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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,843 comments Add your comment
SoWega Fanatic
December 7th, 2009
8:36 pm
Bradley? Oh, heck no! No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, etc.
FEAR
December 7th, 2009
8:37 pm
I’d would seriously rather have Cameron Diaz than bradley
lavell12
December 7th, 2009
8:37 pm
DOB
How long have u been working for the AJC?
Andy K.
December 7th, 2009
8:41 pm
Seriously, why is everyone so down on Schafer? He is a top prospect who played a limited sample in the majors, the large majority of which was hurt. you can’t swing effectively if your wrist is messed up. Like Wren has said and I beleive, Schafer is still a big part of the Braves future plans. I beleive the Schafer we saw last Spring and the first week of the season is the real Schafer, and once healthy he’ll prove that.
Andy K.
December 7th, 2009
8:42 pm
Not to mention no one is going to want him in a trade coming off a season ending injury. Can you tell I like the kid?
stamper
December 7th, 2009
8:43 pm
according to Bowman the Braves would eat some of Lowe’s salary.
How much eating are we talking about?
TexasBrave
December 7th, 2009
8:43 pm
DOB – Not that I am enamored with Kelly J. but if the Braves are truly getting the sence that several clubs would like to obtain him, is there a possibility that the Braves tender him a contract and then look to trade him later for a need? Not that they would get much for him.
When is the non-tender deadline?
FEAR
December 7th, 2009
8:46 pm
hard to say how much the braves would eat of lowe’s salary. depends on what the return is
Ward
December 7th, 2009
8:46 pm
They should keep Schafer in the minors till June and then give him another shot if he’s producing like he did before the wrist problems
DHD
December 7th, 2009
8:46 pm
I’m not down on Schafer. I would be happy with an outfield of Schafer, McLouth and Heyward and sign Jermaine Dye for first. We could do that and trade Lowe for prospects, especially a third baseman to take over for Chipper later.
Schafer, cf
McLouth, lf
Chipper, 3b
Dye, 1b
McCann, c
Escobar, ss
Heyward, rf
Prado, 2b
Rock On......
December 7th, 2009
8:47 pm
“Cox said Prado will be in the lineup somewhere, wouldn’t say absolutely 2B, but said he’d be starting somewhere.”—DOB
Now just what the hell is that supposed to mean? Are we back on that subject again. Starting somewhere–like where Cox? 1st base? yeah there is a big upgrade we need. Throw in Uggla at 2nd or something and that should be the recipe–for disaster.
David O'Brien
December 7th, 2009
8:47 pm
Here’s the Soriano story that I’m gonna be updating here within the next 3-1/2 hours (gotta love being tied to the laptop, unable to go get dinner while awaiting an agent’s decision). This is unedited version; story should be posted on website soon:
By David O’Brien
Indianapolis — The Braves and reliever Rafael Soriano’s agent played a potentially pricey game of chicken Monday.
But even if the pitcher surprised the Braves by accepting their arbitration offer before Monday’s midnight deadline, Braves general manager Frank Wren said it wouldn’t hinder the team’s ongoing roster moves and pursuit of offense.
This, despite the fact that Soriano has already been replaced as Braves closer by free agent Billy Wagner, and that Soriano could get between $6.5 million and $8 million through arbitration — money the Braves need for their pursuit of a power hitter.
“We feel protected either way,” said Wren, who on opening day of baseball’s annual Winter Meetings listed two possible outcomes to the matter: “A., they don’t accept [arbitration]. B., they accept and at some point we trade them.
“It’s not a big deal either way.”
By “they” he meant Soriano and Mike Gonzalez, who shared Braves closer duties in 2009 before becoming two of the three highest-ranked relievers on the free-agent market.
The Braves offered arbitration to Soriano and Gonzalez, so they could get two compensatory draft picks for each player if and when they signed with another team.
What the Braves hadn’t counted on was the possibility that either would actually accept arbitration. The Braves figured that each pitcher would get multi-year offers to close for other teams, and not accept non-guaranteed, one-year arbitration offers with the Braves.
Gonzalez, represented by famed agent Scott Boras, was still expected to decline arbitration before midnight. But Soriano’s agent, Peter Greenberg, said his client’s decision would come down to the wire and that he might take the Braves’ arb offer.
Not what the Braves wanted to hear. Not after last week, when they signed Wagner to close and veteran right-hander Takashi Saito to be his primary setup man and backup closer. In other words, the Braves already replaced Soriano and Gonzalez.
There’s not room in a projected $92 million-$95 million payroll to allocate $18 million for three relievers (they’re paying Wagner and Saito $9.95 million combined in 2010).
Still, the Braves insisted it wouldn’t be a payroll pickle if Soriano took the arb offer.
“He’d make the world’s greatest setup guy,” Cox said of Soriano, who had 27 saves and 102 strikeouts in 75-2/3 innings last season.
But he’d also be the world’s most expensive setup guy — Cox said Wagner would be the Braves’ closer in 2010, regardless of what happens with Soriano and anyone else.
Wren did not see Soriano or Gonzalez being amenable to non-closer jobs that would await should they return to the Braves. Which is why he insisted he wasn’t worried.
“I would anticipate that if they take arbitration, they’re not necessarily going to be happy with the roles they have when they come back,” Wren said. “Because they’re not going to be the same as when they left. And once the market develops for relievers, they’ll be asking us to try to [trade] them.”
If a free agent accepts arbitration, a team must have consent to trade him before June 15.
At the Winter Meetings hotel, there was speculation that Greenberg was only trying to stoke a slow-developing market and get offers for Soriano by suggested he’d take the Braves’ arb offer. In effect, letting any interested teams know they had best make offers by midnight, rather than wait a few weeks for the free-agent market to take shape.
The deep-pocketed New York Yankees were among teams reportedly interested in Soriano, and Greenberg met Monday with the Houston Astros officials.
Wren insisted that even if Soriano took the arbitration offer, his potential salary hanging over them wouldn’t hinder the Braves’ plans, which include trading a starting pitcher – they have six for five spots — and acquiring at least one proven run-producer for first base or the outfield. Wren figured the salary would likely be gone by opening day.
“We wouldn’t worry about that holding us back,” he said. “We’re going to put our club together. That’s the thing about having good players — when you have good players, you can trade them.”
David O'Brien
December 7th, 2009
8:53 pm
I’m hearing from a K.C. writer that Houston Nutt is interested in the KU football job. I like that.
Wayne in Utah
December 7th, 2009
8:53 pm
I would dang sure love to see Cameron Diaz in left for the Braves! And he/she isn’t too old at all!
Wonder what is the latest news in the LaRoche camp???
Marc D
December 7th, 2009
8:54 pm
I don’t understand what all the doom and gloom is about. If Soriano accepts arbitration it seems like that would be great for us. We would get a draft piece instead of draft picks. Given that Wren will probably be inclined to make a push in Bobby’s last year, it seems like that perhaps would be the best outcome. I agree he would work well packaged with Lowe.
David O'Brien
December 7th, 2009
8:56 pm
Here’s what Cox said when asked whether he’s confident that Jordan Schafer can come back and be the player they expected:
“Well, we played him with a broken hand. We didn’t really know it at the time, but it bothered him the entire time. As far as I know, he’s going to be fit and ready to go, and still one heck of a prospect.”
Robert(Chipper Is The Best)
December 7th, 2009
8:57 pm
I have to really wonder just how serious Soriano is about accepting arbitration or if it isn’t what I believe DOB said and a ploy to get teams to up the offers. I can see where Soriano would accpet arbitration but at the same time it makes more sense for him to decline it. Despite his injury history and inconsistency at times pitching is too much of a premium for a team not to take the risk. Besides, Wren has all but said he would trade him so that would mean Soriano couldn’t control where he went. I guess he could up until June 1st but after that the Braves could ship him anywhere they wanted.
David O'Brien
December 7th, 2009
9:00 pm
Red Sox also said to be interested in Soriano. Greenberg told a Boston writer that they sent his medical records to Red Sox (but team said that’s not happened, so believe what you will….)
Dan
December 7th, 2009
9:02 pm
Soriano will accept arbitration and then use his power to refuse a trade until June 1, 2010 to screw the Braves offseason as revenge for all the negative stories the Braves put out about him to the press basically calling him a “whiner” and a “faker” in regards to his elbow injuries.
Randy S
December 7th, 2009
9:03 pm
Houston Nutt would be a fantastic hire for Kansas. I thought Arkansas was silly to get rid of him (though I understand there was a falling out of sorts) and that Ole Miss got the best coach they could have hoped for when they got him.
Rock On......
December 7th, 2009
9:06 pm
Bet Soriano is the first to blink…..
David O'Brien
December 7th, 2009
9:06 pm
No coffee provided in media workroom. I’m looking at $15-20 per day, easy, for Starbucks in lobby of this place.
balla1881
December 7th, 2009
9:07 pm
DOB can you threaten to write a terrible story about Soriano if he accepts arbitration? Maybe, if he was stupid enough to consider arb as an option you could sway his thinking with a simple tweet, or text, or blog post….
FEAR
December 7th, 2009
9:07 pm
no coffee? What a bunch of cheapskates.
18 Wheels of Love
December 7th, 2009
9:08 pm
No Java Monster’s in the hotel room bar?
Why would Houston Nutt want to leave Ole Miss?
Rock On......
December 7th, 2009
9:09 pm
DOB…It’s Indianapolis. I friend of mine told me the reason Indy never adopted Daylight Savings Time was that they couldn’t figure it out. Have fun dude.
FaninFaytown
December 7th, 2009
9:10 pm
As an arkansas razorback fan, Nutt’s interest in KU does not surprise me. however, I would almost bet money that hes using it as leverage to get more money as ole miss, just like he did over and over at arkansas. If not that, then he realizes that he is going to be watching the best class ever to go to that school leave this year and he will be left with his own recruits. Would be very typical HDN to bolt after that. However, would probably win a lot of games in that division. All i want is one more year to take it to him before he goes.
C's
December 7th, 2009
9:10 pm
It’d be cheaper to buy a coffee maker and some coffee and put it in the media room then buy from Starbucks all day.
Ward
December 7th, 2009
9:11 pm
Assuming Soriano gets a two year offer, what’s the wisdom on the $$…$10 or $12MM? If that’s it, I can see his tough decision. He might decide to roll the bones and take the 1 yr @ $7.5MM.
Salamander
December 7th, 2009
9:11 pm
Damn DOB, no smooth transition from drinking coffee to scotch on the rocks tonight huh?
Andrew in PA
December 7th, 2009
9:12 pm
Any good rumors about hitters for the Braves?
DK
December 7th, 2009
9:14 pm
Dave, can’t find you on twitter. Please verify your address. thanks,
Burdell
December 7th, 2009
9:14 pm
DOB,
Many Starbucks stores offer cheap refills – $0.50 for a grande – same day. They won’t advertise, you need to ask.
Steve
December 7th, 2009
9:14 pm
DOB, As a life long Razorback fan you do not want Nutt as your coach. If he leaves OM he would have had 3 jobs in 4 years. Maybe the media will get off Petrino’s case about job hopping.
BeachBrave
December 7th, 2009
9:15 pm
DOB – supposedly the original source of the Nutt rumor is an Arkansas radio station, so take it with a grain of salt. Also, as mentioned above, his agent is notorious for leveraging open jobs to get better deals. That said, he would be a great hire if it’s true (although I think Gill would be a good hire also).
dogsbrekky
December 7th, 2009
9:16 pm
Dobi – Starfuc.s is what is wrong with America…. get a real coffee… just use some boiling water, coffee powder and a used sock >>>> Sfuc..rs
sidslidkid
December 7th, 2009
9:16 pm
Petrino deserves every bit of criticism he’s gotten.
Salamander
December 7th, 2009
9:19 pm
Many Starbucks stores offer cheap refills – $0.50 for a grande – same day. They won’t advertise, you need to ask.
Anyone else think Starbucks sells pretty awful coffee?
Don’t get me wrong, I’ll drink gas station coffee when I’m desperate, I’m just saying that the over-roasted Starbucks brand pales in comparison to other chain coffee places (San Francisco Coffee comes to mind), and of course, non-chain coffee houses with their wide selection of beans.
Hedley Lamarr
December 7th, 2009
9:20 pm
DOB,
I cover Ole Miss for a living. While there may be some smoke to the rumor of Nutt to Kansas, Nutt called the report “bull” and AD Pete Boone shot it down. In short, I wouldn’t get my hopes up.
Chad
December 7th, 2009
9:21 pm
I hope he does accept the arbitration. The bullpen wears down every year in the second half and it would take some pressure and wear and tear off of Moylan, Saito, and Wagner.
Bobby uses the bullpen every night so, in my mind, we need a deeper bullpen than rotation.
Also, every name mentioned above has had an injury within the last 2-3 years.
Irregardless of tonights outcome, I love the Wagner and Saito signings and can’t believe how cheap and quick they happened.
Bad Scooter
December 7th, 2009
9:23 pm
DOB, where do you rank Starbucks coffee in terms of major chain coffee places? I can’t stand the coffee there.
Burdell
December 7th, 2009
9:23 pm
Starbucks isn’t the best coffee (they over roast the beans), but it’s widely available. Before Starbucks, I had to either drive 20 minutes to get a cup of coffee or drink the office Folgers (which tastes like tar).
Deacons10
December 7th, 2009
9:24 pm
DOB stay away from Jim Grobe!!!
Think the Padres would take Lowe (with the Braves eating a good portion of the $$), Medlen and KJ for Gonzo? he would be a perfect fit with Atlanta
Couch Tater
December 7th, 2009
9:24 pm
Houston Nutt’s agent is Jimmy Sexton. He does this every year to get a raise for one of his clients.
N8
December 7th, 2009
9:25 pm
DOB, you could always get one of those thermos/backpacks and just make about 10 “2 cup” pots of coffee in your hotel room and fill er’ up! Of course your back might get a tad sweaty wearing that thing all day.
Not to mention you’d kind of look like a dork.
northbeach Scott
December 7th, 2009
9:27 pm
Salamander, I find Starbucks coffee almost undrinkable as the beans are burned. I prefer my coffee black and I cannot stomach the strong strange brew without cream. I used to be in the coffee business and their roasting techniques make it worse than french roast or even chicory, which are the worst I have tried. I am not willing to spend the money to drink Kona beans, Millstone or even Dunkin Doughnuts coffee is better.
Hedley Lamarr
December 7th, 2009
9:27 pm
Couch Tater,
Exactly.
Burdell
December 7th, 2009
9:29 pm
If Soriano accepts arbitration and refuses a trade (thereby loading up the bullpen), the Braves should bring back Chuck James. Dude was clutch through five.
Vol_In_Ohio
December 7th, 2009
9:29 pm
Just watching MNF.
Does anyone think Aaron Rodgers looks like a cross between John Smoltz and Steve Carrell?
Maybe not, just waiting to see the Soriano/Gonzo news.
njbraves
December 7th, 2009
9:29 pm
Deacons10…You’re kidding right?
GTI in Chicago
December 7th, 2009
9:30 pm
Come on, DOB, dodge the Starbucks. There’s gotta be a cheaper option that’s just as good. (Doesn’t there?)
Hedley Lamarr
December 7th, 2009
9:31 pm
The funny thing in all of this, however, is Sexton hasn’t been in contact with Kansas. But it’s well known that Self and Nutt are good buddies.
Chad
December 7th, 2009
9:31 pm
Must be nice to have an agent…and some rare talent.
McFann O
December 7th, 2009
9:32 pm
I liked the Q&A with Wagner–good stuff in there. This line really struck me funny (talking about working with the catcher):
You know, I’m pretty simple. We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s, hey, sit in an area and hopefully I’ll get somewhere near it.
You Distort/We Deride
December 7th, 2009
9:37 pm
If Soriano accepts arbitration, this may be the most loaded ML pitching town in the country. Too bad it’ll take more than our surplus pitchers to net a real superstar bat.
Bad Scooter
December 7th, 2009
9:39 pm
DOB, Rosenthal says Michael Tucker is there trying to revive his career. Have you seen him around?
Moe Berg
December 7th, 2009
9:39 pm
“Think the Padres would take Lowe (with the Braves eating a good portion of the $$), Medlen and KJ for Gonzo? he would be a perfect fit with Atlanta”–Deacons10
While the new Padres GM Jed Hoyer is certainly familiar with Lowe (he was an assistant to Theo Epstein at the Red Sox since 2002), I doubt he would want to make any risky/questionable moves in his first off-season as a GM. Everyone hopes and many expect Lowe to more than bounce back, but a new GM is hardly likely to stick his neck out on an aging pitcher with a big contract coming off a less than stellar season.
TheAntiMe
December 7th, 2009
9:42 pm
Wow, DOB, where are you holed-up in, Motel 6? Try Embassy Suites next time.
DHD
December 7th, 2009
9:46 pm
Embassy Suites will not leave the light on for you.
northbeach Scott
December 7th, 2009
9:49 pm
The Bates Inn may have some nice rooms. Proprieter Norman Bates will be right with you.
Bravesfan54
December 7th, 2009
9:50 pm
My thanks to PW, N8, Nolie for an “inspired” and civil conversation. I do wish that I understood the statistical basis for their opinions, while I do get their drift. (I read the Bill James book “The New Bill James Historical Abstract” (2001), and did not fully understand his statistical method, even when explained!)
I do know that the 1959 White Sox won the American League pennant (losing to the LA Dodgers in the WS) winning 94 games, with only 2 – count ‘em – players in double digit HR’s, Sherm Lollar with 22 and Al Smith with 17. They had a pitching staff with ERA’S that ranged between 2.24 and 3.75, and an infield to die for: Nellie Fox, Luis Aparicio, Billie Goodman, who combined for 9 home runs. But they had anecdotal speed, defense, and baseball savvy. The only key word in my post is “anecdotal”, as the highest BA on the team was .276 and the team average .222. I do not know how this team won 94 games, and all the statistians in the world can’t explain – except that I will credit, Nolie, N8, and PJ, should they wish to attempt a “statistical” explanation (beyond the obvious: they won more games, LOL!)
bob
December 7th, 2009
9:54 pm
Moe, you also forgot to mention SD is trying to cut salary down a great deal. I think last year they were in the 60m at one point and they wanted to get around the 40-45 mil or something along those lines. Lowe to the Padres is definitely not an option
Deacons10
December 7th, 2009
9:56 pm
njbraves – not kidding about Grobe, wishful thinking about Gonzo. I was against throwning the farm to get Peavy because of his injury history and that non-move worked out great.
serious question, would you trade Minor to get Gonzo? I think the Braves could lock him up long term, especially with Chipper about to retire. Having him, Big Mac, Esco, and McClouth (not to mention Heywood) to build an offense around would be amazing.
brian
December 7th, 2009
9:56 pm
nj Braves – jim Grobe’s name is mentioned yearly. Hopefully since he has turned down so many jobs and he is getting older, other schools will leave him at WFU.
I don’t get how you think it is a joke
glord1
December 7th, 2009
9:58 pm
Adrian Gonzalez will not be coming to Atlanta without either Hanson or Hayward included in a deal. So…. Adrian Gonzalez will not be coming to Atlanta.
Burdell
December 7th, 2009
9:58 pm
Nope. The Padres want young, cheap, controllable talent for Gonzo. Basically, the Braves would need to build a package around one of Heyward, Hanson, Escobar, or Jurrjens to make it fair.
Bravesfan54
December 7th, 2009
9:59 pm
P.W. Hjort – allright, I give up, and wanna know what is a WARP3 scale. (Forget my “aw shucks, I don’t understand statistical analysis”- Bill James taxed me, understand, I read the whole damn book in three settings!)
Nick in PA
December 7th, 2009
10:00 pm
Buy a coffee pot and carry it around with you, that’ll teach um!
Nick in PA
December 7th, 2009
10:01 pm
Remember what San Diego wanted for Peavy? They will want a lot more for Mr. Gonzalez.
Moe Berg
December 7th, 2009
10:02 pm
Very true, Bob. You’re right. No way the Padres will pick up Lowe.
Tyger
December 7th, 2009
10:03 pm
Remember its the Braves, what can go wrong will. Sign Soriano, Wagner probably wont pitch more than a 1/3 of the season. Remember Hampton and Hudson, big name expensive duds. Cover your bases, spend some money for Gods sake!
Moe Berg
December 7th, 2009
10:04 pm
DOB–check with ugaaccountant, but perhaps the coffee is tax deductible. Drink up and pass on the cost to the government. Then raid the mini-bar.
Heath
December 7th, 2009
10:04 pm
So, does anyone have an answer for this:
How would a team be compensated if the same team signs more than one of another team’s Type A free agents? Example: The same team signs Gonzo and Soriano…how would the Braves be compensated? One team can’t give two first-round picks?
Justafan
December 7th, 2009
10:05 pm
Blank Starbucks…just get me a Right handed LF with power, and a Ist baseman with power.
Ward
December 7th, 2009
10:06 pm
They would send their 1st and 2nd rounder…or their 2nd and 3rd rounders, depending on the draft position.
Bravesfan54
December 7th, 2009
10:06 pm
Sorry-arm-o 2 years ago had too many arm issues to chance a non-guaranteed contract. No way, Jose, does he do this. Just doesn’t. Turn the page!
Eric from MO
December 7th, 2009
10:06 pm
glord I think you could package a deal around Freeman, Schafer, and Medlen. Hanson is the best pitching prospect in baseball(if you still consider him a prospect) and Heyward is the best hitting prospect in baseball. No other team would be able to match that, so if that is what it would take then Adrian will not be traded. That said I dont think I would give up that much. Be the Tex trade all over again.
Eric from MO
December 7th, 2009
10:07 pm
Remember what San Diego wanted for Peavy? They will want a lot more for Mr. Gonzalez.
Doubt it. Peavy was an ace locked up for 5 years. AG is a FA in two.
P. W. Hjort
December 7th, 2009
10:10 pm
Bravesfan54,
They played 154 games. They managed to score 669 runs and allow 588. Their Pythagenpat record was 86-68. The other 6 games probably came from relief pitching. Their top 2 relievers, Turk Lown and Jerry Staley, combined to throw 209 and 2/3 innings with a 2.53 ERA.
The 1959 White Sox were a lot like the 2009 Braves. Their offense was slightly worse than league average, but they led the league in runs allowed/game by quite a bit. They used seven total starters, one for only two starts, one for only 8 starts, and their front 5. All of their front 5 were all above-average. The meaningful relief innings were pitched by the 2 relief aces, and the junk innings were pitched by their crappy pitchers, allowing them to over-achieve their Pythagorean expectation.
Moe Berg
December 7th, 2009
10:10 pm
While I don’t think any of our expensive contracts will go to San Diego, I think it is irrelevant to bring up what they wanted for Peavy. They have a new GM. Hoyer is not Tower.
N8
December 7th, 2009
10:11 pm
Heath, the free agents are “ranked”. So which ever team was the previous team for the higher ranked free agent, gets the first round pick, and on down the road.
I believe the Blue Jays only got a 3rd round pick for AJ Burnett from the Yankees last year, because the Yanks signed Tex and Sabathia (both ranked higher).
I don’t know who’s ranked higher between Gonzalez and Soriano, but if one team signed both, and didn’t sign a higher ranked free agent than them, we’d get that teams 1st and 2nd round pick (along with two sandwhich picks between the first and second round.
So in reality, both guys going to one team actually helps us, unless that team is on a crazy spending spree (see Yankees last winter).
What we need to worry about is Gonzo or Soriano signing with one of the teams that also goes after Bay, Lackey or Holliday.
SoWega Fanatic
December 7th, 2009
10:11 pm
Just curious, but how many of you guys have slept with Tiger Woods?
DHD
December 7th, 2009
10:13 pm
Cameron Diaz did
Heath
December 7th, 2009
10:14 pm
N8 -
Ahh…. I see what you mean. That sucks for the team losing the free agents.
Bravesfan54
December 7th, 2009
10:15 pm
DAP – I agree with you on FW’s signing of Wagner and Saito. While I would’ve salivated at another year of Gonzo and Soriano, their arb eligibility and expected price more than justified these 2 good moves.
Score another for Frank Wren.
Against the CW, I would have attempted to sign LaRoche. Don’t care what’s coming behind him, win next year, not 2011. Life’s a chance, go with what’s worked again and again.
Braveworld
December 7th, 2009
10:15 pm
Whats the NEWS beside the coffee and no food.
If Soriano accepts arbitration…just put his butt on the pine till he agrees to a trade.
N8
December 7th, 2009
10:15 pm
Idealy, Heath, we’d like Gonzo and Soriano to sign with seperate teams that finished in the bottom 16 teams in round one of the draft (anybody in the top 15 is “protected” and wouldn’t have to give up those picks).
For example. If the KC Royals signed Soriano (unlikely), they’d only have to give up their 2nd round pick, since they will pick in the top 16.
The Rays pick 17, the Mariners 18, the Tigers 19 (Braves are #20).
So in a perfect world one of those 3 teams right ahead of us signs those guys, and they would be their highest rated free agents signed.
Our #20 pick likely will go to Boston unless we sign a guy higher ranked than Wagner.
Tyger
December 7th, 2009
10:16 pm
Soriano accepts arbitration, its a no-brainer!
1. Get more money on a 1 yr. deal.
2. Dont play me, I extend my career by a year.
3. Trade me after June, I only stay there 3months
4. Next year I’m in same position with a fresh arm.
5. With Braves luck – 2-3 pitchers go down and they cant trade me.
jeffrey d
December 7th, 2009
10:18 pm
Soriano accepts arbitration, its a no-brainer!
How is that a no-brainer? You just mapped a 5-step plan, but if he declines arbitration, this happens:
1) He gets more money for a longer period of time.
Andrew in PA
December 7th, 2009
10:20 pm
I kind of think the Rangers will be the team to get Lowe (if traded)..sinkerball pitcher is a need for that ballpark
Voice of Reason
December 7th, 2009
10:21 pm
Tyger – If pitchers go down for a long duration then it wouldnt matter as much because they could possibly collect insurance money for the player(s). His market will not be that great (more than likely) if he doesnt pitch a whole lot in 2010, at least not as good as it should be this year when he had a sun 2.00 ERA for most of the season.
Bravesfan54
December 7th, 2009
10:22 pm
DOB: I had Herzog’s baseball card with the Senators, circa 1958. BTW- I had a 1954 Satchell Paige St. Louis Browns card that didn’t survive my youth, along with my Earl “Torgy” Togesun card. My Boston Braves cards were limited to Eddie Matthews and Ebba St. Clare, I believe. I’m thinking maybe Ernie Johnson, too, but I’d have to go back to my 1977 Baseball Enclyclo for that one.
N8
December 7th, 2009
10:22 pm
Heath, it does suck. Especially if you’re a team like the Blue Jays and you have a Type A free agent like Burnett. You’re thinking to yourself as the Jays GM that you’ll get a draft pick of worth for him, but instead you get a 3rd round pick from the best team in baseball (after all the sandwhich picks – that pick ends up in the 100’s).
Had the Yankees only signed Burnett, the Jays get a pick in the top 32.
That is why I think those first round picks should carry over from year to year. If a team like the Yankees wants to go on a shopping splurge like last year, they shouldn’t have any first round picks for the next 3 years, regardless if they don’t sign free agents the next two years.
A team like the Blue Jays with Burnett last year, would still get the sandwhich pick the following draft, as to not have to wait for 3 years to get their 1st round pick.
The whole draft, the free agency compensation and the lack of ability for teams to trade draft picks in MLB is a joke, imo.
The Braves drafted and signed Minor. They should be able to trade him now if they wanted. But my understanding of the rule is that a draft pick can’t be traded for one calendar year. I’m guessing that that rule is in place so a team doesn’t leave “player to be named later” hanging on a trade, then draft a particular player, and trade that player to the other team. A safe-guard if you will against teams sidestepping the rule.
Like I said. A joke.
Wayne in Utah
December 7th, 2009
10:23 pm
97 more minutes to wonder………….
Goldenglove002
December 7th, 2009
10:23 pm
Andrew in PA- If it weren’t for the fact that Texas likely can’t afford him I would agree completely. Problem is they are one of those teams that is reportedly having financial difficulties
Justafan
December 7th, 2009
10:24 pm
I believe Wren has a trade in mind just waiting for the chips to fall with 1st free agent pitcher. Then he will trade Lowe to the team that didn’t get FA=Angels,Tigers, NNY and Boston. Wren just acts to happy, somethings up.
Moe Berg
December 7th, 2009
10:24 pm
“I kind of think the Rangers will be the team to get Lowe (if traded)..sinkerball pitcher is a need for that ballpark”–Andrew in PA
Maybe, if they move Millwood’s $12M contract.
rupert
December 7th, 2009
10:25 pm
screw soriano and the horse he rode in on.
Justin
December 7th, 2009
10:25 pm
Tyger is Sorianos agent blowing some more smoke haha
Andrew in PA
December 7th, 2009
10:26 pm
i thought we would have known by now what soriano is doing