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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
5,421 comments Add your comment
NewnanRay
December 9th, 2009
2:43 pm
If we are trying to put a team together that gives Bobby another Chance to win a Championship before he retires I say go with Cameron…go with the trade of Soriano for Reimold…I am so sick of being Underachievers..and I would really appreciate it if we addressed our 3B situation before Chipper gets hurt again this year…its not his fault its just his body is breaking down…so lets do something about it now..
Andy K.
December 9th, 2009
2:44 pm
Thats right, Smack, wasn’t sure if he had played five seasons. thanks for clearing that up. hopefully we dont lose him.
LOOGY
December 9th, 2009
2:44 pm
…annnd he hit .301 with a .503 Slugging vs. lefties last year. With 7 bombs.
MaineBrave
December 9th, 2009
2:45 pm
Ahh yes i love the winter meetings
NewnanRay
December 9th, 2009
2:45 pm
And no I do not want MIke Lowell..another injury prone player..
Wayne in Utah
December 9th, 2009
2:45 pm
Reimold???
If the O’s wanted Soriano THAT bad, they would have signed him on Sunday. Reimold is MUCH more valuable than a draft pick.
Last year, Lowell was coming back from hip surgery a year ago. I don’t know if that was the reason he missed games last year, or if it was another injury situation. BUT, if he can stay healthy, his bat and presence in the clubhouse would make him a good acquisition. Not a glamourous addition though.
Long time Braves fan
December 9th, 2009
2:45 pm
I thought of that Lowell for Soriano idea, too. But Lowell has never played first base in the majors, and I’m not under the impression that another set-up man is a priority for the Red Sox, since they have Papelbon, Bard, Okajima and Ramirez in their pen.
Nick
December 9th, 2009
2:46 pm
Kinda disappointed the Braves didn\’t get anything done at the Winter Meetings. Looks like nobody wants Soriano at that price. We will probably be stuck with him and I\’m willing to bet Lowe will be on the opening day roster. Way to go Wren.
Macon Braves (RIP)
December 9th, 2009
2:46 pm
I miss Sunday afternoons at Luther Williams Field. We must have drawn what/?2-3…dozen?
Oh, at least that many…
You were pretty much guaranteed a foul ball though! I remember in Little League (like T-ball age) going to Luther Williams Field for Sunday games (this was back when the Pirates had their minor league team in Macon) and we would get to play shortened games on the field before the Macon Pirates’ game. They would have three or four games going across the outfield at the same time and some of the Macon Pirate players would be the umpires.
But, Luther Williams has no team calling it home now because the people that run the City of Macon SUCK and couldn’t care less about keeping a team there.
Braves 4 Life
December 9th, 2009
2:46 pm
Orioles, Rangers Agree On Millwood-Ray Swap
1:38pm: The two sides have a tentative agreement, reports Zrebiec. He says the deal could be completed as early as tonight.
Noah
December 9th, 2009
2:46 pm
For 3rd base there are lots of options but you cant give them much playing time unless you move chipper to first.
Nova Scotia Steve - #40
December 9th, 2009
2:47 pm
Re:Lowell
Not to mention the Braves/Red Sox seem to enjoy swaping players back and forth these past two seasons…
Noah
December 9th, 2009
2:48 pm
Nick: I can think of worse things then being stuck with Soriano for 7-8mil. Remember he had 27 saves last year and was one of the best in the league. I am sure someone will grab him, just dont know if you’ll get anything in return
MaineBrave
December 9th, 2009
2:48 pm
Nick:
We still have close to a day left to make deals.
Tomas
December 9th, 2009
2:48 pm
Noah, I just think Mclouth being the younger player, and having won a gold glove in 2008, the Braves are better off having him in CF while Cameron plays RF which he has experienced before.
Having seen what Mclouth did last year, I’d have to say he is an above average CF, only problem he had last year was his rainbow throwing back to the infield when he didn’t think the runner was gonna take second.
O.J.
December 9th, 2009
2:49 pm
Lowell has never played 1st base, so he would have to be ok with switching to a new position this late in his career.
David O'Brien
December 9th, 2009
2:49 pm
Sidslidkid: Thanks for trying to get me in trouble by taking part of one I wrote. I DID NOT say Soriano would be traded before we leave tomorrow. I was asked when I thought he’d be traded, and said I was fairly sure he would be trade by tomorrow. That’s all.
My comment was at 2:16 p.m.
Braves 4 Life
December 9th, 2009
2:49 pm
Orioles, Rangers Agree On Millwood-Ray Swap
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-kevin-millwood-trade-1209,0,4877522.story
“The deal could be completed as early as tonight. The deal will also need to be approved by Major League Baseball because it’s expected that more than $1 million is changing hands.”
So Millwood is determined to be worth $11M and an injury prone former closer. Don’t know if that is good or bad news for the Braves and the Lowe situation.
Nick in PA
December 9th, 2009
2:49 pm
DOB,
Any chance the Braves keep both Lowe and Vazquez if they feel they aren’t getting a strong enough deal?
Andy K.
December 9th, 2009
2:50 pm
How about Kevin Millar as our bench role 1B? I’d say if he could be had fora reasonable price, he’s an upgrade from Norton…
cs95
December 9th, 2009
2:50 pm
pinero expected to make more than wolf.. i don’t see how the braves don’t unload lowe without eating more than like 2mil a year of his salary.
Nova Scotia Steve - #40
December 9th, 2009
2:50 pm
Not to mention I believe Papelbum is a free agent after the 2010 season…and I believe he made it clear he’s going to test the open market…
Wayne in Utah
December 9th, 2009
2:51 pm
Nick
I know that Random has already recorded your negativism for future reference.
So, when FW pulls the trigger, you are going to look like a dip stick!
TnBrian
December 9th, 2009
2:51 pm
There’s a reason why Boston is willing to pay that much of his contract & it’s more than likely his injuries, but I’d still take Lowell. I always thought he was more of a HR hitter but his career high is only 32.
Arkansas Transplant
December 9th, 2009
2:52 pm
*No thoughts on this, ANYONE? DOB?*
I’ll tell what, there are actually just 5 moves the Braves need to make:
1st: Trade Lowe and his 15mil
2nd: Trade Soriano and his potential 6.5 to 8mil.
3rd: You extend an offer to Ben Sheet 1mil to 2.5mil in incentives
4th: You sign Dye, play lf and/or 1b
5th: You sigh Nady, play lf and/or 1b
You take into consideration that you offer KJ so that you have a potential to play 2nd and move Prado to first. Giving you options of rotating Nady and Dye to the corner spots. You start Heyward in lf to start. If Sheets shows thats he’s 100 percent, make him the 5th starter, move Kawakami to the pen for long inning support and spot starts. This would also allow Atlanta to try to sign Javy to an extension at the same time only offering 1 year deals not blocking prospects like Freeman.
Batting Order:
1. Mclouth
2. Escobar
3. Chipper
4. Dye
5. McCann
6. Heyward
7. Nady
8. Prado
Awesome lineup and well under budget!!
Starting Rotation:
1. Hudson
2. Javy
3. Jair
4. Hanson
5. Sheets/Kawakami
Closer:
Wagner
This rotation would easily be the best and deepest in baseball without even coming close to breaking the bank. Plus you have security if one breaks down.
Also a major plus…. Not moving any prospects to craft this team!! Always for frexiblity at the mid way point if you still need to make a move.
What do you think???
Nick in PA
December 9th, 2009
2:53 pm
Why the hell would the Braves sign Ben Sheets?
6-4-3
December 9th, 2009
2:54 pm
Rosenthal just tweeted that the two clubs in on Soriano are the Rays and the Astros. That’s the first I’ve heard of the Rays.
Wayne in Utah
December 9th, 2009
2:54 pm
Andy K
Didn’t Millar have quite a dropoff last year? I am not sure. If not, he would be a good PH bat.
Macon Braves (RIP)
December 9th, 2009
2:54 pm
Tomas–Gold Gloves don’t mean much of anything when it comes to who is a better defender. Just ask David Wright and Rafael Palmeiro. Also, who cares about McLouth’s age when Cameron is hands down the better CFer. You don’t play one of the best CFs in baseball in LF or RF because you have a guy that is younger. What kind of logic is that?
Knox MC
December 9th, 2009
2:54 pm
If Braves get Lowell, Prado will be suiting up at 1B A LOT.
LOOGY
December 9th, 2009
2:54 pm
Ken_Rosenthal Rays, Astros the teams trying to trade for R. Soriano.
MaineBrave
December 9th, 2009
2:55 pm
wow the rays are interested, thats nice
Nick in PA
December 9th, 2009
2:55 pm
Zobrist for Soriano? muhaha
alwaysabraves
December 9th, 2009
2:56 pm
Rays, Astros the teams trying to trade for R. Soriano.
-Ken_Rosenthal
Fischerking04
December 9th, 2009
2:56 pm
If the Braves indeed begin to pursue Lowell we might want to save time and go ahead and just trade our entire teams.
Arkansas Transplant
December 9th, 2009
2:56 pm
Why wouldn’t you sign Sheets? There’s nothing but high reward there, he’d likely start the season in the minors.
MaineBrave
December 9th, 2009
2:56 pm
Astros just lost LaTroy Hawkins to the Brewers.
Astros going harder for soriano now?
David O'Brien
December 9th, 2009
2:56 pm
Here’s how fluid this Soriano situation is. Now the word is that the Rays are in on the thing, first I’ve heard of that.
Noah
December 9th, 2009
2:56 pm
1:52pm: Rosenthal tweets that the Rays and Astros are vying for Soriano. Note that the Astros just lost LaTroy Hawkins to the Brewers.
sidslidkid
December 9th, 2009
2:56 pm
DOB. No problem. I’m always here to take things out of context, hold you to them, and pass out the pitch fork and torches.
Manny B'n Manny
December 9th, 2009
2:57 pm
The tones of your articles has gone from very optimistic to not so in the past two days. I think we are going to start seeing what the REAL market is for these soon to be castoffs, while they have value, isn’t what we hoped.
Brewers are set to sign Hawkins, and Orioles are getting Millwood. You can cross them off potential lists.
Bay Area Steve
December 9th, 2009
2:57 pm
scoots,
Open invitation, man. You know that. Though we’d better make it in his, or your, neck of the woods; gotta find Ol’ Leyland a smoking establishment.
Efrim
December 9th, 2009
2:57 pm
Rosenthal just tweeted that the two clubs in on Soriano are the Rays and the Astros. That’s the first I’ve heard of the Rays.
Rays have a pretty deep system, so it would be nice to send him there.
Braves 4 Life
December 9th, 2009
2:58 pm
Arkansas Transplant-
No one commented cause its not worth it…
1st: Trade Lowe and his 15mil (duh read the blogs dating back to the middle of the season)
2nd: Trade Soriano and his potential 6.5 to 8mil. (We are trying. Two of the teams we were going to trade him to just pulled out)
3rd: You extend an offer to Ben Sheet 1mil to 2.5mil in incentives (His name is Ben Sheets and why would you want that we already have six SPs with way less injury concerns)
4th: You sign Dye, play lf and/or 1b (Not likely)
5th: You sigh Nady, play lf and/or 1b (Possibility that is being thrown around)
As for your line-up portion… I think everyone on here knows who is on the Braves
Wayne in Utah
December 9th, 2009
2:58 pm
Arkansas
Thanks for resubmitting that. To be honest, when I got down to the point of signing Ben Sheets, I quit reading……Sorry, that ain’t happening.
6-4-3
I was wondering earlier this morning to myself why the Rays weren’t in on Soriano. They definitely have been needing a closer. They do have issues with payroll flexibility though.
What is Burrell owed? I have never been much of a fan of him, but when healthy, he can hit the long ball. And you know what they say, Chicks do dig the long ball!
David O'Brien
December 9th, 2009
2:58 pm
Arkansas Transplant: Yeah, I have same thought expressed by Nick in PA: Why the hell would Braves, of all teams, sign Sheets?
Fischerking04
December 9th, 2009
2:58 pm
If there was any way we could put Soriano and some prospects in a package for Zobrist I would love it.
Versatile(sp?) guy that can hit.
Resident Cynic
December 9th, 2009
2:59 pm
Astros Close To Acquiring Matt Lindstrom?
By Tim Dierkes [December 9 at 1:55pm CST]
The Astros are close to acquiring reliever Matt Lindstrom from the Marlins, writes Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post. Capozzi notes that the Marlins have been close on other deals that failed to materialize, however. The Astros are also considered a finalist for Rafael Soriano; I imagine they won’t get both.
Efrim
December 9th, 2009
2:59 pm
Astros close to getting Matt Lindstrom, so maybe it’ll be Sori to the Rays.
Nate from NCState
December 9th, 2009
2:59 pm
Hey guys, NEWSFLASH: the Rays are in on Soriano.. and the Astros just lost out on Hawkins, have you heard?….
Nick in PA
December 9th, 2009
2:59 pm
I wonder if the Rays would be interested in Soriano?
Andy K.
December 9th, 2009
2:59 pm
Wayne, you’re correct on the average for Millar, in just about as many games as Norton, he hit .223, but he did have 7 Homers and 29 RBIs. THe 1B market, especially for back ups is not too impressive, I mean who else is there? Nomar? dunno about other guys, i’d have to look it up.
Braves 4 Life
December 9th, 2009
2:59 pm
Astros Close To Acquiring Matt Lindstrom
6-4-3
December 9th, 2009
3:00 pm
Now MLBTraderumors is saying the Astros are close on Lindstrom. They probably won’t get both Soriano and Lindstrom. Down to the wire here.
cs95
December 9th, 2009
3:00 pm
the only problem with lowell is, if lowell is out then prado at 1B and infante plays 2B. if lowell and chipper are out then an infield of 1b-prado, 2B-conrad, SS-escobar, 3B- infante. that would be interesting if a significant injury occurred.
Tale of Woe
December 9th, 2009
3:00 pm
Astros about to trade for Lindstrom
DSS82
December 9th, 2009
3:00 pm
If the Mike Lowell idea does actually happen then we would have two corner infielders that could potentially dislocate a hip if a sharp groundball is hit to either line.
Nate from NCState
December 9th, 2009
3:01 pm
If I were the astro’s I’d be going after Soriano before Lindstrom. Lindstrom looked TERRIBLE down the stretch.
Arkansas Transplant
December 9th, 2009
3:01 pm
Why won’t you?
LOOGY
December 9th, 2009
3:02 pm
Ben Zobrist for Soriano, Cash, and Prospect.
Anthony
December 9th, 2009
3:02 pm
Thanks DOB for your input on the Rule 5 draft. I know it would be shooting yourself in the foot, just didn’t know if there was any info out there.
But I think we all have to be impressed with how Wren is doing at GM. He’s really do anything he possibly can to win a championship.
CB
December 9th, 2009
3:03 pm
Why would we take on Lowell’s salary and injury prone body? Come on guys.
Arkansas Transplant
December 9th, 2009
3:04 pm
Funny thing is… I was the first one last year calling for the trade of Lowe but none of you agreed! Now, what? Looks like I know a little more about future planning.
Nick in PA
December 9th, 2009
3:04 pm
Sign Mark DeRosa, mainly for his hot wife!
Erik
December 9th, 2009
3:04 pm
Soriano and Schaffer for BJ Upton
OR
Soriano, KJ, Schaffer for Zobris.
All the above would be nice please
chris
December 9th, 2009
3:04 pm
well DOB actually stated at 2:06 “soriano will be trade by tomorrow, i’m fairly sure.”
Daniel
December 9th, 2009
3:04 pm
lowell for Soriano would be very interesting, particularly if the idea is that the Sox take most of Lowell’s contract and he could be our pinch hitting veteran that Bobby loves so much.
MFin04
December 9th, 2009
3:04 pm
Astros getting Lindstrom, no need for Soriano. We are going to get stuck with him.
Nick in PA
December 9th, 2009
3:05 pm
DOB,
Think a Soriano will be traded straight up, or do the Braves add a couple pieces to get a bigger name?
cs95
December 9th, 2009
3:05 pm
do the brewers stlll have hoffman? that’s a pretty good one-two..
Efrim
December 9th, 2009
3:05 pm
2 years and 7.5 million for Hawkins. I wonder what Soriano would of gotten had he not had a draft pick attached.
RM
December 9th, 2009
3:05 pm
We could do worse than Mike Lowell. Lowell batted .290 with 17 HR and 75 RBI in 119 games this past season. The guy batted pretty low in the order for the Sox and still managed those numbers in that many games. If the Sox would eat part of that salary, I think I’d take him.
You do have to worry about having two somewhat fragile, aging players anchoring your infield though.
Wayne in Utah
December 9th, 2009
3:05 pm
Andy K
You also mentioned Nomar. I have always thought he would be a good bench guy for us. Plays OK in a lot of positions. Won’t embarrass you too much anywhere.
Hey, if we can’t get Ryan Freel, then Nomar would be the next best alternative for my money!
(Lew, Key, scoots and flange1; that was for you guys!)
Knox MC
December 9th, 2009
3:06 pm
Lindstrom is set to make about $1.5 mill in his 1st year of arbitration. Significantly less than Soriano.
nick
December 9th, 2009
3:07 pm
There are 2 nick’s in here, a Nick and a nick(which is me) Make no mistake!
PMC
December 9th, 2009
3:07 pm
Making a trade to “free up payroll” in a system with no salary cap is not the recipe for “going for it” this year.
TommyP
December 9th, 2009
3:07 pm
It’s been said before that the Rays are shopping Upton.
Just sayin’…
PMC
December 9th, 2009
3:07 pm
If they want to “Go get a bat” Go get freaking Jason Bay to play left.
Oh wait liberty media is using the team as a tax write off.
Wayne in Utah
December 9th, 2009
3:09 pm
Who is this Schaffer and Zobris players?
I bet they are a couple of pre-madonnas!
Braves 4 Life
December 9th, 2009
3:10 pm
Matt Lindstrom – ERA 5.89 K 39 Walks 24 Saves 15 Salary $1-2M
Rafael Soriano – ERA 2.97 K 102 Walks 27 Saves 27 Salary $6.5-8M
The Astros are going to lose Jose Valverde whom they paid $8M to. My question is why going cheap with Lindstrom when you have a guy available with money to spend.
TennesseePaul
December 9th, 2009
3:11 pm
Braves potential trades and acquisitions: fans shouldn’t expect anything good.
This is really a downer for the hot-stove. I’m starting to see why some yearn for more coal stoking.
Knox MC
December 9th, 2009
3:11 pm
If we had picked up Ross Gload last night, it would have the Lowell deal more appealing. That’s not helping, though.
chris
December 9th, 2009
3:12 pm
nick in PA has a good point. why not trade soriano with a few more pieces to get a bigger name. braves are trying to free soriano’s salary to help the offense, why not trade soriano with a few peices to help the offesne. lowe will certainly help the minor league depth via a trade
Ray Pugh
December 9th, 2009
3:13 pm
Wayne,
Props, but only if your use of “pre-madonnas” was intentional…
Daniel
December 9th, 2009
3:14 pm
Knox MC- I totally agree about Gload, but what if we were to get Lowell to fill the role that Gload would have had? Not a bad 2cd option.
richbrave
December 9th, 2009
3:18 pm
Daniel
December 9th, 2009
2:09 pm
richbrave- I am going with the assumption that Nady is going to get 2/3 option deal worth 5-7 mil per. What do you think of him at that price?
Well, SWISHER is my absolute preference, and NADY would be my second I guess.
SWISHER plays both OF and 1B but you lose two potential positions in one man if he goes down. Would have to get a good defensive bench player for 1B in that case and keep the cost to a minimum.
NADY does not play 1B to my knowledge, and the 5-7 million number you mentioned might work if he stays healthy. But there’s that TJ sword hanging over him. Then signing JOHNSON or LaROCHE becomes less problematic. Simply couldn’t do it if SWISHER were here.
No, I’ll let FW, the wizard, pull this rabbit out of the hat.
Mixxo
December 9th, 2009
3:19 pm
Yo, we played in Pocatello……..it was far out.
My Xmas is coming early if we get rid of Soriano & Lowe. Thanks Santa!!!
Tha Dogg Father
December 9th, 2009
3:19 pm
What about letting Kenshin Kawakami go, he has been a total bust and I have no idea how he fits in on this team?
jk10
December 9th, 2009
3:19 pm
Would a Soriano for Pat Burrell trade be something the Rays and Braves are considering?
Venice Jim
December 9th, 2009
3:20 pm
Schuerholz on 680 right now
Tomas
December 9th, 2009
3:21 pm
Macon Braves, the logic being Mclouth has more speed given he hasn’t lost it to age unlike Cameron who just had 7 steals, and his speed makes him the guy with more range. But the real reason is Cameron is open to changing positions, and the Braves need a RF.
Nick in PA
December 9th, 2009
3:21 pm
May God watch over Frank Wren if he trades for Pat Burrell
dmack2027
December 9th, 2009
3:21 pm
Say the Braves trade Soriano to the Rays. What kind of prospect should they expect in return. This guy is a top flight reliever, and they are only wedded to him for one year (though they could resign him). I think we should get a good piece back for him, but that is just my opinion.
Macon Braves (RIP)
December 9th, 2009
3:22 pm
What about letting Kenshin Kawakami go, he has been a total bust and I have no idea how he fits in on this team?
I hope this was just your attempt to Troll for some reaction…
Knox MC
December 9th, 2009
3:22 pm
Daniel- we would be paying approx. $6 mil of Lowell’s $12 mil contract. That’s too much for a bench player/spot starter. He would have to be the starter at 1B.
C's
December 9th, 2009
3:23 pm
Did someone really just say that KK is a bust?
DAP
December 9th, 2009
3:23 pm
tomas, Mclouth has more speed given he hasn’t lost it to age unlike Cameron who just had 7 steals, and his speed makes him the guy with more range.
SB is an offensive stats and has nothing to do with defense. cameron is better than mcclouth defensively, and there is no debate about that.
Nick in PA
December 9th, 2009
3:24 pm
The Dogg Father (how original) is a bust
NC Braves Fan
December 9th, 2009
3:24 pm
chris & Nick in PA: that’s an interesting idea, but keep in mind that Soriano probably isn’t worth very much in a trade at this point in time.
If he was in high demand, other teams would have been willing to part with their draft pick (and he would have been comfortable declining arbitration).
Nova Scotia Steve - #40
December 9th, 2009
3:25 pm
OMG…This just in…Takashi Saito will be 40 in February…..