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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3,193 comments Add your comment
Joe Simpson the Great
November 10th, 2009
12:18 pm
Dereck Lowe, Jo-Jo Reyes, Jordan Schaffer, Kelly Johnson and Brandon Jones for _____________?
N8
November 10th, 2009
12:18 pm
“For those of us in or approaching middle age, he was one of the true sports icons of our lifetimes, and quite possibly the greatest college basketball player of all time.” DOB
Lets not forget about his handful of great lines in the first Airplane movie. Obviously not what most will remember him for. But it seemed so out of the norm for him, that it was great.
CB
November 10th, 2009
12:20 pm
jeffrey d,I don’t blame you,I would want to take credit for that trade.
JReeves
November 10th, 2009
12:20 pm
Keylargo….Nady can begin throwing exercises this month, “According to Tyler Kepner of the New York Times, Xavier Nady (Tommy John) and Chien-Ming Wang (shoulder surgery) are traveling with the Yankees to Minnesota.
According to Kepner, Nady, who is an impending free-agent, is progressing well from Tommy John surgery and expects to be ready for the start of spring training.
You will have enough of a sample size to at least tender him a contract. I would rather do it now, at a discounted rate. From a potential standpoint….the guy is worth it as a backup WHEREVER you put him
Jake W.
November 10th, 2009
12:20 pm
It’s funny, the point Kenny Williams was trying to make. Playing in one of the weakest divisions in baseball. How many wins did it take for them to get to the playoffs? And to be fair to Javy he didn’t get traded to a division where the offesne is bad. The only offense that was really bad in our division where the injury depleted mets and us. Phillies have the 2nd best (or 1st best depending on your opinion) in all of the major leagues. I personally feel the NL East is the second toughest division in baseball behind the AL East. If he worked for the Orioles then I would by his argument, but come on the AL Central?
Me personally would not want to have the DH in the NL. The top reason for me is that it would cost more money. Thats another position you have to pay for and if you ask me its one of the reasons why its so hard for a lot of those AL teams to compete with the big bucks teams because they don’t have as much money to sink into that position. Some teams have great DH’s while others I couldn’t even name who their DH is. Its just kind of a revolving door for some teams. Whoever couldn’t play that night. Not a position that they could afford to put that much money into.
Insane blogger who thinks Vazquez is overrated
November 10th, 2009
12:22 pm
Vazquez, Schafer, Hicks and Hoover to the Rangers for Nelson Cruz
Vazquez, Schafer and Kimbrel to the Twins for Michael Cuddyer
Vazquez, Freeman and Teheran to the Rays for Carlos Pena
Wayne in Utah
November 10th, 2009
12:22 pm
keylargo
Agreed on 3 years of LaRoche being a smart move, but I really don’t expect it to happen. Sometimes, when you are financially restricted, you have to make hard choices. I expect them to go with a 1-2 year cheaper alternative (Tracy, CJackson, Atkins, etc).
dmack
Definitely agree that hanging onto a hard throwing lefty is always a wise move, as they often eventually find their control or figure out how to pitch, versus throw.
For the same reasons, I will not have my feeling hurt if we can keep JoJo Reyes another year or two.
And, if we have Heyward, McLouth, Diaz, Schafer AND Cruz (or another outfielder who is better than a bench player), that would be a GOOD problem to have, doncha think?
Fore Shore!
David O'Brien
November 10th, 2009
12:23 pm
PWH: Doesn’t matter what the “majority of the baseball world” thinks about the DH. If the owners don’t want it, it ain’t happening. And they don’t want it, or not enough do. It’s not even something that’s a hot topic of discussion these days.
You wrote this:
Every idea is always met with some opposition. Nothing passes unanimously. And there will certainly be people who are opposed to the NL adopting the DH rule. However, the first reason that I think the NL will adopt a DH is because the DH position is good for players. It extends the careers of aging, positionless sluggers.
Dude, that’s actually a reason why it wouldn’t fly in today’s climate. Owners want to cut expenses, not pay one-dimensional players oveinflated salaries to do nothing but hit.
Wayne in Utah
November 10th, 2009
12:24 pm
Insane blogger……..good name, and very accurate too.
RUMORS: 11/10 | Dodgers Nation.com
November 10th, 2009
12:25 pm
[...] of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution offers that the Braves are looking to deal Javier Vazquez, or offer him a contract extension. The Dodgers are mentioned as a trade partner. However, it is highly unlikely that he will end up [...]
keylargo
November 10th, 2009
12:25 pm
keylargo
November 10th, 2009
11:01 am
Let’s trade Jojo, Medlan, Schaeffer and Lowe for Ryan Braun. Then, get him to play first base and sign him to a cheap extension. Escobar can take Lowe’s spot in the rotation, and Ryan Howard can hit cleanup.jeffrey d
You have captured the fantasy baseball players mindsetperfectly.
Thanks DOB, I can make myself look foolish without your help
wjones
November 10th, 2009
12:25 pm
I am probably in the minority here, but I like the fact that the two leagues have different rules regarding the DH. It allows for a lot of choices. Some people prefer the NL game, with pinch hitters, double switches, pitchers hitting, etc. Some people prefer the AL game, with a DH, less taxing on the bench, pitchers staying in when they are going good, and an additional veteran or bad defensive player being able to prolong their career with his bat. Gives players and managers more choices as well, if they prefer one style over the other. I think it’s cool to see how the teams handle the strategy in interleague games and postseason. Does the AL team bench it’s DH, or find a place to play him? Who does the NL team put in for DH? For several years now, MLB has tried to, in my opinion, “homogenize” the two leagues, with elimination of league Presidents, combining umpiring crews, interleague play, etc. As a fan who always liked the mystery of two teams in the World Series who would never have faced each other, I like to maintain differences whenever they remain. But, that’s just me.
TnBrian
November 10th, 2009
12:28 pm
What I’d like to see is Atl. get a Cruz type slugger, but what might be more likely, if they’re smart & extend Vazquez, is to trade Lowe for whatever they can get as long as they take on his salary, then go out & get a Willingham to platoon with Diaz or Church. You resign LaRoche & the offense shouldn’t have much trouble to support all that good pitching. I like Church because he’s a Frenchy in the OF, but with much better plate discipline. At least until Heyward gets with the big club, then do whatever with him.
OnDeck
November 10th, 2009
12:28 pm
I love all the crazy trade ideas on here.. especially by people who can not spell our own Braves players names correctly.
Our best bet to get a decent bat for 1B or OF would be to package Lowe, Schafer, Medlen, and Johnson. Problem is, every trade possibility I see, there is a big question mark regarding Lowe’s contract and the other teams ability to take on that contract.
Conspiracy Guy
November 10th, 2009
12:28 pm
In 1973, the US and North Vietnam signed the Paris Peace Accords. Under its terms, US troops would withdraw from Vietnam. Two years later, the Communists achieved total victory in Vietnam.
What else happened in 1973?
The DH first appeared in the American League.
That’s right… the DH is a product of the Communist regime. The DH, artificial turf, and domed stadiums. All part of a Communist plot to take us over through our national pasttime.
Think about it…
Baseball – DH, turf, domes
Hotdogs – just what is in those things, anyway?
Apple Pie – the last bastion of hope
Chevrolet – recently taken over by the government, just a step away from Communism
Be afraid, be very afraid…
CB
November 10th, 2009
12:29 pm
keylargo,ain’t it the truth,ain’t it the truth.
Insane blogger who thinks Vazquez is overrated
November 10th, 2009
12:32 pm
Vazquez to the Marlins for Dan Uggla
Joe Simpson the Great
November 10th, 2009
12:34 pm
DOB, I haven’t heard you mention anything about Kris Kristoffersons new album. You should give it a listen if you haven’t already.
keylargo
November 10th, 2009
12:36 pm
keylargo?? That was MY retarded proposal!! jeffrey d
I know it was jeffrey d, I just complimented you on your insight into Fantasy Baseball Players and after a little selective reading, selective deleting and some on purpose sh!t it became mine.
Wayne in Utah
November 10th, 2009
12:38 pm
N8
I guess I am WAY beyond “approaching” middle age, because I remember Kareem Abdul Jabbar when he was Lew Alcindor, and played for the Milwaukee Bucks.
David O'Brien
November 10th, 2009
12:38 pm
Now that we know Soriano (and Gonzalez) are Type A free agents, it’ll be interesting to see what happens. No way can I see Braves offering Soriano arbitration, but that’s always been the case. He’s going to end up taking a pay cut from last year’s $6.35 mill.
Gonzo’s the one that’ll be interesting, to see whether Braves offer arb after he made $3.45 mill last season.
On another note, DeRo ended up being a Type B, so any team won’t have to give up a first-rounder to sign him. With Prado as the every-day 2B, DeRo and Infante would sure be nice bench guys, wouldn’t they? Just don’t know if Braves can offer him the money or playing time he’ll get elsewhere, unless they want to play DeRo regularly in OF….
keylargo
November 10th, 2009
12:38 pm
I’m going to ride my bicycle before I get credit for all the good ideas on the blog.
Joe Simpson the Great
November 10th, 2009
12:40 pm
The Dan Uggla rumor is retarded. I like Martin Prado better than Uggla and I don’t think the Braves want to give a division opponent an ace like Vazquez.
Any John Smoltz Rumors?
Clueless blogger who thinks Vazquez is underrated
November 10th, 2009
12:41 pm
Vazquez to the Brewers for Prince Fielder
Vazquez to the Dodgers for Matt Kemp
Vazquez to the Rangers for Nelson Cruz, Justin Smoak, Neftali Feliz and Martin Perez
OrlandoDawg
November 10th, 2009
12:42 pm
After seeing what Abreu signed for last year, what would be the going rate for Johnny Damon?
Is that crazy?
ncscoots
November 10th, 2009
12:43 pm
At least until Heyward gets with the big club, then do whatever with him.
Do folks ever consider that a player, with whom you can “do whatever with” later in the season, might not be such a good idea at the beginning of the season? Or is that just me being picky, LOL?
mark
November 10th, 2009
12:43 pm
Long time observer of the blog, here’s my idea for 2010 roster with an eye toward 2011.
Re-sign Mike Gonzalez 2yr/$10MM
Sign Carlos Delgado 1yr/$3MM
Sign Matt Holliday 6yr/$108MM
Non-tender Kelly Johnson, Ryan Church, and Boone Logan
2010 25-Man Roster
C – Brian McCann – $5.5MM
C – Dave Ross – $1.6MM
1B – Carlos Delgado – $3MM (est.)
2B – Martin Prado – $415K
SS – Yunel Escobar – $425K
3B – Chipper Jones – $13MM
IF – Barbaro Canizares – $400K
IF – Diory Hernandez – $400K
IF/OF – Omar Infante – $2.225MM
RF – Matt Diaz – $2MM (est.)
CF – Nate McLouth – $4.5MM
LF – Matt Holliday – $18MM (est.)
OF – Jordan Schafer/Gregor Blanco – $400K
SP – Javier Vazquez – $11.5MM
SP – Jair Jurrjens – $450K
SP – Tommy Hanson – $400K
SP – Tim Hudson – $9MM (est.)
SP – Derek Lowe – $15MM
RP – Peter Moylan – $1MM (est.)
RP – Kenshin Kawakami – $6.667MM
RP – Kris Medlen – $400K
RP – Eric O’Flaherty – $400K
RP – Scott Proctor – $500K+
RP – Manny Acosta – $413K
RP – Mike Gonzalez – $5MM
Payroll ~ $102.5MM
Hopefully they’ll up the payroll for Bobby’s final year (although it was $102MM in 2008) This way they can sign Holliday who will be a true big impact bat, Delgado as a cheap bridge to Freeman, and keep the starting pitching depth at least until the trade deadline (very cautious after we were trotting out Jo-Jo, Campillo, and Morton on a regular basis.) Only problem is lack of depth on the bench without a true veteran pinch hitter (but that might not be such a bad thing ie:Norton.) I wouldn’t extend Vazquez until we know Lowe can be traded. Trading Lowe would make the numbers a whole lot easier.
Resign Dave Ross 2yr/$3MM
Trade McLouth for prospects (preferably a 3B to replace Chipper)
Promote Freeman, Heyward, and Kimbrel
Let Vazquez,Delgado walk
2011 25-man Roster
C – Brian McCann – $6.7MM
C – Dave Ross – $1.6MM (est.)
1B – Freddie Freeman – $400K
2B – Martin Prado – $2MM (est.)
SS – Yunel Escobar – $2MM (est.)
3B – Chipper Jones – $13MM
IF – Barbaro Canizares – $400K
IF – Diory Hernandez – $400K
IF/OF – Omar Infante – $2.225MM
RF – Jason Heyward – $400K
CF – Jordan Schafer – $500K
LF – Matt Holliday – $18MM (est.)
OF – Matt Diaz – $2MM (est.)
SP – Kenshin Kawakami – $7.3MM
SP – Jair Jurrjens – $4MM (est.)
SP – Tommy Hanson – $400K
SP – Tim Hudson – $9MM (est.)
SP – Derek Lowe – $15MM
RP – Peter Moylan – $2MM (est.)
RP – Craig Kimbrel – $400K
RP – Kris Medlen – $500K
RP – Eric O’Flaherty – $1M (est.)
RP – Scott Proctor – $500K+ (est.)
RP – Manny Acosta – $413K
RP – Mike Gonzalez – $5MM
Payroll ~ $95MM
Payroll is back down to a more reasonable $95MM. Letting Vazquez walk lets Kawakami slide back into the rotation with Minor and Medlen waiting in the wings if anyone struggles/gets injured. Promote Kimbrel to groom for closer’s job in 2012. Shedding the contracts of Vazquez and McLouth frees up money for arbitration raises.
Wayne in Utah
November 10th, 2009
12:44 pm
Insane blogger
While I would love to have Uggla’s power in our lineup, he normally has a low batting average but a decent OBP. K’s a lot too. Would you bat a guy like that in the cleanup slot?
BIG QUESTION: Where do you play him? Unless Prado is dealt, he is the starter there. First base? Left field? He has never played an inning at anywhere but second base in the majors.
bravesgrl4life
November 10th, 2009
12:47 pm
Joe, I happened to have seen Smoltz the last two Thursdays. He’s part of a group of guys that meet at a Norcross restaurant for Bible study on Thursdays. Didn’t see him there much after the Braves released him, but seeing him regularly during off-season. But, alas, I think his release from the Braves left a bad taste in the mouths of all parties, thereby leaving the slimmest of chances of a reunion between the Smoltzie and the Braves.
P. W. Hjort
November 10th, 2009
12:48 pm
Mark,
Love it.
TnBrian
November 10th, 2009
12:48 pm
DOB, have you heard anything from the team that they’re looking at DeRosa, or are you just throwing a name out there?
Wayne in Utah
November 10th, 2009
12:49 pm
BTW, no way do you offer Vazquez for Uggla, as the Marlins are trying to dump him. Offer them a minor leaguer who is not on your top prospect list.
David O'Brien
November 10th, 2009
12:49 pm
18 Wheels: I did check out Alice In Chains’ new record; wasn’t overly impressed. I’d rather listen to the great old ones with Layne, rather than guys trying to sound like him.
Haven’t heard Q-Tip’s Kamaal The Abstract CD yet. Isn’t it as good as last year’s Renaissance?
Efrim
November 10th, 2009
12:49 pm
He’s going to end up taking a pay cut from last year’s $6.35 mill. Gonzo’s the one that’ll be interesting, to see whether Braves offer arb after he made $3.45 mill last season.
DOB, if that’s the case and Soriano signs with another team for say two years and 11 million, then I would be upset with Wren’s handling of the situation. Soriano for less than 6 million annually is a pretty good deal, imo. I’m sure he will be pushing for a third year, which could be the tough part.
And I hope they offer Gonzo arbitration. I think he should get an offer of at least two years and 8 million. Knowing his own injury history, would he(and his agent) turn down more total dollars just to get back on the market next year, assuming he accepts the Braves one year arb. offer?
O'Brien
November 10th, 2009
12:52 pm
Guys,
Since the Braves seem unwilling to give LaRoche the money and years he is looking for, is there a right-handed first baseman that might be available that the Braves could trade for? I was asking, because if the Braves could trade for 1B, then they could sign a FA OF (instead of trading for OF, and signing 1B).
And along those lines, I was also wondering what do you think about Brad Hawpe from Col? He is cheaper and younger than Dye, and had comparable numbers. Hawpe hit .283, 23 HR, 86 RBI. And away from Coors, he hit .275, 14 HR, 39 RBI. He is a left handed RF, and I don’t know what his defense is like, so all comments are appreciated.
DAP
November 10th, 2009
12:54 pm
O’Brien, hawpe’s defense isnt great, but he is a pretty good hitter. id definitely take him.
Wayne in Utah
November 10th, 2009
12:55 pm
Efrim
How could Wren sign Soriano for two years at less than his arbitration numbers. These players are told by their agents (and for good reason) that the arbitration process and FA process are ways to get more money. The only time they sign for LESS money is when they have exhausted those two processes, and are unsuccessful in getting a better pay day.
Then, and only then do they settle for less (Abreu last year is the prime example).
splitfinger
November 10th, 2009
12:55 pm
unless they want to play DeRo regularly in OF
… or 1B? He does have 23 Major League games at 1B.
Mark DeRosa, 2009: .228/.291/.405, 23 HR, 78 RBI
Adam LaRoche, 2009: .263/.263/ .526, 25 HR, 83 RBI
Is there that big of a difference?
Neither is the classic cleanup bopper, but DeRo might come cheaper per year, and he brings a ton more versatility.
Maybe he plays 1B until Chipper retires, at which point there is a viable in house replacement for 3B, and 1B opens up for FreFre.
And, maybe most importantly, you tick off Philly, who has targeted him to replace Pedro Feliz…
Wayne in Utah
November 10th, 2009
12:58 pm
Hawpe might be a non-tender candidate (but I am not sure on that one).
He is not considered very good on D, but has hit w/ some power. Is he better than Church? Church plays better D. Hawpe might have more power than Church.
Al for ATL
November 10th, 2009
12:58 pm
DOB – I have been wondering if the Braves might be interested in trying DeRo out again. He certainly came into his own after apparently psyching himself out when we last gave him a chance to start. But apparently, the Phillies are already talking to him.
Read that Boras is going to be looking for more than $17 m a year for Holliday. And here I thought we were in a down economy.
RC
November 10th, 2009
12:59 pm
While I DON’T want to trade Vazquez, the Cubs are going to need someone in their rotation to replace Rich Harden, and they also need to open a spot in the field for Jake Fox to get regular playing time. With that in mind, what if the Braves send Vazquez to Chicago for Derrek Lee, allowing them to move Jake Fox to 1b, and allowing the Braves to go after a lesser bat in LF (since Lee definitely fits the right-handed power bat description).
McPoyle
November 10th, 2009
1:01 pm
DOB… saw the Kenny Williams quotes and I couldn’t help but laugh, he does no wrong. I’m a Chicago guy and can’t stand him. I know you have to stay in good graces with these guys, but are you a Kenny fan?
Saw how they were interested in going after Chone Figgins this offseason, but he may be out of their price range. Hmm, that’s interesting. If Kenny didn’t go after that horrible Rios contract, not to mention trading for Peavy who pitched like 3 games last season, they might have some money for Chone.
Kenny gives credit to Javy, saying he knew he’d do well… but then undermines that “credit” by saying the NL is a weaker league. Typical Kenny style. ‘Yea, I’ll give the guy some dap, as long as it doesn’t make me look bad for trading him away.’
Wayne in Utah
November 10th, 2009
1:01 pm
DeRosa will be 35 next February.
Wayne in Utah
November 10th, 2009
1:05 pm
RC
I would make that JV for Lee deal. I think that the Cubbies might also be interested in that one, as JV could be a top of the rotation starters. Lee might start slipping, but would be worth the gamble, I suspect.
David O'Brien
November 10th, 2009
1:06 pm
I guess I am WAY beyond “approaching” middle age, because I remember Kareem Abdul Jabbar when he was Lew Alcindor, and played for the Milwaukee Bucks. — Wayne.
Good for you. I guess you didn’t read carefully what I wrote, which was “For those of us in or approaching middle age…”
By the way, maybe you’re way beyond middle age — I have no idea — but that’s not a requirement to remember Kareem when he was Lew Alcindor playing for the Bucks. I’m 45, clearly not “beyond middle age,” and I remember him playing for the Bucks along with the great Oscar
Robinson.Robertson.He changed his name from Lew Alcindor in 1971. I was eight, I guess. And I remember when it happened and the reaction some people had.
Doing the math, a 50-year-old today (and 50 is still not anywhere near “way beyond middle age” in my book) would have been 13 when Lew became Kareem.
So you see, it wasn’t that long ago, or at least not as long as you imply. (smile)
18 Wheels of Love
November 10th, 2009
1:06 pm
Fair assessment of the new AIC but I have to admit that while I love the Layne Staley stuff, I’m digging the new album. I think people are wrong however when they say the new guy sounds like Layne…I actually think it is them hearing Jerry Cantrell and not realizing that he sang so much on the previous albums.
The Q-Tip record is fantastic and I think it is even better than The Renaissance. The new one was actually recorded 10 years ago and has a lot of jazz undercurrents to it, but it sounds like he could have recorded it this year. It’s got a lot more Tribe feel to it than The Renaissance. You need to check it out – evidently it had been leaked out years ago and has been a bit underground hit.
RC
November 10th, 2009
1:07 pm
Mike Cameron anyone? I’m not sure I’d be on board, but there is an interesting article at fangraphs that talks about how he’s actually been more valuable in recent years than Jason Bay.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/bay-vs-cameron
I think I’d be ok w/ Cameron as a 2nd bat to acquire, but he shouldn’t be the primary offensive weapon the Braves get this offseason.
DAP
November 10th, 2009
1:08 pm
splitfinger
Mark DeRosa, 2009: .228/.291/.405, 23 HR, 78 RBI
Adam LaRoche, 2009: .263/.263/ .526, 25 HR, 83 RBI
Is there that big of a difference?
first of all, the numbers you posted are false. second, yes there is a big difference.
laroche is a first baseman and a very good one. he is 4 years younger in out OPSed derosa by almost 100 points in 2009, and by almost 70 points for their careers.
by the way their actual lines for 2009 laroche .277/.355/.488 derosa .250/.319/.433. you got the homers and RBI right, though.
wayneHawpe might be a non-tender candidate (but I am not sure on that one).
hes not. the rockies have him signed for two more years and he just had a pretty good season. (OPSed .903)
beekay
November 10th, 2009
1:10 pm
I had no idea Freddie had such a good glove
2. Freddie Freeman, 1b Born: Sept. 12, 1989. B-T: L-R. Ht.: 6-5. Wt.: 220.
Drafted: HS—Orange, Calif., 2007 (2nd round). Signed by: Tom Battista.
Background: The youngest player to sign out of the 2007 draft, Freeman continues to be Robin to Jason Heyward’s Batman. He reached Double-A at age 19 last summer and hit .319/.354/.493 in his first month there before lingering soreness in his left wrist hampered his production. He missed the last two weeks, but didn’t need surgery and headed to the Arizona Fall League.
Strengths: Freeman has been an RBI machine at every level, thriving with runners in scoring position. He drives the ball with consistency with a sweet, fluid swing, and scouts believe his doubles will become homers as he gains experience and strength. Comparisons to Keith Hernandez and Mark Grace with more power have become commonplace because of his defense, which managers rated the best among first basemen in both the Carolina and Southern leagues last season.
Weaknesses: Freeman runs well enough for a big man but never will be noted for his speed. His attacking approach at the plate doesn’t lend itself to walks, but Atlanta gladly will sacrifice some on-base percentage for RBIs.
The Future: The Braves will seek a stopgap solution at first base for 2010, with an eye on turning the position over to Freeman the next season. With him and Heyward, the Braves should be set at the right-side corners for the foreseeable future.
Wayne in Utah
November 10th, 2009
1:19 pm
Dave
At 54, I was 10 when Alcindor’s freshman team beat the UCLA varsity. Don’t remember the game, but what a college career!
And some days, 54 feels WAY beyond approaching middle aged!
splitfinger
November 10th, 2009
1:20 pm
Hmm… it appears I did err in the numbers I pulled to post.
Nevermind…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3FnpaWQJO0
Lew
November 10th, 2009
1:25 pm
Yes, we Old Farts remember when Kareem was the best basketball player there was. And we Rven Older Farts remember when he went by his real,name-Lew.
BTW-Xavier Nady was NOT a stud before he was hurt. He was a relatively decent player and that’s about it.
Wayne in Utah
November 10th, 2009
1:29 pm
DOB
Oscar Robertson…….not Robinson. And he was indeed a great one.
RC
November 10th, 2009
1:41 pm
Another 1b option….
I’m seen a lot of talk here about Dan Uggla as a trade target…personally I think that’s a terrible idea. But what about Jorge Cantu instead? He’s arbitration eligible, meaning that the Marlins might be looking to move him, and he should provide similar numbers to DeRosa. Cantu will also be only 28 next season, and is right-handed.
Geo123
November 10th, 2009
1:46 pm
Enter your comments here
monty
November 10th, 2009
1:49 pm
Some have suggested trade Javy for Derrick Lee. Lee had a nice year for sure but somewhat disconcerting was his performance agaist LHP. He hit only 3 HR’s in 90 AB’s against LHP last year and only had 12 rbi. His slugging was also way down against lefties than righties. Is this an anomally because his career numbers bare out that he hits lefties better than righties? Or is there more than meets the eye? There is some evidence that he was pitched around by lefties last year(1 walk every 5 or so plate appearances) more than he has been career wise( 1 walk every 7 or so plate appearances). He would be a good aquisition if you had to trade Javy(not for it personally). But is he the big bopper against LHP we need or would they simply pitch around him as it appears they did last season? I do like the fact that he hit well against RHP though. He isn’t someone that drops off against same side pitchers.
RC
November 10th, 2009
1:49 pm
beekay, that’s an awesome profile on Freeman. Where did it come from?
DAP
November 10th, 2009
1:50 pm
RCI’m seen a lot of talk here about Dan Uggla as a trade target…personally I think that’s a terrible idea. But what about Jorge Cantu instead?
how is cantu a better option than uggla? if youre talking about sticking uggla at 1st, too, i dont know why you like cantu more than uggla.
Bay Area Steve
November 10th, 2009
1:51 pm
Chessboxin’,
nice post regarding Peavy/Vazquez. Sure seems lateral-movish to me, even though scoots disagrees (always a red flag). You know anything about the kids the Padres received? Could it be said that they are a better/worse return than Lil’ and Flowers?
Random,
Braveheart’s line was funny. A bit insensitive perhaps, but to single out that line is to weigh political correctness over funny. We know the source, we know there is no harmful intent, funny wins.
And, knowing your content here, is it possible you singled the line out because he disagrees with your KK position? For me, certainly not sayin’ dude’ll be traded. But, 100% won’t be? Seems unknowable.
Geo123
November 10th, 2009
1:53 pm
Supes,
Don’t tell me you’re serious with this offer. The Cardinals wouldn’t trade Ludwick to you for anything less than Escobar. They are looking to add a bat and with Holliday probably leaving Ludwick becomes almost untradeable.
Johnson and a relief pitcher? Come on! Johnson couldn’t even beat out Schumacher as our 2B (Schumacher is coming off a .300 year) and besides you may even have to release Johnson. Why don’t you just recommend trading Lowe for Wainwright and Pujols…
“Supes
November 10th, 2009
2:19 am
If we traded for Ludwick we wouldn’t have to give up Javy Vazquez…more like Kelly Johnson and a relief pitcher.”
NEW CARS
November 10th, 2009
1:54 pm
If we could traded Lowe and a MLP like Reyes and a Delgado to California for Rivera and Brandon Wood, would we have the nerve to go out and trade Vazqez for Derek Lee. Then your lineup would be
mcclouth
prado
jones
lee
mccann
escobar
heyward
rivera
Wood is your 3b of the future
rotation
juurjens
hudson
hanson
kawakami
medlen
Is that a little too aggressive for you guys, do you think the back end of the rotation would be a little too weak. I have two distinct needs targeted…a true cleanup hitter and a long-term replacement for Chipper. If we could make the trade for Rivera and Wood and resign Laroche, I might be satisfied. I just want us to have a scary bat in the middle of the lineup. I think Wood is a hidden gem that could play short or third AND be a big stick in the lineup. His history is similar to Nelson Cruz, except he’s done BETTER in the minors and his cups of coffee….Just saying
LOOGY
November 10th, 2009
1:55 pm
DOB, I just realized that there is a right handed slugging outfielder avaliable who is NOT a type A free agent. He plays above average defense. He won’t cost prospects in a trade. He’s a former brave. His name is Andruw Jones. Do you think he will be considered?
DAP
November 10th, 2009
1:56 pm
montyBut is he the big bopper against LHP we need or…
thats not what we need, monty. in 2009 the braves hit better against lefties than they did against righties.
by the way, i dont to trade vazquez either, but i think vazquez for derek lee would be so worth it.
Graham
November 10th, 2009
1:58 pm
DOB – Not sure if you care for Norah Jones, but her new CD is excellent. It has a different sound than her previous releases. Good stuff. Got an early copy from a friend in TN, who received a promo copy.
RC
November 10th, 2009
1:59 pm
Monty,
Great point about Derrek Lee’s apparent absence of power vs. LHP last season. However, he did have 24 walks vs 18 K’s against them, with an OBP of .444. Considering that Milton Bradley was hitting behind him for much of the year (Ramirez was hurt), it probably just means that LHP were pitching around him last year.
Macon Braves (RIP)
November 10th, 2009
2:01 pm
LOOGY….Andruw Jones a right handed slugging outfielder? Not in a few years bud. Have you been under a rock the last few years? Andruw is horrible and isn’t going to bounce back, he had the opportunity to show he could bounce back last year working with one of the most respected hitting coaches in baseball and he still sucked. So NO, Andruw will NOT be considered.
Wayne in Utah
November 10th, 2009
2:02 pm
LOOGY
Your joking, right? Maybe a spring invite, for old times sake? But, only if he is under 225 lbs when he reports.
On second thought……no thanks.
Jimmy Joe
November 10th, 2009
2:05 pm
Not too much happening at the GM meetings. Wasn’t Lidge traded during these meetings two years ago?
Tomahawk1310
November 10th, 2009
2:06 pm
DOB
No updates from the meetings today? Any more rumors floating around?
Chessboxin'
November 10th, 2009
2:10 pm
The players wouldn’t want the DH for financial reasons either. It likely wouldn’t increase revenue, but it would create 16 more positions for the same pool of money. Those 16 newly created positions would usually be veteran players putting up respectable offensive stats, thus meaning they have to be paid pretty darn good —– much more than the league minimum making scrubs that typically fill the NL benches.
You have a job. At your job, there are 13 employees. Your boss has a $52 million budget. 3 guys are making $10 million a year. 5 guys are making $4 million a year. 5 guys are making $400K a year. Your boss announces that he is eliminating one of the 5 $400K slots usually slotted for the FNGs, and is adding a multi-million dollar slot called DH for very experienced and accomplished workers. And he’s not increasing the budget. Now the $50 million usually slotted for the 8 best in your office has to be split $50.4 million for your best 9 guys. It’s effectively a 10% reduction in salary.
Wayne in Utah
November 10th, 2009
2:10 pm
I’ve got it. Andruw Jones for left field, Scott Thorman for first base, Wilson Betemit for pinch hitter, and Andy Marte for the 2nd backup infielder and Chipper’s eventual replacement.
Macon Braves (RIP)
November 10th, 2009
2:14 pm
Great ideas Wayne!! Don’t forget, after trading Vazquez and Lowe, the Braves pick up Bruce Chen and Odalis Perez to fill out the starting rotation!
Andres Thomas
November 10th, 2009
2:14 pm
Can I play?
DAP
November 10th, 2009
2:17 pm
loogyHe plays above average defense.
yes, he plays very good defense, while he sits on the bench as the DH. any ball that comes near the dugout is all his.
LOOGY
November 10th, 2009
2:20 pm
Hey folks! 17 homers in 281 at bats. That’s 30 in a full season. Pretty much a bargain for nothing. And more homers than anyone else on the team would hit.
Tim McCarver
November 10th, 2009
2:21 pm
You’re a real man, Deion. A real man.
RHR
November 10th, 2009
2:22 pm
I don’t see KJ as a good bench option, because he plays two positions (OF and 2B), neither of them much particularly well.
I guess scoots, Wayne, and the Steves have already deleted their fans of dob facebook group membership….no need for me to check.
LOOGY
November 10th, 2009
2:24 pm
Yeah because Scott Thorman, Wilson Betemit, and Andy Marte are proven major league players? Grow up. If you can get 30 homers on a one year incentive laden deal, I think anyone would take that.
Hillbilly
November 10th, 2009
2:24 pm
18 WOL,
Been meaning to ask you whether you’ve got an opinion of the DBTs The Fine Print release. I haven’t bought it yet, but I’m putting it on the Christmas list along with Murdering Oscar and Live From Austin. If you don’t mind, give me a review of all three.
RHR
November 10th, 2009
2:26 pm
Holy crap Kareem used to have another name? I really didn’t know that. Lew Alcindor? Huh. How about that. I have learned something new.
McPoyle
November 10th, 2009
2:28 pm
Some of the trade people come up with on here are just insane. “why don’t we trade d lowe and javy and get D Lee and Juan Rivera…”
Yea, sure thing. we might as well trade martin prado for chase utley and escobar for hanley ramirez. oh wait, let’s deal mcclouth for curtis granderson while we’re at it!
I hate the draft
November 10th, 2009
2:28 pm
Imagine if the Braves didn’t offer arbitration to Soriano, Gonzalez and LaRoche. Then signed Billy Wagner and had to give their first round pick to the Red Sox.
That means they’d have no first round picks, like in 08. I think that would be hilarious.
My mother in 1987
November 10th, 2009
2:28 pm
“Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is Lew Alcindor? I wondered what happened to him!”
MattyRoss
November 10th, 2009
2:30 pm
LOL (and I hate typing that)
Daslied
November 10th, 2009
2:30 pm
LOOGY – Andruw’s 2009 line away from Arlington:
.199/.294/.411
2009 2nd half:
.185/.310/.333
2009 innings in the outfield (not center, either):
30
What does that tell you?
RHR
November 10th, 2009
2:32 pm
You remember what your mom said in 1987? Kudos to you, I don’t remember what my mom said last week.
RHR
November 10th, 2009
2:34 pm
All I really want to know out of these winter meetings is if the braves are going to re-sign Norty.
Sgt. Pepper
November 10th, 2009
2:37 pm
I think we should try Yunel Escobar as closer. We all know he has a cannon for an arm. Just slide him onto the mound in the 9th and let Infante play shortstop. Cheap solution to our 9th inning question mark.
But just to be safe, I’m hoping we offer Mike Gonzalez arbitration.
My mother in 1987
November 10th, 2009
2:40 pm
I remember about anything my mother ever said that pertained to sports.
Fred
November 10th, 2009
2:45 pm
LOOGY, Do you honestly believe Andruw could again hit 30 HRs in a season? What has he done over the past 3 years that would support your position?
To trade Vazquez or not to trade… that is the question? « Ace of Braves
November 10th, 2009
2:48 pm
[...] That is the burning question surrounding BravesNation on the MLB Hot Stove this week at the GM meetings. [...]
wjones
November 10th, 2009
2:49 pm
I still can’t get over Andruw’s rapid descent. I mean he hit 50 homers just 4 years ago. He hit 40 homers only 3 years ago. He still is only 32. Was he so out of shape that it destroyed him? He lost all his speed before 30. Just sad, really.
RC
November 10th, 2009
2:51 pm
LOOGY, I’ll grant you that Andruw could hit 30 HR in a season with 600 AB. But is 30 HR with a .200 AVG and a .250 OBP really worth it?
Nova Scotia Steve
November 10th, 2009
2:51 pm
Could we be interested in signing Delgado to a one year contract????
Nova Scotia Steve
November 10th, 2009
2:53 pm
That’s ofcourse if we don’t re-sign LaRoche…but you gotta think Delagado’s price tag is gunna fall significantly
Macon Braves (RIP)
November 10th, 2009
2:54 pm
LOOGY—Is that all you see in a baseball player, how many homeruns he might hit? The guy hit .214 last year and barely played in the field because everyone sees (except maybe you anyway) that he has lost more than a step in the outfield. The guy is washed up and will never be an everyday ball player again.
Gloom & Doom
November 10th, 2009
2:55 pm
Shouldn’t the Hudson extension been announced by now? They must of seen something on the MRI.
Bobby's Cox
November 10th, 2009
2:58 pm
But in moving Lowe or Kawakami, the Braves aren’t likely to get much in return DOB
True. But trading Lowe would be nice salary dump to go after a Jason Bay. The Yanks aren’t adding big name free agents this year, so it’s plausible that the Braves could sign Bay if they dump Lowe’s salary because that is one less big market team to compete with. There’s hardly a market for FA starting pitching, so a team could find Lowe ideal if they don’t have to give up much in return.
Btw, those damn Phillies cost me a $100. Last time I root for them.
monty
November 10th, 2009
2:59 pm
I don’t know if it has been mentioned on here but to me the best line from anyone in the World Series was by Joe Girardi(?) “Lee can’t pitch every game,” after Lee’s dominant game 1 performance against the Yankees. It proved prophetic. In other words the Phils didn’t have enough pitching to worry the Yanks, and they didn’t!
Bobby's Cox
November 10th, 2009
3:05 pm
DOB,
I’m kinda seeing this KU alum. Thought you’d like to know. Don’t think it’s gonna last though. KU looks good this year, btw. They’re my favorite to take the tourney.