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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,690 comments Add your comment
Loaf Garret on a blackberry from sunny California
November 18th, 2009
1:19 pm
do you remember who wren signed for left field last year?
Sup Braves fans! Miss me yet?
Jeff R
November 18th, 2009
1:20 pm
Chris… gotcha. Given the amount of talent that the Braves would have to surrender, I’d vote no.
jim
November 18th, 2009
1:20 pm
The Braves are a mid-market team. The most successful of the mid-market teams have been the Twins and lately the Rockies. Look at the number of home-grown players that those two orgtanizations have produced. Even after losing Hunter to FA and making a bad trade of Santana before he became a FA, the Twins are still loaded with home-grown talent or young players acquired using players they have developed themselves. For the Braves to be successful, they will need to have a core of young (cheap) talent with some older (more expensive) players complementing this core. Therefore the impulse too many on this blog to trade anybody and everybody in our farm system not named Hanson or Heyward for a player that will be too expensive to retain after 1 or 2 years (about the time Heyward should emerge as a star and McCann, Escobar, JJ, Hanson, and Prado, et. al will be in their prime and approaching FA)is very short-sighted and counter-productive. We went down that road 2 years ago with Tex and have nothing to show for it.
Redstick19
November 18th, 2009
1:21 pm
DAP- Yes, I do. And I would venture to say that Garret Anderson didn’t put very many fannies in the seats when the announcement was made, or during the season for that matter. “The Braves have announced that they have acquired Josh Willingham from the Nationals…” I can just see the mad rush on season tickets that will occur when that announcement is made. Doesn’t excite me on the field, off the field and doesn’t impress me in the stat sheet. If the Braves are gonna put this team over the top, Willingham is not the man. Dunn’s bat could, I say could, do it- but his defense will cost us in runs what his bat brings us. As I said, next rumor please.
DAP
November 18th, 2009
1:25 pm
They couldn’t pull off the Jake Peavy deal with San Diego.
Yeah. That’s what happens when a player invokes his no-trade clause.
is this a fact? it was my understanding that towers kept on upping the asking price and caused the negotiations to fall apart. im thinking it being an issue with peavy is just a rumor.
Joebrave
November 18th, 2009
1:26 pm
J.Schafer looks like the New Years baby! big ol ears
Redstick19
November 18th, 2009
1:27 pm
jim- well stated, my friend. I agree 100 percent- great players from OUR OWN minor league system is what began the run in early 90s.
P. W. Hjort
November 18th, 2009
1:27 pm
is this a fact? it was my understanding that towers kept on upping the asking price and caused the negotiations to fall apart. im thinking it being an issue with peavy is just a rumor.
Yes. That’s a fact. Frank Wren and Kevin Towers have both acknowledged that Peavy invoked his no-trade clause since then.
DAP
November 18th, 2009
1:28 pm
redstick, i agree that willingham and dunn are bad in the outfield, but dont say it isnt going to happen because wren is too smart. we dont have to go far at all to prove he will sign a player who plays questionable defense. and he signed a guy who played bad defense AND wasnt as good of a hitter as willingham or dunn. so, your dismissal of the braves acquiring them because wren is “to smart for that” is premature.
Roman Gal
November 18th, 2009
1:30 pm
J.Schafer looks like the New Years baby! big ol ears Joebrave
Speaking of hit lists…
Daslied
November 18th, 2009
1:31 pm
P-Town, I just read that Pena thing before coming here. I might be okay with a Pena for Vazquez trade. Money’s about the same (Braves would save $1MM or so), and Pena’s only got one year left on his contract. How’s his defense, does anyone know? One other question – I saw that Pena gets $750,000 if traded. Is that paid by Tampa Bay? I’d assume so.
Redstick19
November 18th, 2009
1:34 pm
DAP- point taken. I guess it’s my wishful thinking that he won’t sign/acquire those players.
Robert
November 18th, 2009
1:37 pm
“Yes. That’s a fact. Frank Wren and Kevin Towers have both acknowledged that Peavy invoked his no-trade clause since then.
”
Not possible. I mean, it’s a fact that everybody wants to play for Bobby Cox. Peavy couldnt possibly veto coming to Donktown. Right?
Rock On......
November 18th, 2009
1:41 pm
Lew….on your 12:15 about Prado. Well, granted 20 homers may be a stretch but he only played in 128 games. Projecting his 3.5 at bats per game over the games he missed and his HR ratio of 11 in 450 AB’s that would put him pretty much at 15 HR’s. The fact that he played 71 games at positions OTHER than 2nd can work against the numbers too. Knowing he is the go to guy at 2nd and a close to a full year of stats it is quite possible he could approach 20 homers. 40 doubles would be nice come to think of it. Oh yeah, as a side note, Prado was a .300+ hitter against lefties, righties, home, and away.
Oh forgot, but I am accused of non-sensical hype about Prado. Hey I am wrong probably more than right with many issues, but when I am right and the stats prove me right I am accused also of being the poster boy. Hey I am riding Prado and ain’t backing off. Similar to McFann with McCann.
And just think we still have posters here wanting to put Prado at 1st base full time. It amazes me that people think you can just stick somebody at 1st and it will work out. Defense be damned. It’s almost like the Little League manager sticking a kid in the outfield that can’t catch a cold. You guessed it, the ball finds him every time.
Rock On……Prado, the All-Star game 2010.
DAP
November 18th, 2009
1:47 pm
rock on….suggesting putting prado at first is not a crazy idea, as far as defense is concerned. he has played there quite a bit over the last two years. in ‘08 he played at 1st almost as much as he played at 2nd. it makes more sense than putting mccann or chipper over there, thats for sure.
dogsbrekky
November 18th, 2009
1:51 pm
Thanks for the new bloggage Dobi One Knobi
Chris
November 18th, 2009
1:52 pm
pena’s defense is above average. not sure if tampa would be paying the $750,000.
TnBrian
November 18th, 2009
1:55 pm
Can you imagine if the Yankees got Halladay? Those bastards!
David O'Brien
November 18th, 2009
1:56 pm
RC, common practice for teams to ask for medical records on a player. And for teams to provide those records (after all, Braves want to gauge other teams’ interest levels before offering arbitration to free agents).
No need to read anything into that. Braves also for medical records on certain free agents, particularly pitchers. Just doesn’t often get leaked.
Joebrave
November 18th, 2009
1:58 pm
one has to wonder how many signs are missed by a batter due to Radar Schafer’s big ol bat wing ears.
MattyRoss
November 18th, 2009
1:59 pm
I bet there’s some interesting legalese behind that, as far as doctor-patient whatever and different teams and Major League Baseball and the Players Association and oh no I’ve gone crosseyed.
Rock On......
November 18th, 2009
2:29 pm
DAP….Prado did a commendable job at 1st, no doubt. However, Prado does not project to be a 1st baseman in numbers or defense there for Atlanta. It is simply too important a spot that needs a 30+ homer power bat potential and solid defense. Read: LaRoche/Gonzalez, not Dunn.
Prado has gone from a .941 Fielding % in ‘07 to .967 in ‘08 and in last year’s more expanded role he had a .986 at 2nd base with a + UZR. More than the Braves could have hoped for and the numbers indicate a large upward trend for him at 2nd so projecting him anywhere but 2nd is probably not happening. He started 14 in ‘08 and 17 in ‘09 at 1st and had no prior experience to that there. He did play more innings there due to in-game switches or injuries. Still certainly not a big enough sample to project him at 1st by any stretch.
And agreed it is more a possibility than McCann or Chipper at 1st. That is simply comical fodder for in-blog reading.
RC
November 18th, 2009
2:32 pm
Thanks for the info DOB. Figured it was probably nothing more than the Boston/NY media making everything that Sox or Yanks do into a story. Good to know that Sox are interested though.
RC
November 18th, 2009
2:35 pm
DAP….Prado did a commendable job at 1st, no doubt. However, Prado does not project to be a 1st baseman in numbers or defense there for Atlanta. It is simply too important a spot that needs a 30+ homer power bat potential and solid defense.
I think this sums up the thoughts the many of us have on the whole “trade for Phillips, move Prado to first” ideas. Good post, Rock On….
Gone Viral
November 18th, 2009
2:40 pm
I like the phrasing of “Braves to firm up 40-man roster”. I picture Jane Fonda leading the team through Jazzercise classes.
Tennbravefan
November 18th, 2009
2:41 pm
DOB -
On the last blog I pointed out how terrible Willingham’s numbers were at Turner field and somebody responded that I should take into account the quality of pitchers the Braves have and that probably influenced Willingham’s numbers. Maybe it did. However, I played small college baseball (NAIA) and there were some fields I just hit better (or worse)at. I could see the ball better some places, felt more comfortable in the batter’s box. Likewise there were places I hated going to. Its possible that Willingham simply is not comfortable at Turner Field and I think the Braves should consider his poor numbers there.
CB
November 18th, 2009
2:53 pm
So Robert and Don can rest easy,Jim Tracy was named NL manager of year.
TnBrian
November 18th, 2009
2:53 pm
I could see the Red Sox signing the Cobra & the Yankees getting Sori to set up Rivera. I think we’ll get Wagner in the end. Makes too much sense seeing as how Bobby likes him a lot. DeRosa will be a Philly, Holliday will be a Mutt, Lackey will be a Yankee if they don’t get Halladay, which is a very good possibiltiy, & that’s all I got right now.
Jonas
November 18th, 2009
2:58 pm
DOB…Did you have any information about Martin Prado Moving his Familty out of his Country because afraid of Kidnaping…Last year he was concern about his Mother going back to his native Venezuela.Look like another kidnap happen again to a former Major leaguer Victor Zambrano…(See Article attach). It this is a concern of MLB Owner about his Latin Player?
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10352646/Zambrano’s-mom-rescued-in-Venezuela-kidnapping
David O'Brien
November 18th, 2009
3:01 pm
Another thing about Boras: From my perspective — and that of a few teams I know of — he’s far easier to deal with than some other agents, including some who only return phone calls to reporters or team execs when they see fit or when they want to leak something that’ll help them advance negotiations (you might recall a couple of agents in recent years with the Braves who either failed to return calls or allegedly misled them into thinking a player was going to sign with them).
You wouldn’t believe the gall of a few agents with client lists that are about 1/20th the size of Boras’, but who don’t bother returning calls if they have any problem with this reporter or that one, for instance if they have a client who had his feelings hurt by something that was written or whatever. Sometimes it’s pretty petty/juvenile stuff you wouldn’t believe.
At least with Boras, business is business and the man returns calls (though sometimes at midnight) and works with you, knows it’s a two-way street, etc. He might cuss you out if he didn’t like something that was written, but he doesn’t just avoid calling you back.
There’s a few agents that, when you find out a player is rep’d by them, you pretty much say, ‘Oh, well’ … knowing they’re not going to call you back for this reason or that, something that has nothing to do with the current client or negotiations. Like I said, silly stuff.
Geo123
November 18th, 2009
3:09 pm
Dave,
Where did you get your information that the Cardinals were going to lower payroll? The owner Bill DeWitt and the GM have both been interviewed by Bernie Miklaz on his radio show this week and said that payroll wil remain about the same as last year that there won’t be a decrease…
Bad Scooter
November 18th, 2009
3:13 pm
DOB, who do you feel is the easiest agent to work with?
Let move back up to #1
November 18th, 2009
3:22 pm
Josh Willingham cant hit a lick at Turner Field. That and his back issues why would they even go there. Im sick of having players who just go cold and I dont want to trade a pitcher or anyone else for another one. Thats what our problem was last year remember. Nobody was hitting when it counts. Or when it didnt count for that matter. Heck they got sweapt by the Nationals and that is totally sick.
I see that the Nationals are planning on spending some money on pitching. Well we have the pitching and need to spend money on hitting. If they cant get any better then a back injured Willingham then they just need to go out of spring training with Heyward, Shafer, McClouth and Diaz. I bet you would get more consistency and a little more offense.
ncscoots
November 18th, 2009
3:36 pm
However, Prado does not project to be a 1st baseman in numbers or defense
WHAT?!? A defensively above-average 2B couldn’t handle defense at 1B? I think you’re selling him a little short, LOL.
HAL
November 18th, 2009
3:38 pm
over use of blain boyer would have been letting him in the clubhouse to start spring traing lol another in a legion of over hyped local “prospects “
P-Town Brave
November 18th, 2009
3:38 pm
Once again, I’ll just take this time for my usual daily plugs…
Garrett Atkins
Jason Bay
GILSWANCA
That is all
McFann O
November 18th, 2009
3:39 pm
Roman Gal Let’s just hope they’re both stars and that they both surprise everyone with how great they are.
Amen to that!
You probably wouldn’t be the only person who has him on their hit list if he traded McCann…
So true…but he’d have to fear me the most of all of us.
Rock On… Similar to McFann with McCann.
Are you suggesting that mine is non-sensical hype?
McFann O
November 18th, 2009
3:41 pm
Boo-yah…Bobby got more points for MOY than Manuel!
Nanny-nanny boo-boo!
Geo123
November 18th, 2009
3:50 pm
P-Town Brave,
I’ll almost guarantee you that Bay resigns with the Red Sox….
DirtyYuni
November 18th, 2009
4:00 pm
DOB-
Did Auerbach play mostly “Keep it Hid” stuff at the show?
Want to go see him soon but saw him not long ago and already heard much of that album. It’s good, but I’m wondering if they’re incorporating new tunes into the mix.
Love that Harmony he plays, too. Such a sweet old sounding geetar.
Frank Robinson (Rockmart)
November 18th, 2009
4:06 pm
I knew Verlander was their ace, but I had no idea that he was co-manager of the Tigers as well. My guess is that he is taking over full managerial duties in ‘10, since he got one first place vote and 7 more third place votes than Leyland.
http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/article/2009-11-18/manager-year-voting-results
David O'Brien
November 18th, 2009
4:26 pm
Bad Scooter: I’d probably say B.B. Abbott, who reps Chipper and McCann. But I’ve also had no problems working with Boras (believe it or not).
Hampton’s agent, Mark Rodgers, is very easy to work with. And Kawakami’s guy, Dan Evans, who’s a former baseball team exec (including a stint as Dodgers GM). Oh, and Bo McKinnis, who represents Mike Minor. And Mike Hampton’s brother, who’s an agent.
Just to name a few.
Daslied
November 18th, 2009
4:27 pm
DOB, I’ve gotta know what Bean Stringfellow is like. Don’t ask.
monty
November 18th, 2009
4:36 pm
Could Prado play 1b is not the question, obviously he has and he could, the question is why would you want perhaps the shortest guy on the team except for KK playing 1b? Shorter arms and height = balls thrown over his head that a guy like LARoche doesn’t even leave his feet for. MAgic Johnson could play center and did great in one playoff series because Kareem was injured but that didn’t make him a center.
David O'Brien
November 18th, 2009
4:42 pm
DirtyYuni: Mostly stuff off the debut album, but not entirely. I mean, he played nearly 90 minutes (after Justin Townes Earle did an acoustic set of about 40 minutes, following a 30-minute-or-so opening set by Jessica Lea Mayfield, who overcame the elements — arriving crowd, people talking, etc — and did a nice job. Her voice reminds me of Hope Sandoval.)
Auerbach and his band — including My Morning Jacket drummer — were excellent. Really strong stuff.
Check this from earlier on the tour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD9axfZf280&feature=related
And here’s one from Lollapalooza last summer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqQN8y3UfMM&feature=related
P. W. Hjort
November 18th, 2009
4:42 pm
Could Prado play 1b is not the question, obviously he has and he could, the question is why would you want perhaps the shortest guy on the team except for KK playing 1b? Shorter arms and height = balls thrown over his head that a guy like LARoche doesn’t even leave his feet for.
Also because Prado’s bat plays a lot better at 2nd. There’s almost no scenario in which Prado plays first that’s better for the Braves than Prado at 2nd and a league-average 1B.
bravesgrl4life
November 18th, 2009
4:46 pm
McFann, I’d be there with you if FW traded McCann. Especially if I get that jersey for Christmas
Rick
November 18th, 2009
4:48 pm
I would go after Jason Bay. He is a free agent, a good hitter, a good outfielder. I think he would fit nicely in the Braves lineup. I would move Kawakami to be a setup. The 7th and 8th inning is were the Braves have been weak for a while. He would improve it. Don’t trade the pitching. Its a strength and who know if an injury may occur.
Daslied
November 18th, 2009
4:49 pm
PWH – Utley?
richbrave
November 18th, 2009
4:53 pm
P. W. Hjort
November 18th, 2009
4:42 pm
……Prado’s bat plays a lot better at 2nd. There’s almost no scenario in which Prado plays first that’s better for the Braves than Prado at 2nd and a league-average 1B.
I like it.
David O'Brien
November 18th, 2009
4:53 pm
Gotta say, I’m a little surprised to see Cox finish fifth in NL Manager of Year balloting — ahead of Fredi Gonzalez and Charlie Manuel.
P. W. Hjort
November 18th, 2009
4:54 pm
Daslied, that’s exactly where the “almost” comes into play
TnBrian
November 18th, 2009
4:57 pm
Are we all still anti-Dye around here? If Atlanta signs him & he ends up hitting 30 HR’s back in a place he’s familiar with in the NL under Bobby Cox(not Guillen) I’d say a lot of us would feel like fools. All I’m saying is he might not be the worst idea, especially if they can somehow reatin LaRoche. I’m going to look past his 2nd half numbers this year & focus in on the fact that it’d be very weird for a player to just suddenly fall on his face that quick.
richbrave
November 18th, 2009
4:58 pm
RICK:
I do believe we’re gonna’ move one of KK, DL, or JV. But I’m liking JASON BAY on this team, and PRINCE FIELDER. Of course the payroll would possibly be in the 125 mill range, but hey, it’s not our money, right?
NOTE TO JOHN MALONE:
Go for the gusto big guy, and put us back in the big-time for a couple of years.
richbrave
November 18th, 2009
4:58 pm
ANTI-DYE. To old for what this team needs.
TnBrian
November 18th, 2009
4:59 pm
continuing… so I believe Dye has at least another good year left in him.
CB
November 18th, 2009
5:01 pm
This is probably a favorite time of year for most Braves fans,we all can make our wild and crazy fantasy trade ideas. I think there is no sport who has an off-season like baseball,all your own players who struggled last year will make great comebacks,all the minor leaguers look like the comimg of Hank Aaron and Bob Gibson,we can steal Albert Pujols from the Cardinals for Norton,KJ,and a prospect because their GM is an idiot. God,I love baseball.
TnBrian
November 18th, 2009
5:01 pm
richbrave, well, with some of the names being thrown around here Dye sounds like a winner to me.
richbrave
November 18th, 2009
5:02 pm
DAVID:
Does your last post evidence a belief that BC didn’t do so well this year, in managerial terms of course.
richbrave
November 18th, 2009
5:03 pm
TnBrian:
That’s cool. I still like LEW’s NICK SWISHER supposition.
brent a.
November 18th, 2009
5:04 pm
monty:
thanks for your 4:36 post. I sat right behind 1B at a Spring Training game in Florida last February.
Late in the game, I noted how Prado had to come off the bag for a throw that Kotchman would not have had to jump for.
It cost us an out.
This isn’t Prado’s fault; but, if we can avoid putting him there, I think it’s best.
Kotchman and LaRoche are listed at 6′3″. Prado is listed at 6′1″ In a game of inches, that is 2 very big ones.
richbrave
November 18th, 2009
5:06 pm
CB
November 18th, 2009
5:01 pm
This is probably a favorite time of year for most Braves fans,we all can make our wild and crazy fantasy trade ideas………
Ain’t it so, ain’t it so. And the boys who make the ultimate decisions ain’t talkin’, unlike last year. Lesson learned.
McFann O
November 18th, 2009
5:06 pm
bravesgrl4life–
Ah yes! We shall unite! Course, if we’re lucky, we won’t have to worry about it…
Good to read from you, by the way! How’s things? Well, I hope.
richbrave
November 18th, 2009
5:07 pm
brent a.
November 18th, 2009
5:04 pm
monty:
thanks for your 4:36 post. I sat right behind 1B at a Spring Training game in Florida last February.
Late in the game, I noted how Prado had to come off the bag for a throw that Kotchman would not have had to jump for.
It cost us an out.
This isn’t Prado’s fault; but, if we can avoid putting him there, I think it’s best.
Kotchman and LaRoche are listed at 6′3″. Prado is listed at 6′1″ In a game of inches, that is 2 very big ones.
Point well taken.
Daslied
November 18th, 2009
5:10 pm
PWH – that’s what I figured. He’s about the only one…Kinsler might get there, and I don’t buy Aaron Hill’s 2009.
jeffrey d
November 18th, 2009
5:11 pm
Are Boyer, KJ, and Norton on the voting commission for Manager of the Year?
Daslied
November 18th, 2009
5:12 pm
Hold the phone on that Kinsler statement…Didn’t realize the home-away split. Yikes.
wjones
November 18th, 2009
5:13 pm
Prado is listed as 6′1″? Really? Was he wearing platforms? Standing on a platform?
Frank Wren
November 18th, 2009
5:13 pm
Hold the phone on that Kinsler statement
If you say so
Soph
November 18th, 2009
5:13 pm
McFann, I know you like animals so if you get a moment – watch this.
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?cl=16710344
Hey, bravesgrl4life! Where have you been?
Keef1234
November 18th, 2009
5:18 pm
I was going to buy about $400 worth of Braves stuff for Christmas gifts. But then I read where the owners refuse to get the payroll to an even a $100 million. Which means they don’t think the investment of another $5 million is worth it for this team. Which means I also AM NOT going to invest my $400 in Braves stuff….very sad since Ted left. When Arthur Blank buys the team, we will then buy as much as possible…
Thrillhouse44
November 18th, 2009
5:19 pm
I was wondering last night if anyone’s ever fallen as hard and fast as Norton did. To go from one of the best, to one of the worst in a year’s time. I’ve tried to come up with people, in any facet of life, who have gone this route, but I can’t do it. The closet I could come up with is Chuck Knoblauch’s throws. But I believe that was more of a case of the yips than anything else.
Thrillhouse44
November 18th, 2009
5:20 pm
What were you going to buy for $400, Keef? How do I get on your Christmas gift list?
jeffrey d
November 18th, 2009
5:21 pm
…wait, $400 worth of Braves stuff for Christmas gifts?
Bernie Madoff
November 18th, 2009
5:21 pm
Investing in hats, clothing, and foam tomahawks will not produce a sizable return on investment.
CB
November 18th, 2009
5:23 pm
Thrillhouse,how about Steve Blass from the Pirates? Rick Ankiel?
Soph
November 18th, 2009
5:23 pm
When Arthur Blank buys the team, we will then buy as much as possible…
Just FYI – the Falcons are almost $20 mil under the salary cap in the NFL so that’s not necessarily true.
jeffrey d
November 18th, 2009
5:23 pm
And because Liberty is going to spend $95 million instead of bumping it to a cool $100 million you’re just going to boycott and your family members won’t get Braves gifts now?
Thrillhouse44
November 18th, 2009
5:24 pm
Well done, CB. Thanks.
bvillebaron
November 18th, 2009
5:25 pm
Josh Willingham? You’re kidding right. If this is the best the Braves can do for another outfielder; don’t bother.
Soph
November 18th, 2009
5:25 pm
No tomahawk for you!
Keef's Kids
November 18th, 2009
5:26 pm
And because Liberty is going to spend $95 million instead of bumping it to a cool $100 million you’re just going to boycott and your family members won’t get Braves gifts now?
Ah man! Guess we’ll have to settle for $400 worth of Matty Ice t-shirts.
monty
November 18th, 2009
5:27 pm
brent A
Good point, but if Prado is 6′1″ then Chipper Jones is still 185 lbs. Every short player lies generally about 2 inches on his height. For Prado maybe it was 4! Seriously, maybe DOB can help us out with this one.
jeffrey d
November 18th, 2009
5:28 pm
Seriously though…what were you going to buy? A day chauffeur services from Chipper?
DOB Math
November 18th, 2009
5:29 pm
And I’m sure that $400 would have helped pushed the payroll up to $100 million.
Daslied
November 18th, 2009
5:29 pm
Thrillhouse, 50% of people here would put Chipper on your list.
richbrave
November 18th, 2009
5:30 pm
Gotta’ agree about PRADO’s 6′1″. Granted, I was in the first row stands, and he was on the field when we spoke for a moment, but he definitely didn’t appear that tall to me.
jeffrey d
November 18th, 2009
5:32 pm
Here’s Prado and KJ. Kelly’s listed at 6′1″ and Martin looks an inch or two shorter
http://www.flickr.com/photos/keithallison/3621527230/
richbrave
November 18th, 2009
5:34 pm
bvillebaron
November 18th, 2009
5:25 pm
Josh Willingham? You’re kidding right. If this is the best the Braves can do for another outfielder; don’t bother.
I see a lot of him because I’m in NATS territory. What I see doesn’t excite me AT ALL. He’s a decent overall player who’s hurt a lot IMO. We need one outstanding stick. I mean a 15-18 mill a year top-tier bat.
richbrave
November 18th, 2009
5:37 pm
Besides we’ve already got what’s his name that used to play for them, uh-h–h, oh yeah, CHURCH who has almost as much potential IMO if he can stay off the DL.
CB
November 18th, 2009
5:41 pm
Frank Wren did such a great job going out last season to get the pitching we needed,I can’t but help thinking he has his mind set to get the hitters to balance out this team. If players like Josh Willingham are who we are striving for,I will be sorely disappointed.Wren is too good for that,imo.
monty
November 18th, 2009
5:53 pm
Daslied
I don’t know if I would put Chipper on the list with Norton but Chipper did have a huge drop off in total bases produced as a LH last year. Down 64 total bases or about 36% compared with his career stats.
96,sc
November 18th, 2009
6:11 pm
rosenthal has a good article about Boras-Manfred war. Boras says the Braves are making about 50 million a year profit.
PT
November 18th, 2009
6:13 pm
While KJ and Marteen may be having differences in this photo, I’d say KJ is a good 3 inches taller.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/08/08/article-0-0234406400000578-964_468×296.jpg
Where is Freddie Freeman
November 18th, 2009
6:15 pm
Freddie Freeman – where is he? Last time he played was on November 9th. Is he hurt or just not good enough to get playing time???
Braveheart
November 18th, 2009
6:23 pm
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10392772/Boras-Manfred-war-of-words-an-unsettling-omen
In the Boston Globe report, Boras is referring to certain teams that boast $200 million or more in revenues but spend between $50 million and $70 million in payroll.
Manfred countered by saying that only 10 of the 30 teams had revenues of $200 million or more. Boras welcomed that news, saying, “Rob is making a very important admission there.”
“The Atlanta Braves are No. 12,” Boras said. “Their records are public. They’re (owned by) Liberty Media. They’re making $180 million. Their payroll is what? Around $100 million. Then you add $30 million (in expenses) for administration, the minor leagues, the draft, other things. So they’re pocketing $50 million a year.”
John Schuerholz, the Braves’ club president and former general manager, responded, “This is absolutely absurd. We’d like to see those numbers.”
nolie
November 18th, 2009
6:29 pm
.I think they’re really saying….”he cant bring it 98mph”. Well…….how hard did Maddox throw? (Reagan)
whatever, there is more to a high ceiling than just speed which is sometimes overrated in itself. It’s not sufficient but the short answer is that he doesn’t have an outstanding out pitch. When a guy’s changeup is rated as his best pitch, you need to remember guys like James and Hodges.
Might do great, might not;just isn’t likely to be a #1 or #2.
A left-handed #3 or 4 ain’t all that bad either, many just wanted someone drafted that high who had a shot as a rotation leader.doesn’t seem all that hard to understand, but some folks just can’t stand to see a Braves prospect questioned. that’s heresy, and a heinous crime.need to sic SVU on them traitors
McFann O
November 18th, 2009
6:32 pm
Soph–
Thanks for the link! Don’t tell Petey I said this, but that cat was CUTE!
CB
November 18th, 2009
6:39 pm
Braveheart,sounds like Boras wants all of the extra revenue given to his clients,you got to respect him and hate him at the same time.
Eric from MO
November 18th, 2009
6:42 pm
Braveheart do you own a business? Probably not otherwise you would know a company that big has far more expenses than another 30 million. By the time you include salaries not just GM and Manager and coaches, but also the people behind the scene, plus the salaries for the scounts, plus the salaries of minor leagurers, plus all the signig bonuses, not just those of the players, but the ones for the scouts too. Yes, scouts get bonuses for every one of their players they scouted get signed. That right there would add up to 30 million easily. Then you throw on plane tickets, hotel rooms for the players and coaches, meal expenses. I know my cousin Garratt gets $28 from the Giants organization for his meals and that is AA player. By the time you add all this up you are talking 20 million plus. So they are making a profit but it is probably is alot closer to 25 to 30 million than 50. Also every organization/business has a right to make a profit. As fan you have to expect them to want this. When you are spend over 150 million you have to have a nice profit to out weigh the risk of investing that money. Before I take on any project, I own a commercial construction company, I have to weigh the estimated profit with the money I am going have to invest into it. The more money I am going to risk with investing into it, the greater the profit has to be.