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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,098 comments Add your comment
Lew
December 2nd, 2009
10:46 am
Past Voice-I’d be willing to bet you’re absolutely right.
DAP
December 2nd, 2009
10:46 am
go on the offensiveHe might get you 20 HRs but he is a 70 RBI man.
omar vizquel could reach 100 RBI if he got in the right situations.
did you know there are only 8 players in the majors who met or surpassed your bench marks of .300 avg, 25 homers, 100 RBI? do you think maybe your expectations are a little unrealistic?
Rock On......
December 2nd, 2009
10:47 am
The best thing about SOA being over is that “24″ is only a month away. Now that is riveting TV to be followed by Friday Night Lights this summer. I have seen the first few episodes already of FNL and it is far better than prior years with some different and well-cast characters and storylines. Hard to believe the cast is better but it is.
Bobby's Belly
December 2nd, 2009
10:47 am
Mrs. Keaton is a lesbian? Sort of diminishes the Billy Wagner signing for me.
P-Town Brave
December 2nd, 2009
10:48 am
Lew-
Very funny for this time of the morning…
You already know who I like (Atkins)…
I have heard some interesting things listening to many podcasts in the last few days, but I have yet to get a grasp on what to really do about LF as like I said, one position (LF) depends on what you do with the other (1b)…we need a middle 1/3 of the order hitter and then a bottom 1/3 hitter in reality. Coupling Atkins with Cameron doesn’t really help us in the long run…
Who knows what we’re gonna do…like has been said, we could still go out and get a Willingham in a trade…we just don’t know right now because of how close The Cobra (FW) plays it to the vest…but that I LOVE about him.
Lets hope a lot of the smoke clears by the end of next week, but that Lowe/Vazquez thing may affect a lot of what is done unless some team gets desperate…we just won’t know til it all goes down.
Sit back and enjoy the ride!
itcouldbeworse
December 2nd, 2009
10:48 am
Ok I like Wren as much as the next guy but he does know we need hitting to go with all the pitching he keeps aquiring RIGHT??
klaus
December 2nd, 2009
10:48 am
The Wagner move could be an indication Wren is aiming higher this season than Cameron, NJohnson et al. He may have trades up his sleeve that will surprise us or more payroll room than we are all so certain he does not have.
Good morning for Braves fans in any case Wagner is a quality guy.
Rock On......
December 2nd, 2009
10:49 am
Not that SOA being over is a good thing……
Flatbill Kid
December 2nd, 2009
10:49 am
I just want to say that it was not only the addition of LaRoche that propelled us into wild card contention, but the subtraction of Frenchy as well as our good pitching.
P-Town Brave
December 2nd, 2009
10:49 am
Oh and Lew, I only brought up Nady as his name along w/ Cameron seem to be the two constants out there being thrown around among the podcasts and blogs.
Daniel
December 2nd, 2009
10:50 am
Well, I had to pop back in because of the Wagner signing. The Braves blog gets a little crowded for me during the season. Plus, I am mostly going to the games then.
I like the Wagner signing, a lot. Obviously, the Braves don’t plan on retaining both Soriano and Gonzo, both offered arbitration. But, is it a done deal that neither will come back next year? I know the whole Boras thing makes Gonzo unlikely, but I sure like his stuff. What is the word on those two?
I like the aggressiveness of Wren.
BTW- Dave, a couple of new music reccomendations for you. The Cribs (with Johnny Marr)- they are right in your wheel house, Reminds me of the Whigs. Also, a band called Real Estate- sounds like early Yo La Tengo.
Macon Braves (RIP)
December 2nd, 2009
10:50 am
The Braves need a guy who can go .300, 25, 100 RBI.
Ok, so name some names. There aren’t any FA other than Bay/Holliday that will get you that and the Braves aren’t signing one of them. So now you have to trade for whoever fits that bill.
One thing about Cameron you are ignoring is what he does for the Braves defensively. If he gives the Braves .270 with 25 HRs and 75 RBIs plus improves their outfield defense exponentially (which he would) you’ve made a really good pickup.
And your forgetting they have to fill 1B as well. You might not get your .300 hitter there, but you can get the pop and RBIs there. Heck Laroche would give you probably .280 with 25 homers and 85-90 RBIs which would be just fine with the guys you have coming back in the lineup already (ie McCann, Escobar, Mclouth, and Jones).
P-Town Brave
December 2nd, 2009
10:53 am
My other idea…IF our scouts feel Vlad Guerrero could play LF and i think he could as much as GA ever could, then he’d be my LF and cleanup hitter…and once the season wears on, Diaz could spell him every 4th game or so to keep the knees good.
Guerrero/Atkins would be my choice
Daniel
December 2nd, 2009
10:53 am
DOB- Love: Sons of Anarchy (not in same league as the Wire, though) You forgot to mention the second best show (after the Wire)-Dexter.
Xavier Nady- Catch me up on the talk, guys. I have always coveted that guy.
ms_uf
December 2nd, 2009
10:54 am
DOB
Why does FX have to have a big cliff hanger at the end of each season finale? They literally left Tommy Gavin lying on the floor bleeding to death at the end of Rescue Me and now Jax’s baby is gone and Peg is on the lamb. I understand they can’t wrap everything up nicely but come on. Do they really think we need that to keep watching the next season?
Macon Braves (RIP)
December 2nd, 2009
10:54 am
Not that SOA being over is a good thing……
I’m really bummed about SOA being over. I haven’t even watched last nights episode yet (I’ll be watching it off my DVR this afternoon since I have the afternoon off of work) and I already have withdrawals.
Anyone know if they are showing old episodes of The Shield on any channel. I just started getting into it last season and want to see the earlier seasons without having to drop $100 bucks or whatever on the DVDs.
P-Town Brave
December 2nd, 2009
10:54 am
Maybe we could even sign the 3 of Guerrero/Atkins/Nady and Nady being the insurance for both positions…
This would keep money low and also give a strong bench…
Daybed Wagmoe
December 2nd, 2009
10:54 am
Other Billy Wagner numbers against NL East hitters:
vs. Adam Dunn: 1-for-11 with no homers, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts.
vs. Cristian Guzman: 1-for-5 with no homers, no walks, 4 strikeouts.
vs. Carlos Beltran: 1-for-6 with no homers, no walks, 3 strikeouts.
Oh, and DOB – baseball-reference.com has Jeff Francoeur as 1-for-10 against Wagner.
Also, for what it’s worth, Andre Ethier, who took MFIKY deep, is 0-for-2 with one walk and 2 strikeouts.
monty
December 2nd, 2009
10:55 am
Way to go Wren, he “got in-got out-and nobody got hurt!” Booyah!!! Let’s face it who do you want facing Utley,Howard,and Ibanez in the 9th inning? Soriano or Wagner? Or Mr. Free Rollercoaster ride himself, Gonzo? As for me. I’ll take a healthy Wagner anyday!
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2009
10:56 am
Rock On … I still like 24, but last season wasn’t half as compelling or riveting as either season of Sons of Anarchy. SOA, at this point, is just a better show in my opinion. Far better.
I also think FlashForward is probably as good as last season of 24.
RC
December 2nd, 2009
10:58 am
Sorry, I had to point this one out:
vs. Cristian Guzman: 1-for-5 with no homers, no walks, 4 strikeouts
Is he even going to be a starter for them next year?
Nick in PA
December 2nd, 2009
11:00 am
DOB,
Would being able to dump Lowe’s salary change the braves free agent targets?
Macon Braves (RIP)
December 2nd, 2009
11:01 am
Dexter’s first two season were good (not great, certainly not anywhere near the level of Sopranoes, The Wire, SOA, etc.), but since season two it has gone to crap. Not that good of a show anymore and certainly not worthy of being mentioned in the same list as previously mentioned shows.
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2009
11:02 am
Daybed: Correct on Francoeur.
I downloaded Nats vs. Wagner stats and forgot to put them in. Thanks for that Dunn stat.
Wagner against Dunn, Dmitri Young and Austin Kearns: A combined 2-for-31 with one homer (Kearns), five walks, 15 strikeouts (not that Young’s a big factor anymore)
Macon Braves (RIP)
December 2nd, 2009
11:03 am
ms_uf—Jeez man, ever heard that some people have a thing called DVR and can’t always watch a show live. Thanks for the spoilers…
Rob - in pain (from SC)
December 2nd, 2009
11:04 am
Nationals stats don’t matter
YOung and Kearns are free agents who won’t be brought back
Rock On......
December 2nd, 2009
11:04 am
Well Gonzalez would fit the bill for homers and RBI’s but only about a .275 avg. For what the Braves need in a cleanup hitter that would work for me. Could Wren finally be pulling off a trade with the Padres? Perhaps trading Shafer, Medlen, and a Diaz type or prospect. Gonzalez is relatively cheap through 2011 at 5-6 million per with Freeman taking over after that. Or not.
If LaRoche is unlikely to sign a two year deal it sure would be nice to have Gonzalez there for two or more depending on if Freeman is around or not.
ncscoots
December 2nd, 2009
11:04 am
One thing about Cameron you are ignoring is what he does for the Braves defensively.
But the reason you want better defense is to prevent runs, right? And since the Braves did a masterful job of preventing runs last year (fewest runs allowed in a long time), defensive upgrades are not going to change that more than incrementally. Thus, defensive capability alone of a particular player just doesn’t compute as a reason to add him to the 2010 squad. If he can’t hit enough, his glove won’t make up the difference, as far as the team’s actual 2010 needs.
I don’t particularly want some stumble-footed bum out there, but sterling defense is not the quality the Braves need to seek from an OF acquisition.
Feeanch
December 2nd, 2009
11:05 am
Hey DOB, how was Wilt-son? Didn’t know you grew up there. My grandfather was a pediatrician there from about 1950 to 1997 and you may know him. Dr. Robert Pope. They live on Brentwood Dr, right around the corner from Dick’s Hotdog stand. You may be about the same age as my uncle, Damon Pope. My mom and her sisters and brother all went to Fike around the corner. Email me and let me know. Would be interesting coincidence. todd.finch@medtronic.com
Great post as usual. Surprised about Roachey not being offered arbitration…
The_Superhoo
December 2nd, 2009
11:11 am
DOB,
After the Wagner signing – and assuming Roach, Gonzo and Scowl aren’t signed – how much money do the Braves have to spend this winter?
Brad in MT
December 2nd, 2009
11:12 am
I like this move a lot, it seems like Wren really has a plan and a strategy, but he has also shown he can adjust on the fly (Lowe last year). I’m with a lot of you on here, I like Cameron a lot, he can do a lot of things well and would make last this years opening day outfield much better than last years at the least. I also think Mclouth will have a much better year this year as well.
owl hunter
December 2nd, 2009
11:12 am
I don’t think Adrian Gonzalez is in the cards. As much as I’d love to have him, we have a unique opportunity to stock the sysyem, and acquire good players like Cameron, etc. Cameron obviously doesn’t give us all we need, but we were pretty bad on defense last year, so he helps out with that. Also, we don’t need to make anymore Tex-type deals for someone we’ll inevitably lose.
Lew
December 2nd, 2009
11:12 am
PTown-I’d really like to see Roach re-signed for a three year deal. I’m not as certain about Freeman as some here are, but like DOB says, he WILL be a cheap option for several years and he DOES seemingly have the potential to be a good ML player. However, I can see why they wouldn’t want to do a multi year deal with Roach and Atkins (had him on my Fantasy Team a couple of years, recently) works for me as well.
I just don’t want to count on often injured players like Del Gado or Nady (who I never thought was all that anyway).
ToastyFire
December 2nd, 2009
11:13 am
nscroots I disagree. The Braves defense wasn’t that good at all last year. And as much as we like our rotation I would find it hard to expect 3 guys to post sub 3 era’s again. Sure it’s possible but not that likely. Even with Hudson a full year we should expect a small decline in our rotation. However it should still be one of the best in the league. So any added defense that we add would only help. That’s like saying with out rotation we shouldn’t add an Andruw in his prime defender because we already don’t allow many runs. While Cameron isn’t that good he is still very good and far better than any defender we have right now.
Hillbilly
December 2nd, 2009
11:13 am
The SOA finale was a gut-wrencher, for sure. Being a relatively new father, that last scene played out my worst nightmare. It’s going to be a long 9 months waiting for season 3.
I read an excellent interview with Kurt Sutter this morning about his ideas and reasoning concerning the finale and his plans (without any major spoilers) for season 3. Good read, and a pretty safe one for those of us who don’t want to know too much ahead of time.
http://sepinwall.blogspot.com/2009/12/sons-of-anarchy-kurt-sutter-season-two.html
Lew
December 2nd, 2009
11:15 am
Superhoo-DAP addressed that topic at 10:39 this morning. I’m pretty sure his figures are, at the very least, close to reality.
Matt the Brave
December 2nd, 2009
11:16 am
Hey DOB, what about Dye possibly playing 1B? Any truth to that, and would the Braves be interested in trying that out?
DAP
December 2nd, 2009
11:16 am
scootsThus, defensive capability alone of a particular player just doesn’t compute as a reason to add him to the 2010 squad. If he can’t hit enough, his glove won’t make up the difference, as far as the team’s actual 2010 needs.
were not talking ryan langerhans here. cameron is solid with the bat, and extremely consistent.
MFin04
December 2nd, 2009
11:16 am
Looking at Wagner’s numbers, the deal looks solid…thats IF he can stay healthy.
Daybed Wagmoe
December 2nd, 2009
11:17 am
No prob, DOB.
Dan Uggla also doesn’t have great numbers — 1-for-6 with no walks and a strikeout, although that one hit was a homer. But then again, who knows if he’ll be around in the NL East next season.
I could look it up, but Sons of Anarchy is an FX show, right? I’ve never seen an episode but I just added Season 1 to my Netflix queue. Being an FX show, there’s probably some profanity, but not at the level of “The Wire,” correct? Just curious. If it’s as gritty and hard-hitting as I’ve heard, I would hope that they’d have a good bit of profanity in it.
owl hunter
December 2nd, 2009
11:21 am
Mike Cameron is a pro who is still in top shape, and he wants to play here. Any team can use a guy like him. Like I said, he isn’t “the answer” but he would contribute more than adding washups like Dye, and playing them out of position.
GTgreg
December 2nd, 2009
11:22 am
DOB, without a doubt the best player/power hitter out there for the Braves in terms of value, age, attitude, and of course stats is Adrian Gonzalez from SD. Please tell me that we are pursuing a deal for him. This is one of the rare situations where it’d be worth trading a youngster like Freeman and/or Medlen, etc.
CB
December 2nd, 2009
11:24 am
Daybed,do you you need to hear curse words to be entertained? Go stand on any street corner.
ToastyFire
December 2nd, 2009
11:24 am
Also I would argue the Braves need more defense than hitting. The Braves ranked 13th in the NL in team defensive efficiency. They ranked 6th in the NL in runs scored.
Jessee James
December 2nd, 2009
11:25 am
Ok, I’m weird about numbers, but what number will Wagner wear. Nate has 13. How about 99?
Lew
December 2nd, 2009
11:26 am
All Right Denizens-WE have three winners (I’m feeling generous today) who will receive drawings of Wagner, Hanson and Bobby Cox and two Honorable Mention winners who will receive prints of their choices.
I’ll announce winners in a bit-two of them forgot to give me their Blog Monikers and I don’t want to announce their real names (for obvious reasons).
I’m going to ST with lots of goodies (mostly pretty unique) to get signed. I’m good (and my son is, too) at getting signatures. There will be more prizes after ST given out to you, The Blog Faithful. We may gripe and complain and call each other And Idiots and worse, but we’re a pretty damned good dysfunctional Family Group here and have been for years. It’s been a blast and I enjoy doing this. Keep posting-even if some of those trade scenarios are worthy of stand up comics.
Mr. Snrub
December 2nd, 2009
11:27 am
Good interview on XM, DOB
Macon Braves (RIP)
December 2nd, 2009
11:27 am
nscoots—You ignored part of what I wrote. I didn’t say that he would be a good signing BECAUSE of his defense. I said if he was to put up .275 with 25 HRs and 75 RBIs PLUS his outstanding defense he would be a great signing. Then you get the rest of the offense that you need with the guy you sign at first base.
The outfield defense last year was NOT good. Are you forgetting how many singles turned into doubles and doubles turned into triples when ball were hit into the left-center gap with Anderson jogging around out there?
Thrillhouse44
December 2nd, 2009
11:28 am
Keep posting-even if some of those trade scenarios are worthy of stand up comics.
Roger McDowell for Dane Cook?
Ken Rosenthal
December 2nd, 2009
11:29 am
Hey DOB, my sources tend to me wrong most of the time, can I stay on your blog and provide inaccurate and silly rumors? Take this one I have in line, and it’s a good one since this is a braves blog:
The yankees trade Mark Texeira, Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, Joba Chamberlain, and cash to the braves for slugger Kelly Johnson.
Seems to work. Thanks sources!
NC Braves Fan
December 2nd, 2009
11:30 am
Lew: I agree with your 11:12 on Freeman. Perhaps they’ll sign a FA 1B to a multi-year deal and trade Freeman in a package deal to acquire a young, productive OF. It would seemingly nab the Braves two proven bats at 1B and the OF for more than one year.
It would also give the Braves continuity.
P-Town Brave
December 2nd, 2009
11:31 am
Lew-
Glad you’re doing better buddy…this place wouldn’t be the same without ya, at least not for myself.
I agree that having Adam back would be the better scenario, but I just don’t see him coming back given the set of circumstances.
Best case scenario is we somehow ended up w/ D-Lee from the Cubs, but I don’t see that happening either w/ the trade, NTC’s, and what not…
I also don’t have the same fuzzy feeling about Freeman either, but apparently the club does, and thats why I don’t see Adam coming back as I don’t see the team committing to him long term.
That in particular could really REALLY handcuff the team in what they want to do unless they’re getting the 1b via trade with little contract time left.
I just really like Atkins because he is still young and can be moved back to 3b when Chipper is done and Freeman is ready.
I have also heard that Chipper may be willing to move to 1b to accomodate a DeRosa signing to play 3b. That being said, does the team hold Freeman til 2012 or does Chipper leave after this year and leave money on the table if that scenario happens?
njbraves
December 2nd, 2009
11:31 am
Keep telling yourselves that the Braves don’t need to add more offense.
klaus
December 2nd, 2009
11:31 am
I agree with scoots on Cameron and defense over a bat. Cameron is a nice player who is a lifetime 250-ish hitter who will strike out 150x a season. He walks which is nice but we need someone in LF to drive in 100-110 RBIs and that is not Cameron.
He is better defensively than GA and Diaz but his bat is not potent enough unless you are planning to get a slugger at 1B (who can play every day versus a 1B platoon).
So Cameron is an upgrade but is it enough to put the team over the top, not really.
I am very interested in what Wren is planning for 1B. Passing on LaRoche (arb) is a curious move.
son of smoltz
December 2nd, 2009
11:31 am
DOB, you must be thrilled with this signing, Wagner is a walking quote machine…
owl hunter
December 2nd, 2009
11:31 am
In two years, when Gonzalez is with the Red Sox, we’ll regret having traded Freeman, Medlen, or whatever prospects we have that people seem to want to give up on. We’re not the Mets, who continually drain their system for quick fixes that never work out.
CB
December 2nd, 2009
11:32 am
I don’t know which one is greater- DAP’S love for Cameron or scoot’s loathing.
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2009
11:32 am
Feeanch: I answered your question before, but apparently you didn’t see it. As I said before, I didn’t grow up in Wilson, I grew up in Greenville, N.C. — until moving to Memphis in fifth grade.
My parents moved back to N.C. and to Wilson from Alabama in early ’90s, when my dad switched jobs from one meatpacking plant to another. Wilson just happens to be only 45 minutes from where I grew up, but no, I don’t know anyone there except my parents and my cousin, Kendall Blackwell, a Wilson podiatrist (and a Carolina grad with a son named Jordan).
Fischerking04
December 2nd, 2009
11:33 am
Wow this Tiger Wood’s thing is getting nasty. A woman scorned with a golf club is a scary thing.
njbraves
December 2nd, 2009
11:33 am
How many times does it have to be said before it will get through some of your thick skulls????CHIPPER IS NOT GOING TO 1B!!!!!
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2009
11:34 am
I dont think anyone here thinks that Cameron is the answer to the offensive hole we have. But he is still a solid player. If he was the only position player we picked up I would be disappointed. But I do still think we should sign him and someone else to play first.
itcouldbeworse
December 2nd, 2009
11:35 am
GTgreg I don’t see how Freeman would be a good choice to trade to SD because they already have a stud 1b prospect in place to replace AD. From what I have read it would take mostly top picthing prospects to land him and that would include more than a propect of medlan’s status.
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2009
11:35 am
Mr. Snrub: thanks, that was long. They wouldn’t stop with the questions. But that’s OK, because they were pretty good questions.
Nick C
December 2nd, 2009
11:35 am
I think the Braves need to trade kelly johnson, gregor blanco, and some other propsects to the Cubs for Derrick Lee. He is in the last year of his contract, and the cubs desperately need some changes. I would take D-Lee for the entire season than A-Laroche for only half the season (cuz he can’t hit the first 3.5 months).
I would sign Cameron, if the Braves cannot work out a deal for Texas’ Nelson Cruz.
If we cannot get JJ Putz, I would got after Octavio Dotel, or Fernando Rodney for the setup role.
Frankie would have it made if he got this done by the end of the winter mtgs, he can go sip from tequilla in the caribbean for the rest of the offseason…..smart thinking on his part
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2009
11:36 am
DOB,
Who are the main teams the Braves are talking to about Lowe and Vazquez?
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2009
11:36 am
Superhoo: It’s almost pointless to try to determine right now how much Braves have to spend, because the number is so different depending on whether they trade Lowe or Vazquez, and if they trade Lowe do they eat part of the contract, or if one of the relievers accepts arbitration (though unlikely), etc. And, oh yeah, they’ve never even given us a number, publicly or off record, of their actual payroll limit, only said it’ll probably be similar to last year’s which was somewhere between $92-95 mill depending on when and how you calculated it.
Mr. Snrub
December 2nd, 2009
11:38 am
NP…They’re commending what you said about the Cabrera voting for MVP. They’re still pretty peeved about that.
P-Town Brave
December 2nd, 2009
11:40 am
Oh and about the number, I would feel a little bad for Nate, but he’s gotta give up the number. Wags has been 13 his entire career.
Macon Braves (RIP)
December 2nd, 2009
11:40 am
klaus— Since you say the Braves need to do better than a guy who hit .250/.342/.794 last year and played one of the best center fields in baseball, name who you have in mind. Who is available that will be that much of an improvement for the Braves. And keep in mind that you still have first base to fill as well.
ToastyFire
December 2nd, 2009
11:41 am
njbraves, nobody is saying the Braves don’t need to add offense. In reality we need to add both. It shouldn’t be overlooked how much a defensive player like Cameron would help. And in case some are missing the point, Cameron would be a pretty big improvement offensively over Garret Anderson.
The Braves aren’t going to be adding a Holliday, Jason Bay, or some other big time slugger. And frankly the Braves do not need that. They need to have a 1-8 lineup full of good hitters that aren’t automatic outs. Adding Cameron and a Delgado, LaRoche, or Nick Johnson to first would enable us to have that IMO. Keep in mind the Braves were 2nd in runs scored after the all-star break when they pretty much had that good 1-8 linup minus Anderson.
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2009
11:42 am
I think you sign Cameron for CF and then Nady or Derosa for first. Its not the power hitter we all want but they’re solid. This may be the way they go unless Wren has a blockbuster trade up his sleeve.
Lew
December 2nd, 2009
11:42 am
Klaus-We need someone in LF to knock in 100-110 runs? Here’s the list of those who actually did it in 09-
Derek Lee, Holliday, Aaron Hill (never came close before), Victor Martinez, Kendry Morales, Eithier, Hanley Ramirez, Ryan Zimmerman, Dunn, Abreu, Miguel (The Disaster Waiting To Happen for the bargain basement price of $21 mil per year) Cabrera and Jason Kubel.
Who do you realistically think we can get? Why do you realistically think their teams would be willing to give them up or we would pay the price to do so?
owl hunter
December 2nd, 2009
11:43 am
If KJ and Blanco are the centerpiece for a trade for Lee, the Cjbs should be kicked out of baseball for acccepting it.
owl hunter
December 2nd, 2009
11:43 am
*Cubs. Bad typing day.
dmack2027
December 2nd, 2009
11:44 am
Certainly helps to have a left handed closer in the NL east. Truthfully, we could use a southpaw starting pitcher as well. This is a good signing if the Braves are convinced Wagner is healthy. I think it is a somewhat bold move to sign him before Sori and Gonzo decline arbitration. Hopefully, he team up with Moylan, Luis Valdez, and Kimbrell (at some point) to form a potent bullpen.
Regarding SOA, very strange twist in the finale. I though last year’s finale was far more compelling, but this one was still interesting. I have a question though. Where does that Irishman think he is going? He has been labeled as a rat, not only with the bikers, but also with his countrymen. Just curious how far that plot can really go. Think how good this show would be if it was on HBO.
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2009
11:44 am
Here’s what Kate Hart, a spokesperson for FoxSports and SportSouth, said when I asked if Chip Caray was a candidate for Boog’s old job now that Chip’s out at Turner Sports:
“We are looking at all potential candidates with the end goal of finding the best play-by-play announcer to work with Joe and provide the best presentation of Braves’ telecasts to our viewers. We are very aware of Chip’s situation and relationship with the team and its passionate fans.”
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2009
11:45 am
Ya the SOA finale last night wasn’t what I was expecting. Quite a funny twist to it.
Fischerking04
December 2nd, 2009
11:45 am
For those that are saying that Cameron doesn’t provide the bat that we need: Who are you comparing him to? He would have had the most HR on the team for the last couple of years. Not to mention he has a solid OBP.
He could be a big contributor for us. I just don’t see the downside that some do. Bottom line is he would upgrade our team offensively and defensively immediately. And we don’t have to give up any prospects or players to bring him in.
Jo
December 2nd, 2009
11:46 am
DOB, do you know how much approximate $ the braves would be under their desired payroll right now? Assuming they lose the contracts of Gonzo, Soriano, and Laroche and with the signing of Billy Wagner.
Lew
December 2nd, 2009
11:46 am
Nick C-I’m not so sure why you think thay either Kelly or Blanco are worthy trade pieces. KJ may well be non-tendered, so why would a team trade for him when they could conceivably pick him up on a MInor League deal for considerably less $$$$ after he is non tendered? AS for Blanco-I think he’;s out of options and doubt he would even be much more than a throw in on any deal. Certainly those two wouldn’t come vaguely close to getting us DLee from the Cubs. They would ask for much more after they stopped laughing. If they ever DID stop laughing.
ncscoots
December 2nd, 2009
11:48 am
CB, I don’t loathe Cameron, LOL. Not at all. I loathe the fact that he’s a good player who doesn’t meet the needs of the 2010 team, as I perceive them. He’s better than Loaf? Agreed. But “better than Loaf” won’t feed the bulldog.
I only pick on Cameron because DAP touts him so much, LOL.
nscroots I disagree
And while I have been called many things, this is my first encounter with “nscroots”. I might have to go with that all the time!
bravofan
December 2nd, 2009
11:48 am
6million is not a lot of money compared to his 10 million he got last year wagner is who I’m talking about of course.
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2009
11:49 am
I think that the beginning conversations for D. Lee would be focused around Schaefer. They are looking for a center fielder and Schaefer plays it pretty well.
DAP
December 2nd, 2009
11:49 am
CB, love is always greater.
TommyP
December 2nd, 2009
11:49 am
DOB: Now that Wagner has been signed, are you hearing or thinking that the Braves will try to add another arm that could close short term? (as in a 15-day DL stint possibly for the elder closer?)
Would love to add another power arm to the pen.
bravofan
December 2nd, 2009
11:50 am
I will not beleive wagner is a brave until he passes the physical and Frank wren announces it remember the Furcal situation!!
Macon Braves (RIP)
December 2nd, 2009
11:51 am
Of the FAs out there for 1B, Laroche would by far be my first choice there. If not Laroche, I think Nady would be my second choice (not sure how good he is defensively at first, but I’m sure he’s not a hack over there at least).
Other than those two, I really don’t see anyone else that really excites me. Nick Johnson, if healthy, wouldn’t be bad at all. However, that is a REALLY bit IF.
Derosa at 1B? Mmmmmm, don’t know what to think of that one really. Like Dero, just don’t know if I like him at first.
Really the best options would all consist of a trade. I’m just very leary at what it would take to get Gonzalez or his type in a trade.
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2009
11:54 am
The thing about trading for A. Gonzalez is hes goin to command a lot of prospects. What makes him harder to get is the fact that he is their biggest marketing chip and from the San Diego area. I just don’t see the Padres getting rid of him until they absolutely have to.
Lew
December 2nd, 2009
11:55 am
Wurlitzer Winners are-PTown wins a drawing of Billy Wagner. Steve MCP wins a drawing of Tommy Hanson and The Blogger Known As MAC wins a drawing of Bobby Cox (eat your heart out Dan and Robert).
The Honorable Mention Winners (of a print) are LKF from NJ and Winterville.
Thanks for participating.
Macon Braves (RIP)
December 2nd, 2009
11:55 am
We are very aware of Chip’s situation and relationship with the team and its passionate fans.
If the opinion on the ol’ Blog is any indication of how the “passionate fans” look at Chip, he shouldn’t have a prayer of getting the job. Personally I cringe just thinking of having to listen to Chip for 100 or more games every season. I think I would have to do what I used to do with UGA games, mute the TV and listen to the radio feed.
bravofan
December 2nd, 2009
11:56 am
I feel it is imperative that we sign Adam Laroche! I mean the guy was nothing but a homerun machine in the second half of the season and he really likes Atlanta we need to sign we do not need a mediocore first baseman.
CB
December 2nd, 2009
11:57 am
nscroots and DAP,I thought I would yank both of your chains. DAP, love is greater,huh? You must not be married.
Jeff R
December 2nd, 2009
12:00 pm
I’d be more excited about the Wagner signing if he were four or five years younger. Let’s not forget that Gonzo and Soriano had their arm troubles and surgeries earlier in their careers. Young arms stand a better chance of bouncing back.
Having said that, Wagner did have a nice return last season. If he can come close to his old numbers, then the Bravos will be well served.
I think the Braves should consider adding either Dotel or Rodney to the bullpen. Might be good to have that insurance.
itcouldbeworse
December 2nd, 2009
12:01 pm
Does anyone else know who is in the market for a 1B. Where else might Laroche go?
lexbrave
December 2nd, 2009
12:02 pm
man i absolutley loathe wagner, but i guess even with my hatred of him, i can’t argue that signing him for 6 mil isn’t a bad move if he stays healthy..
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2009
12:03 pm
Laroche is the top 1st baseman on the FA market. His only two other competitors are nick johnson and Delgado
CB
December 2nd, 2009
12:03 pm
DOB,do you have a link for your interview with XM? Thanks.
owl hunter
December 2nd, 2009
12:03 pm
I know that San Fran and Baltimore are looking for 1Bs
O.J.
December 2nd, 2009
12:06 pm
lexbrave, it was 7 million and why do you loathe the man so much, what did he do to you?
bravofan
December 2nd, 2009
12:06 pm
anybody on the ole blog read choptalk they always have some interesting stuff in there.