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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,702 comments Add your comment
P-Town Brave
November 3rd, 2009
5:21 pm
18-
So basically we’d be getting 17 HR and around 70 RBI for Lowell (maybe a bit less) for 12 Mil…
Hmm…intriguing but who do we give them because unless its Kawakami or mid to low end minors talent I say we’d be giving too much to be taking that on, even if for a year.
And the more I think about it, the more I like the idea of the Wagner/Bay combo in Braves uni’s in 2010.
ugaaccountant
November 3rd, 2009
5:22 pm
jeffrey d
November 3rd, 2009
4:57 pm
If anyone cares, this is a surprising move for the Pirates to be making in my opinion.
He’s a pirate due for a raise, makes sense to me. I like Capps and wouldn’t mind having him but as usual, don’t trade prospects for him.
tom
November 3rd, 2009
5:29 pm
CVan
I am not sure when the free agent signings start, anyone?
Goldenglove002
November 3rd, 2009
5:30 pm
Jeff D-
I was refering to this years trades (McLouth, Sanchez, Wilson, Laroche). Obtaining a $4.5 million MI for one year sort of defeats the rebuilding purposes of those trades.
BravesAreDone
November 3rd, 2009
5:32 pm
The Braves have had disastrous seasons when they tried the whole let’s just pick up a guy to close thing. They need to sign Gonzo. They also need to keep Laroche. If they lose Laroche and get another bat then what have they really done to add hitting? If they lose the two relievers and Laroche and their best pitcher (Vazquez) from last season, then how can we expect them to be any good next season???
cabravesfan
November 3rd, 2009
5:32 pm
CB-
We should just be happy that Homer managed to type more then just “Fire DOB”…it was obviously a struggle, but he is making progress
MattyRoss
November 3rd, 2009
5:36 pm
FIRE BEEKAY!
Super Mac
November 3rd, 2009
5:37 pm
Fire Homer!
KC
November 3rd, 2009
5:38 pm
DOB is far more connected than I am, so if we disagree, he’s probably right. That said, I disagree…
I don’t think it will be surprising at all if the Braves offer arbitration to R.Soriano, unless they already have the closer’s role solved. There’s no guarantee they’ll be able to get the closer they need elsewhere, so letting letting Soriano walk could be extremely risky.
If they at least offer him arbitration, he’s not likely to be awarded more than 9-10 million at the most, and that’s not excessive money for a closer. There are closers I’d rather have than Soriano, but I think I’d probably rather keep him than most of what’s likely to be available in the way of closers this winter.
And we’re not the only team that will be in the market for a closer. Talk to any Phillies fan about that.
My point is simply that NOT offering Soriano arbitration (and therefore, losing the right to negotiate with him until May – after the season is well under way) is riskier than offering it to him.
David O'Brien
November 3rd, 2009
5:39 pm
Super Mac: Regarding your 5:37 p.m., I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that’s probably been done.
Super Mac
November 3rd, 2009
5:41 pm
DOB- I agree, but i didn’t see that anyone had said it, and I thought that someone should.
CB
November 3rd, 2009
5:43 pm
cab, I was hoping all that education had not gone to waste.
nolie
November 3rd, 2009
5:44 pm
Am I the only one who thinks it wouldn’t be too far-fetched or unwise to move more than one of the aforementioned hurlers? MZ
unwise to say the least.we will not be able to become as good offensively as Philly no matter what they can afford so we need to continue to have great pitching depth. Above 4 and 5 starters can add up to a lot of winf. Even with the big three, the Braves always had very good back ends as a rule. That’s not even taking into account possible injuries. No go on dumping two pitchers
JG
November 3rd, 2009
5:44 pm
DOB -
Huge ups on MMJ. Love the band, love the blog!
Homer
November 3rd, 2009
5:45 pm
Fire him, I’m still here.
Herschel Talker
November 3rd, 2009
5:53 pm
FIRE BOOBY COX!!!
Rick
November 3rd, 2009
5:54 pm
If that doofus Cox speaks highly of a player then avoid that player at all costs! For what all Cox knows about baseball and any prospective players you could fit it all on the head of a pin! Maybe after 2010 the Braves could finally get themselves a manager that knows how to win and not just divisional titles.
Steve from OH
November 3rd, 2009
5:56 pm
No wonder nobody has a job these days…
Venice Jim
November 3rd, 2009
5:58 pm
My old buddy Herschel returns!
CB
November 3rd, 2009
5:58 pm
Homer and Herschel at the same time-wow. Next thing you know Clark Kent and Superman will be in the same room.
Don
November 3rd, 2009
6:01 pm
If the Braves had any sense, they’d get a consumate leadoff man. Haven’t had one since Brett Butler. Cox’s lame trys with guys who couldn’t spell leadoff much less be one.
And another thing. Get rid of Cox and watch the team shine! Every player who has left the Braves and Cox have turned into outstanding ball players FOR OTHER TEAMS!
NCmike
November 3rd, 2009
6:03 pm
Hey Dave… Which Padron are you smoking? The 1964, 1926 or the brown label Padron series? I “grew-up” on the Padron series and the 1964 is one of my faves. You should to roadtrip up to NC on Nov 30th. Jorge Padron is coming to our cigar club for dinner and smokes.
Don
November 3rd, 2009
6:04 pm
Get Juan Pierre from the Dodgers. He’s relegated to pinch hit duties, and at least knows what the word leadoff means.
cabravesfan
November 3rd, 2009
6:05 pm
Homer and Herschel at the same time-wow.
I think my brain just exploded
Mitchie-san
November 3rd, 2009
6:06 pm
That ole Hot Stove is heating up early….
Eric from MO
November 3rd, 2009
6:06 pm
KC I agree on Soriaino. I think the Braves think pretty highly of him and can easily see them offer him arbitration. Didnt we hear this past summer that if the Braves traded Soriano or Gonzo then it would have to be better than the draft picks. Well for that to happen we have to offer them arbitration.
As for the trading of a starting pitcher, I bet its Vazquez. They wont be able to trade Lowe. Nobody wanted him last offseason for 15 mil after one hell of a second half and this year his numbers went down alot. Kawakami wont be traded, which is fine with me because he did pretty well. JJ and Hanson wont be touched obviously and Hudson will have the 10 to 5. Plus Vazquez takes 11 mil off the books, is a FA next year, and will bring the most in return. He could bring in a big hitter, or some minor leaguerers, which would clear money to sign a big hitter.
cabravesfan
November 3rd, 2009
6:08 pm
Juan Pierre? He may have one of the worst contracts in baseball, not to mention one of the worst outfield arms…
Venice Jim
November 3rd, 2009
6:11 pm
cabravesfan – always trying to be logical – next thing you know, you’ll tell jeffrey his brilliant plan to trade for Prince Fielder and then turn around and move him for Adrian Gonzalez won’t work…
Bobby Hill
November 3rd, 2009
6:11 pm
Lowe doesn’t have positive trade value. It’s not that he has no value as a pitcher, its just that the braves have younger, cheaper, better options. The Braves should simply put him on waivers and see if anybody bites. As the free agent pool dries up in December and January somebody will get desperate to add a vetern innings eater.
Trading Vazquez sounds tempting, but what could the Braves really expect to get in return? The odds of him repeating what he did this past season outside of Atlanta are less than 50-50, and he’s only got one year left. Whoever acquired him would basically be getting a rental player. Since the Braves wouldn’t be looking for prospects the best they could probably hope to get in return would be another rental player with a question mark.
What would it take to get Josh Willingham away from the Nats?
cabravesfan
November 3rd, 2009
6:13 pm
VJ-
please don’t even go there…it’s too late in the day to start ranting
brent a.
November 3rd, 2009
6:14 pm
Good information today DOB.
Thanks
Venice Jim
November 3rd, 2009
6:21 pm
cabravesfan – how come I don’t believe that?
cabravesfan
November 3rd, 2009
6:21 pm
VJ-
It wasn’t too late then, but it is too late now
bravofan
November 3rd, 2009
6:22 pm
Is DOB’s comment on the first page about Wren commenting on the talent of Hicks is best suited for ss I hope this is not a sign of things to come Frank do not trade Yunel!!!!
P. W. Hjort
November 3rd, 2009
6:24 pm
No wonder nobody has a job these days…
I LOL’d at that.
Venice Jim
November 3rd, 2009
6:28 pm
cabravesfan – I thought it was still early for you people out on the West Coast…oh, wait a minute…I’m one of you people now…
bravofan
November 3rd, 2009
6:30 pm
everybody take a look at this link take a look on the right hand of the page where is say top prospects of the decade all of them are no longer with the Braves except for 2 Hanson and Schafer. Look at it guys like Raffy, Andy Marte, Betemit, Salty, and a guy named Adam Wainwright. Even more interesting look at the 2013 projected lineup who is Julio Teheran?????
bravofan
November 3rd, 2009
6:33 pm
whoops forgot to post the link her it is http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2010/269097.html everybody take a look at this link take a look on the right hand of the page where is say top prospects of the decade all of them are no longer with the Braves except for 2 Hanson and Schafer. Look at it guys like Raffy, Andy Marte, Betemit, Salty, and a guy named Adam Wainwright. Even more interesting look at the 2013 projected lineup who is Julio Teheran?????
TnBrian
November 3rd, 2009
6:35 pm
Well, Don, since you’ve seemed to have forgotten about Nixon/Sanders/Grissom/Furcal as really good leadoff hitters, then you go ahead & remember the 1980’s & Brett Butler.
cabravesfan
November 3rd, 2009
6:37 pm
VJ-
Finally you can understand
Tennbravefan
November 3rd, 2009
6:38 pm
I say resign LaRoche and Gonzo, get Bay for LF, sign the best free agent bargain available in Nady to play right,and then with Nate in CF the Atlanta Pirates can win the division!
KCRick
November 3rd, 2009
6:40 pm
The last thing the Braves need to do is sabotage their tier one starting pitching staff by going in to 2010 with a stop gap closer or anything resembling that nature. If pitching is supposed to be their strength then lets ensure we don’t give away 10 games by not having a lock down pen. The Braves can win the 4-2 and 3-1 games if the play fundamental baseball. Of course, that’s a big IF knowing who runs that show. I’d still rather have a great closer than someone who may hit you 35 HR’s only to be shut down when facing the stellar pitchers who’s very nature is to get those types of hitters out.
cabravesfan
November 3rd, 2009
6:41 pm
Tennbravefan-
You are aware the Xavier Nady just underwent a second Tommy John surgery and may miss most or all of 2010, right?
nolie
November 3rd, 2009
6:45 pm
Andy Marte, Betemit, Salty, (bravofan)
why would we give a hang about those 3 guys? None of them have ever done anything in the show. You aren’t helping whatever point it is that you are trying to make by including mediocre guys like that
P. W. Hjort
November 3rd, 2009
6:52 pm
Even more interesting look at the 2013 projected lineup who is Julio Teheran?????
WOW
RC
November 3rd, 2009
6:59 pm
“Even more interesting look at the 2013 projected lineup who is Julio Teheran?????”
Depending on who you ask, either the next overhyped Braves prospect or the next Felix Hernandez.
ncscoots
November 3rd, 2009
7:00 pm
You aren’t helping whatever point it is that you are trying to make by including mediocre guys like that
And you, sir, are being generous in assuming that there was an actual point in that…post.
Mitchie-san
November 3rd, 2009
7:00 pm
I thought the return time for non-pitchers who had Tommy John was like half the time. I could have sworn I read that somewhere. If thats the case he wont miss much of the year.
Still too much to gamble on though.
NEW CARS
November 3rd, 2009
7:01 pm
DOB,
Do you think the logic of offering arbitration to Gonzo fits Soriano as well. Wouldn’t both those guys be looking for multi-years gigs and do they have similar levels of desirability…For once, I would like to see us sitting there with 7 picks in the top 60 of the draft…It would comfort all of us prospect huggers, but in reality I think that it is worth the risk of having to pay arb money to both…I think that we could trade one of them in a package for a hitter or prospects if we didn’t want to spend the money…What say you, DOB
P. W. Hjort
November 3rd, 2009
7:02 pm
I thought the return time for non-pitchers who had Tommy John was like half the time. I could have sworn I read that somewhere. If thats the case he wont miss much of the year.
That’s correct. And Nady says he’ll be ready for ST. Though he’ll probably be limited to 1B.
Steve from OH
November 3rd, 2009
7:03 pm
mitchie-san–I think you’re right. I’m pretty sure it’s around 6-8 months for a position player…
Tennbravefan
November 3rd, 2009
7:04 pm
Cabravesfan – no I wasn’t aware of that, but I was joking with that Pirates thing. I am for resigning LaRoche and would love to have Bay (although not likely) as for RF I am a big Matt Diaz fan and think he has earned that job.
P. W. Hjort
November 3rd, 2009
7:05 pm
Depending on who you ask, either the next overhyped Braves prospect or the next Felix Hernandez.
If he threw a plus slider I’d say he’s the next King Felix. But he only throws 3 pitches and the change-up is pretty average, though it’s come a long way in just 1 short season.
Mitchie-san
November 3rd, 2009
7:05 pm
Thanks for the verification guys. What about inviting him to ST as a non roster invitee??
Mike McDonald
November 3rd, 2009
7:06 pm
Watching the World Series now and during he preliminary playoffs, makes me realize how few there are of really good position players and pitchers. The Yanks surprisingly, given their payroll, have a lot of faceless, journeymen players as do the Phillies. No doubt that stars have shined like Lee, Uttley, Damon, Petteit, but others have been dim like Howard and Tex.
As I reflect on the 2009 Braves season in this playoff context, I conclude that overall the Braves have more talent than most of the teams in the playoffs. We have a dozen bona fide starters and bull pen guys who could have gone toe-to-toe and then some, with the Yanks and Phils.
Chipper had a lousy year by any measure, as did the now departed Francoeur. Young Shafer failed, hopefully due mainly to his wrist injuries that went undetected for way too long. Anderson was a study in slow motion without emotion and our pinch no-hitter Norton who was missing in action again in 2009. Kelly Johnson, also had a poor year but fortunately Prado and Infante closed this particular gap.
I think that even without acquiring a big right-handed batter, the 12 or 13 position players we currently have plus standing-pat on our pitchers, would make the 2010 Braves a strong, deep into the playoffs team.
Re-sign LaRoche @ first, move Chipper to left with more right handed at-bats. (Where is it written that he has to bat left against every rightie?) McClouth in center. K.Johnson and Matt Diaz alternating in right.
Infante @ 3B, Yunel @ short and Prado @ 2B. Catchers McCann and Ross. This makes for a lot of interchangeable parts for the infield and outfield for injuries and days-off for the starters. On the bench, we could have Shafer, Conrad and one of the up and coming young prospects such as Sammons, Minor or Freeman.
That final 2009 winning streak dramatically shows what could be possible with focus and continuity. Betting that Chipper, Johnson and Shafer will rebound with good years seems a better bet than dismantling what we currently have. Adjustments can always be made between Spring Training and the All Star break.
The Braves dug a hole at the start of 2009 because of the poor performances noted. Despite this, the pitching was superb with a few exceptions by players now departed.
We now have a fist full of aces, lots of face cards and no jokers among the players. If the management will let them play up to their capabilities, next year at this time we’ll have our home team to root for.
Steve from OH
November 3rd, 2009
7:18 pm
Good article on Schafer from the official site and a pertinent quote:
“McLouth is under contract through at least 2011, raising questions about Schafer’s future with the club. Schafer said earlier this year he wouldn’t mind moving to a corner outfield position, if it would help the team.
“Like I told Jordan after the McLouth deal, we value him and we like him,” Wren said. “We look forward to him contributing in the big leagues and we’ll have a place for him. He’s a talented young player. We’re not going to prejudge his condition. We’ll make a determination when the time’s right. We love the speed he provides. We love the defense he provides. We look forward to him doing that for us.”
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091103&content_id=7611546&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
Venice Jim
November 3rd, 2009
7:20 pm
Tennbravefan – cabravesfan missed the joking about the Pirates, which I pointed out to her shortly thereafter. She sends her apologies from her drive home.
P. W. Hjort
November 3rd, 2009
7:26 pm
Young Shafer failed, hopefully due mainly to his wrist injuries that went undetected for way too long.
Young Shafer failed, hopefully due mainly to his wrist injuries that
went undetectedhe lied about for way too long.Fixed.
Tomas
November 3rd, 2009
7:29 pm
I wonder what scouts say about Brandon Hicks defense compared to Escobar’s. Yunel was awesome in the second half, defensively I mean. Is Hicks really that good defensively. I know his arm isn’t better.
I would definitely offer Mike Gonzalez arbitration. He might get 5.7 million which I think it’s a bargain. If he turns it down, then the Braves would have a type A FA. So if the Braves get a type A FA, then they can sign Wagner and wouldn’t lose draft picks.
I also assume they’ll offer arbitration to Adam Laroche(who would definitely turned it down) and he is a Type B FA. They could sign Xavier Nady who is also a Type B FA, who happens to play 1B, and the outfield and hits from the right side, and has capability of hitting 25-30 homers, just like Laroche, but with the advantage of having a high BAA.
For me it makes sense to offer arb to both Gonzo and Laroche, because you could almost be certain they’ll turn it down, and they’ll get draft picks in return. Then I’d sign Billy Wagner to a 1yr deal worth 8million(I think that’s a fair offer), and Xavier Nady to 2 yrs 10 million.
Tomas
November 3rd, 2009
7:36 pm
According to fan graphs, Xavier Nady has a 4.3 UZR in 82 games at first base and 6 errors. Laroche has a -4.1 UZR in 793 games and 33 errors
P. W. Hjort
November 3rd, 2009
7:42 pm
I wonder what scouts say about Brandon Hicks defense compared to Escobar’s. Yunel was awesome in the second half, defensively I mean. Is Hicks really that good defensively.
Hicks is very good defensively. I don’t know how he’d compare to Yunel, who is one of the best in the game, but he’s very good. Above-average ML SS right now.
flange1
November 3rd, 2009
7:50 pm
I keep reading folks talking about Xavier Nady.
He had his SECOND Tommy John surgery this year.
Not sure he will ever play again….
Rock On......
November 3rd, 2009
7:50 pm
Keeping Vazquez on this team is paramount to a great season in 2010. Lowe and Hudson are in my estimation somewhat suspect in 2010 for different reasons. Lowe-will he repeat 2009, Hudson-what pitcher are we really getting post-TJ. Throw in Hanson, Jurrjens, and KK and you have great potential but no experienced leader. Vazquez is the glue to the entire pitching rotation. Vazquez for Derek Lee!! Don’t make me laugh. Stop it already….
Steve from OH
November 3rd, 2009
7:51 pm
flange1–his second? Yeah, that’s a terrible sign. Isn’t the comeback success rate for those around 20%?
Jack McMillan
November 3rd, 2009
7:55 pm
Lowe to the Yankees? They can afford him
Jeff R
November 3rd, 2009
7:59 pm
I don’t think Schafer’s out of the picture. I do think he needs a solid season at Gwinnett.
flange1
November 3rd, 2009
7:59 pm
Steve,
Yeah, the second is rough. 20% – 25% success rate is what I have read….
jojo
November 3rd, 2009
8:01 pm
nolie
November 3rd, 2009
8:02 pm
Yeah, the second is rough. 20% – 25% success rate is what I have read…(flange)
is that position players or pitchers? I would think it would be higher for position players.
Jeff R
November 3rd, 2009
8:04 pm
The Yankees can afford just about anybody they want. If they want Lowe, let’s deal.
Steve from OH
November 3rd, 2009
8:04 pm
nolie–I would guess the same, but the fact that Nady has needed a second is a red flag in my mind, though I can’t objectively tell you why.
Bernie
November 3rd, 2009
8:05 pm
Bring in the local Matt Capps (Douglasville)as a set-up man then Wagner,which the Sox won’t pick-up.. as your closer.Cost: Couple Minor players…then go for your big bat.
McFanny
November 3rd, 2009
8:06 pm
Hey VJ, If you wouldnt mind saying, whats your connection with CAB (relative, girlfriend, just friends). Or just tell me its none of my business.
.
flange1
November 3rd, 2009
8:09 pm
Nolie, the syudies I have seen have talked about ALL second time TJ’s. I have not seen it broken down by position.
To be honest, I am not sure how many folks at this level ever have two TJ’s.
Who am I missing?
flange1
November 3rd, 2009
8:12 pm
Wow, studies……
Steve from OH
November 3rd, 2009
8:13 pm
flange–can you provide some linkage?
McFanny
November 3rd, 2009
8:13 pm
You two just seem to have a heckuva connection.
flange1
November 3rd, 2009
8:14 pm
Let me try to find the link..
Tomas
November 3rd, 2009
8:16 pm
Nady i obviously going to play again. It’s not a career ending surgery, specially for a position player. Kelly Johnson had TJ surgery, and he is doing okay. A position player just needs 6 months to recover, and had surgery in July, he’d be more than ready by spring training.
flange1
November 3rd, 2009
8:25 pm
The story I read was a link from a story on Tyler Yates second TJ. I can’t find that story, but I am looking.
Paul Molitor had 2 TJ’s.
MitchC
November 3rd, 2009
8:29 pm
Dave, of all the scenarios you mentioned, here is how I see it:
Of the free agents we have, I really hope that we make a real effort to keep Laroche. This team needs offense, badly, and even if we had to pay him 10 mil, he would be worth it if he hits us 20-30 homers and drives in 80-90 RBIs.
I dont like the idea of signing Wagner. Yes, he used to have blazing stuff, but he’s going to be 39 next year, and he’s coming off TJ surgery. It’s too risky for a contending team to have that kind of guy as our closer. I’d pass on him.
Of the starting pitchers you mentioned trading, I would most prefer we trade Lowe. Of course, at his age, with that contract, this would seem unlikely. I see that we will probably have to trade Vazquez. Hopefully, he can bring us a much needed power bat in the trade, especially if Laroche leaves.
As for closer: I have a feeling we will end up keeping Gonzo. Either that, or Frank will end up signing one of the lesser closers you mentioned on your list. I dont know which one I’d rather have.
It’s too bad we didnt have a crystal ball a year ago to see that Hudson would return as he did from TJ surgery, and sign such a low cost deal. The Derek Lowe deal might come back to bite us, badly, depending on whether we have to unload Vazquez, and considering the fact that we have a 37 year old pitcher who had a four a half ERA last season, under contract for another three years. We got him suyposedly to guard against what would happen with Hudson. Well, now Hudson is back for three years, and we’ll still be stuck with Lowe. If FW has it to do over again, I’ll bet he doesnt sign Lowe.
David O'Brien
November 3rd, 2009
8:36 pm
Some projections from 2010 Bill James Handbook (these are the only Braves hitters that they sent out in the promo for the book, which just came out).
Player At-bats R HR RBI SB Avg. OPS
Chipper Jones 459 78 21 78 3 .296 .905
Brian McCann 522 69 24 100 4 .291 .874
Jason Heyward 542 86 17 78 11 .303 .836
Kelly Johnson 485 78 14 62 10 .274 .799
Nate McClouth 528 93 20 67 19 .263 .797
tvsportscaster
November 3rd, 2009
8:37 pm
DOB, you mentioned about the Braves possibly not going after Billy Wagner because of not wanting to give up a number one draft pick, however, they shouldn’t be an issue, because both Soriano and Gonzalez are classified as Type A Free Agents and thus means if the Braves offer Gonzo arbitration, they would be protected by receiving a number one pick from any team signing Gonzalez, this I don’t see the Braves worrying too much about the number one pick being lost on Wagner when they would recoup one. That plus the fact, Wagner has always wanted to play for the Braves leads to me to believe that that marriage is inevitable.
Tomas
November 3rd, 2009
8:38 pm
You know how many players have had TJ surgery twice:
- Chris Capuano
- Chad Fox(had it 3 times)
- Dave Eiland
- Shawn Hill
- Hong-Chih Kuo
- Mike Lincoln
- Scott Mathieson
- Xavier Nady
- Jose Rijo(had it 3 times)
- Matt Riley(had it 3 times)
- Denny Stark
- Vance Wilson
- Tyler Yates
- Victor Zambrano
- Jeff Zimmerman
15 players have had it more than once.
Smitty
November 3rd, 2009
8:38 pm
Ok this is what I think the Braves should do this offseason:
1. Trade Kelly Johnson to the pirates for closer Matt Capps
2. Sign Billy Wagner to a 1 yr contract
3. Sign Xavier Nady to a 1 yr contract to play 1st base
4. Trade Nate McLouth/Javy Vazquez to the rays for BJ Upton
Capps will give us a good setup man for 2 years or so….Wagner will be a bridge at closer till Craig Kimbrell is ready…Nady will serve as a bridge for Freeman giving him another year to develop…the trade for Upton gives us a great young outfielder who we could pair with Heyward and Schafer for years to come.
McFann Ô
November 3rd, 2009
8:44 pm
DOB Brian McCann 522 [AB] 69 [R] 24 [HR] 100 [RBI] 4 [SB] .291 [AVG] .874 [OPS]
Bring it!!
David O'Brien
November 3rd, 2009
8:47 pm
Smitty, others so gung-ho on Capps: Why? Why should the Braves turn the closer role over to Matt Capps, who was paid $2.3 million last season and posted a 5.80 ERA and 1.656 WHIP last season in 57 games, with 73 hits (10 homers) and 17 walks allowed in 54-1/3 innings? So he had 27 saves and 46 strikeouts. Big deal. That’s nothing special, and the other numbers are lousy. The guy had 90 baserunners in 54-1/3 innings. NINETY in 54-1/3 innings.
I mean, is that really someone they should even pursue as a setup man? What’s the big attraction, his stats from the 2007-2008 seasons? They were a lot better than last year, but still nothing that says blow-your-doors-off reliever. And what happened last year, to have that kind of slippage at 25? He had shoulder problems in 2008 but said it wasn’t hurt in 2009.
tdmorgan
November 3rd, 2009
8:53 pm
I think that as much as we want to trade Lowe it’s either going to be a salary dump which severely limits the number of teams who can take on his contract. More than likely it will be Vazquez who gets traded but to say that we can trade him and McLouth to get BJ Upton will not happen because of money situations. The Rays have to be even more careful than the Braves when it comes to payroll. Personally I don’t know who FW has in mind to get but I’m sure that they have some solid situations already brewing. We probably won’t hear much of them before they are close to happening after what happened several times last year with the Peavy negotiations and the Furcal and Griffey negotiations. After what FW did last year though, I trust him to fix the offense this year. He knows who’s in the farm system worth keeping. Hopefully he keeps Schaeffer because I feel after this year in Gwinnett he could be ready to take over in CF for McLouth and help save us even more money.
Steve from OH
November 3rd, 2009
8:54 pm
Didn’t Billy Wagner have some sort of no-arb agreement with the BoSox? That would make things much easier for us…
McFanny
November 3rd, 2009
8:57 pm
hey McFann arrives.:evil:
I think the sox & Wagner had an agreement they wouldnt pick up an option.
TnBrian
November 3rd, 2009
8:59 pm
Nah, we don’t need that mess from Capps. Sign Wagner & focus on a bat. He’s a legit closer & will be one less worry for the team heading into 2010.
McFanny
November 3rd, 2009
9:00 pm
MIBravesFan
November 3rd, 2009
9:02 pm
I think he wanted that Steve from OH but not sure if he got it. Billy Wagner makes a lot of sense for this team, IMO, especially if he can be signed without costing a draft pick.
And to Rick, who a few hours ago panned the idea of getting any player Bobby likes – he liked Javy for years and wanted him in a Braves uni for years, and that worked out pretty darn well this past season, in case you didn’t notice.
McFann Ô
November 3rd, 2009
9:14 pm
McFanny hey McFann arrives.
Of course. I sensed some BMac stats…
tvsportscaster
November 3rd, 2009
9:17 pm
Steve from Ohio, Wagner’s trade agreement with the Red Sox was that they would not pick up his 2010 option not that they wouldn’t arbitration. Boston still has the right to do that.
Thundersticks
November 3rd, 2009
9:20 pm
Would Vazquez for Crawford make sense for both sides? Rays get a veteran SP to mentor their young staff on a one year deal and the Braves get a true lead-off hitter and LF. They’re comparably paid – JV $11.5M, CC $10M.
McFanny
November 3rd, 2009
9:21 pm
McFann ur one cool cucumber!! You are one kickass young lady who knows her baseball.
Steve from OH
November 3rd, 2009
9:21 pm
Thanks for the clarification, guys! That’s a bummer…
P. W. Hjort
November 3rd, 2009
9:22 pm
Control was bad for Capps in 2009. I don’t know if it’s correctable, but if it is, he could be a serviceable closer again. His velocity on all his pitches was up pretty significantly in 2009.
David O'Brien
November 3rd, 2009
9:26 pm
OK, I must admit it. The deed is done, the dye cast. Your Crusading Everyman and Pseudo Hipster is now on freakin’ Twitter.
@ajcbraves