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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,392 comments Add your comment
CB
October 28th, 2009
5:07 pm
uno,dos,tres ?
P-Town Brave
October 28th, 2009
5:07 pm
Short of getting Ryan Braun, no, we shouldn’t trade JJ
DAP-
I’m not saying I’m 100% against obtaining Swisher, but just some things I noticed.
Also, the small sample size proves why they couldn’t bring him in to bat cleanup…
There have been way too many “if” scenarios already in the last couple years, and the Braves truly need an already established impact bat that has already batted and hit comfortably in the cleanup spot. Or at least thats my opinion.
cricket
October 28th, 2009
5:10 pm
I know people can justify any far fetched idea, but trading JJJ is the dumbest trade idea ever.
Rufus
October 28th, 2009
5:12 pm
No way the Braves can, or will, trade JJ. Just doesn’t make sense. Javier I could understand as you’ve got a glut of starting pitching, he’s coming off his strongest year, and his market value may never be higher. The starting rotation will be shorter one guy in the spring but it’s not going to be JJ.
Random (as MFIKY)
October 28th, 2009
5:12 pm
Rhrhr — Mess YOU up.
cricket
October 28th, 2009
5:12 pm
Short of getting Ryan Braun, no, we shouldn’t trade JJ
Short of getting King Albert, no, we shouldn’t trade JJ
Random
October 28th, 2009
5:13 pm
(That was better — I was in a hurry before.)
Scorby Jones
October 28th, 2009
5:17 pm
is the World Series on the radio?
McFann Ô
October 28th, 2009
5:17 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief! And I totally agree with you about JJ…no way the Braves trade him. And if they did, well…think that would qualify them to lose a LOT of int’rest from this fann.
Lew–
Good point…and s’pose confidence comes with more experience. I…sorta trust what I’m doing…
Sometimes you have to do a piece over ten or twelve times to get what you want.
True. Though I’ve never drawn a piece that many times. I have done a couple pieces twice, and the second one ALWAYS comes out better…Like the Fox I drew for cabravesfan–the original (the one I showed to her and others on here) came out WAY too orange-yellow. So obviously I made some changes in the one I drew for her, and it came out much better–more orange-brown, the way a Fox should be.
Random
October 28th, 2009
5:19 pm
Wayne in Utah (October 28th, 2009 4:50 pm): “rotation, not staff….”
Well, they do go well together, if you sit and think on it.
<i<(Not necessarily in that order.)
David O'Brien
October 28th, 2009
5:20 pm
Doc Holiday, you made a comment on the other blog, which I meant to address in today’s new blog, but forgot to. So I’ll do it here.
You joked: Braves have created their own manager of the year award to make sure bobby gets an award at the end of 2010…….
I know you were kidding, but still thought I’d point something out. The Braves won’t have to worry about Cox getting nice stuff or an award next year — he’ll get parting gifts at each of his final stops in cities the Braves visit, and then it’s a safe bet he’ll have a nice presentation in Cooperstown soon after.
Consider this, from Rule 6 regarding election of managers or umpires to the Baseball Hall of Fame:
6. Eligible Candidates:
A. Eligible candidates must be selected from Baseball Managers and Umpires who have been retired from organized Baseball as Managers or Umpires for at least five (5) years prior to the election. If the candidate is 65 years old at the time of retirement, the waiting period is reduced to six (6) months. If the candidate reaches the age of 65 during the five-year waiting period, the candidate becomes eligible six months after the candidate’s 65th birthday.
(Cox is 68.)
Mike S
October 28th, 2009
5:22 pm
I agree with P-town the only way I would consider trading JJ is for at least Ryan Braun.I like Derek Lowe but with the Braves payroll situation I think that $15 Million could be put to a better use.
Jim
October 28th, 2009
5:22 pm
Dave:
Would you please comment on the notion of signing Laroche to a 3 or 4 year deal at “market,” but with no “no trade” clause and letting chips fall where they may re Freeman. While FF has shown plenty of promise, my sense is that he’s no earlier than a mid-11 arrival in the Bigs. Laroche can add a lot of value between now and then, and would likely be the starting 1B of ‘10 and ‘11. Given the type of player he is, he’s unluikely to lose any trade value for seasons he’s 34 and 35 years old.
Thanks.
rammerjammer
October 28th, 2009
5:23 pm
If Frank deals Lowe and that contract, you think he’ll look to extend Vazquez through, say, 2012?
Benjamin
October 28th, 2009
5:24 pm
Short answer: no way in the world would I deal Jair Jurrjens. Not without getting a young franchise player signed to a multi-year deal in return, and even then, I would be hesitant.
He and Tommy Hanson are the future of this team, along with Heyward and Schafer.
P-Town Brave
October 28th, 2009
5:25 pm
From MLBTR:
Trade Market: First Basemen
Prince Fielder, Brewers. On October 7th, Brewers GM replied, “I don’t see that happening” when asked about trading Fielder or Ryan Braun (Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reporting). What’s more, SI’s Jon Heyman expects the Brewers to attempt to lock Fielder up this winter. Fielder is already under team control through 2011, and there is no reason to expect him to be shopped (the Brewers have other trade chips with which they can acquire pitching).
Adrian Gonzalez, Padres. Like Fielder, most Gonzalez trade rumors have been speculative. And Jed Hoyer knowing Theo Epstein doesn’t really increase the chances of a trade to Boston. The Padres have a small payroll, but Gonzalez will only earn $10.25MM over the next two seasons. Hoyer even said long-term discussions are “on the docket.” On the other hand, there were summer trade talks with the Mariners, Red Sox, and Dodgers under old GM Kevin Towers. Towers believes “it’s just a matter of when” the Padres trade Gonzalez.
Adam Dunn, Nationals. We haven’t heard anything about Dunn being available, but it’d be reasonable for GM Mike Rizzo to listen. The Nats have Dunn signed for next year at $12MM.
Lyle Overbay, Blue Jays. Currently, the Blue Jays have no plans to move Adam Lind to first base (says MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian). If they change their mind, Overbay and his $7MM salary could theoretically be shopped.
Jorge Cantu, Marlins. Here’s a guy who’s actually likely to be available this winter. The thinking is that the Marlins would prefer not to give Cantu an arbitration raise on his $3.5MM salary. Cantu traded some power for OBP this year.
James Loney, Dodgers. More speculation…the Dodgers could consider trading Loney and his .399 SLG if they’d prefer more power at first base. Loney’s salary is set to take a jump through arbitration this year.
Ryan Garko, Giants. Garko is a non-tender candidate for the Giants, so it figures they’ll try to trade him first. At the least, Garko handles lefties well.
Casey Kotchman, Red Sox. Kotchman was an odd acquisition by the Red Sox, as they don’t have much of a spot for him. He’s similar to Loney but the asking price might be lower.
Andy Marte, Indians. Marte’s future with the Tribe is in doubt after a .232/.293/.400 performance in the bigs. He did slug .593 at Triple A this year.
Mike Jacobs, Royals. Like Garko, a non-tender candidate. Jacobs spent most of the season as a DH.
Seems to me like what I mentioned about a couple weeks ago, Cantu would seem like the perfect fit IF the Braves could get the Marlins to bite w/o giving up too much.
Maybe Fredi is partial to some of our retreads or never were’s like the Royals are?
candler willis
October 28th, 2009
5:27 pm
Really,is that even a question??NO,you dont trade a young ace like that that is dumb question..No matter waht you get you dont unless its hanley ramirez or something..You have a chance to build a awsome 1-2 punch that you need to build a winning team.The dumb thing the braves did was not trading for mark texiara.People always say the braves never make big splashes i condon wren for that wonderful idea..But kawakimi that was a bad idea you dont pay a 39 year old that much money come on think about it so way to go wren messed that one up.Now ur stuck with too many pitchers that are OLD…GO Braves…
David O'Brien
October 28th, 2009
5:27 pm
Have you seen the latest ugliness in the McCourts-in-court saga?
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4601465
P. W. Hjort
October 28th, 2009
5:29 pm
trading a 23-year-old elite starting pitcher
I don’t advocate trading him, but there are a few red flags in his performance. Basically, his results this year were a whole lot better than 2008’s without him getting, fundamentally, any better. Some people explain it as good luck, some people say it’s “poise” or “mound presence” or whatever. I don’t know what it is, but I think both sides have good points.
Anyway, I think it’s a bit of a stretch to call him an “elite starting pitcher”. His K’s aren’t there, his BB’s are a bit high, and his GB% declined in 2009. He ain’t gonna be able to sustain a 79.4 LOB%, either. Plenty of things point to regression for Jurrjens in 2010 and several hit-luck based metrics suggest he’s a fairly good bit worse than his 2009 ERA. I hope they’re wrong, and I’m not saying they are right, just playing devil’s advocate.
Furthermore, I’ve made this point before, but fans always seem to see what they want to see in their young players. Everything positive is good and there’s an excuse for everything negative. Not saying they’re right, but are there any heralded analysts or front office personnel that don’t have connections to the organization calling Jurrjens an ace? I think we’re all guilty of seeing what we want to see and overestimating his potential/upside.
Beyond all that, he’s just too talented to trade right now.
What if you’re getting something equally talented, or more talented, with just as favorable of a contractual situation, or more favorable? I mean, you don’t just dismiss the idea out of principle. If a trade emerged involving Jurrjens that made the team better now and in the future, Wren would be insane not to do it. And that’s not just with Jurrjens, everyone. If a deal makes sense it makes sense. Is your team going to be better now after this deal? Is your team going to be better in the future after this deal? If the answer is “yes” to both of those questions, you make the deal. And it isn’t inconceivable that such a deal could surface involving Jurrjens.
However, it’s rather unlikely. Which is why I think this:
That said, I can’t see how the Braves would seriously consider trading Jurrjens this winter. And I don’t believe they have, or will, seriously consider it.
Is exactly right. It’s not that team’s couldn’t give up something that makes it worth trading Jurrjens, it’s that they most likely won’t. It would involve trading a similar type of impact player, like a Matt Kemp or a Dustin Pedroia or something of the sort. And teams usually don’t swap core pieces. Doing so largely results in no net gain.
Don B
October 28th, 2009
5:32 pm
And I thought Pedro Martinez was going to pitch the second game for the Phillies. Who is the new guy Gomez????????
Wayne in Utah (WWRFD)
October 28th, 2009
5:32 pm
Pitchers careers are a bit more precarious than that of position players. That being said, when you have someone as talented as Jurrjens, it is hard to think about dealing him.
I have been one who has mentioned dealing him for a big bat in the past. Would I after the “scolding” I just received? For a handful of positional players, yes. Without going over all the players in the majors, I would deal him for Albert Pujols, Ryan Braun or Eva Longoria, I think.
But then again, having those dual aces for the next 10 years is mighty tempting.
To be honest, I doubt you would ever get another team to give you enough to truly be willing to deal Jurrjens.
If I remember correctly, when I first proposed dealing Jair, it was back in mid summer, before he closed out the season with a bang.
Hopefully, he will not have any career endangering injuries that would make us wish he were dealt.
I do believe that it will be interesting, the closer he gets to his free agency years.
Are we going to discuss Escobar on the next blog???
P. W. Hjort
October 28th, 2009
5:34 pm
Interesting exercise:
If you had to trade one of the below, which do you trade?
Jair Jurrjens
Yunel Escobar
Art Vandelay
October 28th, 2009
5:35 pm
I’m just glad I wasn’t around when the “trade JJ” comments that moved DOB to write this piece were originally posted. That might be the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard. Under no circumstances, even a deal including Ryan Braun, should the Braves listen to offers for him.
AdirondackDave
October 28th, 2009
5:35 pm
Couldn’t agree more DOB, Jurrjens is as valuable as Hanson and that is saying a ton. Even if the Braves were offered a young outfielder or first baseman, say an Adrian Gonzalez or similar (if there are any) I’m not sure I would make that deal for JJ. A team with outstanding pitching and mediocre offense seems more likely to contend to me than the reverse. FW worked wonders last winter with pitching. Now with a surplus starter, a surplus infielder, and some prospect chips, no reason to think he can’t, or at least make a big-time effort, to do the same with the offense this winter. This could be a very strong club in ‘10, with or without a full season with Heyward. I’m looking forward to it.
gadawgs
October 28th, 2009
5:35 pm
NO
David O'Brien
October 28th, 2009
5:38 pm
Don B: Good catch. Pedro Gomez is one of only two of 23 ESPN guys who picked the Phillies, and he was also a baseball writer at the Miami Herald when I was at the Sun-Sentinel, before he went to ESPN. Anyway, that’s what was lodged sideways in my brain when I typed that.
P. W. Hjort
October 28th, 2009
5:38 pm
Freeman just doubled. 3-4 on the day.
Jason
October 28th, 2009
5:38 pm
Pedro Gomez in game 2? Great blog DOB, glad to have a little Braves talk during the World Series. Trade JJ? Uh, no, no and no.
Vinings Jim
October 28th, 2009
5:38 pm
DOB – great blog – of course, you do it the day I’m trying to pack and am about 5 days behind where I should be, but at least I could read it while eating….
Einstein
October 28th, 2009
5:40 pm
Excellent article DOB, but don’t you mean Pedro Martinez rather than Pedro Gomez against A J Burnett in game two? I like Pedro, too.
Wayne in Utah (WWRFD)
October 28th, 2009
5:41 pm
Art
I haven’t seen your name here before, but then again, my visits have been more sporadic the past 2-3 months. I am glad you weren’t here when I mentioned trading him in the past either. I bet you would have said something that would have hurt my tender feelings.
Wayne in Utah (WWRFD)
October 28th, 2009
5:47 pm
TRADE JURRJENS!!! I can’t believe anybody would be that stupid! What an idiot! It’s a crime shame that folks that would make such suggestions are allowed to exist on a blog where nothing real stated really counts anyway. (unless of course, if you are Paul Dense, who FW gets most of his inspiration from)
BossLady
October 28th, 2009
5:52 pm
I don’t think any GM would trade a pitcher before his time when he can win games like JJJ. I would think it would be difficult to bring a top hitter in here when there is just not a “scrappy urgency” to win that the Braves do not have in the clubhouse. The last set of games with the Marlins and Nationals reflected their “laid back” attitude toward winning. The Phillies would not give up in game until the last out of the game. Seemed to me the Braves gave in around the 7th and never tried to show back up. I watched about 120 games at home and at Turner.
When we had a lead it was a winner ONLY if we kept the lead, but when the lead was gone it was gone for good in that game. Some players should be traded just for that reason regardless of their skills. The attitude towards the game and winning is just as important as skills.
Mixxo
October 28th, 2009
5:54 pm
Trade JJ?
Absolutely not.
Wayne in Utah (WWRFD)
October 28th, 2009
5:54 pm
BossLady
Name names.
Wayne in Utah (WWRFD)
October 28th, 2009
5:55 pm
Enter your comments here
Wayne in Utah (WWJJD)
October 28th, 2009
5:56 pm
Oops….fat fingers
ugaaccountant
October 28th, 2009
5:57 pm
I’ve proposed trading him – but for either Braun or maybe Fielder can’t recall which. Highly unlikely the mutual interest and salary needs would match up, but in theory I would trade him for an MVP bat.
I believe the “luck metrics” P.W.H. was discussing. That is one of the reasons I liked getting Vasquez is because he was so “unlucky” in the past.
Joe Schmoe
October 28th, 2009
5:59 pm
P. W. Hjort
October 28th, 2009
5:34 pm
Interesting exercise:
If you had to trade one of the below, which do you trade?
Jair Jurrjens
Yunel Escobar
Ughh I trade neither of them. LOL, I dunnon. I think Escobar is just as valuable to this young team as is Jurrjens.
VaBraveFan
October 28th, 2009
6:00 pm
Good Blog DOB
I have mentioned trading JJ, but i was just throwing an idea out there, i do not support the idea unless we get overwelmed.
Were all gonna be dissapointed about who our new Cleanup hitter will be. All the early reports i’ve seen the Braves most likely LF candidates are Nady, J.Fox, Willingham, The Braves simply wont pay for offense, but they’ll open up the checkbook to pitchers all the time. This team is one big bat from being so dangerous with the best starting pitching in place already…. Sign a closer , sign Rochy and Add the righthanded bat, Playoff bound we are….
Joe Schmoe
October 28th, 2009
6:01 pm
Escobar is just as valuable to this team as Jurrjens in my opinion.
njbraves
October 28th, 2009
6:01 pm
No way the Braves trade JJ, it doesn’t make any sense. They need all the top tier, low pay scale players they can get. What they need to do is get Lowe out of town as soon as humanly possible, and put that $45 million to better use.
Duke
October 28th, 2009
6:01 pm
Quality blog DOB. Well said. Phillies in 6, already made the bet on betus
C from Marietta
October 28th, 2009
6:02 pm
If the Braves trade JJ. I am done with them and I have been a life long fan. However, if they do something that stupid. It’s over.
VaBraveFan
October 28th, 2009
6:03 pm
Joe Schmoe
Your correct on that, considering SS is thin in the minors on talent, he is a great player and is cheap
abwright
October 28th, 2009
6:04 pm
DOB, thanks for the new blog. and, well said! I hope JJ stays with the Bravos for a good long time. I really enjoy watching him pitch.
Lew, from the previous blog, … I agree with everything you said regarding the near future for the rotation. I would love to see JJ, Hanson, Hudson, Vazquez, Kawakami for the next two years.
However, if Vazquez and the Braves cannot reach an extension, would you rather have JJ, Hanson, Hudson, Lowe, Kawakami for the next two years OR JJ, Hanson, Hudson, Vazquez, Kawakami for 2010 and a mystery starter for 2011?
The only way I would trade Vazquez instead of Lowe is if V. is only available for next year. Then, I would say, get the best deal while his stock is uber-high. Good thing I’m not the GM nor does the GM listen to me!
nolie
October 28th, 2009
6:05 pm
Dude, batting average? Why? (PW)
oh I don’t know, maybe cause a hit is always worth more than a walk? Walks are great, hits are greater. Get somebody who can do both. It doesn’t have to be an either/or condition. I’ll take a 280/380 guy over a 250/390 guy-most everything else being relatively equal- every day and so would most GMs
VaBraveFan
October 28th, 2009
6:05 pm
They eventaully will prolly trade em. In the coming years. They wont give no one top dollar (Except Lowe) Boris will be dying to get him on the open market.
All I'm Saying Is...
October 28th, 2009
6:06 pm
Because of how they conduct themselves mentally and physically, Hanson and Jurrjens are the future of the Braves pitching staff. Keep them both and, in fact, sign them to long term extensions prior to the expiration of their arbitration eligibility.
LET’S GO BRAVES!
Wayne in Utah (WWJJD)
October 28th, 2009
6:07 pm
C from Marietta
I said the same thing about Lillibridge, but I came back…..
DHD
October 28th, 2009
6:08 pm
Hell no!!!!! Keep all of the pitchers. you NEVER have enough. Somebody always goes down. See the Boston Red Sox.
Lew
October 28th, 2009
6:08 pm
abwright-He is coming off of arguably his best season. He likes Bobby Cox and playing in Atlanta is closer to his home in Puerto Rico than he’s ever been. He’s obviously comfortable pitching in a pitcher’s park for the first time in his career. I would be willing to bet he’d sign an extension.
Lew
October 28th, 2009
6:08 pm
DHD-Then which one do you not pitch?
VaBraveFan
October 28th, 2009
6:09 pm
JUst think of the talent we would have now if we never traded for Tex…….. Might have been a fair trade for us if we would have just signed the MVP caliber player…… We let a gold glove switch hitting mvp caliber 1stbaseman just walk away, it kills me thinking about that trade what if???? lol
Wayne in Utah (WWJJD)
October 28th, 2009
6:09 pm
abwright
If I were the GM, we would be called the Pirates-South!
ugaaccountant
October 28th, 2009
6:09 pm
On the last blog, several of us were discussing getting a Houston OF. I say we trick em, Frank Wren style. Start out discussing something reasonable like Lowe for Lee. Then offer to downgrade to either Pence or Bourne!
I am only 90% kidding, because I feel like he sort of did this getting McLouth and Vasquez.
Wayne in Utah (WWJJD)
October 28th, 2009
6:12 pm
Lew
If not for the salary issues with Lowe, I think I would keep all 6 pitchers until the middle of the spring. But, I understand the salary constraints we have too, so I fully expect FW to deal Lowe in the first month after the WS is over. Even if he gets less than we think he should, as doing otherwise is going to hamper his other moves.
Would you go for a Lowe for Willingham or Lowe for Fox trade?
VaBraveFan
October 28th, 2009
6:12 pm
Carlos Lee has a no trade clause, but i dont see why he wouldnt waive that to come to Atlanta which is way ahead when it comes to contending.
Lowe wouldnt be enough to land him anyways, Lee does have a big contract but he does produce but still bit overpaid but they’d never do it.
Hopefully Wren has some tricks and surprises this offseason cause i just dont see a real legit cleanup guy coming to Atlanta.
ugaaccountant
October 28th, 2009
6:13 pm
VA Brave Fan – The money would have basically worked to sign Tex and forego signing Lowe, if we had went with one of our rookies instead of Lowe. Now 1 year later we’re basically trying to undo that decision by getting a cleanup hitter and trading Lowe.
If only Wren had seen it that way to begin with. Although in fairness, our fanbase had basically conceded on ever signing Tex and was begging for more pitching focus.
abwright
October 28th, 2009
6:14 pm
Lew, I agree (and hope) that V. signs an extension. But, I’m a bird-in-hand kinda guy. Til it’s done, I hedge.
Wayne, it’s a good thing you’re not the GM, either!
Later, ya’ll. I’m heading home.
Wayne in Utah (WWJJD)
October 28th, 2009
6:16 pm
ugaaccountant
One of the main reasons for dealing Lowe for a bat is to get rid his salary load. The Astros, I believe, would not be interested in picking up our large salary, then giving us one of their affordable players.
Some folks were saying Lee for Lowe, which I sort of understand, from a salary standpoint, BUT, I really don’t think we want him in our outfield, plus it does nothing to help us sign LaRoche or a reliever.
Wayne in Utah (WWJJD)
October 28th, 2009
6:18 pm
ugaaccountant
Did you really think we had a prayer of signing Tex as a FA? When he wouldn’t extend, I had no illusion he would sign with us. He was gone 2 years ago.
Country Boy
October 28th, 2009
6:18 pm
Aren’t you the same “journalist” that whinned all of last off-season for Braves to trade Yunel ( and
others) for pitcher Jake Peavy. 2009 Peavy – only 16 games pitched and 3 months disabled list.
Yunel – 141 games and .300 avg.
ugaaccountant
October 28th, 2009
6:20 pm
I know the astros don’t want to pick up a 15 mil pitcher, but I actually am pretty confident Wren will be able to sell him to someone and get a good player in return.
I’m asking for too much in Pence or Bourne, but I expect him to surprise us and get someone better than Fox or Willingham types.
I think Lowe still commands a #2 starter trade value and his contract isn’t that bad in that rotation spot.
Warren Haynes for President
October 28th, 2009
6:22 pm
I can’t imagine trading JJ. I am in the “horde starting pitchers” camp. A really solid starting 5 like the Braves could/should have next season is golden in a 162 game schedule. It generally prevents losing streaks or bad June 2006 style meltdowns and you are always in a postion to start an extended winning streak.
tr
October 28th, 2009
6:23 pm
Sure, trade JJ for Pujols if the Cards pick up Big Al’s salary for the next ten years!!!
VaBraveFan
October 28th, 2009
6:24 pm
Lowe is a good pitcher still, The FA market for Starters is very weak we should have some teams interested in him. But if were not recieveing a simaler contract in return were still gonna have to eat some of his contract… so were not dumping the 15 mil
Warren Haynes for President
October 28th, 2009
6:24 pm
Love the James McMurtry lyrics. Drove to Oxford MS to see him and the Truckers play last Friday. Needless to say, it was awesome.
ugaaccountant
October 28th, 2009
6:24 pm
I don’t understand why we chose not to be in the Tex sweepstakes. I never saw enough to convince me Tex didn’t personally want to be here. I refuse to believe a competitive offer wouldn’t have put us in the discussion. However, I don’t believe anything resembling a competitive offer was ever made, not in 07, 08 or as a free agent.
VaBraveFan
October 28th, 2009
6:24 pm
Pujols should command more that Arod who makes 29.1 million a year…………………………… Pujols is the best player in the game.
taxman kenneth
October 28th, 2009
6:25 pm
The braves are just crazy enough to trade anyone on the team for a rental like they have done in the past. Acquiring Jurrgens was one of the very few good trades they have ever made so getting rid of him would not surprise me at all. The braves gave the farm away for Tex and look where he is tonight, playing first base in the World Series for the money spending Yankees who by the way bought the American League Pennant. They did not win it. The braves have nothing to show for the Tex bum trade so they are capable of making stupid trades and nothing they do would surprise me. They are going to have to do a lot to even compete with the Phillies and that line-up. I am rooting for the phillies to beat the Money crazy yankees in the world series. I would like to see a sweep.
jeffrey d
October 28th, 2009
6:26 pm
Not that I think we should do it, but people mention Jurrjens in a trade 1) because we have a starting pitching surplus, and 2) because he’ll get an enormous return (probably the top hitter that we so desparately need). It’d be like Hamilton for Volquez.
But some people don’t seem to understand that trades need to be equal in value. Which is why everybody wants to get rid of Lowe. Of our 6 pitchers (assuming we re-sign Hudson) Lowe is the least exciting and the oldest and has and will have the biggest contract.
So by the logic of so many people on here… “Hey! I know Lowe sucked last year, and he’s old, and he’s got a big contract, but he’s had a sub-3 ERA before and you should probably give us a good hitter or a nice prospect, please. Thanks! TTYL!”
VaBraveFan
October 28th, 2009
6:28 pm
We should have signed Tex before he even made it to FA. Give the man a good offer from the start, he didnt want to play in Atl cause we prolly offered a bullcrap contract named Hometown Discount from the start, instead of paying the player on how they produce. Yeah if we would have signed Tex we wouldnt have had the money to spend on pitchers but this organization is great at developing young pitchers and we couldnt have been fine. Tex got a crap 1st offer is why he totally didnt want to be here, we prolly acted like he was Chipper or somthing and offered 13 mil a year, for one of the best players in the game thats an insult.
nolie
October 28th, 2009
6:30 pm
Would I after the “scolding” I just received? For a handful of positional players, yes. (Wayne)
sure, so would I. I agree that pitcher’s careers are chancier and I agree a bit with PW that he might have had a better year than his talent would lead one to expect.
He’s good though, and right now he’s cheap so it would take an excellent offer to tempt me, but like PW said, if it improves the team now and likely in the future-I’m sure it would be considered. It’s just kinda unlikely.
VaBraveFan
October 28th, 2009
6:32 pm
i just dont understand how the Braves will pay 15 mil a year for a 36 y/o pitcher but never do that with bats. Bats play everyday , not every five days. Yes this team could win if they had some speed but they dont. We got good hitters, just no speedsters and sluggers. Got to have one of the other to go along with our great pitching and we’ll be back in the post season.
Kris in NC
October 28th, 2009
6:34 pm
It seems Ken Rosenthal is reporting on FoxSports.com that Tim Hudson is close to signing a 3 yr deal with an option for a 4th yr. That the deal will be done by the end of the week. DOB, can you confirm this? This was from a source that Ken Rosenthal got this information from.
As we all know, the last time Rosenthal used a source about information on Huddy, it turned out to be not to be true and Huddy had to make a statement to refute it.
As for JJ, why in the heck would the Braves even entertain the thought of trading him? I think Frank can sit down and work out a deal with the Agent from you know where to keep him here for long time. If JJ wants to stay in Atlanta, he will let Boras know that. We all think Agents employ the players, it is the players who pay these idiots to get these outrageous contracts ala A-Rod, CC and Tex.
I love Hanson and JJ anchoring this staff for yrs to come. When you got guys like Tommy and JJ, who want to get better, willing to listen to guys like Javy, Lowe and Huddy and ask questions, why trade either of them. The fans would probably hunt Frank Wren down and question his loyalty big time.
Wayne in Utah (WWJJD)
October 28th, 2009
6:34 pm
Many of you speak as if you know what Tex was or wasn’t offered. To be honest, I can’t remember what the talk was before the 2008 season began as far as what was or wasn’t offered to him.
For those of you who know Scott Boras, when (besides Carlos Pena and Kenny Rogers) has he NOT taken a big name player to free agency, and when has that player NOT taken the largest offer?
I think those that would say that we weren’t reasonable with Tex are delusional.
Necromancer
October 28th, 2009
6:35 pm
Yep..The Yankees definitely bought the AL Pennant.
Any player who goes over to the Yankees is the equivalent of selling their soul to the devil!
nolie
October 28th, 2009
6:35 pm
I said the same thing about Lillibridge (Wayne)
why? I assured you years ago that Lillibridge would be liliputan. Pay attention
DAP
October 28th, 2009
6:35 pm
P-town, the fact he hasnt had many ABs there proves the braves cant put him there? that deosnt make sense. besides, they could just leave mccann batting cleanup and bat swisher somewhere else if they got him. no biggie.
also, cantu is a big step down from laroche. there is no way cantu is a good option for the braves. my opinion on 1st base is they need to resign laroche or get someone better. that means no cantu or konerko.
unrelated, im picking the phillies in 7, they can and will win as long as they win at least one of the first two games.
Necromancer
October 28th, 2009
6:37 pm
Watch out..if JJ becomes a free agent…he’ll sell his soul to the devil,er,Yankees as well.
Remember who his agent is…
Ed Glennon
October 28th, 2009
6:38 pm
I really miss seeing little dribblers hit to the second baseman. So how about trading Jurrjens for Casey Kotchman or maybe a three way trade that brings us Brent Lillibridge back. Trading Jurrjens – are you kidding?
VaBraveFan
October 28th, 2009
6:38 pm
Boris will just say hey JJ listen to me you gotta wait it out let these guy fight over you we gotta float some rumors that your clse to singing with so and so to get a better offer run this up high as we can. The yankees\mets/redsox would be all over this kid and can eaisly outbid us. Yes its truly the players choice, but money walks bullsh1t talks
Necromancer
October 28th, 2009
6:39 pm
Oh yeah..trading JJ is a STOOOPIIDDD idea!
nolie
October 28th, 2009
6:41 pm
Any player who goes over to the Yankees is the equivalent of selling their soul to the devil! (Necromancer)
We need to sic Dean & Sam on to them
BTW, don’t necromancers do that too?
yall are crazy
October 28th, 2009
6:42 pm
How could any of you people possibly want to trade JJ? He’s our best pitcher! What are you, nuts?
Sam The Man
October 28th, 2009
6:43 pm
KEEP JJ AND VASQUEZ. LET HUDSON WALK AND USE THAT MONEY FOR A YOUNG, BIG BAT.
Steve from OH
October 28th, 2009
6:43 pm
321,000 per month in spousal support? That’s outlandish!
I gotta say, if that report DOB posted is true, giving her co-ownership would be a crime. Now if Frankie screwed up, that’s a different story althogether, isn’t it?
ugaaccountant
October 28th, 2009
6:43 pm
I agree Necromancer. I say now is the time to sit down and offer JJJ a new contract 10 years at DOUBLE his current salary. You distract Boras for me while I get JJJ the paperwork.
VaBraveFan
October 28th, 2009
6:45 pm
I just dont see Hanson AND JJ both of them anchoring the staff for years to come. If they continue improving and hell there already really really good pitchers , there both gonna command the big big bucks that comes with top notch starting pitching, i dont see braves locking both of them up, unless there offered contracts like McCanns and Frenchy offers. Maybe they will, we just wont have much money to spend on other positions. I’m just being realistic, its all about the money
ugaaccountant
October 28th, 2009
6:45 pm
ya’ll are crazy – I would have to say JJJ is now our 3rd best pitcher for 2010 behind Vasquez and Hanson, although 2009 was ridiculously close for all 3.
Steve from OH
October 28th, 2009
6:47 pm
Why would she even need access to 5-star hotels and a corporate jet if she’s getting 300K a month? My Lord, I couldn’t spend all that if I tried…
TS
October 28th, 2009
6:47 pm
If the Braves can trade Derek Lowe’s full contract for even a bowl of rice this offseason I will eat my shirt.
VaBraveFan
October 28th, 2009
6:47 pm
Sam the Man
There inst any young bats to sign. We cant compete for Bay or Holliday. We have to trade for one.
MtnDawg
October 28th, 2009
6:50 pm
DOB, thanks for the best blog in this rag. Absolutely NO WAY should we trade JJ. And dont even think about trading Vasquez, he was the steadiest of all the pitchers this year! If we can shed Loew’s over priced/under performing contract that would be a major win and maybe create some room for the much needed bat. Only question is, who would be so desperate?
KK performed nicely against the tougher opponents but had letdowns against mid level teams, although he did show promise. Sign Huddy if at a discount, but with performance restrictions, and shop for the outfield big bat until the Kid is ready.
DAP
October 28th, 2009
6:51 pm
vabravefanI just dont see Hanson AND JJ both of them anchoring the staff for years to come.
i think they are under team control for 5 and 4 more years, respectivly. that counts as “years to come” in my book.
VaBraveFan
October 28th, 2009
6:52 pm
Lowe for Bradley NOOOO
Lowe for Mathews IDK
there are planty more bad contracts out there but i think Lowe is more valuble than most of them.
Trading Vasquez could land us a true legit Hitter , but he is so important to this staff.
Steve from OH
October 28th, 2009
6:53 pm
I can see JJ and Hanson anchoring the staff for at least the next 4 years, vabravesfan…
And I do think they extend Vazquez once they get Hudson’s extension done and take care of the rest of their offseason business.
McFann Ô
October 28th, 2009
6:54 pm
DAP besides, they could just leave mccann batting cleanup
AAAAAGGH!!
Wayne in Utah (WWJJD)
October 28th, 2009
6:57 pm
Steve
I would dang sure like to try (to spend that much money, that is)!
If I could get that for ONE month, I would be frickin set for life in 5 years!
But then again, if I had that kind of money, it would probably go to my head, and I would have it spent in no time. Yeah, I think the 5 star request is reasonable…..