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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,843 comments Add your comment
sidslidkid
December 7th, 2009
8:41 am
“Sure. I remember all those interviews with him where he made comments along the lines of “gee I wish my team played in a colder climate, it’d be great for my toes and obliques.” and “this town is great, but what is really missing, and what I would love to have, is a giant lake, or better yet, several giant lakes within hours of here. And I mean big ass lakes. Look like oceans.”
That and his love of casinos…” – TennesseePaul
I don’t know if those “quotes” are 100% accurate.
Jeff R
December 7th, 2009
8:47 am
Could it be that Peter Greenberg floated the possibiity of arbitration for Soriano as a way of stoking contract bids for his client? In other words, he’s trying to gin-up the market for Soriano’s services?
Would agree with DOB. Given all the factors, just think it’s highly unlikely that Soriano goes the arbitration route. Just not in his best long-term interest.
Don
December 7th, 2009
8:54 am
Will the Braves and the Writers never learn?? They absolutely must NOT trade their pitching. First and foremost, the only slim chance they have to win is to have pitching so far far superior to the other teams that it overcomes Bobby Cox’s incompetence and makes it possible for them to win the Division over the long 162 game regular season schedule – in spite of him. (This is the way it was in their 14 Division wins under Cox.) Secondly, it is almost a sure thing that at least one of their potential starters will be injured or will prove to be ineffective.
Is it baseball season yet?
December 7th, 2009
8:55 am
DOB,
I would be interested to read your take on who you feel the Braves should sign to make them a championship caliber team in ‘10.
KJ>Prado (yes I said it)
December 7th, 2009
9:04 am
Why are alll the media outlets saying the Braves could just trade Sori if he accepts arb? Unless I’m missing something, Soriano could not be traded before June 15th.
Bravoman
December 7th, 2009
9:08 am
I hate the snow!
Ondeck1
December 7th, 2009
9:13 am
KJ>Prado I disagree whole heartedly with your name but the CBA allows for arbitration signed players to be traded before that deadline because they are not technically free agent signings.
TennesseePaul
December 7th, 2009
9:17 am
J>Prado (yes I said it): You are missing something. Arb players are not FA. They can be traded prior to June 15th. Article XX of the CBA.
O.J.
December 7th, 2009
9:19 am
KJ>Prado (yes I said it), first off, you thinking Kelly is better than Prado is asinine. Second, that has been discussed on the blog a million times. The rules have changed in the past couple of years.
KJ>Prado (yes I said it)
December 7th, 2009
9:20 am
“the CBA allows for arbitration signed players to be traded before that deadline because they are not technically free agent signings.”
That is very interesting and somewhat confusing. Does it differentiate between players who have <6 yrs service time and are arb eligible vs. arb eligible players who have filed for free agency? Sorry, that's a tough question to phrase.
Steve
December 7th, 2009
9:24 am
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/bruney_may_go_to_atlanta_BzzZrHnh3cgB8Qaz0MrKZJ
INDIANAPOLIS — According to a team that talked to the Yankees about acquiring Brian Bruney, the right-handed reliever could be headed to Atlanta.
“We asked about him but hear he is going to the Braves,” the source said.
Because the Yankees asked for prospects from the first team, they likely are looking for the same thing from Atlanta. Bruney, who made $1.25 million last year, is eligible for arbitration.
Bruney, 27, opened the season as the Yankees’ setup man for Mariano Rivera but went on the disabled list in late April with a muscle strain in the right elbow. Activated on May 19, Bruney landed back on the shelf a week later with the same problem and didn’t return until June 16.
Bravoman
December 7th, 2009
9:26 am
No more pen acquisitions please…
KJ>Prado (yes I said it)
December 7th, 2009
9:26 am
I guess a better question would be: Aren’t arbitration eligible players different from free agents who have been offered arbitration? If my theory is true I’m not sure that provision in the CBA applies.
bravehokie
December 7th, 2009
9:30 am
Every time someone thinks about trading excess starting pitching, two words should come to mind… Mike Hampton.
TennesseePaul
December 7th, 2009
9:30 am
KJ>Prado: That provision in the CBA pertains to the rights of the former club concerning their players who file as Free Agents and are offered arbitration and accept the offer. The player is considered signed and the signing is not considered a free agent signing. FA signings cannot be traded until June 15. But, if a lawyer can describe otherwise I’d love to hear it.
Efrim
December 7th, 2009
9:32 am
No more pen acquisitions please…
Seriously. Maybe they should wait just one more day.
David O'Brien
December 7th, 2009
9:32 am
Could it be that Peter Greenberg floated the possibiity of arbitration for Soriano as a way of stoking contract bids for his client? In other words, he’s trying to gin-up the market for Soriano’s services? — Jeff R
Thought I made it pretty clear that’s exactly what I believe to be the case. Guess I wasn’t quite clear enough, huh?
TennesseePaul
December 7th, 2009
9:33 am
Every time someone thinks about trading excess starting pitching, two words should come to mind… Mike Hampton.
aka Large Contract… hmmmm Lowe has the largest contract of the starters…. then if any other starter gets injured the team won’t have dead weight sucking up all the financial room.
Bravoman
December 7th, 2009
9:33 am
Efrim,
Ha yea i’m not buying this rumor.
dogsbrekky
December 7th, 2009
9:40 am
Great article Dobi One Knobi, I would love to see Nelson Cruz in the OF
I am going to New Orleans this Christmas and have booked the following restaurants
Mr B’s Bistro
Cuvee
Muriels Jackson Sq
I tried Antoines but they were incredibly rude
someone here was kind enough to email me about NOLA places, but I lost the email, any ideas of bars
and music paces we should go ?
Keeper
December 7th, 2009
9:41 am
VJ/richbrave, forget Saturday’s game, here’s our devastating loss – London’s officially gone. Not at all unexpected, but man, Rat B-stard Hoos could’ve at least waited until the corpse was cold. VJ, looks like you get to hang on to the Coach Who Cannot Be Named.
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/sports/college/college_football/article/UVAF071_20091206-223408/310032/
Oh well, at least our hoops team is good enough to quickly distract us from our pain – time to take out some frustration on VCU!!!
KJ>Prado (yes I said it)
December 7th, 2009
9:44 am
Thanks for that excellent explanation TP!
“KJ>Prado: That provision in the CBA pertains to the rights of the former club concerning their players who file as Free Agents and are offered arbitration and accept the offer. The player is considered signed and the signing is not considered a free agent signing. FA signings cannot be traded until June 15. But, if a lawyer can describe otherwise I’d love to hear it.”
dogsbrekky
December 7th, 2009
9:47 am
Dobi – any chance we get Bruney and the Yanks get Jo Jo Reyes, I have head they are after lefties big time and are in love with Gonzo etc
Braves56
December 7th, 2009
9:48 am
The only way the Yankees/Bruney thing makes sense is if it’s a piece of a trade, possibly involving Swisher/Lowe and or others.
6-4-3
December 7th, 2009
9:48 am
Now the rumor is Brian Bruney could possibly be coming to the Braves? Are they kidding me?
We’re overstuffing on middle relievers like I overstuffed on turkey on Thanksgiving.
6-4-3
December 7th, 2009
9:48 am
Now the rumor is Brian Bruney could possibly be coming to the Braves? Are they kidding me?
We’re overstuffing on middle relievers like I overstuffed on turkey on Thanksgiving.
NCmike
December 7th, 2009
9:49 am
Keeper / Richbrave…. great game sat night!!! That was pure entertainment from start to finish. Game was played like two champions. Of course the finish was a little happier for me. NCmike (app alum)
AndyC
December 7th, 2009
9:58 am
Great write up of the Soriano situation. I can’t believe that he will accept arbitration assuming that he receives multi-year offers. Is it possible that the reliever market is going to be soft this year and Soriano is concerned that he won’t receive a multi-year deal? Wagner did set a bad precedent by accepting a lower value 1 year deal and he was supposedly the top guy in the market. If Soriano doesn’t receive a multi-year offer today or at least have a team express interest in signing him to a multi-year deal, he may panic and take Arb. Just thinking out loud. I hope he doesn’t take it.
indybravesfan
December 7th, 2009
10:01 am
DOB….Welcome to Indy! Sorry it is so cold and snowy, but hey it is December! Go check out St. Elmos (steak house) and the Slippery Noodle….great blues bar here in Indy right downtown.
What hotel are the meetings in?
Keeper
December 7th, 2009
10:02 am
NCmike, I’d concur on the game assessment, even from the losing side. My wife (also a UR alum) and I about went through the roof on that punt TD toward the end. Just left your star QB too much time, same as N. Iowa did for our star QB in last year’s semis.
I’ve got a cousin who’s attending App, so that made it slightly less painful, knowing his college experience will be a little better for it. Hope y’all win to face a CAA team in the finals. Will be real interesting if so, either against a) the only other team (Nova) to beat us this year, or b) against VJ’s Tribe and the best defensive line in FCS. Either one should be a heck of a final, as long as y’all take care of overrated Montana.
DAP
December 7th, 2009
10:02 am
dawg We have saved $3 million on Hudson compared to last years deal.
make that $6mil. huddy made $15mil last year, $9mil this year.
i think wrens strategy in signing wager and saito so early was a good one. by doing it, he made the FA pool smaller and set the market with a specific price. he figured that was one of the best ways to get the guy he wanted, and to make sure his other relievers did not accept arbitration. i think its going to work.
Wide Right
December 7th, 2009
10:04 am
I’ve read that Chone Figgins came to terms with the Mariners last week but that the M’s won’t make it official until they know Beltre wont accept arbitration. I guess Frank Wren didnt feel he could work out a pending agreement like that with Wagner and Saito.
mgar
December 7th, 2009
10:05 am
I’ve heard that Brandon Phillips needs to traded by the Reds, probably wouldn’t take much to get him, they just need to dump salary. Why not make a run at him and move Prado to first or outfield
DAP
December 7th, 2009
10:09 am
i want the reds to trade us johnny gomes.
Ritchie Patton
December 7th, 2009
10:10 am
DOB, why have you dropped your predicition for the amount Soriano could get in arb? Since the end of the season you have been predicting $8.5 mil and now you say $6.5 up to $7.5. That’s quite a drop, any particular reason?
Ritchie from Scotland
December 7th, 2009
10:10 am
that above comment is me btw, I for some reason used my full name and not my usual forum name.
CB
December 7th, 2009
10:15 am
Ritchie,could it be you read the story on MLBTR that implied DOB and Bowman were shills for the Braves? Don’t believe everything you read.
RC
December 7th, 2009
10:19 am
CB, I’m right there with you. The guy who posted the links on MLBTR makes a thinly veiled comment implying that DOB and Bowman are trying to help the Braves, while completely ignoring the fact the agent likely “leaked” what he did in order to drum up more offers. Otherwise, they’d have just accepted the stupid offer without letting everyone know they are “thinking about it”. Really poor form by Zach Links of MLBTR.
KC
December 7th, 2009
10:21 am
BTW, is this not the most disappointing holiday movie season in years?! I mean… the big highlights of the season are New Moon and an animated villainization of our military (Avatar)?? That’s the best they’ve got to offer??
Last year we got Quantum of Solace and The Wrestler. This year? Nothing but crap.
CB
December 7th, 2009
10:23 am
RC,hey we have to defend our leather jacketed friend, was a very stupid post on MLBTR.
nation
December 7th, 2009
10:25 am
DOB any traction to the NY Post’s rumor of Bruney to the braves???
RC
December 7th, 2009
10:27 am
BTW, is this not the most disappointing holiday movie season in years?! I mean… the big highlights of the season are New Moon and an animated villainization of our military (Avatar)?? That’s the best they’ve got to offer??
We still have Sherlock Holmes coming soon!
NCmike
December 7th, 2009
10:27 am
Keeper, I like our chances against Montana. I don’t think they’ve seen our level of talent since you guys whipped them last year. I’ve watched Nova a couple of times and they look tough. We’ll see…
My heart sunk after that punt TD, crazy play… How about that catch on the ground earlier in the game? Pretty much figured last team with the ball was going to win. I guess we’ll just have to continue this when we meet you guys in the playoffs again next year for Rematch 3.
Let move back up to #1
December 7th, 2009
10:28 am
So Soriano accepts arbitration. Package Soriano with Lowe and another to another team who needs a starter and closer and then we can get our big bat. I just dont see a problem here. I personally hope he accepts but I dont think he will. Closers, which is what he is right now pull more money then a middle relief pitcher. If he stays with Atlanta and accepts arbitration, he will not get a chance to close any games. He would only hurt himself.
DAP
December 7th, 2009
10:31 am
KC is this not the most disappointing holiday movie season in years?! I mean… the big highlights of the season are New Moon and an animated villainization of our military (Avatar)??
blindeside was really good. i havent seen the other two, though i was thinking about seeing avatar until your appraisal of it. im not interested in anything that degrades what soldiers do for our country.
Jeff R
December 7th, 2009
10:33 am
DOB… Hadn’t had a cup of coffee when I wrote that about Greenburg. Morning ain’t my best time of day!
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
December 7th, 2009
10:38 am
“he’s long gone, gone to Indiana he ain’t never comming home”
bye-bye Ralph (Soriano)
MFin04
December 7th, 2009
10:42 am
Nelson Cruz looks like a good fit. Has some speed 20sb last year and power 33hr.
Voice from the past...
December 7th, 2009
10:42 am
Don’t be surprised about the Bruney rumors. It’s not uncommon to acquire a player only to flip him as part of a subsequent trade. Could be that a team with a bat needs a major league ready reliever back in the deal…
TennesseePaul
December 7th, 2009
10:44 am
an animated villainization of our military (Avatar)
Really? Never would have thought of it that way… but the visuals look amazing and I’ll probably see it.
6-4-3
December 7th, 2009
10:44 am
Someone posted an interesting scenario over at mlbtraderumors.com blog. It’s interesting and it sounds plausible.
The Yankees might be intersted in Soriano, but don’t want to give up their pick. So Soriano agrees to arbitration then gets traded to the Yankees for Bruney, who they might deem expendable once Soriano arrives.
Who knows?
Steve
December 7th, 2009
10:45 am
Package Soriano with Lowe and another to another team who needs a starter and closer and then we can get our big bat.
Oh yeah, teams will no-doubt be tripping over themselves for that package.
“What, not one but two overpriced players? And you say you want our cost-controlled slugging outfielder? Hot damn!”
richbrave
December 7th, 2009
10:46 am
Hey FRANK WREN:
How do you spell MFIKY? Will he or won’t he, that is the question du jour.
dogsbrekky
December 7th, 2009
10:47 am
KC – the George Clooney movie gets good raps here in the media
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
December 7th, 2009
10:48 am
6-4-3
Why would the Braves trade for a mediocre relief pitcher making 1.25 mill for the potential draft picks Ralph will bring?
richbrave
December 7th, 2009
10:48 am
Hey STEVE:
Lighten up. Tis the season you know? The Christmas spirit may beat in the heart of at least one GM with an addled brain.
RC
December 7th, 2009
10:48 am
Buster Onley just posted this on Twitter – Last week, we saw quick movement in 3B market. Today, a lot of talk from agents and teams that starting pitcher market is intensifying.
Maybe we’ll start hearing some Lowe rumors?
Efrim
December 7th, 2009
10:49 am
The Yankees might be intersted in Soriano, but don’t want to give up their pick. So Soriano agrees to arbitration then gets traded to the Yankees for Bruney, who they might deem expendable once Soriano arrives.
The Yanks better be giving up more than Brian Bruney, if that’s the case.
David O'Brien
December 7th, 2009
10:50 am
Whitey Herzog elected to Hall o’ Fame by Veterans. Comm.; Winter Meetings media shuttle delayed after drive slips, hits head. More to come.
Keeper
December 7th, 2009
10:51 am
Absolutely right on last-team-with-the-ball – if Ward had gotten it back with more than 10 seconds, he would’ve trumped Armanti’s drive.
Not sure if we’ll be back next year, losing our coach to UVA, and our QB, tailback, four our offensive line, tight end, three of our d-line, middle linebacker, both safeties, right cornerback, both kickers, both snappers, and our punt returner to graduation. (Ugh, I knew we were losing a lot, but I just looked at our depth chart to see, and it was more than I realized.) We’ve got redshirt juniors and sophomores ready to step into most of those holes, so it’s not quite as bad as it sounds, but the new QB is currently a redshirt freshman. So coach and QB will be the X-factors that determine if we’ll see a playoff rematch next year or have to defer to 2011.
Either way, I’ll be happy to not face Armanti again!
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
December 7th, 2009
10:51 am
Efrim-
That would make alot more sense. Say, Swisher were incuded in that deal.
bravofan
December 7th, 2009
10:51 am
Steve: I like the idea of the Soriano and Lowe package
RC
December 7th, 2009
10:52 am
“What, not one but two overpriced players? And you say you want our cost-controlled slugging outfielder? Hot damn!”
Would you really say Soriano at $6.5-$8 million is “overpriced”? If it was the plus a draft pick, maybe. But on a one year deal, that sounds about right for a team looking for bullpen help (although not for a cost controlled outfielder).
Efrim
December 7th, 2009
10:52 am
That would make alot more sense. Say, Swisher were incuded in that deal.
Or a highly regarded prospect or two.
Nova Scotia Steve
December 7th, 2009
10:53 am
Would it really be that bad if Soriano accepts arbitration.
Like why couldn’t we move Saito if he does in fact accept. Saito is not God or anything…and please don’t give me the “Kawakami now has someone to talk to,” so they won’t move him line.
Saito is 40. And personally i think MFIKY was awesome last year, yeah he blew a couple games down the stretch. But the dude should have been on the all-star team and every closer blows games. It comes with the role.
Wagner, Soriano, Moylan, EOF, Medlan…Procter (maybe?)….I like it.
We’re definitely going to be moving a starter…So we’ll have room to get that “BIG” “BIG” “BIG” “BIG” bat.
PS
I hope we get someone who can hit some home-runs extremely soon so the “BIG” bat term can be thrown out…and for the sake of Braves fans everywhere….I know none of us are sleeping well dreaming of that “BIG” bat…waking up in cold sweats…running to the bathroom…indigestion etc
David O'Brien
December 7th, 2009
10:55 am
Here’s the deal with potentially trading Soriano: To do so before June 15, Braves would have to get his permission.
But you can imagine where he’d be open to such a proposal if they went to him and said, “We’ve got this deal in place if you’ll agree to be moved; oh, and you’re not going to get any save opportunities with us this season.”
If the agent is thinking something like this, it would certainly be a rather shrewd way to maximize earnings, potentially. You get the $7-8 mill arb salary from Braves, then get traded to a team that would use you as a closer, then go on market again next winter.
But if you’re Soriano, with his injury history, do you trust that all that will work out? Or, if the agent has received multi-year offers or indications of offers from teams the past couple days, do you take one of those, even if it’s “just” two years and, say, $10 mill?
Oh, what a tangled web….
RC
December 7th, 2009
10:55 am
I think Julio Franco had the biggest bat I’ve ever seen. It was something like 44 ounces I think.
Efrim
December 7th, 2009
10:57 am
Again, I am absolutely shocked that a team isn’t willing to offer a two year deal in 12-15 million dollar range to Soriano. I understand the potential loss of a draft pick. But you’re telling me that teams in the 1-15 draft pick range aren’t willing to give up a second rounder for the guy? Just bizarre.
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
December 7th, 2009
10:58 am
People on here are still insisting Lowe’s contract as being a huge albatross. I couldn’t disagree more and when Joel P, R Wolfe, Pedro M, B Sheets and yes J Lackey (beginning to experience arm injuries after 10,000 pitches) sign, you will all see how market reasonable Lowe’s contract actually is. I take Lowe over Burnett any day and I bet the Yankees would agree.
richbrave
December 7th, 2009
10:58 am
KEEPER, VJ:
Well, LONDON’s gone. But I didn’t see that much going on in the recruiting arena while he was here, and the defense definitely ran on empty with HUESMAN in CHATTANOOGA. By that I mean, the players more than the coaches accounted for the “d” on this year’s team, IMHO of course. Witness the last game. No, I think unless RICHMOND pulls a gold-standard as yet undiscovered head coach out of the hat, I’ve seen the best the SPIDERS have to offer in the balance of my life-time. And I wish MIKE LONDON well. It can be a pretty bumpy ride at Mr. JEFFERSON’s University.
Ritchie from Scotland
December 7th, 2009
11:02 am
Na I wasn’t thinking they were acting on behalf of the Braves. I can see what you mean about the MLBTR post though, it does in a round about way make it look like that. I was just wondering if DOB had spoken to someone in the know and they suggested Soriano’s arb offer might in fact be lower than expected?
dogsbrekky
December 7th, 2009
11:04 am
Geesh, why sell Lowe, err LOW, as it were
He and McDowell said they have solved his mechanics etc, I think he will have a big year
plus the guy seems lucky, we hit well behind him and like gobshite behind all the other pitchers.. as stupid as that reasoning sounds, never underestimate luck
rammerjammer
December 7th, 2009
11:04 am
RC,
I remember Richie (call me “Dick”) Allen used a 44-ounce bat in the 1960s. Have not heard of a heavier one, ever.
David O'Brien
December 7th, 2009
11:04 am
Nation: No, I haven’t heard anything of that Bruney rumor. I think you should assume that one is erroneous, and I’ll let you know if it’s otherwise.
David O'Brien
December 7th, 2009
11:07 am
The guy who posted the links on MLBTR makes a thinly veiled comment implying that DOB and Bowman are trying to help the Braves… –RC
At this point, I really don’t know if I’ll be able to go on….
But just for the record, I think Soriano would get between $7-7.5 mill in arb, and possibly $8 mill.
ncscoots
December 7th, 2009
11:09 am
The Yankees might be intersted in Soriano, but don’t want to give up their pick. So Soriano agrees to arbitration then gets traded to the Yankees for Bruney, who they might deem expendable once Soriano arrives.
Yeah, but now we’re talking the kind of trust between three parties that you normally only get with one of those “trust-building” exercises at some corporate retreat, LOL.
Braves trusting Yankees, Yankees trusting Braves, and an agent trusting everybody, including an arb panel? Might be hope for World Peace, after all, it that’s the case.
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
December 7th, 2009
11:09 am
Come on DOB, you must persevere!
KC
December 7th, 2009
11:10 am
dogsbrekky, yeah “Up In The Air” looks like it could be pretty good. Hasn’t opened here yet, though.
DAP, in fairness, I obviously haven’t seen Avatar, since it hasn’t been released yet. But I’ve seen multiple previews, and the premise seems to be that the American military are the bad guys in the movie, trying to take the planet from the Avatars because their are precious stones there.
There is a not-so-veiled reference to Native Americans being driven off their land. But I’m bothered by the fact that American Marines seem to be the evil force in the film, from what I’ve seen in the previews. That has me not wanting to see this movie, where I otherwise almost certainly would.
Steve
December 7th, 2009
11:10 am
MLBTradeRumors:
“Joel Sherman of the New York Post notes that if he accepts arbitration, Soriano cannot be traded before June 1st without his permission.”
bravofan
December 7th, 2009
11:12 am
Steve: I like the Soriano and Lowe deal for a big bat
McFann O
December 7th, 2009
11:13 am
P. H. Wjort–
You got some GOOD games in that mix! But you left off one game, which has to be my favorite from 2009:
September 12, @ St. Louis: Tim Hudson hit his first career home run, a 2-run shot in the second to give the Braves a 3-2 lead. The Braves would later lose that lead, but down 6-5 in the top of the ninth, Brian McCann hit a bases loaded uh…double, scoring McLouth and Prado, and the Braves won 7-6.
JJ4NLCY Bob Rathburn rumor isn’t true…
‘Bout time you got back to us.
If even that! *Gives an evil glare @ McFann!*
*…Who gives an eviler one right back atcha!*
Steve
December 7th, 2009
11:17 am
I like the Soriano and Lowe deal for a big bat
Yeah, as a Braves fan. But as a rival GM?
Lowe is a pure salary dump if they trade him. Even then they’ll likely have to take a bad contract in exchange or pay a portion of his salary to get the other team to accept.
dmack2027
December 7th, 2009
11:17 am
His agent would be foolish to allow him to return to the Braves. His stock will never be higher. Even if he stays healthy, which is a big IF, he still will not be closing games.
That said, I think the Braves gambled a bit by signing Saito so early. The Wagner signing I understand, because it could be used as leverage to usher Raffy out the door. However, surely Saito would have been available at this stage, and if Raffy accepts arbitration, the Braves are not as badly in a financial crunch.
AdirondackDave
December 7th, 2009
11:20 am
Great new blog, DOB. Thanks. I’ll be glued here for the next 4 days.
bob
December 7th, 2009
11:22 am
Couldn’t stand it any longer, so had to say it: Greg Norton.
James M.
December 7th, 2009
11:24 am
Hers what I think needs to happen.
1. Trade Lowe, Medlin, Schafer, Hyde, and Freeman to the Tigers for Cabrera and maybe a mid level prospect.
2. Sign Mike Cameron.
You are all probably wondering why the tigers would accept lowe in a deal when they are trying to downsize payroll, and if you look at the salaries, they would save 7+ million each of the next 3 years then be off the hook after that. Atlanta would have Cabrera for basically 7+ mil the next 3 seasons then have to pay the full 25 mil or so the remaining 3. But honestly Cabrera is the type of hitter we need. He can play first, stick Cameron out in Right for a year then bring Heyward up midseason or whenever hes ready, and platoon him with Diaz or Cameron.
braovfan
December 7th, 2009
11:25 am
Steve:most likely if they got a big bat they would get a big contract along with him
braovfan
December 7th, 2009
11:28 am
what do you all think about the nats and smoltz having mutual interest in each other?
Bobby's Belly
December 7th, 2009
11:28 am
MLBTR’s “thinly veiled thinly veiled comment implying that DOB and Bowman are trying to help the Braves… –RC – Reality is both DOB and Bowman are acting as agents of the Braves. I don’t fault them. They have a job that relies on strong relationships w/ Braves brass. At times they will be their b*tch to better serve their readers in the future. Not a knock – reporters allow themselves to be used all the time – knowing bones will be thrown their way soon after.
braovfan
December 7th, 2009
11:29 am
James M.: are your crazy that is absurd your number 1 is RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!
Andy K.
December 7th, 2009
11:29 am
Could the Bruney rumor be a precursor to a Lowe to NY for Bruney and Swisher?
Marko
December 7th, 2009
11:29 am
I’m starting to think that the Braves should keep all the pitching and go after more. Beat teams that way…. versus sign a bat that probably won’t help all that much.
Seriously… Mark DeRosa is one of the better free agents available. To me, that is a sign that says “save the money”
David O'Brien
December 7th, 2009
11:30 am
Now that I think about it, I’m wondering whether Stan Kasten had possibly been visiting John Smoltz when Kasten got on our plane from Atlanta to Indy yesterday…. Didn’t think to ask Stan at the time, wasn’t thinking about the Nationals/Smoltz reportedly having “mutual interest.”
Eddie Haas
December 7th, 2009
11:30 am
DOB do you have a headache yet?
BravesfaninWis
December 7th, 2009
11:31 am
DOB,
If Soriano accepts the Braves can still go the route of releasing him in ST and only paying a percentage of his contract right? So if he accepts, I would assume that the Braves will try to trade him with his permission, or simply tell him that he will be released in ST and not make much at all.
Or the Braves (As harsh as it may be) could just sit down with him and tell him that he will never touch the ball after the 6th inning therefore he would not have any value at all for the following season when he will become a FA again.
There are several avenues to take here, and I am not worried in the least one way or the other. I am sure Frank Wren thought of every avenue before offering them arbitration and then signing Wagner and Saito. They already know exactly what they will do in the event that Soriano accepts tonight.
wjones
December 7th, 2009
11:34 am
One thing to consider, should Soriano accept arb, is that the Braves relook at their arb candidates. IIRC, the five arb candidates are Kelly Johnson, Ryan Church, Matt Diaz, Peter Moylan, and Boone Logan. For the moment, let’s pull Logan out of the mix–I can’t even believe he’s arb eligible, I’m fairly sure he’s non-tendered, and his salary shouldn’t be enough to make a dent here. Of the other four, if the Braves non-tender two or three of the remaining 4, that would pay Soriano’s salary. We’ve been discussing Johnson and Church as being expendable, and thinking the Diaz would get offered arb, but Moylan’s name hasn’t come up much. Now if Soriano accepts arb, it may very well effect Moylan’s chances of being non-tendered, both from a financial aspect as well as a position aspect. Same basic position, where if we lose the other guys we have to replace them with SOMETHING. Diaz being the major loss if you take into account just the 2009 contributions.
sidslidkid
December 7th, 2009
11:35 am
“what do you all think about the nats and smoltz having mutual interest in each other?” – braovfan
I think Smoltz is a high risk high reward type player. The guy can still pitch… it’s just a question of if he can stay healthy. I think the Nats are a perfect fit for him. He’s not going to break the bank and if he does manage to stay healthy he’ll be worth every penny. Whether they sign him or not the Nats are still going to finish in last.
braovfan
December 7th, 2009
11:37 am
DOB:I read an article that stated that the Nats would basically use Smoltize as a mentor to Strausburg their number one pick in the draft and a mentor to their whole team which is average age is probably 22 just joking
Chris from the Rock
December 7th, 2009
11:38 am
Why would the Yankees be shopping Nick Swisher? Who would they have to play OF & DH at that point, besides Cabrera and Gardner. Last time I checked, Damon, Matsui and Nady were all free agents. Sorry, but the Yankees wouldn’t trade him until they ink Damon, and probably Matsui.
Braves 4 Life
December 7th, 2009
11:39 am
6-4-3 – Great post about the Yankees possibilities with Soriano. I am starting to like a Soriano for Swisher trade better than a sandwich pick and a possible first or second rounder if he declines arb. How crazy would it be if we could solidify our outfield without even having to trade one of our starters? Swisher is a switch hitting OF/1b making $6.75M in 2010 and $9M in 2011 which would give us great flexibility with not only Freeman but Heyward. Wren you already are the man but if you could pull this off you are in line for GM of the year.