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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Wayne in Utah
December 2nd, 2009
12:14 am
Guys
There’s something exciting and magical about the Hot Stove league. Hope reigns eternal with us fans. We can sit around and speculate all day, and sometimes we even get close to what the actual deal is going to be (many of us had Vazquez coming to ATL last fall).
In the end, most of us want Holliday or Bay, with Adam on a 1 year deal and Wagner too. Throw in Saito or Beimel and Dotel, and we are set.
Others are realist, and hope for a guy like Cameron or Swisher or even Nelson Cruz.
We even have some folks that want to send JoJo, Blanco and KJ to Milwaukee for Ryan Braun (hey, you never know!).
To gosh honest truth is this. Until the first move is made, it is all a lot of wild speculation. THEN, with every subsequent move, the next move becomes a tad more predictable (maybe) and then we get all excited all over again.
The thing that gives me hope is that we have a lot of good starters, and a good core. With some luck and a dodge of the injury bug, we too could be pulling for our team in the post season.
If Heyward starts off like he could, then the world is good, even if we don’t go all the way. Best of all worlds is that Heyward, Freeman, Schafer and Kimbrel ALL show off big time in ST. AFTER we have picked up Cameron, Nick Johnson and Billy Wagner, then we have some real NICE problems to deal with. (thought I would do my best PL impression with all the cap words and parenthesis)
Then the best possible thing happens…..Pete comes out of retirement for one more year of listening pleasure.
OK Frank, let’s do it!
Jurrjens4NLCY
December 2nd, 2009
12:21 am
Umm Marlon Byrd sucks…
tdmorgan
December 2nd, 2009
12:21 am
DOB, on espn there was a statement made by Buster Olney that an NL East team had contacted DeRo about playing the outfield, I would assume that would be the Braves or the Mets. Do you have any insight for us about that?
Moe Berg
December 2nd, 2009
12:34 am
Of all days in the world for the dollar to drop a great deal…why today. I’m just preparing to transfer money for an international transfer to purchase property and the dollar dropped today. Very annoying.
N8
December 2nd, 2009
12:35 am
“You’re OK w/ 75 rbi’s out of your 5 hitter?” Bobby’s Belly
Sure. Last year, 75 RBI would have been 3rd on the team behind Mac’s 94 and Yunel’s 79. But you just keep citing RBI as the be all, end all. It makes the rest of us feel silly and stupid. Carry on…..
Nolie, you better park adjust him, and set him straight.
Bravoman
December 2nd, 2009
12:41 am
I’m with those who believe that the Braves need a middle of the order bat cause the offense was so inconsistent last year at times(prolly all those automatic outs Francoeur Schafer etc.), and Cameron is not your typical middle of the order guy. McCann would still bat clean-up if Cameron were in our line-up. However, Cameron would put up at least 20 HRs while stealing around 15-20 SBs, not many Braves did either of those things last year. He’ll also make our OF a very solid with McLouth and Heyward at his side.
Now Cameron is not the typical HR hitter that we all crave for our team, but if a solid hitting 1B could be acquired via trade or FA(i.e. Nick Johnson, Delgado, maybe LaRoche if the contract length is right) then that would give us a lot of guys in our lineup who could hit for high average and/or hit around 15-20 HR. A lineup of “profession” hitters if you will. With our pitching staff, we don’t need a superstar player. We just need a lot of proven players.
I’m all for the acquisitions of Cameron, Wagner, and one of those 1B I mentioned earlier.
I also think Kelly could be dealt before the Winter Meetings.
Bravoman
December 2nd, 2009
12:45 am
“professional” hitters I mean
N8
December 2nd, 2009
12:49 am
The Dodgers didn’t offer arbitration to Randy Wolf. Would Wren be as gutsy to deal both Vazquez and Lowe and go after Wolf to give us a lefty in the rotation?
Wolf has been about as decent as Lowe the last couple of years and probably won’t cost 15 million per year to sign for a couple of years.
Just a thought.
dp
December 2nd, 2009
12:59 am
dob if the braves were to get somebody early do you think it would be wagner or cameron or who
Tiger Woods
December 2nd, 2009
1:05 am
Hey everyone I’m back. I know you guys want to hear about my problems I have been having but I’m just here to talk baseball. You all think we get stuck with DeRosa??
N8
December 2nd, 2009
1:08 am
Hey Tiger…. I thought driving was your strong suit?
Tiger Woods
December 2nd, 2009
1:09 am
If we could get Nady or Crawford. Thats who I want.
Jurrjens4NLCY
December 2nd, 2009
1:11 am
I’d rather have the Braves sign Thome than Delgado…
HomeofdaBrave
December 2nd, 2009
1:12 am
“Now Cameron is not the typical HR hitter that we all crave for our team, but if a solid hitting 1B could be acquired via trade or FA(i.e. Nick Johnson, Delgado, maybe LaRoche if the contract length is right) then that would give us a lot of guys in our lineup who could hit for high average and/or hit around 15-20 HR. A lineup of “profession” hitters if you will. With our pitching staff, we don’t need a superstar player. We just need a lot of proven players.”
That was the same plan this past season and it failed.
Jurrjens4NLCY
December 2nd, 2009
1:12 am
Hey Tiger…. I thought driving was your strong suit?
HAHAHAHA!
dp
December 2nd, 2009
1:13 am
it was just reported on foxsports that the braves signed billy wagner to a one year deal worth 7 million
Moe Berg
December 2nd, 2009
1:14 am
Just following the Sri Lanka/India cricket test match. The first one was a draw. India quite handedly won the second, but Sri Lanka is batting well in the third–117/1. We’ll see what happens. I should probably go searching for a cricket blog, since any reference to it here goes unacknowledged, while references to such uninteresting things like football and Nascar are always discussed.
John
December 2nd, 2009
1:31 am
lol Wren wasn’t lying about being aggressive.
FrankWrenIsGod
December 2nd, 2009
1:31 am
WAGNER!!!! WOOOO!!!!!
tdmorgan
December 2nd, 2009
1:32 am
jurrjens, thome is exclusively a dh/ph type of player now, he hasnt played 1st in a few years for a reason
nolie
December 2nd, 2009
1:35 am
Oh lord, I’m right. BB
Moe Berg
December 2nd, 2009
1:39 am
so does this mean moylan in the 8th and wagner in the 9th? will we get another lefty to help o’flaherty?
Raider Fan
December 2nd, 2009
1:43 am
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10460524/Source:-Braves,-closer-Wagner-agree-to-deal
nolie
December 2nd, 2009
1:43 am
t was just reported on foxsports that the braves signed billy wagner to a one year deal worth 7 million
can he pass the physical?
unlucky charms
December 2nd, 2009
1:43 am
I thought you guys were joking, but its true. Braves got Wagner yeah!!
mr baseball
December 2nd, 2009
1:43 am
Got a bad feeling about the decision not to offer LaRoche arbitration. After Gallagara left the team and before LaRoche developed, the Braves went through a stretch of maybe 3 years when the alleged genius ex-GM absolutely refused to spend a cent on 1B.
I’m not the only Braves fan on here who has unpleasant memories of the tenures of Brogna, Caminiti, Fick, Franco & Franco. I’m afraid we’re looking at the possibility of a recurrence, especially if the Braves spend what little money they have to spare on a corner OF.
Other than LaRoche, the only quality & affordable option at the position is Cantu, and I wouldn’t bet on the Marlins dealing him within the division.
Adrian Gonzalez would be a wonderful addition, but what would the Braves have to give up to get him? Almost certainly, more than they would be willing to.
Fortunately for Wren, there may not be that many bidders for LaRoche. The only teams that need a power bat at 1B and have some money to spend are the Giants and Orioles, and maybe the Mets.
The team is unlikely to add a Bay/Holliday type of weapon for the middle of the order, which makes it imperative that the Braves hit up and down the lineup. That means no repeat of the Kotchman debacle or a reasonable facsimile.
On the assumption that no team will offer a decent return for Lowe and not require the Braves to eat a large portion of his salary, the best way to shed a few bucks is to offer Kawakami to the Mariners for one of their decent young relievers.
That would probably free up enough money to re-sign LaRoche without doing any harm to the team’s strength.
Also not feelin’ alright about the closer situation. Picking Boras as your agent is not a good sign that said player is going to agree to anything less than top dollar on the bottom line.
If that’s the case, the Braves are up against it. A healthy Putz would be OK (bad Jewish jokes aside), but the other options (Valverde & Rodney) are a little scary and Wagner will gag in the clutch as he usually does, if his arm makes it to September.
3 Christmas wishes: Gonzo, Rochey and either Cameron or Dye. Is that too much to ask?
MrBrave31
December 2nd, 2009
1:43 am
I guess Wren wasn’t kidding when he said they were going to be aggressive before the meetings started.
Tiger Woods
December 2nd, 2009
1:47 am
WAGNER baby!!! That is huge for us I would say. He is a scary guy to face. That is what we needed. Boom!
Nate from NCState
December 2nd, 2009
1:48 am
$7 million for Wags? Seems like a good price, but I guess this means the Braves are certainly betting that BOTH Gonzalez and Soriano will not be back next year. I can’t imagine tying up over $20 million for 3 bullpen guys.
nolie
December 2nd, 2009
1:48 am
Got a bad feeling about the decision not to offer LaRoche arbitration. After Gallagara left the team and before LaRoche developed, the Braves went through a stretch of maybe 3 years when the alleged genius ex-GM absolutely refused to spend a cent on 1B Mr baseball
why? they can still negotiate with him and sign him.They already pretty much indicated they did not want him for what he might bring in arb. He’s only a class B there is always the possibility of a trade. I didn’t thinkthey would offer and it doesn’t bother me at all
tdmorgan
December 2nd, 2009
1:49 am
mr baseball i agree about getting Putz, i see it as low-risk, high-reward if they can get an incentive laden deal, plus he gives us an option in case as you see it Wagner breaks down
N8
December 2nd, 2009
2:00 am
Wow. That was quick. Thus my question earlier. What if Soriano or Gonzo accept arbitration? Can they be traded? What if they both accept? LOL. 22 million in the bullpen would be a little overkill, not?
I like the Wagner signing. If Kimbrel is the heir apparent to the closer role (provided they don’t sign or trade for another guy in a year or two), who better to have than a guy closing in on the all-time record to help groom him. Not to mention a pitching coach in McDowell who was a reliever.
nolie
December 2nd, 2009
2:06 am
I think we need to give Frank the sobriquet of Cobra. He strikes quick.
N8
December 2nd, 2009
2:12 am
No doubt nolie. And in the case of Smoltz and Glavine, he’s shown he’s willing to spit in your eye if you’re not careful.
mr baseball
December 2nd, 2009
2:12 am
Nolie:
If the Braves aren’t willing to pay LaRoche in arbitration, I doubt that they’re going to pay him what the free market bears, unless no one else purses him, which I find extremely unlikely.
Not sure what to think about Wagner, assuming the reports are true. Let’s remember the news comes from Fox Sports. Not nearly as unreliable as Fox News, but it’s a Fox offshoot nonetheless.
The guy has had a tremendous career and has been remarkably consistent, but he ain’t gettin’ any younger, and his playoff numbers are very, very ugly.
He’s been in the playoffs 6 or 7 times, and his team has gotten past the first round once. And the one time that team advanced to the LCS, he imploded.
If the reports are accurate, Gonzo and MFIKY are both gone. The team will need to find a veteran RH to help Moylan and O’Flaherty set up, and it wouldn’t hurt to have someone capable of closing occasionally.
If affordable and healthy, would still like the unfortunately named Putz. If not him, maybe Lyon or Hawkins. Regardless, Braves are going to need someone, because Wags can’t replace both the departing co-closers.
Wayne in Utah
December 2nd, 2009
2:14 am
Damn N8, that was quick. I don’t think there is any chance that Soriano or Gonzo accepts. Long shot maybe Soriano. If so, then you have a high priced bullpen.
I was thinking exactly the same thought about Kimbrel. How better to learn to control that heat than from a similar pitcher, and one who had similar issues when he was young too.
If the Braves get a lot of decent offers for these starters, I wouldn’t mind seeing us sign Wolfe for a 1-2 year deal to add a lefty to the mix. Dealing both JV and Lowe could bring a bat, and a couple decent prospects. I doubt that happens though. You just don’t see a team trade away one good starter, then go out and sign another one. Too much of a risk there.
Wayne in Utah
December 2nd, 2009
2:17 am
mr baseball
There are a lot of decent relievers available. Putz might be too risky, but if cheap enough, maybe worth a flier.
FW wasn’t kidding when he told Dave he was ready to go, huh.
mr baseball
December 2nd, 2009
2:19 am
N8:
There are enough teams in need of a closer that it is extremely unlikely that either Gonzo or MFIKY will accept arbitration. To quote Mr. Costello, I think the chances are “less than zero.”
Just hope that the teams signing them don’t have their first round picks protected.
nolie
December 2nd, 2009
2:22 am
f the Braves aren’t willing to pay LaRoche in arbitration, I doubt that they’re going to pay him what the free market bears, Mr Baseball
maybe not, but they might try a two year deal at a lower amount per year. who knows? I like Roachie pretty good, but his .950 OPS was way over his head last year and I think there are creative ways to get a decent first baseman especially as they just got their closer without having to trade for him.
You have a point that it might lead to several years of mediocre play since there is no guarantee that Freeman will be a stud. I just think Frank will get someone decent. Oh well that’s what keeps us checking in here all winter
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2009
2:23 am
Wow, Frank doesn’t mess around, does he? Hey, like he said tonight when I asked him, the Braves were poised and he said, “Prior to Indianapolis, we’d like to be aggressive on some things.”
Well, Billy Wagner is apparently a big one. Kenny Rosenthal reported at 1 a.m. tonight/this morning, Braves agreed to a one-year deal for $7 mill, with a vesting option. Just needs to pass a physical Wednesday.
Here’s what Wagner’s agent, Bean Stringfellow, told me Monday when I asked him about the lefty closer’s interest in the Braves: “He has always respected Bobby Cox, no question of that. And the location is the same distance [from Wagner's Virginia home] as New York, flight-wise. The Braves are a team we’ve talked about, and Billy would be interested in playing for.”
mr baseball
December 2nd, 2009
2:23 am
Wayne:
Once you get past the likes of Putz, Lyon & Hawkins, you start getting into Kevin Gregg, Bobby Howry, David Weathers, Octavio Dotel territory.
Not sure the Braves want to go there. Any of them would be an upgrade over Manny Acosta, however.
tdmorgan
December 2nd, 2009
2:23 am
I don’t see much of a reason to trade both Lowe and JV for Wolfe. Both Lowe and JV are 200 inning workhorses while Wolfe for much of his career has not been able to stay healthy, that was part of the reason that the Dodgers didn’t offer arbitration. Also if the report is true that we signed Wagner we don’t need another closer to replace what we had last year. That’s the point of signing Wagner, he replaces both Soriano and Gonzo. Most teams don’t have two closers and by the end of the year we had one closer and his name was Soriano.
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2009
2:24 am
Mr. Baseball: More than likely, teams signing Gonzo or Soriano will be big-market teams with a lot of cash, and their first-round picks won’t be among the first 15 “protected” picks. That’s not a certainty, obviously, but more than likely.
mr baseball
December 2nd, 2009
2:30 am
Nolie:
I would be a lot more concerned if the former GM was still in that position. He was extremely stubborn and had too large an ego to admit he made a mistake and correct it.
In his brief time here, Wren has proven that he is definitely not afraid to take a calculated risk and has hit a homer a whole lot more than he has struck out.
At least when his projected deals actually occur.
Since there’s nothing really of quality at 1B in the free agent market beyond LaRoche, wonder what kind of package the Braves could put together to get Cantu from the Marlins?
Wayne in Utah
December 2nd, 2009
2:30 am
Dave
In my way of thinking (and I am certainly not the first to mention it), if Wagner is any sort of a teacher, then he might be just what the doctor ordered for Kimbrel. Similar builds, similar tools and similar early control issues.
Mike McDonald
December 2nd, 2009
2:31 am
The most promising thing about passing on La Roach is perhaps the diminished influence of Chipper to be able to pick his favorite and business partner, huntin’ buddies as team mates on the Braves. 2009 went down the tubes mainly because Chipper went down the tubes at the plate, at 3B and as team captain. The Jones boys are history in Atlanta. Unfortunately, sentimentalists such as Cox and Schoerholtz have painted the organization into a coffin-like box for the next three years. By then our pitching advantage will gone with the wind.
One consolation of 2009 is that Chip Caray was mercifully finally exposed on the big stage of national TV so that we locals who have been around the block, don’t have to cringe at his inherited officiousness and lack of of style and grace.
Jurrjens4NLCY
December 2nd, 2009
2:31 am
YEAAA!!!!!
unlucky charms
December 2nd, 2009
2:31 am
DOB bloging at almost 2:30 in the morning. Thats above and beyond. Awesome
nolie
December 2nd, 2009
2:31 am
I don’t see much of a reason to trade both Lowe and JV for Wolfe. Both Lowe and JV are 200 inning workhorses while Wolfe for much of his career has not been able to stay healthy, that was part of the reason that the Dodgers didn’t offer arbitration.
I agree that would be foolish for the reasons that you mention. The loss of both Gonzo and Sori does weaken the pen even with Wags. Unlike many here I have some doubts about EO’F as a regular setup guy. We do still need some help. The wildcard will be all the guys who get non-tendered. There should be some decent second tier guys more talented than usual at a cheaper price, both for the pen and for subs.
I think that after last winter and the quick strike on Wags that Frank is sending the message that the team is trying mightily to get back into the fray and this might encourage other players to consider the Braves more seriously/
Jurrjens4NLCY
December 2nd, 2009
2:32 am
I’M SO HAPPY GUYS! I love Frank Wren!
nolie
December 2nd, 2009
2:33 am
The most promising thing about passing on La Roach is perhaps the diminished influence of Chipper to be able to pick his favorite and business partner, huntin’ buddies as team mates on the Braves MMc
OH FCS. GMAB. sigh
nick
December 2nd, 2009
2:34 am
Good point Wayne!
Wayne in Utah
December 2nd, 2009
2:36 am
mr baseball
There are a few decent first sackers available: Nick Johnson, Carlos Delgado, Kotchman?, Conor Jackson?, Chad Tracy, Ryan Garko…..
Then you have the trade market. I haven’t given up yet on LaRoche, unless FW is getting a bigger fish and needs to cut back somewhere.
Sounds like what he was telling Dave this evening is that he needs to keep his flexibility.
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2009
2:36 am
Nate & N8: There’s almost no chance that both Soriano and Gonzalez would choose to accept arbitration. A year ago, for instance, only three of 24 free agents accepted their arbitration offers. And in the case of Soriano and Gonzalez, you’re talking about two of the top three available free-agent relievers — and with Wagner off the market, they’d be the consensus top two available. They’re almost certainly going to get at least a couple of mult-year offers apiece, and I can’t imagine any scenario in which Scott Boras advises Gonzalez to accept the Braves’ arbitration offer before the deadline next Monday at midnight. Same for Soriano and his agent, Peter Greenberg.
Nelson S.
December 2nd, 2009
2:37 am
Can you imagine how hard it must be for Wren to do all these interviews and not be able to say how excited he is because he knows how close the Braves are to something big like this?
“Prior to Indianapolis, we’d like to be aggressive on some things.” But what he really meant was ” We’re actually going to sign Billy Wagner in a few hours” Awesome.
mr baseball
December 2nd, 2009
2:39 am
DOB:
I agree, but the Orioles and Nats REALLY need a closer, and those 2 teams are going to have protected 1st round picks between now and the end of the 21st century.
And there’a always the Royals, who are nearing their goal of a bullpen entirely staffed by ex-Braves (other than Soria).
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2009
2:39 am
Wayne in Utah: Good point about Wagner/Kimbrel. In fact, in the Kimbrel story I did that ran in the AJC on Thanksgiving, I wrote this:
“One thing I’ve noticed, if you can be confident in yourself you’ll be a lot more successful,” said Kimbrel, who has dealt with an undersized-pitcher stigma.
“It is hard being a smaller guy,” he said. “You catch a lot of stuff, like ‘Oh, he’s not big enough; he’s not going to be durable.’ That’s just something you can’t do anything about — people are going to say what they’re going to say.”
Closer Billy Wagner is under 6 feet and closing in on 400 saves. It’s worth noting, Wagner also piled up a ton of walks (91) and strikeouts (204) in his second minor league season (he was a starter back then).
Jurrjens4NLCY
December 2nd, 2009
2:39 am
so does this mean moylan in the 8th and wagner in the 9th? will we get another lefty to help o’flaherty?
Will Ohman!
nolie
December 2nd, 2009
2:42 am
Will Ohman! JJ
are we gonna hafta read about OhNo all winter long just like last year?
nick
December 2nd, 2009
2:43 am
Dotel is next!
nick
December 2nd, 2009
2:44 am
Then Nick Johnson!
Jurrjens4NLCY
December 2nd, 2009
2:45 am
DOB,
The Rays also need a closer, and the Tigers, its not all bad…
Nate from NCState
December 2nd, 2009
2:47 am
So is anyone surprised at the $7 million given to Wagner? I know that he has been consistent before but with his age, just coming off surgery… I know the Braves check these things out and are spending THEIR $7 million and not mine, but I still wonder.
nick
December 2nd, 2009
2:48 am
Then KJ traded to the Dodgers!
ccrider
December 2nd, 2009
2:48 am
I might be wrong, but with Wren striking this quick(nolie, I luv the COBRA nom de plume), and the interest in Cameron, I can’t help but wonder if he may be going after A. Gonzalez. McLouth, Medlen, Bethancourt, Hicks and R. Delgado. They don’t need Freeman(they have Kyle Blanks), they know they won’t get Heyward and Teheren is too far away(only 18). A report out of San Diego said they were looking for a Centerfielder, Catcher, Middle Infielder and Pitching. Could it happen?
nick
December 2nd, 2009
2:49 am
Then Lowe traded to the Mariners!
nick
December 2nd, 2009
2:50 am
Then here comes Jsasn Bay!
nick
December 2nd, 2009
2:51 am
Jason that is.
nick
December 2nd, 2009
2:52 am
Then Church non-tendered!
Jurrjens4NLCY
December 2nd, 2009
2:52 am
7 million is a lot, I’d have thought somewhere around 6 would be better… Wren must have a lot of confidence in him, and if Wren does, then so do I!
nolie
December 2nd, 2009
2:53 am
Could it happen? CCr
I think we have learned that you can never know for sure what Wren might or might not do. So I guess something like that could happen, on the other hand I kinda doubt that it will. I like AGon though….
N8
December 2nd, 2009
2:54 am
I figured as much DOB. I expect both to be gone (as I have all summer when no extention was given to either midseason). But there is always that freak chance, like when Maddux chose to stay. Though I realize that the circumstances (first big chance for Gonzo to “cash in”) are different.
DOB, Rosenthal talked about draft pick(s) the Braves will have to give up. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t it just one pick they give up? The other pick the Red Sox gets is a sandwhich pick, right?
nolie
December 2nd, 2009
2:56 am
The other pick the Red Sox gets is a sandwhich pick, right? N8
rite N8
nick
December 2nd, 2009
2:58 am
Then Robb Quinlan signs minor league deal.
joel
December 2nd, 2009
2:59 am
If I were Frank Wren, I would trade KJ to the Cards for Pujols and Wainright and cash.
nick
December 2nd, 2009
2:59 am
Then Nick Green signs minor league deal.
N8
December 2nd, 2009
3:00 am
Let me just be the first to wish/hope that joel wakes up tomorrow and he’s Frank Wren. That would be AWWWesome.
nick
December 2nd, 2009
3:02 am
Then you are done!
drumzalicious
December 2nd, 2009
3:09 am
This Wagner signing is nice.
Now with the arb decisions in lets go sign Calero and Darren Oliver. They both give us a solid 8th inning arm and allow bobby to use EoF and Moylan in more specialized situations and not be worried about who is pitching the 8th inning.
Also as far as getting a 1B goes. Why not kick the tires on shipping Lowe to the Angels for Brandon Wood. We all know they dont ever want to give him a shot =^)
Wayne in Utah
December 2nd, 2009
3:10 am
Nate and Jurrjens
Actually guys, I thought that 7 million for the first year might have been a bit low…..considering what we paid for Soriano last year…..around 6 million I think it was.
DOB
I read your Kimbrel piece when someone cut and pasted it here. It was definitely a good read. I know I am a prospect hugger, but I really like Kimbrel. (along with about 15-20 of our other guys too!!!)
I think Freeman might be ready later this summer, if indeed his hand (or whatever it was) was a true cause of a lot of his struggles. I think he finished better in the AFL than he started???
Gotta run tonight.
DOB: Thanks for hanging in there for us. As jealous as I am of your being able to be a clubhouse bum and having all that Q in your freezer, I do appreciate your efforts on our behalf!
nolie
December 2nd, 2009
3:11 am
Let me just be the first to wish/hope that joel wakes up tomorrow and he’s Frank Wren N8
we need to hope he wakes up as the Cards GM, and we can call Frank with the tip.
nolie
December 2nd, 2009
3:12 am
We all know they dont ever want to give him a shot =^)
you ever think there might be a reason for that?
Flatbill Kid
December 2nd, 2009
3:12 am
Great job, FDub-Frank Wren. I love the Wagner signing. I also want every one to notice the chief up LATE. Thanks DOB. We appreciate you.
Now, let’s go get Cameron and what for another surprise from FDub.
nick
December 2nd, 2009
3:14 am
Yeah thanks Dave!!
Flatbill Kid
December 2nd, 2009
3:15 am
what should have been wait. I am human and sleepy.
mr baseball
December 2nd, 2009
3:16 am
A final thought now that 3 a.m. has come and gone.
I think the presumed Wagner signing quells any concern that some have expressed about the Braves making moves in preparation for the 2011 season and beyond.
This is a move made 100 percent for the here and now. I’m guessing there’s a definite effort under way by management to send Cox out a winner.
None of this “playing for next year” crap.
Next up? Mike Cameron or Jermaine Dye. Carlos Delgado in the hole & David Weathers is warming up in the ‘pen. I think I that’s Kevin Millar grabbing a bat and ready to hit if the pitcher’s spot is up this inning.
All this talk about old folks is definitely making me sleepy.
ChurchMan
December 2nd, 2009
3:16 am
Even though his 09 season wasn’t very long, when Wagner pitched I liked what I saw.
He had 22 Ks in 15 games/13 innings for the Red Sox. If he holds up physically over the course of the season I can see him working out well.
Wayne in Utah
December 2nd, 2009
3:19 am
nick
You got it figured out….I like some of your choices….Nick Green would be a big upgrade over Diory H.
drum
I like Calero, but I seem to recall that Darren Oliver loves California. I think I heard him say that one day last fall on XM. Darned solid citizen too!
Of all the years I have lived here in Utah, I have yet to go down and see the Angels AAA team play. I spend quite a bit of time on the road, but I am gonna try to remedy that situation next summer though. Wish I could give my 2 cents worth on Brandon Wood. He might be a AAAA guy.
Would a Lowe and Milligan deal work for Rivera and Wood?? Not a lot of difference in Rivera and Cameron, though Rivera is a bit better bat, and Cameron has a better glove.
drumzalicious
December 2nd, 2009
3:20 am
The more arms we sign the better. we know how bobby gets with people who he doesnt trust. they get used once every 14 games ala Boone Logan lol
Wayne in Utah
December 2nd, 2009
3:22 am
Bobby needs to have enough other choices for the pen to keep from burning out Wagner too!
Jurrjens4NLCY
December 2nd, 2009
3:22 am
Aww shucks, I wish PWHjort Soph and jeffrey d were up to hear the good news!
N8
December 2nd, 2009
3:23 am
Well, that’s 16 million (9 for Hudson & 7 for Wagner) on two arms that may or may not last all year. But IF they do, those price tags are certainly a steal for either of them.
Jurrjens4NLCY
December 2nd, 2009
3:25 am
Don’t worry Wayne, Frank Wren got Bobby a new chew toy for bullpen misuse, Scott Proctor.
Good ole Cox gunna teach Torre a thing or two about destroying a major leaguers arm
Jurrjens4NLCY
December 2nd, 2009
3:27 am
Churchman,
Wagner had an amazingly incredible 2009 campaign. Although it was significantly shortened season, its was incredible; 1.02 WHIP, 1.72 ERA, and nearly 15 K’s for every 9 innings. Think about that, 15 K’s per 9 innings.
drumzalicious
December 2nd, 2009
3:28 am
Speaking of Torre, what do you guys think of him taking over in Atlanta since his contract with the Dodgers is up at the same time Bobby is supposed to retire
Jurrjens4NLCY
December 2nd, 2009
3:36 am
I think he’ll retire, or does he say he doesn’t want to?
Wouldn’t it be awesome if Bobby Cox, Tony LaRussa, and Joe Torre + John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, and Pedro Martinez retired in the same year?
nolie
December 2nd, 2009
3:37 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMPydiR4NaQ&feature=related
Dave, you still up? Emmylou in 77 singing Pancho & Lefty
Nihilists
December 2nd, 2009
3:57 am
we dont care if gonzalez or soriano or la roche come back, obrien. we dont care if they accept arb. we care about NOTHING!
BravesFanForever
December 2nd, 2009
4:09 am
Not offering LaRoche arbitration seems to make sense. Not that I anticipated this but …
While some think there aren’t many options for 1B, that’s really not true. Who can’t play first?? All you have to do it catch the ball 98% of the time and occasionally throw to 2B. Who can’t do that??
Okay so you might have to dive for a ball… Whatever…However, there have been plenty of immobile players at 1B in baseball history who have done fairly well. We all know that 1B is often the place where guys who can no longer move well go to die.
What options do we have right now?
Diaz
Chipper
Prado
Johnson
Ross
It is possible that Wren either has something brewing or simply wants some flexibility going into the winter meetings. By keeping 1B open, he could sign Jason Bay or Jermaine Dye and put one of these guys at the position since it is clear they can no longer play in the outfield (two of the worst outfielders in all of baseball). So they are either going to have to DH in the American League or play 1B in the National. He could also sign a new second or third baseman and move Prado or Chipper to 1B.
If we end up signing a left fielder and that’s it until next Spring, we can always put Ross or Diaz at 1B (frankly, I think Diaz should be an option off the bench at all 3 outfield positions and 1B so that we can keep his bat in the line up).
Good going on Wagner, Wren… Keep up the good work… Let’s see what else comes up through next week…
Dan
December 2nd, 2009
4:13 am
I guess that’s the reason no arbitration for LaRoche: the Braves had that seven million earmarked towards Wagner.