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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
5,207 comments Add your comment
Prime Time
December 14th, 2009
10:33 pm
If they can get 2 or 3 teams desperate enough for pitching to get into a bidding war maybe they can get a decent player out of a deal for Lowe. Lowe is better than any other FA option left out there. It may not be the power hitter we all want but I don’t think it will be for scraps either.
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
10:33 pm
I think Lowe is at least worth 11-12 mil a year. Yes hes 37 but hes still durable. Just because he has a bad year doesn’t mean hes going to decline further. Look at Petite hes still going. Petite had a similar year to Lowe and is I believe older and making 12 mil a year.
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
10:34 pm
Braves_Fan_RSD………..well, time will tell who is right about the Lowe situation.
If I’m wrong, the board will light up and villify me.
However if I turn out to be right, I’m sure that those same people will not give me any props. They’ll find some way to turn it around and say that I wasnt the only one who was right……..or that I’m an A-Hole for being right.
BravesFanChris25
December 14th, 2009
10:34 pm
According to ESPN….
Jays
Phillies outfielder Michael Taylor, Phillies catching prospect Travis d’Arnaud and a Phils pitcher — either Kyle Drabek or J.A. Happ — to Toronto, sources said. And indications Monday night were that that pitcher was likely to be Drabek.
Phils
Halladay
Gillies
Aumont
M’s
Lee
Joebrave
December 14th, 2009
10:34 pm
Paul Lentz, Have you sir been watching the last few days? Do you have a freakin clue or are you glued to your damn mirror!
Lowe has value above the 15 mil avg he is making.
I am sure there are any number of teams that would like to find 15 wins, 200 innings and no time on the D.L. just lying around!
Lentz is more
December 14th, 2009
10:34 pm
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
10:24 pm
“Braves_Fan_RSD……..again, the Angels are not going to pay Derek Lowe $12 mil a season (the Braves eating $3, according to your 10:18pm posting)…..while giving up a relatively cheap power hitter like Juan Rivera. Just no logic as to why they would do that.
However, if Frank Wren can somehow sucker the Angels into making that trade…….then I will jump for joy. As I said before, even though I feel that the Braves cant trade Lowe without eating a significant part of his contract……..that does not mean that I’m not rooting for Frank Wren to pull off a miracle. I just dont think he cant with this.”
Plus there would be that added bonus of not seeing any more of your posts on here until after the all star break..
BravesfaninWis
December 14th, 2009
10:35 pm
All I know is that the Braves better have something up their sleeve as far as a hitter or two goes via trade. If we don’t get it that way, it means we are getting rid of a large salary and still picking up second tier guys to “try” and help this team.
Its already a forgone conclusion that the Braves will not be in on Bay or Holliday whether or not they trade Lowe or Vazquez, so that means they either have to land a proven hitter by trade, or we will be a mediocre team yet again. While I am sure that Nady could be a upgrade over Anderson, he is not going to improve this team that much. We need a legit power hitter that can drive in runs for us, and help us win more games. If Wren doesn’t achieve that, then this entire off season should be considered a complete failure.
AdirondackDave
December 14th, 2009
10:35 pm
Paul Lentz — If Wren trades Lowe without giving up more than 3M x 3 would you be willing to go away? Perhaps to the Yankees blogs?
African Safari
December 14th, 2009
10:35 pm
Paul -
Braves could add a player or two to the deal too….never say never.
Gil In Mechanicsville
December 14th, 2009
10:36 pm
Well, if Lowe is going to win 15 games a year, he can have an ERA of 8.00 for all I care. I think that is how a lot of teams feel too. Got to be doing something right to have that sort of record.
rtrafford
December 14th, 2009
10:37 pm
Slow to heal? That’s plain, old fashioned stupid. Is a roof leak hard to fix just because it wasn’t noticed for quite some time?
The kid hit his way onto the club, made easy work of the reigning world champs in their own park, and then fractured his wrist without it being diagnosed.
Magically this all equates to him stinking and being a slow healer.
Steve from OH
December 14th, 2009
10:37 pm
If I’m wrong, the board will light up and villify me.
Well, we do want you to taste your own medicine…if you’re not too dense to realize it, that is.
TnBrian
December 14th, 2009
10:38 pm
DOB, is Hallday going to be any better for the Phills than Lee was down the stretch this season? That, plus giving up on your top pitching prospect & top hitter in the minors(I think). This is stupid if you think about it.
Gil In Mechanicsville
December 14th, 2009
10:38 pm
Especially when pitching for a hitting shy team like the Braves….
Bay Area Steve
December 14th, 2009
10:39 pm
Lentz,
Read the frickin’ blog.
Perhaps if you didn’t need to post every fifth comment, you’d have to time to read others’ comments, and see I answered your question. And, what the hell is “official?” You need a frickin’ notary public? You offered, someone accepted, you declined. Someone else accepted, you asked if it was official, called him Steffi. Steffi says, again, bet is on. You say later he never got back to you. I sincerely hope that you can find this; otherwise would be a crime shame.
Steve from OH
December 14th, 2009
10:39 pm
Magically this all equates to him stinking and being a slow healer.
Wait, someone said Schafer was a “slow healer?” As though, there is a set timeline for wrist injury healing?
Ah, I think I know who this was…
Joebrave
December 14th, 2009
10:39 pm
Lee, and Drabek? Damn what is Amaro Smoking, good money says Halladay won’t make it all the way through the season in that bandbox, without a stint on the dl
Braves Lifer
December 14th, 2009
10:39 pm
glord1……..Kevin Millwood of 2010 is much better than Derek Lowe of 2010. Hell, Millwood of 2009 was much better than Derek Lowe of 2009. Not only is Millwood a better pitcher than Lowe is now………he’s $6 mil cheaper this year.
Millwood:
2007 IP 172.2 ERA 5.16 W 10
2008 IP 168.2 ERA 5.07 W 9
2009 IP 198.2 ERA 3.67 W 13
Lowe:
2007 IP 199.1 ERA 3.88 W 12
2008 IP 211.0 ERA 3.24 W 14
2009 IP 194.2 ERA 4.67 W 15
Do you guys even look up stats before you say things like “Hell, Millwood of 2009 was much better than Derek Lowe of 2009″?
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
10:40 pm
AdirondackDave…………and if I’m right……are you willing to go to the Mets blogs?
Lee and Doc
December 14th, 2009
10:40 pm
This soon after free agency and the non-tender deadline you have Lackey signing and Halladay traded. Cliff Lee is either staying or is part of the deal for Halladay. So who does that leave out there who eats innings, is not a regular DL resident, and has a winning pedigree that stretches out over a number of big league seasons? And 3 years at 15 mil is not a 5 year committment at 18 mil.
It’s not always about who the best pitcher is on any given day. This time of year it’s more about WHO IS AVAILABLE. If I’m the Braves, I only pick up part of Lowe’s salary if I’m getting quality in return for him. If I’m getting prospects only, I pay NONE of the freight on him! He may very well be the best option left for a number of teams who need pitching help.
Comparing Lowe to a half dozen pitchers who have already been tied up for 2010 is pretty stupid! It’s about who is left in the market and what teams that haven’t filled their rotation gaps are going to do about it!
African Safari
December 14th, 2009
10:40 pm
Gil in Mechanicville -
ERA for pitchers is highly over-rated. A pitcher losing 3-2 is the same as losing 6-2. The only difference is the ERA. As you said….if Lowe gets 15 wins, he has to be doing something right. As I said before, if he has a 4.50 ERA with the Angels, he’ll almost surely get another 15 wins for them next year…they, unlike the Braves of this past year, can score.
Tomahawk Talk
December 14th, 2009
10:41 pm
I bet we are making a strong play for Xavier Nady. He is the smart option. He can play 1st base or outfield. Say we start the year with Heyward, Diaz, and McLouth in outfield. Nady at first. and your set. if diaz struggles and freeman has killer start you promote freeman and move nady to outfield. or if nady struggles you promote freeman and have nady platoon. i really think this is the route the braves go. its the easiest option to see in my opinion.
unless of course the angels feel compelled to give away juan rivera. its highly unlikely tho
glord1
December 14th, 2009
10:41 pm
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
10:28 pm
glord1……..Kevin Millwood of 2010 is much better than Derek Lowe of 2010. Hell, Millwood of 2009 was much better than Derek Lowe of 2009.
Not only is Millwood a better pitcher than Lowe is now………he’s $6 mil
Paul – Here is where you show you don’t understand the game quite as well as you think you do. There is a thing called track record.
Explain this this one. Here are two pitchers. Who got the bigger contract.
Pitcher #1 11-7 3.23 ERA 214 INN
Pitcher #2 11-8 3.88 ERA 174 INN
The answer is pitcher #2. His name is John Lackey he just got 18 mil for 5 years. Pitcher #1 is Randy Wolfe. He just got 9 mil for 3 years.
Didn’t Wolf have a better year? What happened? Do you think GMs look farther back than 8 months when signing contracts? Lowe will get moved and there is NO WAY the Braves eat 15 mil. You heard it here first.
O.J.
December 14th, 2009
10:42 pm
So are the Phillies not having to give up Lee? Whats the deal here so far? If they dont have to give up Lee, then stick a fork in us, we are done. Halladay, Lee and Hamels??? Against Vazquez, Jurrjens, and Hanson? Not too sure about that. But we shall see.
Random
December 14th, 2009
10:42 pm
ugaaccountant (December 14th, 2009 5:34 pm): “Chipper’s speed – I do recognize your good work in noting he had a dozen infield hits last year. I honestly can’t speak to how he got those. But by the same logic, it’s crap to say because he hit alot of doubles he must be fast. He hits alot of doubles because he’s a good slugger. He hits the ball far. Brian McCann hits plenty of doubles and you never disputed me saying he was slow.”
You just don’t get nothin’, do you pigeon?
Your contention was that Jones would “clog the basepads” hitting in front of Cameron.
Well, think about it for just half a second — that ain’t gonna happen if he hits a double, now is it?
(sheesh)
“I also know that in general video game stats are fairly accurate, especially for guys who have been in the league awhile. The professionals at MLB 09 – The Show say Chipper’s slightly on the slow side.”
Video games, ferchrissake. The truth is revealed. Is that the sole basis of your “knowledge” of ML baseball?
“I’m not the only one that says we’re not a speed team. It comes up on here often, and I’m personally only moderately on the side of us being a base by base kind of team. People say we play station to station ball and wait for the 3 run homer. Just because you think the opposite doesn’t mean you are right or even in the majority opinion.”
I don’t think the opposite — the Braves have very few capable basestealers, and haven’t had any (or many) for the past several seasons.
But if they have players capable of steling bases, they will steal bases. Cox always plays the hand that is dealt him, always attempting to make maximum use of individual players’ talents, skills and abilities.
(”People say”?!?!? Is that in your mind an authoritative basis upon which to form a valid opinion — “people say”? You really do bring no knowledge of your own to the proceedings, do you?)
“You imply that Wren knows alot about Soriano because he played here, which is of course true.”
No, that is not the sole basis of Wren’s knowledge, nor did I imply that it was.
“But, by that logic, how does he know about Wagner?”
I give up — you’re right. You know more about Wagner than Wren does. Tons more. And more about Soriano, too. ‘Cause I’ll bet Wren doesn’t even own an X-Box.
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
10:43 pm
rtrafford………baseball history is filled with Minor League phenoms and Spring Training wonders who couldnt cut it in the Majors. It’s a HUGE leap from Triple A pitching and the Majors.
Again, I’m not down on Schafer. However, as I have repeatedly said……Schafer’s trade value isnt exactly at it’s peak.
Damn, how hard is that to freaking understand?
AdirondackDave
December 14th, 2009
10:43 pm
Paul — Sure.
Andrew in PA
December 14th, 2009
10:43 pm
Were are you people seeing that Lee is not going to be traded?
Burdell
December 14th, 2009
10:44 pm
Those guys on MLBTR are going crazy trying to figure this out. If I happened to be an MLB blogger, I would screw with them and tweet something like “Pads now involved – shipping A. Gonzalez to the M’s for Drabek and Gilles”
The A Bomb
December 14th, 2009
10:44 pm
After reading a bunch of these posts throughout the day P’cola Brave finally hit the nail on the head.
The Lackey-Halladay scenario is playing out.
Lowe is now the best available. He is a 200-inning guy.
And now Wren has the LUXURY of time to figure out whether our future hitter fits through a trade of just Lowe, Lowe in a package/blockbuster or to trade Lowe for prospects to replenish the system and free up that money to get a free-agent bat. Bottom line is getting that money freed up by either means.
In fact, the longer he waits, the better it gets. Someone will blink. Shuffle up and deal.
C's
December 14th, 2009
10:45 pm
I do agree that trading Schafer now would be dumb. We’d be selling low IMO.
C's
December 14th, 2009
10:45 pm
Jays:
Taylor
Phillies
d’Arnaud
Drabek/Happ
Phillies:
Halladay
Gillies
Aumont
M’s:
Lee
Paul Lentz is a Douchebag
December 14th, 2009
10:47 pm
Can we ban Lentz please?
Bay Area Steve
December 14th, 2009
10:47 pm
Do you guys see this nonsense?
“He’s the only one that’s right”
This is Lentz: He counters some moron, while concluding the vast majority of contributors sided with same idiot. Did you see his list? Every member of the so-called KJ fan club knew the Braves weren’t going to arbitration. How is he special?
Who didn’t like the Francoeur trade? I suppose there are a coupla reasonable people who didn’t like it… but he’s the “only one” that liked trading 7? Yeah, that’s what happened.
Joebrave
December 14th, 2009
10:47 pm
what is 3+2+10+3+15-9.75?that would be 23.25 million dollars the Braves would have with any trade of Derek Lowe to spend on Offense.
Now,I see Rivera and his 12 mill salary, wich leaves over 10 mill to spend on 1B, and a bench player, hmmmm I don’t think Nady is getting 10 Mill
Lee and Doc
December 14th, 2009
10:47 pm
Watching this Lentz dude….. he talks out his rear end and when someone calls him on one of his claims and backs it up with facts, he simply ignores that post.
Dude’s wearing blinders.
Joebrave
December 14th, 2009
10:50 pm
D.Lowe to Mariners for Jose Lopez, and a minor leaguer, The M’s are gonna sign LaRoche
Lee and Doc
December 14th, 2009
10:51 pm
Lentz…. even a blind hog who roots long enough will find an acorn. Make 100 predictions, get one right and want a pat on the back? Hell my local weather man is right more often than you are and his accuracy sucks!
Bay Area Steve
December 14th, 2009
10:51 pm
Now, please call me Bay Area Stephanie, and a MORON, and Steffi. Call Random a “shyster,” include the term “crime shame,” and use quotation marks incorrectly no less than 7 times in a single “posting,” while I watch the second half.
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
10:51 pm
Bay Area Steve……….ok Steffi, it’s official. Let’s see what happens. Worst case scenario for me…….the bet is a push because the Braves keep Lowe because they cant find a sucker willing to accept the Braves only eating $3 mil or less per year of Lowe’s contract.
However, if the Braves end up eating at least $5 mil of Lowe’s contract……..then I will talk so bad about your dumb A$$. And you wont be able to respond until the All-Star Break.
So enjoy your potentially limited time left on this blog.
Steve from OH
December 14th, 2009
10:51 pm
Hi Paul! I don’t care!
Bite me.
Jim Hertel
December 14th, 2009
10:52 pm
Actually, I’m a little more positive about Wren’s ability to trade Lowe tonight than I was last week. Lowe has rapidly moved to the top of the list of the BEST PITCHER AVAILABLE. His contract no longer looks out of line, and he is a good durable sinkerball pitcher. It wouldn’t be bad at all to have him on the team next year, if it weren’t that we have such glaring holes to fill elsewhere.
Braves Lifer
December 14th, 2009
10:52 pm
Paul- You were right about KJ. I don’t think that anyone is arguing it.
18 Wheels of Love
December 14th, 2009
10:53 pm
rtrafford, stop being so logical.
unbelievable
December 14th, 2009
10:53 pm
I love personal internet attacks. People, grow up or go away. Its like a bunch of 5 yr old arguing over nothing
Joebrave
December 14th, 2009
10:54 pm
And now for the love of all that is Holy, I don’t have to hear about Mike Cameron anymore! WOO HOO
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
10:54 pm
Braves Lifer………comparing Millwood’s stats to Lowe’s (and factoring in the difference in salary)……..Millwood pitched 4 more innings……had an ERA a full run less than Lowe’s…….and won 2 less games.
I’d take Millwood at $9 mil per over Lowe at $15 mil…….any day of the week.
Lowe won 1 more game than Jair Jurrjens did last year. Does that mean that Lowe had a better year than Jurrjens?
O.J.
December 14th, 2009
10:55 pm
Whats all this talk about the Braves eating a chunk of Lowe’s contract in order to get a guy like Rivera? Why couldnt the Braves just add a prospect or 2 along with Lowe to get Rivera and not eat any contract? Did anyone think of that or is that too far fetched?
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
10:56 pm
Lee and Doc……..beside the supposed Angels interest…….name other teams who have both the “interest” and payroll dollars to absorb Lowe’s WHOLE contract into their payroll.
Joebrave
December 14th, 2009
10:57 pm
Milwaukee, StLouis, LAA, Seattle, Houston, do you need anymore Lentzy?
Joebrave
December 14th, 2009
10:57 pm
NYY, MYM, Boston, here are a few more
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
10:58 pm
African Safari……..the Braves scored a BOATLOAD of runs when Lowe was on the mound. Compare his run support to Vazquez’s and Jurrjens’. Lowe should have won 20 games with the run support he got last year.
I seriously doubt that the Angels in 2010 would give Lowe better run support than the Braves gave him when he was on the mound in 2009.
dmack2027
December 14th, 2009
10:58 pm
In the past few weeks, the Angels have lost Chone Figgens, Vladdy Guerrero, and John Lackey. They wanted to resign Lacky but lost out to Boston. Yes, they may have signed Matsui, but that does not make up for the loss of Lackey.
The Mariners signed Figgens, and have now traded for Cliff Lee. Match him with Felix, and that is a pretty fearsome 1-2 combination at the top of their rotation.
If the Angels want Lowe, the Braves might have more bargaining power than we once thought. I think we will be pleasantly surprised with what the Braves get in exchange for Lowe.
I just hope the Phillies had to give up at least some of their top prospects in the Halladay deal.
Canadian Braves Fan
December 14th, 2009
10:59 pm
why do you folks even respond or read Lentz’sposts?
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
10:59 pm
glord1……..actually, I’ve heard others mention your moronic prediction numerous times over the past few days.
Lentz is more
December 14th, 2009
11:00 pm
dentz and his one man crusade against all of the morons… he is the light, he is the way..
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
December 14th, 2009
11:00 pm
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
4:58 pm
I still dont see the Angels trading for Derek Lowe UNLESS the Braves are willing to eat AT LEAST $5 mil per season of Lowe’s contract.
_______________
That is the 77th time you have posted that comment. WE GET IT.
C's
December 14th, 2009
11:02 pm
So Lentz’s…………….you just ignore a players entire career and just focus on the one single previous season? Lowe’s entire body of work means nothing because he had one down year? And Millwood’s 4.50-5.00 ERA the years before last season are forgotten because he had a good bounce back year?
Braves Lifer
December 14th, 2009
11:02 pm
Paul- “Lowe won 1 more game than Jair Jurrjens did last year. Does that mean that Lowe had a better year than Jurrjens?”
I think what you do is grossly over simplify everything. If you think Millwood is better than Lowe then I dont know what to tell you. Over the last three years Lowe has pitched more innings, won more games, and has had a lower combined ERA. What you have done is take a down year from Lowe and a great year from Millwood and blindly said Millwood is better. You my friend are wrong and the funny thing is you know it.
African Safari
December 14th, 2009
11:02 pm
Paul -
The Angels scored basically 5.5 runs/game….if Lowe has an ERA of 4.5…easy math.
Lentz is more
December 14th, 2009
11:03 pm
after reading Bay area steve’s reply to Dentz about taking him up on “the bet” several pages back, he became my new hero…
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
11:05 pm
The A Bomb……..part of the problem with Frank Wren having to do the “longer he waits, the better it gets” scenerio that you proposed in your 10:44pm posting is that if he waits too long……all the quality free agents will have signed with other teams. Do you think that with this economy, free agents are going to wait for the Braves to patiently wait for the best deal for Derek Lowe………..before they agree to contracts with other teams?
Point is, the dominoes are starting to fall. Frank Wren cant make an offer to a quality free agent hitter until he figures out how much money he’ll have to spend after Lowe is traded. Other teams know this.
The thing about playing chicken……..is anticipating when someone is going to blink. If two people dont blink…..nothing gets done (meaning that the free agent market will dry up for the Braves).
African Safari
December 14th, 2009
11:06 pm
In contrast…the Braves scored just over 4.5/game….big difference.
Lee and Doc
December 14th, 2009
11:07 pm
Hey Dentz…. who saw the Yankees signing Tex over Boston. You? Not even the mainstream baseball media/writers predicted the Yanks were going to sweep in and steal Tex from Boston at the eleventh hour. Moral of the story is wait until the news breaks then either be right or be wrong. You seem to have lots of practice at being wrong.
glord1
December 14th, 2009
11:07 pm
Paul – Using Lentz logic I was wondering if you could explain how John Lackey is getting ready to sign a contract for 18 mil a year over 5 years. Lackey ranked 33rd in ERA last year and 49th in wins.
What moron (your word not mine) GM would do that?
Eric from MO
December 14th, 2009
11:08 pm
Glord good post at 10:41…odd how it didnt get a response isnt it?
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
11:10 pm
I think Wren needs to move Lowe quick. If we sit and wait we may miss on FA. We should go ahead and push hard for Nady. I know he’s a Boras player but with the right money they may go ahead and sign.
The Angels may see where they stand on FA like Bay or Holliday. Their willingness to move Rivera would depend on the quality of replacement.
cadagan
December 14th, 2009
11:10 pm
DOB,
What’s your take on why there are still a hundred vastly different versions of the Halladay trade?
I mean, are the ones in the know only dropping a few scrabble letters every so often, so the writers can try and figure out what players are involved?
Canadian Braves Fan
December 14th, 2009
11:10 pm
DOB would be my hero if he would ban Lentz
Eric from MO
December 14th, 2009
11:10 pm
C’s at 11:02, now your getting it. I dont know why the rest of us just understand this genious thinking.
Joebrave
December 14th, 2009
11:10 pm
Lentzy,I don’t particularly think Wren has to wait on anyone to do SQUAT! Judging from the man’s comments he has the leeway to do whatever he deems necessary to make the team better!
As far as Lowe is concerned, I believe that the market for him just got a helluva lot stronger.
15 wins, 200 innings per yr, and no time on the DL, means that Lowe is as valuable if not moreso that Lackey, Wolf, and Yes even Halladay!
Halladay will melt in that Philly bandbox,My money says he tastes the DL this year!
Andrew in PA
December 14th, 2009
11:10 pm
Paul Lentz,how bout them cowgirls gonna miss the playoffs again..time for a new coach and QB
African Safari
December 14th, 2009
11:11 pm
glord1 -
He’s getting that kind of deal because of his durability…. Oh wait.
chip off the ol block
December 14th, 2009
11:11 pm
Paul Lentz… i almost feel for ya man, pretty much the whole blog against you, that sucks, i would say stay strong, but then again you are a mutt fan aint you?
so its outta my hands haha
Andrew in PA
December 14th, 2009
11:14 pm
braves should make a nice package and try to get kendry morales
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
11:15 pm
Braves Lifer………..I went back and forth with a number of bloggers about Kelly’s potential and all that. The majority of those who said that the Braves should tender Kelly…….were still of the mind that Kelly had “trade potential” and that the Braves could get something in return for him.
I was firm from the beginning that NEITHER would happen. How many people on here were right on BOTH FRONTS?
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
11:15 pm
I would imagine Morales is untouchable.
African Safari
December 14th, 2009
11:16 pm
Andrew in PA -
The Braves would have to give up A LOT.
The A Bomb
December 14th, 2009
11:16 pm
Well, look at it this way.
I believe Wren has his finger on the pulse of all the offers out there. All of them. Just to push the button for Juan Rivera because the dominoes fell today doesn’t make sense.
Every GM knows what’s about to go down. And Wren has a big time chip right now. A 200-inning horse. I’m not saying wait a month. But push the button when you know you can max out. A few days, a week. But he doesn’t have to rush like he did with Wagner and Saito. Play poker.
REMEMBER: Freeing up the $$$$ for the hitter is what is the bottom line is. 1 for 1, blockbuster, prospects/free agent signing. Doesn’t matter. Just get the hitter.
And I have a feeling the “hitter” is someone that hasn’t been widely discussed when it comes to the Braves. If I was a gambler the best avenue might be the package/blockbuster to pry that hitter away, unless it’s somehow Jason Bay. Someone to help put butts in seats.
glord1
December 14th, 2009
11:17 pm
Paul – Here is what is funny. I agree with everything you said in your 11:11 post. Those were no brainers to me. For you to get those things but think Lowe does not bring 12 mil in value shows me you are either arguing just to argue or you just dont understand pitching very well.
Lowe is worth about twelve mil a year. If a team gets desparate (like the Braves last year) he is worth more. His salary is not what makes it hard to trade him. Its the fourth year and his age. The fact he is not a power pitcher, is a workout freak and has never been hurt helps offset the age thing.
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
11:18 pm
African Safari……..with the free agent losses that the Angels have had on offense…….do you really think that the Halos will average 5.5 in 2010? Also, averaging 5.5 does not mean that they will score 5.5 every game. It is reasonable to assume that the Angels will score a bunch of runs every time Lowe pitches?
Burdell
December 14th, 2009
11:18 pm
The funny thing about this whole situation is that there are hundreds of people on dozens of blogs trying to make sense of this and work through the hypotheticals, about 12 different players have their careers is up in the air, Halladay has tens of millions of dollars on he line.
I bet Doc is asleep in bed in the Philly Ritz Carleton right now.
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
11:19 pm
Lee and Doc……..practice about being wrong? Really? Be specific as to my “practice” of being wrong. I’m waiting.
Tiger Woods
December 14th, 2009
11:19 pm
We own Halladay bring him on. Uh…………………….
owl hunter
December 14th, 2009
11:19 pm
Man, you guys are losing your minds.
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
11:20 pm
Andrew in PA………..when the Eagles win a Super Bowl, then get back me.
African Safari
December 14th, 2009
11:20 pm
Paul -
The Angels just signed Matsui and are ‘rumored’ to be interested in Bay. They could score 5.5/game again…maybe more.
David O'Brien
December 14th, 2009
11:20 pm
I’m gonna amend my 9:57 comment just a little, because I’m not comfortable stating definitively that the Braves wouldn’t eat $12 mill in that hypothetical Lowe-Rivera trade. The only reason I do so is because of the Rivera contract — very club-friendly in my view. Average of $5 mill over next two seasons for a guy who produced the numbers he put up in 2009?
Therefore, maybe — and I’m only putting it out there as maybe — the Braves would view it differently than just, “We’re not gonna eat $12 million on Lowe and have him bounce back and be the Lowe he’s been before last season, who’d be almost reasonably priced in this thin pitching market.”
Instead of viewing it as them paying $27 mill for one year of Lowe (2009), maybe they’d consider the club-friendly contract Rivera has and look at it as, they’d be paying $22 million for two years of Rivera and getting out from under Lowe’s contract. Now, Rivera is a relative bargain at $5 mill a year. He’s overpriced at $11 mill per year, but not terribly so, not if he produces close to what he did last season.
And if the Angels were to throw in something else, some fringe-or-better prospect? Well, then I can definitely see the Braves considering that. maybe even without something else thrown in. But again, I only say so because of Rivera’s club-friendly contract.
So let’s see if it actually comes to the Braves having to make a decision like that.
Instead
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
11:21 pm
chip off the ol block……….dude, I’m a Braves fan. Been a diehard Braves fan since 1982. I’m not sure where you got me being a Mets fan at.
Braves Lifer
December 14th, 2009
11:21 pm
Paul- You were right on with KJ. Good call but I think you should probably move on. Good call.
Braves Lifer
December 14th, 2009
11:23 pm
Anders is the mets fan.
glord1
December 14th, 2009
11:23 pm
I am still waiting on an explanation why a guy ranked 33rd in ERA and 49th in wins coming off an injury would get a 83 mil contract when clearly there were atleast 33 better pitchers than him last year. Anyone….Anyone……Bueller.
Paul Lentz
December 14th, 2009
11:23 pm
glord1………I feel that Lowe would be a decent bargain if his contract was at $10 mil a season. That is why I feel that if the Braves are going to be able to trade him, they will have to eat at least $5 mil a season of his remaining contract. $12 mil a year is too much for Lowe, given his age and his down year in 2009.
Random
December 14th, 2009
11:25 pm
Paul Lentz (December 14th, 2009 5:07 pm): ” have a “proposed bet” that I want to put out there:
If the Braves end up trading Derek Lowe and come out only having to eat $3 mil or less per year of his contract….then I’ll refrain from posting on here until the All-Star Break. The only exception to this would be if the Braves traded Lowe to Chicago for Milton Bradley. If that happened, the bet would be a push.
If the Braves end up having to eat at least $5 mil per season of Lowe’s contract, then whoever accepts the bet will have to refrain from posting on here until the All-Star Break.
However, if the Braves end up eating between $3 and $5 mil of Lowe’s contract…..then the bet is a push.
Any takers?”
I’m with Bay Area Steve on this — I’ll also take it.
Bobby Hill
December 14th, 2009
11:25 pm
Arguing on the internet is like competing in the special olympics. Even if you win you’re still a retard.
Tiger Woods
December 14th, 2009
11:25 pm
So Cameron is going to the Sox too?? Damn I wish we had money to just throw around. F.
African Safari
December 14th, 2009
11:26 pm
Paul -
I might add that if the Seattle trade does indeed net them Cliff Lee…the Angels will definitely need to get a good, durable pitcher… Seattle, barring injury, should be in great shape with their pitching.
glord1
December 14th, 2009
11:26 pm
Well Paul we will see. Thats is for sure. It will all be known by April. Good night all.
P'cola Brave
December 14th, 2009
11:26 pm
Lentz….
I understand that you don’t think Rivera will be included and their offense isn’t the same as last year right now. But with the Rangers and M’s making improvements, there is no way they go into the season without acquiring a bat. They have interest in Bay and Holliday. Holliday would probably be their preference. With Lackey and Figgins gone and the cheap contract they gave Matsui they could make some moves. They could probably stomach 11-12 mil per year for Lowe and then sign Holliday.
With the M’s acquiring Lee they will need to make some offensive improvements.
Rock On........
December 14th, 2009
11:27 pm
Appears Cameron is close to a 2 year deal with Boston according to MLB.com. That may be old news as I haven’t gone back over the blog.