Fall League’s in full swing, rumor mill’s about to be

First?

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Thanks for the new blog

Assuming we do try to trade one of the starting pitchers for a bat – realistically what kind of a bat do you think we could get in exchange for them? I don’t think we’d trade off Hanson/Jurrjens, and the others I don’t see bringing in a “big” bat. What are your thoughts?

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’m not sayin’, I’m just sayin’…(VOP)

I think they are making a lot of assumptions based on a decent year at his age. he could do well again, or revert to near worthlessness. Do they wanna take the chance after already dumping him once B4? I think he’d have to be pretty cheap

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Freeman is our #2 ranked prospect (Uga Acc)

that kinda worries me a bit since I’m not sold on him. Not saying he won’t make it, just that there are more questions there than I would prefer for the #2 prospect of the entire system. What does that say about guys who are rated lower? maybe worries is a bit too strong a word

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I’ll bet right now if Wagner is willing to take a one year deal at a reasonable price then he could easily be a Brave. I like Gonzo, I like Soriano, but there’s really nothing like a vetran closer that wont get rattled in high pressure spots. Soriano doesn’t seem to get the jitters out there, but I’m afraid he has a ‘I don’t give a flip’ attitude sometimes. Gonzo gets too pumped, I think, that causes him to overthrow at times. Those overthrows lead to too many long innings.

DAP, ok, I gotcha. But, I still like to watch a player at the plate or in the field some before a make my own judgment on the guy. Stats only tell me so much.

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If Braves don’t resign LaRoche they will need two big bats, one to replace him and one to upgrade.
If they expect to compete with the Phillies next year then they will need the two big bats, if not they are only kidding themselves.
The GM for the Phillies has built a pretty darned good team very well balanced. He should be the GM of the year for the great moves he made to bolster his teams weaknesses this year.
I actually feel that with the moves he made that the Braves will need either LaRoche and a big bat or two just to keep up much less catch the Phillies.

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TOP TEN
PROSPECTS
1. Jason Heyward, of
2. Freddie Freeman, 1b
3. Julio Teheran, rhp
4. Mike Minor, lhp
5. Craig Kimbrel, rhp
6. Christian Bethancourt, c
7. Randall Delgado, rhp
8. Zeke Spruill, rhp
9. Cody Johnson, of
10. Adam Milligan, of

BEST
TOOLS
Best Hitter for Average Jason Heyward
Best Power Hitter Cody Johnson
Best Strike-Zone Discipline Jason Heyward
Fastest Baserunner Kyle Rose
Best Athlete Mycal Jones
Best Fastball Craig Kimbrel
Best Curveball Caleb Brewer
Best Slider Cory Gearrin
Best Changeup Edgar Osuna
Best Control Mike Minor
Best Defensive Catcher Christian Bethancourt
Best Defensive Infielder Brandon Hicks
Best Infield Arm Brandon Hicks
Best Defensive Outfielder Jason Heyward
Best Outfield Arm Jason Heyward

PROJECTED 2013
LINEUP
Catcher Brian McCann
First Base Freddie Freeman
Second Base Martin Prado
Third Base Mycal Jones
Shortstop Yunel Escobar
Left Field Nate McLouth
Center Field Jordan Schafer
Right Field Jason Heyward
No. 1 Starter Tommy Hanson
No. 2 Starter Jair Jurrjens
No. 3 Starter Julio Teheran
No. 4 Starter Mike Minor
No. 5 Starter Javier Vasquez
Closer Craig Kimbrel

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I guess certain umps have always had that chip on their shoulder, but it seems more than a few have been a little too edgy the last few years. I’m not sure if it’s a power trip, bitter about how much players or even coaches are making these days, maybe just a mixture of both. Good Lord, that Haun guy is no doubt the worst of the worst & Joe West has to be the laziest.

beekay, that’s a damn good question about the draft picks situation. I’d like to know myself.

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Eat the money, trade Lowe. He’s the most overpaid and the oldest. Eat $15m and it’s a 3 year $30m for some other team and that’s more reasonable. When Vasquez threw the complete game loss, he won me over. Kawakami was mixed, but showed big heart. JJ and Hanson go nowhere.

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Worst ball/strike ump… CB Bucknor.

Laziest, uninspired ump… West

Most annoying, but most enthused… the guy that does that near 1-80 pivot when calling a K

Biggest Ass… Haun–not really his ass, just his ass attitude… alright to cuss during the day here?

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I’ve been going back and forth on this, but I think the best thing to do is trade Vasquez. If we can get an outfielder with some power for him, sign LaRoche for a year or two, we’ll be set. I also like the idea of getting Wagner, if it doesn’t cost too much. I loved Javy this year, but he’s the best chance we have to get something good in return. And, chances are, he’s not going to have the same type year next year. It will still be a great rotation.

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Braves will be lucky, very, if a team is willing to take on even half his salary. They sure as hell didn’t want him when he was a FA coming off a year where he was one of the best pitchers in MLB the 2nd half. Why would they want him after a very mediocre season?

But, what do I know, I’m just a lonely blogger.

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DOB —-
Picked up “Classic Puppets” a couple of months ago … didn’t really know what to expect, since I hadn’t heard much of them (other than Lake of Fire and Plateau), but I was pleasantly surprised … stuff’s weird, now, don’t get me wrong, but I can handle weird … it’s crap that I can’t handle

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ChipperFan, 9 & 10 year olds have blackberry’s these days. They probably use them in class.

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Soriano isn’t bad at all. The issue is that if we’re going to pay somebody what Soriano would get in arbitration, we might as well just go get Billy Wagner for the same price. And if we’re NOT gonna pay that much, then let’s keep Gonzo who did a fine job for most of the year and clearly has what it takes to be a great closer. Just don’t pitch him 3 and 4 days in a row.

And yeah, Cox definitely misuses the bullpen.

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Even when Wags was with the Mets and still a true #1 closer, he tended to fade late in the season. Hoffman was able to pull it off with his mind numbing change-up, but Wags relies a LOT more on his fastball, which is not good when you factor in the surgery and his age. I say no big money to the closer, do it by committee. Use closer money for 1b and just suck it up Braves and get a REAL outfielder (.290 30HR 100RBI). Nobody loves Adam Dunn, but what if he was our LF all year last year? Yeah.

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Not that I am looking to trade Matt Diaz, but if we are looking for a big outfield bat and Heyward will be up in June and I know we aren’t looking to dump Schafer yet, who could we get if packaged Diaz and Vasquez? Is it possible that they package Freeman and Vazquez and go after a big and young bat for first base?

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Ray Pugh wants us to sign the erstwhile drummer for Soundgarden. Awesome!

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OK, it appears as if the hottest topic around these parts is which Braves pitcher should be dealt and for what? Should it be Vazquez, Lowe, or Kawakami?
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? Whether it’s Vazquez and KK? or Lowe and Vazquez? Either way, I think Vazquez is going to have to go, because it’s beyond obvious that he’ll be the only one who would command a big (enough) piece in return.
BUT, I don’t think it would be foolish for the Braves to move either Lowe or KK as well. Get what you can get – bench players, solid utility guys or young pitching help. Reason I say this is because, thus far, we’ve heard pretty solid reviews on Minor, and while he’s probably not ready for 2010, he probably (barring injury) will be ready by 2011, at the latest. The Braves could move KK or Lowe and get somebody (either through free agency or another trade, i.e. Kelly Johnson) to spell fifth starter for them.
OR, there is a guy who came up as a starter, who is currently residing in bullpen-land, by the name of Kris Medlen, who I think is ready for (at the very least) a fifth starter’s job.
Re-sign LaRoche, acquire a power-hitting (right-handed) outfielder, and plug in whatever other pieces you can acquire through trades (of Vazquez, Lowe, KJ).
All of that being said, I think Lowe is gonna come up big in 2010 … and I do mean, BIG. I don’t think he’ll pitch well enough to earn CY consideration, but my guess is he puts up similar numbers to the ones Vazquez put up this season. And who knows – if he does put up Vazquez (of 09) type numbers in 2010, and the Braves offense is even a little better than it was in 09, maybe it does earn him CY consideration.

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DOB, I used to work in the cigar business. Okay, I managed a shop in college. Anyhoo, we had a Padron-sponsored dinner once or twice, and Jorge (son of the founder, and I think CEO at this point) attended. Looks like Theo Epstein. Pronounced his first name “George”, if I recall. Very Americanized dude.

Anyhoo (can I say that twice?), he gave me a handful of some “special reserve” Aniversarios. They were all he smoked, and they were astoundingly good. Anyhoo (thrice!), they used to be relatively inexpensive and very awesome. I remember the 2/3000 series were only like $3-4, but this was in the late 90s.

(End pointless anecdote.)

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I don’t see any way the Braves offer arbitration to Soriano, who made over $6 mill last season, but they could offer it to LaRoche and Gonzalez, assuring they’d get draft picks as compensation if they leave.

That sucks. The Soriano part, that is. Although I have come to the realization that it just doesn’t make sense to offer Soriano arb. Maybe a team will sign him before December 1st(last day a team can offer arbitration)? Wishful thinking. But some team may be dumb enough to do that. No reason not to offer arbitration to Gonzalez, imo. I think LaRoche is probably a no. Plus, it would only be a comp. pick they would get in return. But if the Braves are okay with him making 10 million(or close to it), then that would be great.

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Wren can say that now but I don’t see him supplanting Escobar unless he’s just that good and yeah, he isn’t…

Wouldn’t the team be better moving him now and getting him comfortable at 3b just in case he becomes Chipper’s replacement?

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The Braves will offer LaRoche arbitration – if he accepts it there is our bridge to freeman without a long term contract (LaRoche will get a multiyear contract from somebody). The Braves would the focus trading a starting pitching for a young righty power hitting LF to balance the lineup.

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I want to sign Chris Cornell?

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There are limitations in trading Vazquez. With his no trade clause to all West clubs and the fact that the Yankees and White Sox have been there and done that, it may be harder than some think to find a trade partner. They won’t trade him in division, I would think. Plus, I doubt that the Red Sox, Royals, Pirates, Astros, Jays, Orioles, and Indians would have interest for various reasons.

So that leaves the Rays, Tigers, Twins, Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, and Reds as potential trade partners for the Braves. I know, tons could change that can alter a team’s plans. So perhaps the Red Sox have an interest in Vazquez if they need the starting pitching depth. That type of stuff can happen.

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Vasquez to the Brewers for Mat Gamel and JJ Hardy.

Vasquez to the Twins for Michael Cuddyer.

Vasquez to the Rays for B.J. Upton.

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When can you sign free agents?

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Well here’s an idea – maybe silly. What if Hanson closed for 1 season??? He could be lock down and should be durable. OK to laugh now.

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Ray Pugh – Matt Cameron. Though you are right about Cornell being the original (?) drummer. Love that guy.

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Trade Vazquez for Derek Lee, Sign Billy Wagner and Matt Cameron. Ray Pugh

I think that the Seattle Pearl Jams have Matt Cameron locked up long-term.

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Vazquez to my house to do some yard work. WTH

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Or why don’t we trade for Prince Fielder and then trade him for Adrian Gonzalez?

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DOB, thanks for the new blog.

All signs point to Wren shopping Vazquez, I suppose. Hope he can swing a young power bat and, perhaps, a solid prospect.

Unlikely, but having LaRoche back by his accepting arb is better than his taking off and the team left with poorer choices to replace him for a season or so.

Hicks… Chipper’s not around forever, and I know that Escobar is establishing himself as an All-star shortstop, but I think he’s got the tools to play third (when Chipper hangs ‘em up). Hicks at short, Escobar at third – say, 2012?

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David O’Brien –

If they traded Vazquez, would there ever be a concern that the Braves would have one starter that could strike someone out? That being Hanson. Lowe, Hudson, Kawakami and Jurrjens means many balls put in play which would put more pressure on a so-so defense. Thanks a million.

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have you picked up the new lynard skynard yet

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Efrim
Not sure if you saw my question earlier but won’t we possibly get a few picks from possible signings of Roachy and Gonzo if we offer both arb and they sign elsewhere?…and if that were to happen would that mean that we can get a Wagner and still get an additional pick

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If anyone cares, this is a surprising move for the Pirates to be making in my opinion.

Well, when’s the last time the Pirates have done anything that’s made sense?

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In terms of Lowe, I would obviously rather trade him than Vasquez based on performance. But, if you look at the record of each other the last 5 or more seasons, it was Lowe’s poor performance (I should say sub-par) last year that was more the anomaly than Vasquez’ great performance. (if that makes sense). So there is reason to believe he’ll be better next year.

If you can just dump Lowe’s salary, that’s 15 mil that could go towards that shiny new bat we are all looking for. So in sum, I say keep Vasquez no matter what, try to trade Lowe for anything cause just getting him off the books is worth a lot, but if we end up keeping Lowe, that’s coo…I like the guy on our team, just not sure he was worth the 15mil.

Also, with that said, it seems like every off season is a feeding frenzy for too few available free agent pitchers, maybe come Dec or Jan, a team like the Cubs would be willing to take on that salary. Worst case scenario, Lowe is on the 2010 Bravos and that ain’t too bad.

In terms of that righty bat, who is available this off season as a free agent, were we able to unload Lowe’s 15 mil?

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I’m well aware of the financial implications of shopping Lowe but I’d much rather have Vazy over Lowe

Javy: great innings eater (averaged 7 innings per start in his last 10 games), great strikeout numbers, great ERA, always got good run support
Lowe: averaged 5 innings per start his last 10 games, had fewer Ks than Hanson (who had 13 fewer starts than Lowe), ERA close to 5, and got run support but always seemed to need more.

If they trade Javy I’ll hope beyond hope he pitches up to the money he was given and hope that it won’t come back to bite them.

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Jeffery D- they had been on a good track for most of the past year. But I guess it is always hard to resist temptation to go back to old ways

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they had been on a good track for most of the past year

Really? I can’t remember exactly, but I didn’t think the Pirates got much for Bay, Nady, etc.

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For me, Teheran > Freeman.

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I think the Pirates are doing the right thing, which is what makes the Iwamura thing strange. They haven’t gotten a lot in return on the bulk of those trades, but it looks almost like they wanted to start from scratch – save a ton of money and add depth in the minors.

Well, maybe I shouldn’t have said “the right thing”, but it’s got to be better than what they’ve done since 1992. Doesn’t it?

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Goldenglove002

i’m surprised they would trade for a abatration player who will be getting a riase up into the 4-5 million range.
Matt Capps should be a fallback option for our bullpen, considering the Buss love trading any player away.
If Billy Wagner doesnt get a arbitration offer from the Sox we should go after him, he said he wants to close next year and thats would be a sure thing coming too Atlanta.

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nolie
“there are more questions there than I would prefer for the #2 prospect of the entire system. What does that say about guys who are rated lower? maybe worries is a bit too strong a word”

Well fortunately, it doesn’t say anything bad about the rest of our top 10. He’s only ranked ahead of one prospect, Kimbrel, who is closer to the majors than he is. Everyone else behind him is farther away from the majors, although Minor might make a race of it due to his age and experience level.

It does say that our AAA and AA teams were largely bereft of talent. I know some don’t like me beating the drum that we’ve traded away our prospects far too freely, but seriously we were dry in the upper reaches of our minors until the younger guys earned promotions.

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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.

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CVan

I am not sure when the free agent signings start, anyone?

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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???

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FIRE BEEKAY!

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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.

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DOB- I agree, but i didn’t see that anyone had said it, and I thought that someone should.

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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

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Fire him, I’m still here.

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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.

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My old buddy Herschel returns!

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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!

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Get Juan Pierre from the Dodgers. He’s relegated to pinch hit duties, and at least knows what the word leadoff means.

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That ole Hot Stove is heating up early….

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Juan Pierre? He may have one of the worst contracts in baseball, not to mention one of the worst outfield arms…

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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?

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Good information today DOB.

Thanks

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VJ-

It wasn’t too late then, but it is too late now

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No wonder nobody has a job these days…

I LOL’d at that.

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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?????

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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.

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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!

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Tennbravefan-

You are aware the Xavier Nady just underwent a second Tommy John surgery and may miss most or all of 2010, right?

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Even more interesting look at the 2013 projected lineup who is Julio Teheran?????

WOW

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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.

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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

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mitchie-san–I think you’re right. I’m pretty sure it’s around 6-8 months for a position player…

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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.

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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.

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Tennbravefan – cabravesfan missed the joking about the Pirates, which I pointed out to her shortly thereafter. She sends her apologies from her drive home.

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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.

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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.

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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….

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Lowe to the Yankees? They can afford him

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Steve,

Yeah, the second is rough. 20% – 25% success rate is what I have read….

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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.

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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.

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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.

.

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Wow, studies……

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You two just seem to have a heckuva connection.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Didn’t Billy Wagner have some sort of no-arb agreement with the BoSox? That would make things much easier for us…

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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.

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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.

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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.

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McFann ur one cool cucumber!! You are one kickass young lady who knows her baseball.

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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.

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McFanny–

Thanks!

…I think…

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Carl Crawford would be sweet!! But something is telling me the rays would laugh at that.

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Apparently Swisher is keeping a keen eye on your tweets, DOB. A foreshadowing, perhaps?

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I dont see the braves offering Soriano arbitration. They could get stuck with him if he accepts it or no one signs him. Im not sure hes worth 6mil+.

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Hey rooster thats a steep price for paps. If we need a closer that bad, Medlen has shown he can get people out, why not use him as the closer.

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Plus Konerko is getting up there in age. Freeman is our future as of now, what do we do when Konerko is done? If we get rid of Freeman its because we’re getting a young proven first baseman and Paps, as great as he is, that is way too much for a closer; why don’t we just throw in Heyward too.

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Trade chippie for a hitter and one who plays 145 games.

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Yes, it is a steep price. Maybe my Braves friends on this blog have stronger hearts than me, but Gonzo makes that vein in my forehead look like a clogged garden hose! I really would like to see a closer that you know is going to slam the door more often than not. Someone that can get you excited and Papelbon came to mind as a guy the fans could buy in to. I’d like Medlen to excel but do you tell him he is #1 and throw him to the wolves?

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Heres a cut and paste because im to lazy to do it any other way.

Paul Konerko 1b
5 years/$60M (2006-10)

* 5 years/$60M (2006-10)
o re-signed by White Sox as a free agent 11/05
o 06-10: $12M annually
o limited no-trade clause barring deals to 6 clubs without his permission (may not be traded without his permission after April 30, 2008, under right as 10-and-5 player)

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cabravesfanYou are aware the Xavier Nady just underwent a second Tommy John surgery and may miss most or all of 2010, right?

you sure? i think he had surgury in april, which means he will probably be ready to play this coming april…hes not a pitcher, so his recovery may be a little shorter.

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PWH mentioned nady being relegated to 1B…hasnt pujols been playing 1st with a bum elbow for like two years? a second tommy john shouldnt be a career ander for a good hitter who can play 1stbase…and i wouldnt rule out nady being able to play left again either.

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anyone else see that Vicente Padilla shot himself in the leg today? http://www.canal15.com.ni/noticia/6497 (translation neccesary)

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(DOB) how embarrassing 4 U

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DOB —
re: Twitter … resistance is futile

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Gonzo’s another story. I think they’ll offer to him, but might not have to — someone could sign him before they even have to make that decision.

DOB, maybe some team will sign Soriano prior to December 1st? It’d be nice. Not that I want them both to leave, but I just have my doubts that the Braves would consider multi year deals for relievers. I’m trying to think if any Type A free agents signed before the deadline to offer arb. I know Affeldt signed quickly, but he was a Type B free agent.

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PWH mentioned nady being relegated to 1B…hasnt pujols been playing 1st with a bum elbow for like two years

I think Pujols has been playing with a bum WRIST, but I could be wrong.

a second tommy john shouldnt be a career ander for a good hitter who can play 1stbase

I just don’t know. I’ll ask Will Carrol.

i wouldnt rule out nady being able to play left again either.

Me either, but not in 2010.

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PWH, Pujols has had problems with his elbow. He’s supposed to have a second arthroscopic procedure this winter, second winter in a row.

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Thanx for the Paulie stats. I was not aware he was that steep a price tag. Your a good man McFanny. I guess I am guilty of expecting a team to be competitive every single year. Unless a prospect is lights out like Heyward and Hanson, why not entertain trade offers for them. Freeman is not a sure thing. His numbers should not be considered as a lock for the Braves come 2011 or whenever. I was wrong about Paulie and admit it, but I still think Papelbon [if more affordable] would be an excellent addition. Derek Lee? He goes weeks with nothing from his bat, then, hits a 3 run jack and those Cubs announcers proclaim him the second coming! He is an excellent fielding 1B, I give him that. And how he gets those numbers at the end of still baffles me, but they are there. Hey McFanny, what is Lee’s contract value and status?

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DOB,

We keep hearing the braves would try to get a big bat by trading javy/lowe…what caliber of player are we talking about here?

If they’d be able to dump Lowe’s salary, would that put the braves in the running for Bay or Holliday?

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Hey DOB, any predictions for the “Mad Men” season finale?

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Goodnite all Parting is sweet sorrow, unless dense is blogging, then parting is just sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I will probably need to find out what this “tweeting” is all about. (Wayne)

it’s canaries that are trained to carry messages

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DOB

What does James say about Prado’s projections? He seems to think highly of Kelly Johnson. (as do I)

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Another Way to go on the closer Decision: Go ahead and offer Gonzalez Arbitration, if he accepts he should only get about $5 million this season. Then attempt to sign at least one or both of Kiko Calero and Brendan Donnelly. Both came back from potential career ending injuries to pitch extremely well for the Marlins. They should be able to be signed for $2-$3 million each. Add in Moylan, Medlen, O’Flaherty and Kimbrell. That would be a deep, versatile bullpen with the 4 or 5 guys that could close in case of injury or too many innings.

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ccrider

I suspect that the Braves bullpen will closely resemble the one you are imagining. Maybe not those exact players, but those sort of pickups.

What do you think of Cody Ross for our outfield? I like Derrek Lee for first, if he is available. Could Lowe do the trick? Lee has only one more year remaining, and they have Fox as a first base replacement.

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Bobby loves Wagner and if the money works he could be the closer for 2010 with a 2011 option. I don’t think the Braves are sold on Gonzo as the closer.

Since they probably cannot afford Gonzo at setup and Wagner in the 9th he like Soriano may be done as a Brave.

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DOB, any news on Heyward’s injury? Weren’t they planning on doing some tests?

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DOB, caught an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm tonight. Only real reason I don’t watch it is because I never started from the beginning. But the dry humor in the episode that I caught tonight (more background noise while getting the kids to bed), made me laugh many times and I don’t even know the background of the characters and what not.

So, I’m going to have to buy it or find somebody that has it on DVD and borrow. Plenty of catching up to do.

Also, just bought the first season of Prison Break on DVD at a local used CD/DVD place. I’m sure I’ll like it.

But I assume you reccomend catching up on Curb? Of course keeping in line with the blog grammar police, I will now refer to it as Curve your Inthoosiasm.

Seems fitting to me.

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Wayne in Utah: Cody Ross would be a good cheap alternative, but only if A big bat at first was acquired. Derrick Lee at first would be great, but I don’t think they will trade him coming off a very good year with nobody waiting to replace him. I mentioned earlier today that if Laroche doesn’t workout because of length of contract, then it might be worth a flyer on Carlos Delgado if he is fully healthy. He can be streaky, but he can also carry a team when he is hot. I saw him last season before his injury and he looked pretty good, plus he should be cheap. The pairing with Ross and Delgado would leave some extra money for the bench or bullpen to be better. I would love to sign Troy Glaus to hit against lefties while Delgado got a rest and to give Chipper a rest to keep him fresh. It would be a lot less of a dropoff when either are out of the lineup.

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Strasburg = Nuke LaLoosh. Not that I’m putting the guy down, but it looks like his stats are like the fictional LaLoosh. Lots of homer, lots of strikeouts. I hope that the Nats don’t rush him to the bigs. He needs at least a year in the minors to be polished.

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ncsoots – unless your a professional scout with a track record your opinion and observations are no better anyone else though clearly you seem to disagree with that logic so there is no point in going in circles (ozzie)

perhaps you should spend some time on the board learning which posters are mostly right and regularly make the most sense rather than jumping right in and insulting a long time poster who is held in very high regard by the rational fans here. just sayin’

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That Jamal Crawford pickup is starting to look really good.

what is that, bouncy round ball? bah

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what is that, bouncy round ball? bah

I prefer my secondary sports to feature a bouncy, round ball as opposed to a somewhat bouncy, rather aerodynamic, oblong ball made of pigskin and stitches.

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my only secondary sport is pool, haven’t been a fan of much anything but that and baseball since my early 30s.
Kinda funny, I was a bit better football player-fullback and linebacker- than baseball player as regards skills anyway, but my heart was always in baseball

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And was raised with a professional pool table in the upstairs room across from my bedroom.

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jim

Sounds like we need him!

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Good point on that Wayne.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Boston secretly wants to go in a different direction. Recently, they are similiar to the Braves in that they want good character. Not that Papelbon is a problem. When you look at the Sox roster, he kind of stands out as a potential loose cannon.

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It’s late even out here……later.

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I would rather keep Vasquez and trade Lowe and Kawakami. Surely they could get a bat for two pitchers. Or since there is no salary cap, the cheap basta-ds could just pay for one.

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I think we should save money on the bullpen. Offer Gonzo arb but not Soriano. If Gonzo signs it would be no bad thing as lefty’s are always handy. Maybe give Moylan a turn at closing, he looked great 2nd half.
I wonder if our strong rotation makes us a more attractable destination for big hitters this year. Anyone coming to the team should realise that we will be in the hunt for the East or at very least the WC next year. Could that attract Bay or Holliday? If so could we afford either of them?

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wow talking about pickles and eating a burger with out cheese….slow morning for the MIB blog?

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Is lowe completely out of the picture as a possible closer or setup guy if you can’t move the contract? He, Gonzo and Moylan would make a pretty interesting 7-8-9 group. And in case of injury, you’ve got someone to step back in.

As one who opposed the LaRoche trade, I’d like to recant and say I’d like to bring him back. He impressed me.

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Hmm, you could have Lowe close. I know that means keeping his contract, but you can still save a lot of money by letting Gonzo and Soriano walk, not to mention Church, Laroche, KJ, and GA and Hudson resigning for less. They’d still have the money for a bat and Minor can take over for Vazquez after this season.

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Promotion is an issue here. Go look for another job, bigjobsboard will help you on it.

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In 2003 Derek Lowe had a 4.47 ERA. In 2004 he had a 5.42 ERA(with outstanding stuff in the playoffs). After that he spent 4 years in LA, and his highest ERA was 3.88. LA is a heck of a pitchers park, and the NL west(or NL worst as they used to call it) lack hitting. LA’s weather is perfect, no heat or rain delays, as opposed to Atlanta that he suffered heat and a ton of rain delay’s(I think I remember DOB writing, D.Lowe is pitching tonight so another Rain Delay? or something like that).

He has proven he can bounce back(he just needs to find his groove like he had in 2008, and at the start of this season. I know he can bounce back, the thing is, even if he bounces back he’d be a 4th starter making 15 million/per yr. I obviously prefer Vazquez to Lowe, but it’s much easier(and profitable) to trade Vazquez(who only has 1yr left on his contract.).

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Ryan Church for Matt Capps?

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RH I’m sure Huddy’s signed already, but they’ll announce it after the WS is over

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How about giving Kelly a shot in left field. He only had 1 bad season, and we all know he has some serious pop in his bat. Prado is the second basemen, there is no way that changes, and Kelly first came up as a LF(he could make the transition back to the outfield) and platoon with Matt Diaz.

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T’is the season of absurd trade scenarios. The night’s winner is the Vazquez, Medlen and Freeman for Paplebon. Does this person actually watch baseball? Runner up is cdog with the dump Matt Diaz because he’s dead weight statement. Does this person realize Diaz lead the Braves in hitting? Apparently not.

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dpelfrey McCann gets his first 30+ homer, 100+ RBI season (hopefully because they sign a bit bat to give him some protection and lighten the load on Mac).

Sounds good to me…especially the 100+ RBI and the part about the big bat.

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PHWjortI think Pujols has been playing with a bum WRIST, but I could be wrong.

i think a wrist would be a bigger deal for a hitter than an elbow. what i heard (from a cards fan, not a news article) is that pujols would be out having tommy john surgery if he was a pitcher. i think he is actually having something done this offseason.

wayne i think if the braves are going to go after a guy like cody ross, there are alot of players that will be options.

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The most significant way to improve the Braves’ offense is not the addition of a power hitter but rather the addition of a manager who has even a slight clue as to how to manage the offense.

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He made 10.5 this yr. And he is a heck of a closer, I guarantee you he wont get less than that.

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tomas He made 10.5 this yr. And he is a heck of a closer, I guarantee you he wont get less than that.

what he made last year when he was out for tommy john surgery probably doesnt matter. he might get that much, i dont know, but he only pitched 15 innings. i bet he gets alot less than that.

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TBS no longer wants to carry Braves baseball games on a daily basis. Is it true that with Bobby Cox continuing to manage they are considering carrying all the Braves games as a “comedy” show?

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I hope I am wrong, but I am starting to get the feeling this “we have a 6 starters for 5 spots” thing is going to end us biting us you know where. I guess I am just working a reverse-jinx right now, because this situation (when Huddy’s officially signed) reminds me a lot of the Red Sox heading into 2009. Being from CT which is half Red Sox, half Yankees country, I remember them going on and on… and on about how Beckett, Dice-K, Bucholz, Penny, Masterson and Wakefield, and eventually Smoltz couldn’t all make turns and they have too many starters.

I am not saying we should keep 6 because obviously that’s simply not smart. I just really, really hope we aren’t sitting around, say, June 15th or so and one of our starters is injured, K.K. or Lowe is struggling and we essentially have 2 holes in the rotation. Because if so, I am going to think back to that poll question on the AJC page right now before I start to sob violently and dry heave.

GO BRAVES!

(I hope my reverse jinx works)

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DOB, you stole my comment (I guess this is your board though). Kelly’s numbers look backwards for most left-handed hitters, he is definitely not a lefty-righty platoon type of guy.

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WHO WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR A TRADE FOR Javier Vazquez???
CAN WE AFORD HIM??

WE COULD NOT AFORD MARK TER*.

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Fire DOB .

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What about someone like Chad Cordero as a “buy low” opportunity as closer?

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We all know Kelly is a roller coaster. Sometimes he gets supernova hot, and sometimes he gets north pole cold. Throughout his career he has proven he can hit lefties, but with most of his homers against righties. I know the game is filled with right handed pitchers and he is obviously going to get more at bats against them.

His career splits vs lefties and righties favors him hitting lefties. 299AVG, with 9 homers and 57RBI’s in 462AB vs lefties. While vs righties he has a 251AVG, with 36 homers, and 149 RBI’s in 1199 at bats.

Pretty even in the power considering the at bats, but the reason I suggested a platoon with Diaz is Diaz ability to hit left handers, and it’s the only way Kelly can have a chance of proving his amazing potential once again.

Diaz is a leftie killer, but against righties, it’s another story. His OPS against righties is 722 as opposed to 922OPS against lefties. Kelly’s OPS is not much greater than Diaz against righties, 765, and 808 against lefties.

This off course is career wise. Kelly just had a down year, and was awful against righties. But Kelly’s trade value right now is almost nothing, isn’t it worth it to give him a chance to improve his trade value?

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Andrew: I live in good ole York, PA

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Don (November 4th, 2009 9:26 am): “It is amazing that the Braves plan, worry, fret, etc relating to how to improve the team (trades, free agent signings, making the budget work etc), yet completely ignore the one very simple thing that would do more than all the other things combined to improve the team — Fire Bobby Cox”

Easy to say, hard to prove.

Prove it, dumb axe.

(What’s truly amazing is your persistent idiocy.)

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DOB
Crawford has been a loser and malcontent wherever he has played. He has never made a playoff appearance. He will have a few big games but he isn’t a team player

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They should fire Booby the Idiot the last week of the season so he can’t leave on his own terms. Truth is, they should fire him today. You an go ahead and flush 2010 down the crapper as long as that moron is manning the ship. Give me the captain of the Titanic before you give me that moron.

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I would like to see the Braves resign LaRoche, even if its for 3 years. My only concern is his price tag, but I wonder if LaRoche will accept a little lower salary, but for more years on the contract.

We dont know when Freddie Freeman will be ready. But when he is, we should be able to trade LaRoche.

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DOB,
BBQ question: What was the name of the place in Between GA with the cow races? I hear they only race when it’s warm so It may be to late for me to go this year.

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tomas-Dude, last year we had Garrett Anderson out there and paid him $2.5 million. He had a better year than KJ did.

This year, you want to offer KJ arbitration, which should cost the Braves anywhere between $3.5 million and $4. something million to platoon with Diaz when both of their numbers say that they hit LH pitching better than RH. Not to mention that what little experience he has in the outfield was four years ago and he would be a defensive liability.

Why would you advocate spending more money an last year with absolutely NO improvement in what numbers we should see? What is your rationale, if any? That Kelly gets hot every now and then? Weak, Dude, really weak. And not really in our best interests. At all.

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Don-No one has said it, but it needs saying. Your And Idiot.

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Carlyle and Campillo have been released so we can have room on the 40 Man roster to protect players from the Rule 5 Draft.

It is possible to sign them to a minor league deal, but-to the best of my knowledge-they aren’t currently signed and are free agents.

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Don (November 4th, 2009 10:43 am): “Anyway, the major problem with the offense is not the need for an additional hitter but rather having a manager who knows how the manage the offense.”

I’m curious, “Don” — exactly what does “manag[ing] the offense” entail?

How would you do it differently than Cox? (Or if you don’t want to go out on that limb, exactly how does Cox mismanage the offense?)

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Lew (November 4th, 2009 10:51 am): “Carlyle and Campillo have been released so we can have room on the 40 Man roster to protect players from the Rule 5 Draft.

“It is possible to sign them to a minor league deal, but-to the best of my knowledge-they aren’t currently signed and are free agents.”

But you cannot deny that they are “available”.

So the Braves can go ahead and trade Lowe and Hudson — they’re covered in “emergencies”, right?

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1) I hope they don’t sign Wagner IF it costs them their #1 pick. Signing Glavine was a waste of a pick two years ago and, honestly, the Braves system just isn’t very deep right now. They need to restock and giving away their 1st round pick (again) for a 1 year stop-gap closer when they already have two viable options in the same situation (Soriano and/or MGonz) seems a waste.

2) I hope they do offer arb to LaRoche, MGonz, Soriano and even GAnderson. If we expect Anderson to sign with an AL club, collect the supp 1st pick (and, at worst, a platoong of Diaz with Anderson wouldn’t be the worst LF situation). Same with LaRoche – he may not be the best option at 1B (since he’s LH) but at that salary for 1 year, it wouldn’t be a major negative either. If he gets a 2+ year deal, collect the supp 1st pick. As for MGonz and Soriano, they didn’t suck as the closer combo in 2009 and MGonz, as a LH power set-up guy, could very well get a multi-year deal in the $4-5MM range/year – and give the Braves a supp 1st and another high pick.

That leaves Soriano. And while I know he might get close to $8-9MM in arb, do they honestly think Wagner can be signed for much less (if he accepts arb from Boston, he’s guaranteed no worse than $8MM due to max 20% paycut in arb). So you have a 38 y.o. coming off of surgery for $8-9MM + your 1st round pick or a 30 y.o. one year further removed from surgery for $8-9MM and no 1st round pick. Heck, the other FA closer option (Valverde) is also a Type A and will command a salary of close to $10MM. So unless the team trades for a closer, I’d simply rather have the guy who won’t cost our 1st round pick. And, with other teams needing closers, it might net another supp 1st and high round pick.

Again, I really hope the team focuses on restocking the system. Top end talent is there but depth seems lacking based on recent years. Getting up to 4 supp 1st picks and 2 other high picks (while keeping their 1st) would go a long way to helping that situation. They have 4 Tpe A/B free agents and none would be a bad deal at the price they could be expected to get in arbitration (IMO) and, therefore, to me, this is a good chance to try and collect on picks that the Braves have given away in years past for budget reasons.

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Don’s right about managing the offense. I remember overhearing Bobby (through the TV mics) saying these things at various times last season:

“Chip, we need a DP – McLouth has to pee!”
“Mac – I heard this guy’s a belly itcher. Take everything.”
“Rochy, keep it in the park. JJ needs some rest.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa – a triple is real?”

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DOB —-
cavalierrose.com … go to links, then press kit to listen to a few songs … let me know how it strikes you … the lead singer and I went to high school together … did several plays together, and remain close to this day … could be way off, but I think you’ll dig it

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I’ve got an idea… let’s trade Jair Jurrjens for Ryan Freel!

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Tomas (November 4th, 2009 9:13 am): “How would you all feel if this happened?

CF Nate Mclouth
2B Martin Prado
3B Chipper Jones
1B Xavier Nady
RF Brad Hawpe
C Brian McCann
SS Yunel Escobar
LF Kelly Johnson/Matt Diaz”

A whole helluva lot smarter than the Braves’ GM.

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tomas-Dude, it really is a dumb move and I just can’t see Kelly in LF as even being a vague option. Seriously.

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It seems kind of scary to me that before last season started everyone picked the Cubs, who got rid of Marquis and Hill, as well as DeRosa. Then the Cubs tanked.

Now here we are possibly losing LaRoche, and possibly trading Javy V. Dont underestimate what a great job Javy did for the team last year with his presence and mentorship as well as his K’s.

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Derek Lowe for Mike Lowell

Take Lowell’s 1 year at 12m and put him at 1B. That frees up 3m for 2010 and gets Lowe’s 45m off the books. If Freeman pans out then he won’t be blocked.

Sign Vaz to extension.

Sign Holliday or Bay.

Sign Wagner.

Matt Diaz can keep RF warm until June for Heyward.

McLouth
Prado
Jones
Holliday or Bay
Escobar
McCann
Lowell
Diaz (Heyward eventually)

Vaz
Huddy
JJ
Hanson
KK

Wagner

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“I think the offense will be much improved, performing like they did the second half of this season, even without adding a big bat.”

Wasn’t that the assumption last off-season? Something like “Oh, the offense was better after Tex left, so it should carry over to next season.” That didn’t work out too well…

Adam Laroche was a big reason why the offense was so good in the second half and most likely, he’s gone next season and Wren’s going to end up signing some scrub (as usual) to play there until Scott Thor- I mean Freddie Freeman is deemed ready.

This team is screwed if they’re going to have to go into next season praying that Jason Heyward is going to be the power bat they need.

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Sorry, that was me, not cabravesfan – she should stop using her own computer…

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don (November 4th, 2009 11:08 am): “When you list the dumb moves and trades made by Wren, be sure to add the signing of Lowe.”

It ain’t a list if there’s only one item, moron.

And that one is debatable — with three years left on his contract, it’s simply too soon to say whether Lowe’s was a dumb signing.

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Hey Jim, how’s Venice?

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18 Wheels-You’re not at all concerned that Lowe has played in only 113 games each of the past two years? Dude, that’s missing 50 games a season. NO way that works out well for us-not even as a salary dump-which, given the high nature of Lowe’s contract and the need for a good back up, makes him no cheaper than Lowe. It would make more sense to move Lowe to first and we know THAT ain’t happening.

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N8, if you don’t mind being a ‘rebel’ (DOB’s quote) check out http://www.ninjavideo.net

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If I see “Braves deal Vazquez” as a headline somewhere I’ll be very, very disappointed at my team. I just don’t completely buy in to that line that he’s their best trading chip, etc. To a point, I guess he would be, but it would be foolish to think they can’t come up with a package not involving Javy to get a hitter. If Hudson was the old Hudson, if Lowe was the old Lowe then dealing Vaz wouldn’t hurt as bad, but I just don’t see those two as aces like him.

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Maybe I’m clueless (wouldn’t be the first time) but I cannot see the real concern with offering Soriano arbitration. So what if he accepts, then wins? It’s an option you have in spring training, and if a cheaper alternative emerges, then trade him. I feel there’s quite a market for talents llike him. But I cannot abide another season where the Braves settle for a Kolb-like closer — and that’s what Matt Capps is.

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I think Nick Swisher was born with that fat dip tucked under his lip, don’t you?

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RHR – excellent so far! Still trying to recover from too much carrying heavy stuff and too little sleep Thur-Sat, but everything else is good…

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Maybe I’m clueless (wouldn’t be the first time) but I cannot see the real concern with offering Soriano arbitration.

Soriano made 6.1 million. Through arbitration, he may get around 9 million. Add to it Gonzo who made 3.4 million, and through arbitration he might make 5-6 million. That’s quite a bit of money to spend on the pen. Plus, we need a left fielder and first baseman still. I think offering Gonzalez arbitration should be a slam dunk. I think he’ll be able to find a multi year deal for around 4-5 million(at least) on the open market. I don’t think he would accept a one year deal. Soriano, though. That’s a big risk. You’d have little leverage in trade talks with teams if he did accept and you tried to deal him.

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tedLaRoche – he may not be the best option at 1B (since he’s LH)

lefties are ideal 1st baseman. what are you talking about? please dont say we need a righthanded bat at that position because we dont.

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I have apparently mastered the art of blogging with my mind from the freeway…cool

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ricoSo what if he accepts, then wins? It’s an option you have in spring training, and if a cheaper alternative emerges, then trade him.

what if you cant trade him? then your on the hook paying more than you can afford, which limits you in improving your team in other areas. soriano’s pay in arbitration is probably higher than he will get as a free agent, too, so he would be likely to accept it.

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I don’t understand this Wagner talk. Why don’t we just re-sign Gonzalez? He likes it here. His BAA was .219. His K/9 was 10.9. Geez, give Gonzalez two years at $6 and $8m.

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Even Chipper knows how important having a strikeout pitcher like Javy is to lead your rotation. He knows what he’s talking about, especially if Atlanta gets in the postseason– having that K pitcher comes in real handy. Hanson might K 200 in 2010, but you know with Javy you’re definitely getting that.

Sorry, I’m just getting a little worried they might deal him, & I fear it will bite them hard in the ass.

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Wow, if that’s evidence of the Bankees’ pitching depth, maybe THEY need Lowe.

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18 Wheels-Yes, he IS two years removed from a 120 RBI season-a season that was definitely a career year and one in which he put up at least 20 more RBI than ever before-even in Boston. In fact, in 07 he put up career highs in Batting Average, OBP, Slg%, OPS, RBI and HR.

However, he then had two years where he hit nowhere near those levels (as he never had before-even in his prime) where he missed 49 games and 43 games. Couple those horrible Games Played numbers with the fact he makes $12 mil and I just can’t see how he would be a decent option-even if we did jettison Lowe’s salary.

The potential for more injuries, the miniscule likelihood Lowe will ever put up 07 numbers ever again and the fact we will save no $$$$$ whatsoever, makes me wonder why it would even be considered. We certainly do NOT need a declining skilled player (not a natural 1B anyway) with a history of numerous injuries just to ditch a pitcher who won 15 games and threw damned near 200 innings. Are we seriously that hard up to get rid of Lowe?

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When did Proctor have Tommy John? Exact date.

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tomas-Vazquez already pitched for the Yankees and was not all that effective. Not to mention that a fly ball/strikeout pitcher in that bandbox equals a terrible potential season for Javy and that’s yet another deal I can’t see happening. Keep proposing those unrealistic trades, though. You may come up with a worthwhile one yet.

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[...] Good first move of the off-season, Frank Wren. Now we’re just waiting on the official word about Tim Hudson. [...]

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Proctor tends to give up homers. He’s a low risk pick up, though. Might pan out.

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How about the Braves trade Vazquez for a power hitter, as long as it makes sense and we come out on top, none of those everyones a winner deals. Then, next offseason, resign Vazquez. lowe would be more moveable and prolly have a better season under his belt, or KK, which wouldnt look as bad to potential Japanese players because 2/3 of his contract would be over with. Javy wants to be here, would come back and I believe take a lil less. Getting Fielder in return I think would be a mistake. Hes too close to free agency for this to be a good deal for the bravos.

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Am I in the minority of the Braves extending Javy Vazquez? This dude is comfortable here and has shown his ability through an entire season. I just feel the value he brings to this team, rotation, and Jurrjens outweighs anything we can get on a return for him.

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pryguy, check me as a fan who’d like to see Javy extended long term. He’s never injured, throws 200 plus innings a year, K’s 200 plus… what’s not to like?

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Jeez, I figured Proctor was older than 32. Seems that guy’s been around forever.

LOL, that’s exactly what I said to myself when I looked at his BR page.

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clintontyree, resigning gonzalez wouldnt be bad, but i wouldnt give him that…2 years $12mil id consider it.

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Proctor the dude who made those glasses fashionable?

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Preacher…You just echoed the sentiments of many of the partime bloggers that just hang on the fringes and read instead of posting opinions. I have also wondered how PWH can be so correct on so many fronts. Just pure genius I guess. Thank you.

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Hey, Proctor was a big blog fave for some here, when he was appearing in about a gazillion games for two years in a row. It’s no wonder his arm mutinied, LOL. His elbow is probably still trying to put out a contract on Joe Torre.

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Rick Ankiel, you kiddin, right? There are worse, but come on.

Algebra test coming… wish me luck!

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Posted earlier, but no response… What would you guys think of taking a chance on Chad Cordero? Could come cheap and has closing experience and isn’t over-the-hill like other FAs…

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GovClintonTyree, Gonzo and Soriano are both good relievers, but neither are good for a closer role. Both get injured a lot also. Gonzo was fantastic, in a setup role, but he was awful as the closer. He is just too wild, and inconsistant to be a closer. Soriano was very good in the first half, but in the second half he blew a lot of important games. He had a 4.91ERA in the second half. Tomas

Maybe a little overuse had something to do with their inconsitency. I can’t remember what Gonzo’s numbers were when he was used 3 or 4 days in a row. I think they should at least try to bring back Gonzo, maybe for a deal similar to the one they gave Soriano for the two years. I think the most important thing for any of our relievers is that we get a pen where Bobby uses more than just 4 or 5 people. It was always Moylan, EOF, Gonzo, Soriano, and sometimes Medlen. We need to utilize the whole pen that way it will take some of the stress off the main guys.

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We need to resign LaRoche

Is there any indication withing the front office that Medlen may get consideration to step into a starting role? If so, then could Lowe and Kawakami be tradeable?

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since random was confused enough to mention me as savvy, i will respond to this:

“To get to the postseason (which is the goal, right?) a team does not need 5 good/great starters. They just need 4

i think to get to the postseason, a baseball team needs 25 players. 4 good starters are probably enough if you have a good bullpen and offense. 6 wasnt enough for the braves last year because the offense dug themselves into a hole the first half of the season. but 5 good starters is always better than 4, no matter what the composition of the rest of your team is.

the braves wont have a phillies style offense in 2010, no matter who they get. so, its probably best to go with 5 good starters and not risk it with 4.

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I wish I could get paid to go out to Arizona for a few days and watch baseball.

http://www.fanhuddle.com/atlantabraves

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Travis (November 4th, 2009 12:35 pm): “Preacher…You just echoed the sentiments of many of the partime bloggers that just hang on the fringes and read instead of posting opinions. I have also wondered how PWH can be so correct on so many fronts. Just pure genius I guess. Thank you.”

Well, instead of just flapping your gums and mitching ‘n’ boning about it, you’re each most kindly invited to prove him wrong.

It may not be a fair fight, but we’re willing to make allowances.

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18 Wheels Braves sign Scott Proctor

Why?

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Lew, Vazquez was awesome this year. He had a 2.87ERA and 238 SO’s second only to Lincecum. I know Yankee stadium is a bang box, but Vazquez would be a very good 4th starter wouldn’t you say.

Burnett is a fly ball pitcher. Sabathia is a fly ball pitcher. Pettite is a fly ball pitcher. Chamberlain is a fly ball pitcher.

I know it’s the AL East, and Yankee stadium is a bang box, but Vazquez had a better season than each of their pitchers. Of course you you’d have to make Javy’s ERA a whole run higher to compare him in a different league and in a hitters park. He’d still have an ERA under 4.

And Hughes is a very good reliever. 95mph fastball with good control, and an excellent curveball. Finished the season with an ERA of 3.03 in the AL East. He is just horrible isn’t he.

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Proctor paid the price for totaling nearly 190 innings in 166 relief appearances during the 2006-2007 seasons. Two elbow surgeries since then, one for flexor tendon in October 2008 and TJ surgery in May.

Torre knows how to work a bullpen, that’s for sure……

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Preacher Roe, or perhaps he just spent 20-30 minutes of his life searching out Braves prospects, their stats and scouting reports online. About the same amount of time you spent ranting on him having no life.

I’ve got 3 kids, a wife, a dog, for two years played in two bands, and run a photo studio. Do I need to get a life too?

I don’t sit on my ass drinking beer, I don’t fish. I don’t hunt. I don’t play beer league softball. I don’t go camping.

I do however, coach one of each of my kids’ sports, watch as much baseball as I can (sometimes on the DVR), and listen to what I can’t watch. In the other free hours of the day, I spend a lot of time here on the MIB/Braves blog.

Again. Do I need to get a life? Don’t ridicule how others choose to spend their time, just because it’s not how you don’t spend yours.

Now, that being said, there isn’t any reason for any Braves fan to mock another because they don’t know the ins and outs of EVERY Braves prospect or draft pick.

But just as few reasons for those who don’t to mock those that do, for needing to get a life.

I couldn’t tell anybody the first thing about what lures or bait to use fishing. Should I mock somebody who can because they obviously have too much time on their hands to have ever gathered such information by repitition of going fishing?

Didn’t think so.

To each his own, my friend. Try and remember that.

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I know Yankee stadium is a bang box

this is probably just a typo, but please put “bang box” on your list, wayne.

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1) Vazquez to the Cubs for Derek Lee – let Laroche walk and sign Mike (not Matt) Cameron.

2) Vazquez + $$ to Nationals for Josh Willingham – resign Laroche

3) Vazquez + cash to Milwaukee for Mat Gamel + prospect – flip Gamel to Flo-rida for Dan Uggla – resign Laroche or move Prado to 1st depending on budget.

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Where does this “Gonzalez has injury problems” stuff come from? I can find, since his debut in 2004, the tendinitis in 2006 and TJ surgery in 2007. That doesn’t seem too alarming, or out of the norm for pitchers, so am I missing something?

I can understand the question about Soriano, based on 2008.

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Daslied -

Mike Gonzalez Injury History:

Sep 23, 2009: Missed 6 games (back injury).
Sep 17, 2009: Back injury, day-to-day.
Jul 19, 2009: Missed 3 games (left elbow injury).
Jul 16, 2009: Left elbow injury, day-to-day.
Jun 18, 2008: Missed 72 games (elbow surgery).
Mar 22, 2008: Elbow surgery, 15-day DL.
Oct 1, 2007: Missed the last 123 games of the regular season (arm injury).
May 16, 2007: Arm injury, 15-day DL.
Apr 23, 2007: Missed 4 games (left elbow injury).
Apr 19, 2007: Left elbow injury, day-to-day.
Oct 2, 2006: Missed the last 34 games of the regular season (left elbow tendinitis).
Aug 28, 2006: Left elbow tendinitis, 15-day DL (retroactive to August 25th).
Aug 27, 2006: Arm injury, day-to-day.
Jul 19, 2006: Missed 2 games (left groin).
Jul 17, 2006: Left groin, day-to-day.
Aug 16, 2005: Missed 48 games (sprained left knee).
Jun 23, 2005: Sprained left knee, 15-day DL.
Apr 30, 2005: Missed 5 games (right knee injury).
Apr 22, 2005: Right knee injury, day-to-day.

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I know D-Lowe is making $15MM next season, but why not move him back to being a closer. That would give us our 5 man rotation, Lowe as a closer (at least temporarily) until someone else steps up, and it allows the Braves to keep their insurance “6th” man in case something were to happen to one of the others. I know $15MM is a lot for a closer, and I know it won’t end up this way, but it’s at least a start. Vasquez is too good to trade. Re-sign laroche, trade k johnson, logan, and a minor leaguer for a quality outfielder and go from there. Makes sense, hopefully frankie is thinking the same thing.

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If these situations could happen this would really put us over the top.

Derek Lowe to the Angels for Jose Arredondo and Freddy Sandoval.

Kelly Johnson and Manny Acosta to the DBacks for Coner Jackson.

Jo-Jo Reyes and Ryan Church to the Pirates for Matt Capps.

Sign Matt Holliday – 5 yr/90 mil contract.

Sign Billy Wagner – 2 yr/ 14 mil contract.(Only if Gonzalez/Soriano don’t sign with another team before Dec. 1st or don’t accept arb. that the Braves should offer on Dec.1st, see below)

Extend Tim Hudson – 3 yr/27 mil contract, Javier Vazquez – 4 yr/52 mil contract.

Offer Rafael Soriano, Mike Gonzalez and Adam LaRoche arbitration on Dec. 1st if they have not already signed with another team. (Note: Dec. 1st is the deadline for teams to offer arbitration to players)

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Nick C, that has already been talked about at length here and DOB has given reasons as to why its a bad idea.

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Ray Pugh, i hope javy could bring us more than josh willingham.

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Ray Pugh

I do like the Vazquez to the Brewers for Gamel+ but the prospect needs to be Brett Lawrie or that’s no deal.

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Thanks, FaninFaytown….I was just curious about this odd word usage.

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How about this, at least for the outfield……if Jordan is healthy in the spring, keep him in CF, move McLouth to left (since he isn’t a true CF anyhow), and have Diaz/Church in right. McLouth will provide more power when he is out of the lead-off role, Schafer will steal bases at the top, chipper will return to form. All Frank needs to do is re-sign rochey and gonzo. I also say good riddins to Soriano. He was good for the first 2 months, then got back to his normal crappy self.

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I hope the Braves pitchers are taking notes on how the Yankees are pitching to Howard. Can’t believe this is the same guy who always single handedly beats us. They have reduced him (so far) to being a non-factor.

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Andrew: Josh “Grand Slam” Willingham fits the bill the power RH bat we need, but he also accomplishes another goal: he’s owed only $3 million a year for the next 2 seasons, which would allow us to resign both Laroche and one of Soriana/Gonzalez.

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I also say good riddins to Soriano.

wayne, please add “good riddins” to your list, as well as “bang box”

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Ray Pugh (November 4, 2009 2:26 PM) Andrew: Josh “Grand Slam” Willingham fits the bill the power RH bat we need, but he also accomplishes another goal: he’s owed only $3 million a year for the next 2 seasons

That’s incorrect. Willingham made $2.95 million in 2009, but he’s not guaranteed $3 million in 2010 and 2011, he’s year to year, arbitration eligible. If he’s tendered a contract, he’ll most likely receive a raise. I’d guess $4.5-$5 million in 2010.

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DOB,

I suppose Proctor will be Acosta.

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didnt mean Injury risk waiting to happen, meant an injury risk type player.

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wayne, please add “good riddins” to your list, as well as “bang box”

Hey, when these foe paws are worthy, they add themselves, LOL. Let’s not sully our outstanding blog lore here with mere quantity. If that puppy has legs, the blog will run with it. Otherwise, 15 minutes of blog lore fame and then nuke that sucker.

Hey, I liked “mute”, LOL, but the blog left that one dead in the road. So be it.

Blog lore is not to be trifled with.

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I like the signing of Proctor. Good low risk, high reward move that won’t eat into payroll or cost any prospects. For the first time in a while, there’s actually some decent bullpen arms in the upper minors (Kimbrel, Gearrin, Hyde among others) so it might not be too bad even if Gonzo and Soriano go elsewhere.

And don’t forget we still have Acosta and can always bring back Jeff Bennett after he’s gets his cast off (just trying to get under Random’s skin with that).

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youre right, scoots. no need to force it.

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I suppose Proctor will be Acosta.

Rammmerjammer, I predict he will be Tanyon Sturtze

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ncscoots – I would also like to apologize, because I first used “foe paw” intentionally to describe something someone had just said, and did not intend for it to be picked up as part of mis-spoken blog lore. Of course, my original intent was quickly lost by the time it was repeated for the fifth time…

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ncscoots – I have not had any time to wander around yet – I will let you know when I do

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