In the first game of the division series, Torre gave starter Randy Wolf an admirably quick hook, yanking him with the bases loaded and two out in the fourth inning, before he could allow a crippling blow. Torre’s trust in his deep and versatile bullpen paid off with a 5-3 win.
But that move’s success clearly did not inspire Torre to repeat it in the next round. With two out and the pitcher’s spot due up in the next inning, his reluctance to yank Kershaw was understandable, particularly since Howard has a big and consistent platoon split. Nonetheless, Torre was allowing a rattled young starter, who was suffering a severe bout of wildness and who had already thrown 31 pitches in the inning, to face a fearsome slugger like Howard with men on base in a close game — a reckless display of faith.
It’s those 31 pitches that give me pause. That’s a lot of pitches for one inning, and it’s expecting an awful lot of any pitcher — let alone a young pitcher with control issues — to retire a hitter like Howard with runners on base in a big and close game. I don’t recall if Torre had a left-hander warming in the bullpen, but he’s carrying three lefty relievers in this series; in addition to George Sherrill and Hong-Chih Kuo, who both pitched last night, he also got strikeout machine Scott Elbert.
Pitching changes are tricky things, and it’s easy to second-guess Torre now. I think the second-guessing is appropriate because of those 31 pre-Howard pitches, but considering 1) Elbert’s inexperience and 2) Sherrill’s performance later in the game, I’m only going to assign Torre one-half a mystifier for this one.
Which isn’t to absolve the Dodger manager. That’s one-and-a-half mystifiers already, and we’re only one game into this thing.
I don’t want the Corey Harts or the Camerons or the Byrnes…if we don’t sign Huddy or let both Sori and Gonzo walk lets get a younger stud not mediocre older talent. We need to make sure they are right handed as well…i.e. Matt Holliday……I would like to resign Gonzo to a 3 year 15 mill deal though. I love his attitude and people like him Nate and Roachie are positive role models in the clubhouse
Any post that speaks to Vazquez’s career record as park-adjusted, league-adjusted, manager-adjusted, and every-other-darn-thing-adjusted, except for Vazquez-adjusted (Scoots)
you don’t recognize that different parks effect players in meaningful ways??? wow
Here’s a (brief) report from Keith Law on Mike Minor:
Minor was the only disappointment, as he didn’t have the good curveball I saw at the SEC tournament in May; he was 87-92, mostly 89-91, with an average changeup and fringy slider.
Keep in mind that he’s talking about Minor’s brief outing, and not his overall status–but it meshes with what I’ve seen previously. Let’s wait and see what the final report looks like…
I tell you what, our Vazquez-adjusted rotation looks pretty darn good. I don’t see any way you can trade him unless it brings a legit RH cleanup hitter back (and I don’t really see a good fit for that out there).
I don’t believe that Escobar has hit his power stride yet. As he keeps maturing, I think he can hit round-trippers in the 20s. Also think that Prado is capable of being a 15-20 homer guy.
Jeff–we’ve discussed him a lot recently, but the general consensus seems to be that he’s a no. 3 at best, probably a no. 4 but he’s very polished and will move quickly, which fits our needs since we’re very thin in the upper levels in regard to pitchers (and pretty much everything else not named Jason or Freddie). The main knock on him is that he(in all likelihood) won’t be an ace, and with a pick like no. 7 you have the ability to snatch up guys with that kind of potential so you should try to do it…
Oh, and keep in mind that Law is saying “average” in reference to ML average, IIRC…
Everything I’ve read suggests Minor’s curve and slider have a chance to be average and the change is average right now with a chance to be above-average.
hey wondering if you guys would do something like this if we decided to trade Vazquez
1. A big time power hitter with great average and maybe average prospect for Vazquez, Kj, Medlen.
2. Big time outfielder prsopect, 2nd or 3rd base prospect above average, hard throwing releif prsopect and maybe 1 or two other average prospects for Vazquez and KJ.
3. vazquez and Freeman for big time power hitting outfielder and 1-3 prsopects, 1 being releif pitcher, one being speedy leadoff hitter and the other being a average 2nd or 3rd base prospect.
Seems like anything that can go right for the Phillies the last two years has. Last year they had it all. This year, Hamels stunk, Lidge did to, & they didn’t get Halladay, instead Lee & basically for nothing. Martinez is very good right now. It’s like nothing can get in the way of them winning another WS. Lord, I hope this is the last year for them & the magic wand they have working.
not sure why you think that, he did not have a very good season at the higher level. I would say he is worth noticeably less than he was last year this time.
I would say he is worth noticeably less than he was last year this time.nolie
It’s true that he didn’t have a great second half, but I think last year he was such an unknown. He’s proven himself at a higher level than last year. He and Heyward had pretty similar years in Myrtle Beach, but Heyward took off in AA and Freeman didn’t. I think his peak value (at least so far) was at midseason this year, but I still think his value is really high. 150 at-bats isn’t really enough to make or break someone IMO.
Thanks for the comments about the Fielder idea. It does change my position considering he is only 10+ million next season. I understand how much they love him but they need pitching to have any chance to get to the post season. Lowe and Medlen would improve there rotation quite a bit.
I was thinking that a salary swap might be attractive to both teams. Now that the money is clear it doesn’t look as good.
But it does bring up an interesting thought that they have 2 big bullets in Braun and Fielder. Which would you trade? So if they are not willing to move either one I don’t see a ton of opportunity for them to improve their pitching situation.
Today was the 12th day in a row that it was over 90 degrees here. I don’t appreciate how great the weather is until around this time of year when I’m watching football and seeing snow is some places.
I don’t appreciate how great the weather is until around this time of year when I’m watching football and seeing snow is some places. (KL)
we are finally getting a day here and there in the high 80s instead of mid 90s. my favorite time of year is coming up down here. Hurricane season about over and temps a bit lower. Gotta love it
First, like to say this blog is so much better when the Braves are not actually playing. All the fair weather fans fly away and reasonable discussion takes place. You don’t have every good post followed by ten that bleeds negativity. Especially the names people give to the players and coaches that I’m sure annoy more readers than just me.
I hope Heyward lives up to the Hype. I can imagine the disappointment we will all feel if he washes out. God forbid.
I think McCann would be an ok clean-up hitter, however, your going to lose your clean up hitter one or two games a week. What does the offense become when he is not playing. What does the offense become when Chippers not playing at the same time. It looks a lot like the start of ‘09. I made this point mid way this past season. Our offensive struggles were directly tied to Escobar, Chipper, and McCann not being in the line up at the same time for an extended period. If you track the second half I guarantee you’ll notice that our team did much better due to the fact that those three played on a consistent basis together. McCann is a 5 hole hitter.
You cant count on Chipper anymore. Not because he no longer has ability its because his age will continue to make him an injury liability. Nothing new there.
Laroache. I like him. However, lets not forget he is a second half player. What killed us this year was first half offensive woes. Not sure using available money to lock up Laroache is wise. Besides ol’ Roachy’s a five hole hitter just like McCann not a true clean up guy.
Our team is good and will be great if we can find a right hand OF/1B who can hit 35+ home runs with a OPS of .900 or better. Those guys don’t grow on trees and we probably going to have to rely more on pitching that offense again as I don’t think that guy is available anywhere. Our pitching is going to be good. We can acquire a good relief pitcher at the deadline and then take it from there. If you add that hitter I mentioned this is an instant WS contender with the only real question is the back end of the bullpen. Which I think moylan can hold down the fort.
Other not is don’t think medlin is being trade. He provides depth which after 2008 we learned that is just as important as anything else. Unless the Braves think Minor could feel that role but that’s dangerous.
Here is what I think is going to happen. Not much of anything. We have a good team. The front office know this. Further, I think the type of player we need wont be available at the price we want.
I don’t see us trading KK as he is an affordable mid to late rotation guy who eats innings and can come up in big games. Not to mention the PR hit it would be. Besides, If we were to trade him, what could we possible get in return that helps us? No team is going to trade a RH power bat for him. So why trade him? Only reason you trade him is to make room for Hudson. However, I don’t see the Braves moving KK to accommodate a guy coming of TJ. as much as I would like them too. I rather have Hudson than KK. but that’s me as a fan rather than an objective view.
If we were to trade D. Lowe, which no sure any team wold take on that contract but what does it say to potential free agents. If they don’t have a good 1st year after signing a 5 year deal they will be traded? Not sure someone want to put their family through that. Braves know this. So D. Lowe is staying.
Vasquez, again can we get the guy we want not need. In other words can we get the guy who will produce .285/35hr/.900obs? That is the only way you trade Vasquez. I don’t think that is happening.
JJ and Hanson are not being traded under any circumstances, well I wouldnt say under none but the return would be huge.
Hudson’s gone. I just dont see it any other way. Unfortuante I like the guy alot.
Braves prob try an sign Laroach to a two year deal but he will walk and sign a four year deal somewhere else.
There will be some mid level signings but nothing big.
If Heyward is a superstar and can be one from the start…we dont need anything.
Yeah, Nolie it is just like summer still here. I’ve said it before but I still miss the cool nights and mornings more than anything else. Lows at night here are still about 78 to 80 is about the water temperature.
P.W.H.: You like Lee Hazlewood? Wow. That surprises me. Good to know.
He was brilliant. And the last album he made, a few years ago as he was dying, was one of the best things he did (well, besides writing and producing “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” for Nancy Sinatra). Seriously, though, he was great, from his stuff with Duane Eddy in the ’60s right up through his death in 2007.
But if you haven’t heard it, you gotta get his last album, Cake or Death. Cool stuff.
P90 Diaz is a way better hitter than Mike Cameron. Cameron’s defense is far superior, but like I said, I’ll take Diaz, his chemistry with the team, his hustle, and his always sly post game quotes over the older, .250 hitting Cameron anyday. Thanks!
Kinda surprising to me, but looking over the end of season stats, the Braves 3 hitters ranked dead last in the NL in OPS, and 27th out of 30 MLB teams. Never thought I’d see that on a Braves team with Chipper on it. Also, Laroche, as good as he was, ranked only 18th in OPS, and 20th in WAR of all qualifying MLB first baseman.
you don’t recognize that different parks effect players in meaningful ways??? wow
Oh, sure, I know it’s there. That was more a joke at the expense of those who have reasoned that his record had little to do with his pitching, and everything to do with anything BUT his pitching. I think you’ll admit we got some of those kind of folks around these parts.
Why does that surprise you? Yeah, Cake or Death is one of my favorite albums of his. Probably my second favorite behind Cowboy in Sweden, but the list usually changes from day to day.
Sore? I was sore for a while, Rob. Rehab’ll make it sore, too. Part of the deal. If you’re two weeks removed your wound isn’t really healed yet anyway…
I think you’ll admit we got some of those kind of folks around these parts. (Scoots)
sure we do, and I’m one of them I guess. Ima believer in ERA+ and OPS+.The guy has IMO been an above average pitcher most every year to one extent or another.
Very bizarre, given our weather in Atlanta, to be looking at the weather in LA and realize that, in two weeks, I will be living…a little bit west of Vinings.
The guy has IMO been an above average pitcher most every year to one extent or another.
Whereas, I see him as a gifted pitcher who had seldom fulfilled his promise, until this year. His inability to do so, over a decade-plus, is the thing that makes me wary. It’s not that I don’t like the guy; it’s that I don’t trust him to have two excellent years in a row. So, on this one, we’ll have to differ, I guess.
Jim where has your girl been? I haven’t seen her in a while. I sent one of y’all a message on FB the other night about some strange thing or other on here but I think she was away so we didn’t talk.
Johnson looks like he has a pretty pronounced bat wrap to me. Maybe a reason for all the k’s? I wonder if it’s easily correctible…nolie, a little help on that one?
oh I couldn’t possibly make a trade like that scoots, tell you what, I’ll just give you a wolf shirt. Wearing a wolf shirt with your khakis and weejuns would just be…I mean….I don’t…..it would be dangerous. Lets just leave it at that.
2,530 comments Add your comment
RHR
October 16th, 2009
4:45 pm
I was going to add a comment or two but it appears that you guys have the feminine side of the blog covered today.
Bobby
October 16th, 2009
4:45 pm
ncscoots-The last paragraph is addressed to Duke (notice the “Duke-” before the comment). Glad to see we agree on something.
ncscoots
October 16th, 2009
4:48 pm
Sorry, Bobby, didn’t catch that. No problem.
ncscoots
October 16th, 2009
4:49 pm
I was going to add a comment or two but it appears that you guys have the feminine side of the blog covered today.
Effetely.
Steve from OH
October 16th, 2009
4:50 pm
Effetely.
Doesn’t that have something to do with weejuns?
Bobby
October 16th, 2009
4:50 pm
TnBrian-A full season of McLouth (even at 2009 levels) as well as a full season of LaRoche and Cameron would be enough with the Braves pitching. I am not sold on Cruz at all – average at best away from Texas. Fangraphs remarkably also has Cameron as more valuable last year than Cruz.
P. W. Hjort
October 16th, 2009
4:50 pm
Mike Jones -
THAT was funny!
RHR
October 16th, 2009
4:51 pm
As long as nobody acted like a pre-Madonna…
ncscoots
October 16th, 2009
4:52 pm
PW, where’s my boy, Zeke, LOL? He didn’t make your list and Gerardo Rodriguez does?
P. W. Hjort
October 16th, 2009
4:53 pm
YIKES! Good luck, McCann.
RHR
October 16th, 2009
4:54 pm
If Pedro Martinez is your game 2 starter…
P. W. Hjort
October 16th, 2009
4:54 pm
ncscoots –
Your boy (and my boy) Zeke is a pitcher. I’m sure he handles the bat well, but he doesn’t qualify for the best position player prospects list.
ncscoots
October 16th, 2009
4:55 pm
Steve-OH, punny, very punny.
RHR
October 16th, 2009
4:56 pm
I’m sure he’ll be fine. People have lasik every day, nothing to get all YIKEY about.
ncscoots
October 16th, 2009
4:56 pm
PW, guess that reading/comprehension thing is starting to slip away from me at my advanced age, LOL.
Maybe all these years of wearing Weejuns has cut off the circulation from the feet back to my brain.
Mid Town Joe
October 16th, 2009
4:56 pm
Hey Pedro! Jabu needs a refill!
rammerjammer
October 16th, 2009
4:58 pm
N8,
Really like that Carlos Lee-Derek Lowe idea but that won’t be enough for Houston. I expect they’d want probably two more guys, say, Schafer and (hopefully) Reyes. They get two guys for their horrible rotation and a young, cheap outfielder with good upside. We get our knuckle-dragging bone crusher. What’s not to like?
flange1
October 16th, 2009
5:01 pm
Steve from OH said
“Effetely.
Doesn’t that have something to do with weejuns?”
I think you are thinking of efeetly…..
Roman Gal
October 16th, 2009
5:02 pm
BUT I think Byrnes would have to be real liquored up to trade “The Justin Upton”.
We can take care of that…
ugaaccountant
October 16th, 2009
5:04 pm
Mycal Jones – rookie ball player, SS, drafted around the 4th round in 2009. Good speed but got caught stealing alot, decent enough batting average, low powerd demonstrated but probably enough potential power to be in Prado/Escobar range. I agree he’s among our better prospects.
Roman Gal
October 16th, 2009
5:05 pm
8. Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg
How can you say that there are 7 players better than Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg…EVER? It’s not possible!
glove51
October 16th, 2009
5:05 pm
Dave, I just got the new Avett Bros. CD, and I love it. I think they may be on the verge of breaking out pretty big in popularity, but what do I know.
They were here at The Cain’s Ballroom three weeks ago, but it was on a Saturday night and I went to the Oklahoma St. football game.
What do you think about KU vs. Colorado tomorrow? CU played Texas pretty good for awhile last weekend, but before that they looked to be the worst team in the Big 12. The BIG guy has done a great job coaching the Jayhawks IMO. Playing at Boulder, I’m goign to go with Ku by 7-10 points. I think Nebraska wins the North this year, but KU has a great shot.
I am heading over for the oSu vs. Mizzou homecoming tilt tomorrow night (it doesn’t start until 8:15, brrrrr.).
Gone Viral
October 16th, 2009
5:08 pm
Jeebus, they have been 11 boards in 36 hours. I thought the Braves were in the off-season. One question and one comment:
Question: Did the Dan Brown thing get settled?
Comment: Gene Garbage is a phenomenal nick.
nolie
October 16th, 2009
5:18 pm
Everybody hates managers
Torre’s moves continue to mystify-ESPN
October 16, 2009 3:50 PM
With Game 2 looming, Dan Rosenheck has already seen enough of Joe Torre:
With six pennants, four world championships, and a lifetime .540 winning percentage as a manager, Joe Torre’s ticket to Cooperstown has already been punched. However, if this year’s Dodgers give him his first pennant for a team other than the Yankees, it will be in spite of Torre’s managing, not because of it. Just one game into the N.L.C.S., he has already made three mystifying choices.
Gosh. Strong words.
Among Torre’s three mystifying choices: starting Vicente Padilla in Games 2 and (probably) 5, which is indeed mystifying. Another (according to Rosenheck) is using Jonathan Broxton Thursday night when the Dodgers trailed by two runs in the ninth inning. Rosenheck:
Well, OK … But maybe Broxton actually needed the work. He hadn’t pitched since last Saturday, throwing 21 pitches in the Dodgers’ clincher against the Cardinals. Four days off isn’t a big problem for a closer, but what if the Dodgers don’t need him in Game 2? Suddenly you’re looking at almost a full week of vacation.
Which, again, probably isn’t much of a problem. The more relevant argument is that managers don’t need to worry much about resting their closers in the postseason because of the forgiving schedule. Game 5? Game 5 is preceded by an off-day. Game 6? Also preceded by an off-day. This best-of-seven series — if it goes the distance and the weather cooperates — will last 10 days; plenty of rest for everyone, including the short relievers.
Rosenheck’s No. 1 complaint, though? Leaving Clayton Kershaw in the game for too long:
But after delivering four scoreless innings to start the game, Kershaw lost it in the fifth. He surrendered a leadoff single, a wild pitch, a walk and a three-run homer to catcher Carlos Ruiz to start the inning, leaving the Dodgers trailing by two runs. He then proceeded to walk the pitcher on four straight balls, induce a ground-ball out, notch a strikeout on another wild pitch and then toss a third wild pitch to Chase Utley before walking him, too. The electric but erratic Kershaw has struggled with his control all season, and by the time Ryan Howard strolled to the plate with two men on, it was obvious that the Kershaw had no clue where the ball was going.
In the first game of the division series, Torre gave starter Randy Wolf an admirably quick hook, yanking him with the bases loaded and two out in the fourth inning, before he could allow a crippling blow. Torre’s trust in his deep and versatile bullpen paid off with a 5-3 win.
But that move’s success clearly did not inspire Torre to repeat it in the next round. With two out and the pitcher’s spot due up in the next inning, his reluctance to yank Kershaw was understandable, particularly since Howard has a big and consistent platoon split. Nonetheless, Torre was allowing a rattled young starter, who was suffering a severe bout of wildness and who had already thrown 31 pitches in the inning, to face a fearsome slugger like Howard with men on base in a close game — a reckless display of faith.
It’s those 31 pitches that give me pause. That’s a lot of pitches for one inning, and it’s expecting an awful lot of any pitcher — let alone a young pitcher with control issues — to retire a hitter like Howard with runners on base in a big and close game. I don’t recall if Torre had a left-hander warming in the bullpen, but he’s carrying three lefty relievers in this series; in addition to George Sherrill and Hong-Chih Kuo, who both pitched last night, he also got strikeout machine Scott Elbert.
Pitching changes are tricky things, and it’s easy to second-guess Torre now. I think the second-guessing is appropriate because of those 31 pre-Howard pitches, but considering 1) Elbert’s inexperience and 2) Sherrill’s performance later in the game, I’m only going to assign Torre one-half a mystifier for this one.
Which isn’t to absolve the Dodger manager. That’s one-and-a-half mystifiers already, and we’re only one game into this thing.
Mike S
October 16th, 2009
5:23 pm
Can we sign Laroche to a post All-Star break only contract?
beekay
October 16th, 2009
5:24 pm
I don’t want the Corey Harts or the Camerons or the Byrnes…if we don’t sign Huddy or let both Sori and Gonzo walk lets get a younger stud not mediocre older talent. We need to make sure they are right handed as well…i.e. Matt Holliday……I would like to resign Gonzo to a 3 year 15 mill deal though. I love his attitude and people like him Nate and Roachie are positive role models in the clubhouse
nolie
October 16th, 2009
5:24 pm
Any post that speaks to Vazquez’s career record as park-adjusted, league-adjusted, manager-adjusted, and every-other-darn-thing-adjusted, except for Vazquez-adjusted (Scoots)
you don’t recognize that different parks effect players in meaningful ways??? wow
Steve from OH
October 16th, 2009
5:31 pm
Here’s a (brief) report from Keith Law on Mike Minor:
Minor was the only disappointment, as he didn’t have the good curveball I saw at the SEC tournament in May; he was 87-92, mostly 89-91, with an average changeup and fringy slider.
Keep in mind that he’s talking about Minor’s brief outing, and not his overall status–but it meshes with what I’ve seen previously. Let’s wait and see what the final report looks like…
Mike S
October 16th, 2009
5:33 pm
I tell you what, our Vazquez-adjusted rotation looks pretty darn good. I don’t see any way you can trade him unless it brings a legit RH cleanup hitter back (and I don’t really see a good fit for that out there).
Jeff R
October 16th, 2009
5:35 pm
I don’t believe that Escobar has hit his power stride yet. As he keeps maturing, I think he can hit round-trippers in the 20s. Also think that Prado is capable of being a 15-20 homer guy.
Jeff R
October 16th, 2009
5:37 pm
Steve from Ohio…
Minor… hope the Bravos didn’t squander a high draft pick for a wash out. But I think I’ve read other positive reports on him?
Steve from OH
October 16th, 2009
5:40 pm
Jeff–we’ve discussed him a lot recently, but the general consensus seems to be that he’s a no. 3 at best, probably a no. 4 but he’s very polished and will move quickly, which fits our needs since we’re very thin in the upper levels in regard to pitchers (and pretty much everything else not named Jason or Freddie). The main knock on him is that he(in all likelihood) won’t be an ace, and with a pick like no. 7 you have the ability to snatch up guys with that kind of potential so you should try to do it…
Oh, and keep in mind that Law is saying “average” in reference to ML average, IIRC…
P. W. Hjort
October 16th, 2009
5:45 pm
Everything I’ve read suggests Minor’s curve and slider have a chance to be average and the change is average right now with a chance to be above-average.
P. W. Hjort
October 16th, 2009
5:46 pm
Minor… hope the Bravos didn’t squander a high draft pick for a wash out.
He ain’t gonna be no wash-out. I’d put my bottom dollar on Minor making it to MLB.
choptalk
October 16th, 2009
5:47 pm
hey wondering if you guys would do something like this if we decided to trade Vazquez
1. A big time power hitter with great average and maybe average prospect for Vazquez, Kj, Medlen.
2. Big time outfielder prsopect, 2nd or 3rd base prospect above average, hard throwing releif prsopect and maybe 1 or two other average prospects for Vazquez and KJ.
3. vazquez and Freeman for big time power hitting outfielder and 1-3 prsopects, 1 being releif pitcher, one being speedy leadoff hitter and the other being a average 2nd or 3rd base prospect.
Mixxo
October 16th, 2009
5:49 pm
If the 2nd lasik procedure will make him a better defensive catcher…..I’m all for it.
jeffrey d
October 16th, 2009
5:50 pm
He ain’t gonna be no wash-out. I’d put my bottom dollar on Minor making it to MLB.
Kyle Davies and Chuck James made it to MLB
TnBrian
October 16th, 2009
5:52 pm
Seems like anything that can go right for the Phillies the last two years has. Last year they had it all. This year, Hamels stunk, Lidge did to, & they didn’t get Halladay, instead Lee & basically for nothing. Martinez is very good right now. It’s like nothing can get in the way of them winning another WS. Lord, I hope this is the last year for them & the magic wand they have working.
jeffrey d
October 16th, 2009
5:53 pm
I don’t think McCann’s defensive shortcomings have anything to do with his sight.
nolie
October 16th, 2009
5:55 pm
Freeman’s value is really high right now. (RG)
not sure why you think that, he did not have a very good season at the higher level. I would say he is worth noticeably less than he was last year this time.
nolie
October 16th, 2009
5:57 pm
Those girls are the perfect mix of caddy and hot. (thrill)
what? they carry golf bags on extremely warm summer days?
nolie
October 16th, 2009
5:59 pm
I would prefer Cameron to Bay – Bobby
Rob from SC
October 16th, 2009
6:02 pm
Steve from OH
Steve, I am two weeks removed from the surgery an I am still really sore. I am still wearing the brace. How long were you sore for?
Roman Gal
October 16th, 2009
6:08 pm
I would say he is worth noticeably less than he was last year this time. nolie
It’s true that he didn’t have a great second half, but I think last year he was such an unknown. He’s proven himself at a higher level than last year. He and Heyward had pretty similar years in Myrtle Beach, but Heyward took off in AA and Freeman didn’t. I think his peak value (at least so far) was at midseason this year, but I still think his value is really high. 150 at-bats isn’t really enough to make or break someone IMO.
P. W. Hjort
October 16th, 2009
6:09 pm
Jose Contreras Braves closer 2010. I’m only half joking, too.
Roman Gal
October 16th, 2009
6:10 pm
Why the heck am I arguing with nolie?! How stupid can a person get?
Yeesh…I should quit while I’m
aheadstill within shouting distance.HAL
October 16th, 2009
6:11 pm
many being manny =manny being and idiot =many being a felon lol
RemoW
October 16th, 2009
6:14 pm
Hey DOB,
Thanks for the comments about the Fielder idea. It does change my position considering he is only 10+ million next season. I understand how much they love him but they need pitching to have any chance to get to the post season. Lowe and Medlen would improve there rotation quite a bit.
I was thinking that a salary swap might be attractive to both teams. Now that the money is clear it doesn’t look as good.
But it does bring up an interesting thought that they have 2 big bullets in Braun and Fielder. Which would you trade? So if they are not willing to move either one I don’t see a ton of opportunity for them to improve their pitching situation.
Mid Town Joe
October 16th, 2009
6:18 pm
Grat bloggin this PM. Off-seaon should be exciting, especially through via the great one, DOB.
P. W. Hjort
October 16th, 2009
6:20 pm
Any Lee Hazlewood fans in the house?
keylargo
October 16th, 2009
6:28 pm
Today was the 12th day in a row that it was over 90 degrees here. I don’t appreciate how great the weather is until around this time of year when I’m watching football and seeing snow is some places.
nolie
October 16th, 2009
6:28 pm
150 at-bats isn’t really enough to make or break someone IMO. (RG)
that’s true. He could pick it right back up this spring and I hope he does
nolie
October 16th, 2009
6:31 pm
I don’t appreciate how great the weather is until around this time of year when I’m watching football and seeing snow is some places. (KL)
we are finally getting a day here and there in the high 80s instead of mid 90s. my favorite time of year is coming up down here. Hurricane season about over and temps a bit lower. Gotta love it
The Blogger Formerly Known as Billy
October 16th, 2009
6:35 pm
First, like to say this blog is so much better when the Braves are not actually playing. All the fair weather fans fly away and reasonable discussion takes place. You don’t have every good post followed by ten that bleeds negativity. Especially the names people give to the players and coaches that I’m sure annoy more readers than just me.
I hope Heyward lives up to the Hype. I can imagine the disappointment we will all feel if he washes out. God forbid.
I think McCann would be an ok clean-up hitter, however, your going to lose your clean up hitter one or two games a week. What does the offense become when he is not playing. What does the offense become when Chippers not playing at the same time. It looks a lot like the start of ‘09. I made this point mid way this past season. Our offensive struggles were directly tied to Escobar, Chipper, and McCann not being in the line up at the same time for an extended period. If you track the second half I guarantee you’ll notice that our team did much better due to the fact that those three played on a consistent basis together. McCann is a 5 hole hitter.
You cant count on Chipper anymore. Not because he no longer has ability its because his age will continue to make him an injury liability. Nothing new there.
Laroache. I like him. However, lets not forget he is a second half player. What killed us this year was first half offensive woes. Not sure using available money to lock up Laroache is wise. Besides ol’ Roachy’s a five hole hitter just like McCann not a true clean up guy.
Our team is good and will be great if we can find a right hand OF/1B who can hit 35+ home runs with a OPS of .900 or better. Those guys don’t grow on trees and we probably going to have to rely more on pitching that offense again as I don’t think that guy is available anywhere. Our pitching is going to be good. We can acquire a good relief pitcher at the deadline and then take it from there. If you add that hitter I mentioned this is an instant WS contender with the only real question is the back end of the bullpen. Which I think moylan can hold down the fort.
Other not is don’t think medlin is being trade. He provides depth which after 2008 we learned that is just as important as anything else. Unless the Braves think Minor could feel that role but that’s dangerous.
Here is what I think is going to happen. Not much of anything. We have a good team. The front office know this. Further, I think the type of player we need wont be available at the price we want.
I don’t see us trading KK as he is an affordable mid to late rotation guy who eats innings and can come up in big games. Not to mention the PR hit it would be. Besides, If we were to trade him, what could we possible get in return that helps us? No team is going to trade a RH power bat for him. So why trade him? Only reason you trade him is to make room for Hudson. However, I don’t see the Braves moving KK to accommodate a guy coming of TJ. as much as I would like them too. I rather have Hudson than KK. but that’s me as a fan rather than an objective view.
If we were to trade D. Lowe, which no sure any team wold take on that contract but what does it say to potential free agents. If they don’t have a good 1st year after signing a 5 year deal they will be traded? Not sure someone want to put their family through that. Braves know this. So D. Lowe is staying.
Vasquez, again can we get the guy we want not need. In other words can we get the guy who will produce .285/35hr/.900obs? That is the only way you trade Vasquez. I don’t think that is happening.
JJ and Hanson are not being traded under any circumstances, well I wouldnt say under none but the return would be huge.
Hudson’s gone. I just dont see it any other way. Unfortuante I like the guy alot.
Braves prob try an sign Laroach to a two year deal but he will walk and sign a four year deal somewhere else.
There will be some mid level signings but nothing big.
If Heyward is a superstar and can be one from the start…we dont need anything.
keylargo
October 16th, 2009
6:36 pm
Yeah, Nolie it is just like summer still here. I’ve said it before but I still miss the cool nights and mornings more than anything else. Lows at night here are still about 78 to 80 is about the water temperature.
David O'Brien
October 16th, 2009
6:42 pm
Well, could I have been more wrong about starting Pedro?
Only mistake was taking him out when he did. Dude came up huge.
Mixxo
October 16th, 2009
6:47 pm
Good ballgame here. Yeah, Pedro was impressive. Tough shadows now.
Mixxo
October 16th, 2009
6:49 pm
Ball 3 is a run……if Mac’s catching.
David O'Brien
October 16th, 2009
6:50 pm
P.W.H.: You like Lee Hazlewood? Wow. That surprises me. Good to know.
He was brilliant. And the last album he made, a few years ago as he was dying, was one of the best things he did (well, besides writing and producing “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” for Nancy Sinatra). Seriously, though, he was great, from his stuff with Duane Eddy in the ’60s right up through his death in 2007.
But if you haven’t heard it, you gotta get his last album, Cake or Death. Cool stuff.
TnBrian
October 16th, 2009
6:58 pm
I feel like I’m watching the Braves bat with the Dodgers this inning.
Duke
October 16th, 2009
6:58 pm
P90 Diaz is a way better hitter than Mike Cameron. Cameron’s defense is far superior, but like I said, I’ll take Diaz, his chemistry with the team, his hustle, and his always sly post game quotes over the older, .250 hitting Cameron anyday. Thanks!
Braveheart
October 16th, 2009
6:59 pm
Kinda surprising to me, but looking over the end of season stats, the Braves 3 hitters ranked dead last in the NL in OPS, and 27th out of 30 MLB teams. Never thought I’d see that on a Braves team with Chipper on it. Also, Laroche, as good as he was, ranked only 18th in OPS, and 20th in WAR of all qualifying MLB first baseman.
ncscoots
October 16th, 2009
6:59 pm
you don’t recognize that different parks effect players in meaningful ways??? wow
Oh, sure, I know it’s there. That was more a joke at the expense of those who have reasoned that his record had little to do with his pitching, and everything to do with anything BUT his pitching. I think you’ll admit we got some of those kind of folks around these parts.
TnBrian
October 16th, 2009
7:00 pm
“All the fair whether fans fly away and reasonable dicussions take place”
Well, maybe it’s because a lot of us don’t have anything else better to do with our lives. Kidding…kind of.
Vinings Jim
October 16th, 2009
7:01 pm
5 pitchers in the inning – very impressive
P. W. Hjort
October 16th, 2009
7:02 pm
DOB -
Why does that surprise you? Yeah, Cake or Death is one of my favorite albums of his. Probably my second favorite behind Cowboy in Sweden, but the list usually changes from day to day.
Vinings Jim
October 16th, 2009
7:03 pm
Manny comes up big
Mixxo
October 16th, 2009
7:04 pm
Braves could learn some patience from the Dodger hitters.
…and as soon as I type that…..pop put on the first pitch.
Mixxo
October 16th, 2009
7:05 pm
out….not put! Man I wish we could edit posts.
RHR
October 16th, 2009
7:06 pm
When Pedro Martinez is your best pitcher….
Duke
October 16th, 2009
7:07 pm
Inside fastball to manny seems to be working quite well
RHR
October 16th, 2009
7:07 pm
They get excited about a strike huh?
Steve from OH
October 16th, 2009
7:08 pm
Sore? I was sore for a while, Rob. Rehab’ll make it sore, too. Part of the deal. If you’re two weeks removed your wound isn’t really healed yet anyway…
Duke
October 16th, 2009
7:09 pm
DOB,
Top 5 albums of the year: Go!
P. W. Hjort
October 16th, 2009
7:10 pm
10$ Utley reaches 1st base.
nolie
October 16th, 2009
7:11 pm
I think you’ll admit we got some of those kind of folks around these parts. (Scoots)
sure we do, and I’m one of them I guess. Ima believer in ERA+ and OPS+.The guy has IMO been an above average pitcher most every year to one extent or another.
Vinings Jim
October 16th, 2009
7:13 pm
PWH – you’re on
Mixxo
October 16th, 2009
7:14 pm
Dang! I wanted to hear Chip scream “fisted” again.
Mixxo
October 16th, 2009
7:17 pm
Are the post game interviews piped through the stadium? Sounds like it.
Vinings Jim
October 16th, 2009
7:19 pm
Very bizarre, given our weather in Atlanta, to be looking at the weather in LA and realize that, in two weeks, I will be living…a little bit west of Vinings.
McFann Ô
October 16th, 2009
7:23 pm
Yeah, wow…Mailman had that post timed perfectly…
McFann =Ô=
October 16th, 2009
7:24 pm
7:57? What kind of a start time is that?
ncscoots
October 16th, 2009
7:27 pm
The guy has IMO been an above average pitcher most every year to one extent or another.
Whereas, I see him as a gifted pitcher who had seldom fulfilled his promise, until this year. His inability to do so, over a decade-plus, is the thing that makes me wary. It’s not that I don’t like the guy; it’s that I don’t trust him to have two excellent years in a row. So, on this one, we’ll have to differ, I guess.
RHR
October 16th, 2009
7:27 pm
Jim where has your girl been? I haven’t seen her in a while. I sent one of y’all a message on FB the other night about some strange thing or other on here but I think she was away so we didn’t talk.
Steve from OH
October 16th, 2009
7:27 pm
nolie, scoots, PWH, Efrim–some video of Cody Johnson y’all might enjoy:
http://www.prospecttube.com/video/cody-johnson
RHR
October 16th, 2009
7:29 pm
McFann – who plays at 7:57?
McFann =Ô=
October 16th, 2009
7:29 pm
RHR nothing to get all YIKEY about.
That’s your opinion, not mine…
McFann =Ô=
October 16th, 2009
7:30 pm
RHR–
Angels and Yankees.
RHR
October 16th, 2009
7:30 pm
nolie, scoots, PWH, Efrim–some video of
You could just page The Weejun Gang. Would save some keystrokes.
Steve from OH
October 16th, 2009
7:31 pm
Freddie Freeman:
http://www.prospecttube.com/video/cody-johnson
Heyward:
http://www.prospecttube.com/video/cody-johnson
Steve from OH
October 16th, 2009
7:34 pm
More CoJo. Looks like a big lug in this one:
http://www.prospecttube.com/video/cody-johnson
ncscoots
October 16th, 2009
7:37 pm
You could just page The Weejun Gang. Would save some keystrokes
I think nolie is only an associate member, at most, in the old Kelly Johnson Fan Club, LOL.
Hey, trade you a pair of Weejuns for a Wolf T-shirt, LOL.
McFann =Ô=
October 16th, 2009
7:39 pm
The odd thing is my sister and I got news lenses for our specs this afternoon…not to mention I started the Novena to St. Lucy like…8 days ago…
P. W. Hjort
October 16th, 2009
7:39 pm
Thanks, Steve. Nice video.
Steve from OH
October 16th, 2009
7:41 pm
Johnson looks like he has a pretty pronounced bat wrap to me. Maybe a reason for all the k’s? I wonder if it’s easily correctible…nolie, a little help on that one?
RHR
October 16th, 2009
7:44 pm
oh I couldn’t possibly make a trade like that scoots, tell you what, I’ll just give you a wolf shirt. Wearing a wolf shirt with your khakis and weejuns would just be…I mean….I don’t…..it would be dangerous. Lets just leave it at that.
Steve from OH
October 16th, 2009
7:44 pm
Looks like B-Mac had round two of LASIK today…
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091016&content_id=7472484&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnerId=rss_atl
RHR
October 16th, 2009
7:45 pm
Why was it odd that you got lenses for your glasses today?
Soph
October 16th, 2009
7:52 pm
Rally has legs again. Nice.
ncscoots
October 16th, 2009
7:53 pm
Wearing a wolf shirt with your khakis and weejuns would just be…I mean….I don’t…..it would be dangerous.
Yes, I’d probably have to throw a blazer around that get-up, LOL, just to be on the safe side.