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Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,690 comments Add your comment
P'cola Brave
November 21st, 2009
12:59 am
What about Eddie Perez as a manager. Catchers usually make good managers and its only a matter of time before he gets a job somewhere. Id rather have Perez than Pendelton.
Jake W.
November 21st, 2009
1:05 am
Hawks win again. Took in the game tonight and it didn’t look as empty as maybe it does to the tv audience. Likely because most fans can’t afford the more costly lower level seats, especially on the club side and those are the seats you usually see on tv. Also as I have discovered as it is in the Dome too with Falcon crowds people like to walk around. Everyone is never all in their seats. Crowd was loud and into it though. Best record in the NBA. They’ve come a long way.
nolie
November 21st, 2009
1:18 am
Id rather have Perez than Pendelton. P’cola
so would I. catchers rule. smartest guys on the field
Wayne in Utah
November 21st, 2009
1:39 am
Jimmy Joe
I would like to say I am sorry, but I don’t like to lie.
Wayne in Utah
November 21st, 2009
1:42 am
JJ
I guess when I thought about Scott Boras wanting transparency from the owners with their finances, I thought of promises that were made, that have gone unfufilled.
Give me security, or give me death! Wasn’t that what Patrick Henry said?
uga-brave
November 21st, 2009
1:51 am
wayne,
still around?
MIBravesFan
November 21st, 2009
1:53 am
“nolie
November 21st, 2009
1:18 am
Id rather have Perez than Pendelton. P’cola
so would I. catchers rule. smartest guys on the field”
LOL
And always true except when Greg Maddux was on the mound 
MIBravesFan
November 21st, 2009
1:56 am
But Perez was the next smartest guy on the field, and that’s why he was Greg’s catcher
uga-brave
November 21st, 2009
1:57 am
ncscoots,
here is a tribute to you.
gottta hunch you are defender of the south.
i too wear loafers without socks.
gotta pair of nice ones.
just as long as my belt matches them.
either way scoots, nice to see clemson matter.
uga-brave
November 21st, 2009
2:01 am
scoots,
a nice pair of gucci brown loafers go a decent way.
Wayne in Utah
November 21st, 2009
2:10 am
Back 30 some years ago, when the missus and I were dating, I wore my Converse sneaks without socks…..I was never a loafer guy.
nolie
November 21st, 2009
2:17 am
Wayne
man, why do you continue posting stuff like that?
Wayne in Utah
November 21st, 2009
2:21 am
A congressman from Missouri wants to pass a resolution proclaiming that the day before Thanksgiving a “complaint free wednesdsy”.
Boy, I glad somebody voted him into office…..that’s some really important work he is doing there.
I am thankful for my job though, so maybe I shouldn’t complain so much…..
Wayne in Utah
November 21st, 2009
2:27 am
nolie
It’s all Frank Wren’s fault. If he would pull off even a little bitty trade, it would give me a reason to not be thinking about all this depressing sheeyt.
Wayne in Utah
November 21st, 2009
2:30 am
and this damned ringing……some nights it drives me frickin crazy…..
Wayne in Utah
November 21st, 2009
2:32 am
Triple D was good tonight too! Sometimes watching Guy visit all those diners, drive-ins and dives distracts me.
Wayne in Utah
November 21st, 2009
2:35 am
I really don’t think Frank will get a really big bopper. I kinda hope he does, but I am not holding my breath.
Juan Rivera and Adam LaRoche would be good additions to our current stable. Add a couple of relievers, and we are set.
I liked the idea of Gamels or Atkins, though I know that Atkins splits away from Coors is not good…..but wasn’t that what they used to say about Holliday?
nolie
November 21st, 2009
2:37 am
Just can’t stop, can you?
Take it somewhere appropriate which is not here. If you just can’t hold it in, there are thousands of boards designed for just such prothlesizing.
I don’t come here to have to read political propaganda from the right or the left. How ’bout having some respect for the board rules and other poster’s feelings. Please!
Wayne in Utah
November 21st, 2009
2:38 am
uga
you still here?
nolie
no hard feelings I hope?
nolie
November 21st, 2009
2:39 am
Ok, I got too irritated over that.
nolie
November 21st, 2009
2:40 am
no hard feelings Wayne, none on your part either I hope.
Wayne in Utah
November 21st, 2009
2:41 am
i’m gone nolie…sorry about that…..just one frustrated sumbeach. Just don’t want to go somewhere and preach to the choir. Can’t sleep. Nights like this, I wish I drank…
later……
Wayne in Utah
November 21st, 2009
2:44 am
ho nolie, we’re OK. I am always frustrated, but this damned tinnitus is driving me nuts tonight…..
I keep saying I am going away, but what am I going to do? I can’t sleep.
sorry for the trouble DOB.
uga-brave
November 21st, 2009
2:53 am
wayne,
no utah for me this year.
no alta.
my buddies bailed.
alta is a no snowboard place. so if we go it will be vail.
getting old somewaht stinks.
Wayne in Utah
November 21st, 2009
2:57 am
uga
I learned to ski (poorly, I might add) in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Came out to Utah with my wife and went skiing with some of her family out here (we lived in CA back then).
It was awesome. I could fall down time and time again, and not get all cold and wet.
My wife has bum knees, so I quit about 30 years ago. Two of my three sons board.
Vail is nice too…..but not Utah!
Wayne in Utah
November 21st, 2009
2:58 am
getting old somewhat stinks uga
But it beats the alternative….I think.
uga-brave
November 21st, 2009
3:07 am
wayne,
alta snow is the best. best skiing there is.
period.
love that place. not happening this year.
our crew went from eight to six, then to four.
we cant afford alta. not enough steaks in the freezer.
Wayne in Utah
November 21st, 2009
3:23 am
uga
I understand. Times are tough all around. My wife hasn’t worked in a couple of years. I have a good job (and trying to develop a second one), but sales are WAY down. No bonus this year…..
Would you believe I have never been up to Alta?
My kids board, and they like to go to the Canyons (near Park City) and a couple of slopes out of Ogden, can’t remember the name. Been to Brighton too.
Wayne in Utah
November 21st, 2009
3:24 am
uga
You ever watch Red Eye? Funny as heck.
keylargo
November 21st, 2009
3:55 am
WaynefromUtah
You talking about that ringing in your ears made me think about what would work to give you some relief. I fly and use a set of Bose Aviation Headsets. They use “noise cancelling technology” and when you are in a small plane, the Db’s can be over a hundred and yet you can’t hear anything.
I did a quick look on Google and they mentioned it in a couple of place as a way to get some relief.
Look at this site and see if it leads you anywhere.
http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Easy-Remedies-For-Tinnitus-Relief&id=1444492
keylargo
November 21st, 2009
3:57 am
…………….and if that doen’t work, just get some good ole Lynard Skynard, Allman Bros or Lead Zep and crank it up.
ncgary
November 21st, 2009
4:49 am
whistler mtn in vancouver bc best snow in north america uga. 4 mile runs, ya gotta hike the last little bit to the very top and take that 300 foot plunge though
ncgary
November 21st, 2009
5:15 am
scoots, you ever watch kris harvey at clemson pitch or hit? i see marlins added him to 40 man. if we could get him he could be the cleanup hitter on the days he pitches, and put him at first other days.
lol
his dad and great uncle weren’t too shabby either . bryan harvey and tony cloninger.
he cant be too bad, he went to clemson
ncgary
November 21st, 2009
5:19 am
ya gotta admire the kid scoots , he picked the tigers over braves fifth round draft choice
Bobby's Cox
November 21st, 2009
5:31 am
Didn’t like the AJC poll today. I’m not a fan of any of those guys as successors to Bobby. I’d rather have Eddie Perez or Phil Wellman.
Bill in Atlanta
November 21st, 2009
7:14 am
Wayne in Utah, Have you tried a sound machine? It helps me but it has to be pretty loud. It may drive your wife nuts. The white noise gives you something to focus on other than the ringing.
World Be Free
November 21st, 2009
7:16 am
Don’t you just love Scott Boros…..
Keeper
November 21st, 2009
8:15 am
VJ, the Times-Dispatch is reporting that the winner of the game will likely get a second playoff seed for the CAA. I hope so, but I’m afraid that’s wishful thinking coming from CAA’s Yeager, as the 6th-ranked team (App State) consistently draws larger crowds – more $$ for the NCAA. If Nova loses, then our winner would get the seed, of course, but if Nova wins, I’d be shocked if the CAA gets two seeds. But I’ll be glad to be pleasantly surprised for either team – would be justice for us being No. 1 most of the season, and it would be a make-good for the NCAA screwing the Tribe last year. (Not a sufficient make-good, mind you, but …) We’ll find out at 3:00 tomorrow.
Now if the fools running Dish & DirecTV would only broadcast the game outside the MidAtlantic region. They’ve got the broadcast, their satellites are already sending out the signal, you’d think they’d find a way to let ardent fans pay to watch the game. Idiots.
jeffrey d
November 21st, 2009
9:40 am
Oh I forgot FCS has a playoff system. I’m guessing the blog’s favorite small team will be doing pretty good there
Lew
November 21st, 2009
9:57 am
Interesting-In a Patty Rasmussen interview with Chipper in Chop Talk, when asked about the managerial situation going forward, Chipper said he felt that the next manager would come from outside of the organization.
Lew
November 21st, 2009
9:59 am
Maybe they could hire Wayne from Utah. He needs something to do with all of those hours he can’t sleep. Maybe he could hire BAS as a roving instructor or something.
jeffrey d
November 21st, 2009
9:59 am
Yahoo’s Tim Brown lists Valverde and Chapman as possibilities for Atlanta. Valverde would be nice, but isn’t Chapman gonna be waaay out of the Braves’ price range? Seems like it’ll be another Dice-K situation where you have to unload way too much money for someone who’s very unproven.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=ArpDNh6YmR8RAYQM_47hr9cRvLYF?slug=ti-freeagents111909&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
David O'Brien
November 21st, 2009
10:02 am
whistler mtn in vancouver bc best snow in north america uga. — ncgary
Amen, ncgary. I agree (and so do those who’ve voted it No. 1 in so many surveys in the ski and travel mags, year after year.
By the way, we’re headed to Whistler on Christmas day for a week. Getting a little excited. Just got the passport renewed.
David O'Brien
November 21st, 2009
10:08 am
Jeffrey d: Wren already stated publicly that the Braves had no plans to pursue Chapman.
Efrim
November 21st, 2009
10:08 am
If it means giving up a first round draft pick, I’ll take Valverde over Wagner. But I’m hoping the Red Sox don’t offer arbitration to Wagner, because he’d be a nice fit, for sure.
And don’t get me wrong, in the grand scheme of things, I understand that Wagner could really help this team in 2010 and a first round draft pick is no given. But I’m just not convinced that the difference between Wagner and say a Jose Valverde – type relief pitcher is worth the draft pick.
jeffrey d
November 21st, 2009
10:12 am
Wait, and Chapman’s a starter too. We’ve got about 80 of those. Why would he possibly be coming to Atlanta? Oh Tim Brown
jeffrey d
November 21st, 2009
10:13 am
Wagner’s too old for me to be comfortable. I’d feel a lot better with Gonzo
Lew
November 21st, 2009
10:26 am
jeffrey d-If the interest in Gonzo is anywhere vaguely close to what Boras describes, we will not see Mike pitching with a tomahawk on his uni again. Time to start checking out the draft.
tr
November 21st, 2009
10:27 am
From Yahoo’s free agent list:
100. Mike Hampton(notes), SP: He got hurt reading this sentence.
rotflmao
jeffrey d
November 21st, 2009
10:34 am
Oh right right…forgot about the Boras thing.
But my point was, I can see Wagner getting a lot of money, and he’s 38ish, and he’ll cost a draft pick. Gonzales is younger and won’t cost a draft pick, but I forgot about Boras. He’s going to get way too much money for a reliever.
N8
November 21st, 2009
11:12 am
The SOB posting at 10:28 wasn’t me. So how about F’n off and finding your own blog name.
I won’t be blogging for the rest of the day. So anything posted by N8 won’t be me.
Enjoy your day ass-wad.
N8
November 21st, 2009
11:14 am
Besides DOB, when have I ever asked for a new blog?
David O'Brien
November 21st, 2009
11:15 am
N8, thanks for clarifying. I shoulda known you wouldn’t write a post like that. It was from an IP address that’s new, hadn’t commented previously at all. If they post again as you, we’ll get ‘em on The List.
Jeff R
November 21st, 2009
11:16 am
Think teams will have more interest in Lowe as the winter progresses. Doesn’t seem he’ll command a big masher in return, though, but might be able to pry Rivera from the Angles with cash as well. And the Brewers may be more doable for Hart and cash. Clearly prefer Rivera.
Moving Lowe off the payroll might clear the way for a LaRoche arbitration. I think that would be good. Also, likely to free up some money for a reliever (or a resign of Gonzo).
N8
November 21st, 2009
11:18 am
Thanks DOB.
N8
November 21st, 2009
11:19 am
But I liked the “morning fire” in your response to me, that has since been deleted. LOL
Good to know that if I want I can get your goat at anytime by questioning your desire to work for “us” on a Saturday.
David O'Brien
November 21st, 2009
11:30 am
Just got off phone with Wren (he’s one of the few permitted to interrupt viewing of Gameday).
The Braves haven’t made any offers to their own free agents or other free agents. But as he said, that’s pretty much the norm right now as teams wait to see what the market is going to be and act/react accordingly.
(Yes, there are some teams that have already made offers to their free agents and few free agents on other teams, but I think those teams tend to be ones with more bucks, teams that set the market and not react to it, etc.)
Chuck James Was Solid Until The 6th!!!
November 21st, 2009
11:39 am
Signing Jermaine Dye at a 1 YR/$6-7 Million deal seems to be a potential dynamite move. Last year when he seemed “into it” he played pretty damn good baseball offensively and defensively. Between Chipper and Mac in the lineup I think he can hit to a .275 30-100 season fairly easy. I think they must retain LaRoche at a 2 YR/$14 Million clip as well, if he’ll take a litle hometown discount. I simply would not be able to take another season watching McCann markered in at the 4 hole with a Garrett Anderson type as his fill in once a week when he rests. McCann is a 5-6 hole hitter who would thrive in that role.
I think it’s funny that last offseason Wren addresed the Braves problems as being, “2 quality starters and a outfield power bat.” Then they broke camp with Garrett Anderson?!?! C’mon!! The offense early on last year is what slowed this team from being a contender. If they broke camp last Spring with the team they had on October 1rst, ATL would have been in the playoffs and would have been the most dangerous NL team with all of that pitching.
Moe Berg
November 21st, 2009
11:57 am
Saw that Gorkys Hernandez was added to the Pirates 40-man roster. Wonder how soon before he makes it into their outfield.
Is Josh Johnson’s agent just posturing or do you think the possibility of a longterm contract is really over?
Also, DOB, in your last post, your last name lost its ‘n’ to become an Irish version of a French cheese.
Steve from OH
November 21st, 2009
12:20 pm
Moe Berg–Hernandez has to OPS above .688 in AA first. Yeah, he’s still really young and plays great D, but I wonder about his bat…
Lew
November 21st, 2009
12:22 pm
Chuck-Not to dispute you too much, but Wren said that was ytheir GOAL for the season and that it maywwell be into the season before he got that outfield bat. That is exactly what he did, too-he got McLouth.
Of course McLouth seemingly took hitting lessons from Francoeur and Kelly Johnson, hitting terribly at the Ted, but there is hope for the future that he will turn into the player we kind of thought he was.
One way or another, though, Wren did what he said he would do. I would have liked another option other than Garrett, but that’s what we could afford at the time. That’s just the way it goes. The team DID improve considerably after McLouth was added. I expect we’ll be much improved this year, too.
Frankie Knuckles aka The Splasher
November 21st, 2009
12:24 pm
David O’Brie – that typo made me chuckle.
Any chance the Bravos get in the Bay race ( if they trade Lowe of course ) given that he just shot down 4/60? Are we looking at a Cameron type in your opinion?
Steve from OH
November 21st, 2009
12:26 pm
From KLaw:
Justin (Franklin, nc)
Where is Derek Lowe going to go this offseason or do you see Frank wren Trading someone else like Javy or Kenshin.
Klaw (2:15 PM)
I think they eventually deal Lowe, but put all three on the market and see the demand.
TnBrian
November 21st, 2009
12:34 pm
I guess if they view Heyward as a future cleanup hitter they wouldn’t need to go after Bay or Holliday, or any hitter they’d need to tie up long term. An OF of McLouth, Cameron, Heyward might be the best left to right defensive OF in the game. That would solve some problems right there, but I personally don’t view Cameron a cleanup hitter & Heyward isn’t one right out of the box, I wouldn’t think. Lets not overlook Diaz & what he did this season, he was pretty damn good. Looks like his defense improved too.
TnBrian
November 21st, 2009
12:40 pm
It’s almost Christmas time… lets see who can get the best gifts. Well, I won’t be the winner of that. They better be satisfied with a card or a pull-over from Wal Mart is all I can say. Money don’t grow off trees & I’m not very creative with these kinda things. They’re good people though.
jeffrey d
November 21st, 2009
12:42 pm
You can always get $400 worth of Christmas gifts at atlantabraves.com
Efrim
November 21st, 2009
12:49 pm
Gotta love listening to sports talk radio here in NY/CT area(not really). SI’s Jon Heyman was just on WFAN in NY and most everyone is just killing Keith Law and Will Carroll’s decisions to leave Carpenter off of their ballot. I could really care less about it because I think Lincecum should of won, so who cares who finished second? But to hear some of the stuff people are saying, well, it’s just foolish. Why is Law or Carroll a “nerd” or “statgeek” because they think a pitcher’s defense behind them should be included in the discussion when evaluating performance? Again, I don’t cite advanced metrics here, almost never. But how is wrong? If you have an unbelieveable defensive unit behind, then clearly that will help your ERA. I just don’t understand why that aspect of it is dismissed so quickly. I think there is value in most all stats. And I don’t have a problem with people citing ERA without using park/league adjustments. For the most part, the value of a player is mostly clear. But there are certain stats that people like to dig deeper with. Why is that wrong? Why does that make them a “nerd” or a “loser”?
TnBrian
November 21st, 2009
12:50 pm
plug, plug, plug jeffrey d. Got me thinking though.
civilized white trash
November 21st, 2009
12:51 pm
just a random thought but could matty diaz move to first if the braves get a chance to tie up some money in a huge bat for the outfield
Steve from OH
November 21st, 2009
12:53 pm
Why is that wrong? Why does that make them a “nerd” or a “loser”?
Why do people respect Heyman’s opinion when he degenerates to “nerd” instead of actually responding to Law’s reasoning with specific counterpoints? That’s something I’ll never understand about those guys. If you don’t like it, say why.
Great post, though. Couldn’t have said it better myself (except that I do cite the other metrics…)
TnBrian
November 21st, 2009
12:56 pm
Has there been any kind of comparison’s between Heyward & D.Lee? I’ve seen some Dave Parker, McGriff type’s but to me he looks a lot like Lee with his size & athleticism. I guess Lee would be a few inches taller.
Efrim
November 21st, 2009
1:02 pm
Why do people respect Heyman’s opinion when he degenerates to “nerd” instead of actually responding to Law’s reasoning with specific counterpoints?
To clarify, Heyman didn’t actually call Law or Carroll a “nerd”. The hosts did quite a bit of that themselves. But I agree, for the people who take shots like that, what is the point?
And I’d love to get on the radio and ask them who would you rather have as your General Manager: Omar Minaya or Theo Epstein? Their response: Most likely, Theo Epstein. Guess what fellas. What do you think Epstein thinks of those “nerd” statistics? I point to the Joe Posnanski article. Now that’s not to say that all successful GM’s have to be all about advanced stats. But I sure as hell hope most people understand that front offices around baseball use these stats in their evaluations. There is a serious disconnect there, imo.
Efrim
November 21st, 2009
1:04 pm
Great post, though. Couldn’t have said it better myself (except that I do cite the other metrics…)
Thanks, Steve. And while I don’t cite them, I do believe in them and their value. It’s just so much easier to me to just post slash stats and what not….
Steve from OH
November 21st, 2009
1:06 pm
It’s just so much easier to me to just post slash stats and what not….
Most definitely. You can get almost everything you need right from those.
Steve from OH
November 21st, 2009
1:06 pm
Now that’s not to say that all successful GM’s have to be all about advanced stats. But I sure as hell hope most people understand that front offices around baseball use these stats in their evaluations. There is a serious disconnect there, imo.
Again, I completely agree.
AustinBrave
November 21st, 2009
1:07 pm
DOB- I know you asked Wren about free agents but did you ask him if he is dicussing any possible trades at this point.
Frankie Knuckles
November 21st, 2009
1:12 pm
AustinBrave, I pretty sure that Frank is keeping those cards close to the vest.
Efrim
November 21st, 2009
1:15 pm
Hyde, 23, is a Fayetteville native and a fourth-round draft pick in 2006. After missing most of two seasons after elbow surgery and shoulder problems, he posted a 2.27 ERA with 45 strikeouts and 15 walks in 35-2/3 innings for three minor-league affiliates in 2009.
That’s from DOB’s article on the 40-man additions(http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-add-lee-hyde-207345.html).
It’s really good to hear the scouting reports and stat lines on Hyde. One thing the Braves have lacked, I thought, was internal solutions for the bullpen. Younger relievers coming up through the system. Hyde sounds like he can be an effective left hander as soon as this year, and that’s a great thing for our bullpen depth. And it goes well with the fact that the Braves historically haven’t spent as much on their pens.
Frankie Knuckles
November 21st, 2009
1:19 pm
Nelson Cruz anyone? What would it take to get him? I know there was some talk about us not being interested, but at this stage its all posturing right? I personally would like the guy in the lineup. Think it would involve, for starters, Logan Schaf. Not sure how I feel about that. He’s one of those guys that seems to be bust or star to me. Love this time of year.
Efrim
November 21st, 2009
1:24 pm
Good article by Dave Cameron regarding a potential minor upgrade the Braves could make:
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/minimizing-risk-in-atlanta
If Wren decides to not pursue a big outfield bat and just go with Heyward and a veteran outfielder, Randy Winn might make some sense. Of course, if the outfield is Winn, Heyward, McLouth, and Diaz, then I hope the first base position is filled with a big hitter of some sort.
AustinBrave
November 21st, 2009
1:26 pm
What does anyone no about Jonny Gomes from the Reds. I here in could be tendered. Would he be a good swap for Kelly. Looks like Reds are going to lose there 2nd basemen.
AustinBrave
November 21st, 2009
1:29 pm
Looks like Gomes hit 20 homeruns in only 281 at bats. What if he had 550 at bats? Why would they want to get rid of him?
J-MAN
November 21st, 2009
1:30 pm
Any chance of a news making deal before Thanksgiving D.O.B. such as a trade, a signing, or resigning. If not I’ll just come back to the blog after Dec. 1st
Steve from OH
November 21st, 2009
1:35 pm
Efrim–yeah, I would think that if they’re intent on letting Heyward open the season for us, the best place to upgrade is at 1B (it may be anyway). We don’t have any real in-house options for the position, whereas we do have Heyward, Diaz and (if necessary) Schafer available to fill OF spots if we don’t find a player to our liking.
I gotta think Wren is exploring options for 1B first…
Coach (2011 or Bust)
November 21st, 2009
1:42 pm
I have to agree with Efrim, Jose Valverde is probably worth the draft pick but we will have to wait and see how the free agent market shakes out. At any rate, Valverde has nailed down 116 saves over the course of the last three seasons and is underrated by most of the professional pundits.
However, the Braves do have internal options with Craig Kimbrel, Lee Hyde, Luis Valdez and others young arms.
But we all know how most teams are reluctant to give up draft picks and with all the type “A” designations assigned to free agents, the market will likely favor the owners as contracts will cost less than anticipated.
Frankie Knuckles
November 21st, 2009
1:44 pm
Coach, you’re going to get your wish man. I get it. I agree in many ways. Let it go.
Steve from OH
November 21st, 2009
1:45 pm
However, the Braves do have internal options with Craig Kimbrel, Lee Hyde, Luis Valdez and others young arms.
But we all know how most teams are reluctant to give up draft picks and with all the type “A” designations assigned to free agents, the market will likely favor the owners as contracts will cost less than anticipated.
Hyde, Kimbrel and Valdez are all nice in-house options, but I don’t think they’ll open the season with us. I read somewhere that Kimbrel had to back it down to 90 MPH just to get control in the strike zone. But I think they’ll all be useful players in time, and we’ll see them at some point next year.
Another thing to consider is that giving up a draft pick for a free agent may not be as big of a consideration this year as we may be able to recoup a few picks for Gonzo, LaRoche, and Soriano. Just a thought…
Efrim
November 21st, 2009
1:49 pm
Coach, I’m actually not okay with giving up a draft pick for any reliever. BUT, if we get other draft selections for LaRoche, Soriano and Gonzo, then I’m much more okay with it. I just think that if it comes down to it, and we have to decide between Valverde and Wagner, the draft pick attached to either may come into play. I’m pretty sure the Red Sox are offering arb., I’ve heard mixed reports on the Astros offering arb. to Valverde.
IPayForAOL
November 21st, 2009
1:56 pm
Keith Law on Jose Valverde in his FA rankings (he ranked Valverde 36th. Rafael Betancourt was 33rd, Billy Wagner was 23rd, Rafaek Soriano was 19th, and Mike Gonzalez was 16th for reference):
Valverde has that new-closer smell without actually performing much better than your typical middle reliever. He does have late-game stuff, 93-98 mph on the fastball with a mid-80s splitter with good bottom. His performance was very consistent in his two years with Houston — good but not great strikeout rates, lots of fly balls and fringy command. His arm is loose, but his arm action is long and he doesn’t repeat it well enough to be an elite closer, but he could do the job for a second-division club, or serve as a set-up man/alternate closer for a better team.
AustinBrave
November 21st, 2009
2:07 pm
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune thinks Dye will go to the Braves and play 1st. What do ya’ll think about that?
Chuck James Was Solid Until The 6th!!!
November 21st, 2009
2:11 pm
Lew, good point about McLouth man… Although you’re right, I don’t think we saw the real McLouth in ATL yet. Something tells me he is one of those players that takes a little extra time to adjust into his comfort zone. I think he’ll enter the season ready to put up a similar season to his ‘08 season.
Redstick19
November 21st, 2009
2:14 pm
AustinBrave- I think that I hope that is not a serious idea.
Chuck James Was Solid Until The 6th!!!
November 21st, 2009
2:15 pm
I’m ALL ABOUT getting Dye in ATL. I think he can slide into that 4 spot and be a legitimate threat and put up .270/30/90+ … However I like him in the OF with LaRoche or Nick Johnson at 1rst if LaRoche can’t be reclaimed. Johnson gives you a professional and solid AB %97 of the time with less power and higher average and OBP. Defense is a landslide in LaRoche’s favor however… I think in this market Johnson can be had on a 1 YR/$3 or 4 million deal…
DOB do you think Braves have any interest in Johnson as a backup plan to LaRoche?
Steve from OH
November 21st, 2009
2:20 pm
Winter meetings are in two weeks, J-Man. I’d probably check back then…
Tennbravefan
November 21st, 2009
2:53 pm
I said this yesterday and got no reaction. Aside from Bay and Holliday (which aint happening) the best 4 spot free agent out there is Carlos Delgado. He will put up big numbers next year, he always does. Makes sense for the Braves too with Freeman still 1 to 2 years away.
J-MAN
November 21st, 2009
2:54 pm
I probably will steve. I just get too into the rumor-mill that I need to take a step back. But I have to be logical in that we probably wont be making any real headlines this winter but its ok. But I wish we hap a salary cap and more extensive revenue sharing because unless your the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, or sometimes the Cubs, Angles, Cardinals, or Dodgers you wont be getting any impact players in free agency, Makes me miss Good Ole Ted.
Steve from OH
November 21st, 2009
2:57 pm
Defense is a landslide in LaRoche’s favor however
LaRoche has a -4.3 career UZR/150, and Johnson’s is +3.7. Keith Law writes this about LaRoche’s defense:
On defense, he has very little range but receives the ball well and can handle the ball hit right at him.
I think I would agree with that assessment based on what I’ve seen of LaRoche. Great hands, smooth motions, little range.
jeffrey d
November 21st, 2009
2:57 pm
What ever happened to the Chop Chick?
jeffrey d
November 21st, 2009
2:59 pm
the best 4 spot free agent out there is Carlos Delgado
I’d pass. He’ll be 38 next season, is coming off an injury, and he’d be ANOTHER lefty in the lineup.
Steve from OH
November 21st, 2009
3:00 pm
I just get too into the rumor-mill that I need to take a step back.
Not me. Too much of it is unsubstantiated BS and some of it simply gets me worried that the Braves are going to do something stupid, but in reality it’s just speculation. Besides, I really haven’t even had enough time to keep up on the blog or baseball in general this offseason…if anything, I need someone to summarize all the rumors and rumblings for me, LOL!