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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
5,207 comments Add your comment
Tiger Woods
December 15th, 2009
2:26 am
Wayne,
I totally agree with you I think we are going to be very surprised to what our final team consists of. Once we get the whole Lowe thing taken care of we should know what we are going to be doing. Who knows when that will happen. Hopefully it takes a while so we can keep speculating on here
nolie
December 15th, 2009
2:27 am
Which is why I said, if he produces close to what he did last year. I thought it was clear, at least DOB
It was clear, my point was that the odds of that happening the next two years in a row are fairly low based on past performance. Not impossible, but not likely either, which if you want to consider it as 11mil, I think you want to have better odds.JMO
nolie
December 15th, 2009
2:29 am
N8 I hope my second post back there answered your question some. It would not affect it a lot, but a bit, likely
Wayne in Utah
December 15th, 2009
2:30 am
Marc
Last season, Lowe pitched very well for a larger percentag of the season, but had a couple of horrendous stretch. He kept his team in a lot of games, and we won a lot of his starts.
Overall though, it was statistically one of his worse seasons.
Vazquez, on the other hand, had probably his best season. Kept his team in most games and we won a lot of his starts.
My gut tells me that they both move back toward center (their career averages) and have seasons that are probably not terribly different.
In that regard, either would be a good arm to have on our staff.
As to whether Lowe deserves his 15 million per season, that is only for the Braves to determine. Had they know that Hanson would be as good as he was, that Vazquez would have had a career year, that Jurrjens would have followed 2008 with a great 2009, and that Kawakami would have been solid, and oft times spectacular in big games; no doubt the Braves would have passed on Lowe.
BUT, we didn’t know any of that, and we signed him for a fair salary. (you have to understand that if a player plays out to his free agency, he deserves what ever he can get. This is why you most always overpay for some free agents. Right place at the right time.
So, all this blabbering only is done to state the reasons why I disagree that Vazquez would be a “far” better choice over Lowe.
But then again, I have been wrong a few times this year. I could have this one all wrong too????
nolie
December 15th, 2009
2:32 am
My gut tells me that they both move back toward center (their career averages) and have seasons that are probably not terribly different.
In that regard, either would be a good arm to have on our staff. Wayne
I agree
David O'Brien
December 15th, 2009
2:36 am
Bobby’s Belly: Just saw your 11:36 p.m. comment. Congrats. Easily the least enjoyable of the night (and that’s saying something). No, really, you earned it. It was smarmy, bitter and pointless on top of everything else. Well done.
And next time, don’t bother starting with the condescending “compliment.”
jed
December 15th, 2009
2:38 am
marc d–dont sell wren short. he did a phenomenal job with the rotation last year. we’re set there, and i think this off-season, he acquires the hitting to compliment the pitching. i dont think it’ll be bay and holliday etc, but i think he’ll bring in 2 solid bats to shore up our offense. that’s why i’m asking what others think of the possibilities (nady, glaus, delgado, acquisition by trade, etc.) i think it’ll happen, given what he did with the rotation last off-season. seems to follow. we’ll see but i’ll be seriously surprised if he tanks on offense this winter. just wouldnt make sense when he’s assembled easily one of the best rotations the braves have ever had. (and of course they’ve had some good ones.)
Tiger Woods
December 15th, 2009
2:39 am
DOB,
That really did make me LOL
jed
December 15th, 2009
2:40 am
gotta go look up that 11:36 post.
N8
December 15th, 2009
2:44 am
It did nolie. I said so right after that post. But I didn’t address it to you. But yeah. Thanks.
On the argument of Lowe vs. Vazquez. I suppose it surely can/will come into play in 2010. But I don’t think that there is any denying that where our rotation bread will be buttered in the next 3-4 years is with Hanson and JJJ. Hudson, KK, Lowe (and Vazquez if extended in the event Lowe is traded), are basically well above average guys to fill out the rotation. As Hanson and JJJ move towards their arbitration years those veterans will likely be allowed to walk or traded. Have to factor in Minor probably around 2011 as well (maybe sooner in the event of injury). Hell, can’t even rule out Medlen as a backend (cheap) rotation guy by then.
But I concur. Vazquez or Lowe? Horse a piece in my book. Veteran innings eaters that will both provide their club with an opportunity to win more often than not.
I just wish Medlen AND Hanson would have both been lights out last year as starters. It would have allowed Wren to move both Lowe and Vazquez once Hudson was extended at his “value” price of 9 million per. THEN we’d be talking about adding a big bat or getting into the silly bidding war over a guy like Holliday or Bay.
N8
December 15th, 2009
2:46 am
DOB dropping some 2:30 AM (east coast), sarcasm. Gotta love it. The conversation has been much too civil after Lentz took his meds and went to bed. We all needed that.
jed
December 15th, 2009
2:52 am
he deserved it for the stupid “this isnt KU hoops” line.
N8
December 15th, 2009
2:52 am
“just wouldn’t make sense when he’s assembled easily one of the best rotations the braves have ever had. (and of course they’ve had some good ones.)” jed
Thank goodness somebody else on here is willing to acknowledge that while the likelihood of the current rotation producing 3 HOF guys, it easily could rival that 1998 rotation that had all five guys (Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Neagle and Millwood) win 16 games, with Millwood having the highest ERA in the rotation at 4.05.
Seriously. It could happen. I think the offense has to be improved for the win totals to be there for the team (that team won 106 games – probably not going to happen), and the bullpen is going to have to be outstanding to reward the starters with those wins.
But the raw pitching output of this rotation could very well rival that rotation in pure production.
Tiger Woods
December 15th, 2009
2:54 am
And the lets eat a lot of Lowes contract but points out that we have a budget?? huh? If you’re going to call someone out at least make some valid points.
jed
December 15th, 2009
2:56 am
absolutely n8. the rotation is gonna be incredible this year. i’m a huge JJ fan. with some run support & a little luck, he’d have won 20 games last year. hanson’s not so bad either.
Tiger Woods
December 15th, 2009
2:57 am
Our rotation is going to be sick no matter what and one of, if not the deepest in the majors. We should have have an above average bullpen (barring injuries to the elders) if we can improve the offense with 2 solid hitters the sky COULD be the limit for this team.
N8
December 15th, 2009
3:00 am
It should also be noted that even though that 98 team had Klesko in LF (Gerald Williams was his platoon partner and late inning defensive replacement), Javy behind the plate, and Lockhart at 2B, it had GG caliber defense everywhere else (a younger Chipper Jones at 3B, Weiss at SS – with Ozzie Guillen backing up – Big Cat at 1B, Andruw in his first full year in CF and Tucker in RF).
Probably the best overall team top to bottom during the whole run, imo. Best pitching staff we’ve seen, massive power (and balance) in the batting order, stellar bullpen, solid defense, and decent team spead.
Then we lost to the Padres in the NLCS (sigh).
MattyRoss
December 15th, 2009
3:07 am
Maaaaaaybe this is me being bitter, but I’m gonna go ahead and call the ‘98 Padres-Yanks Series the height of some pretty shady “strength and conditioning” programs…
Andy Pettitte
December 15th, 2009
3:13 am
I don’t get it??
Night Ninja
December 15th, 2009
3:28 am
Those Yankee teams of the nineties were juiced out the gills, but so was just about every other team. It’s just that those Bronx Bombers had juice, incredible talent and Joe Torre too boot.
As for the braves of the same decade, only Bobby Cox could manage one single World Champion out of all that talent. The man is a genius…..not.
nolie
December 15th, 2009
3:30 am
it had GG caliber defense everywhere else (a younger Chipper Jones at 3B, N8
hehe. ol’ Chipper is my all-time fave Brave, but he was never a GG third baseman no matter his age. In fact he was considered one of the worst in the bigs back in those days. he actually has played a bit better since his return…well prior to last year anyway
nolie
December 15th, 2009
3:37 am
Then we lost to the Padres in the NLCS (sigh). N8
and that was kind of a surprise to me that year. There were three teams pushing 100 wins that season IIRC and near the end the Pads cooled off for a bit. Missed 100 and looked like they might be falling out and then they went and beat us.Great Braves team and probably the most surprising to me that they didn’t get to and maybe win the WS
nolie
December 15th, 2009
3:38 am
nly Bobby Cox could manage one single World Champion out of all that talent. The man is a genius Ninja
bah
Night Ninja
December 15th, 2009
3:46 am
The 98 Braves lost the NLCS that year due to the classic approach from Cox. Sit back, wait for the three run bomb and shut down pitching.
Well guess what? the pitching showed up. The offense did not, nor could the bullpen keep the Padres off the board after the seventh inning. They scored six of their ten runs after the seventh inning, winning the first three games while our Braves managed only three runs total in the same three contests. The 98 NLCS was over before it began.
Besides, the same Padres were swept by the Yankees sparing us the indignity of losing a third World Series to the Bronx Bombers.
ncgary
December 15th, 2009
3:50 am
thank God for small miracles , not a dense lentz post all morn
Night Ninja
December 15th, 2009
4:03 am
Nolie, you would be incorrect.
Chipper finished second behind Scott Rolen in the vote for the NL gold glove at 3B back in 1998. Chipper could pick it back in the day.
nolie
December 15th, 2009
5:10 am
hipper finished second behind Scott Rolen in the vote for the NL gold glove at 3B back in 1998. Chipper could pick it back in the day. Ninja
no Ninja I would not be ijncorrect. GG voting is about as reliable as nothing. Jeter has won four or so and he ranks statistically as one of the worst SS in baseball. Palmiero won one at first when he DHed 80% of the games.
Chipper was considered very poor as a fielder back then no matter what that one vote happened. In fact many stat guys considered him THE worst. If you weren’t around then and totally immersed in BBA and other such publications, don’t argue. If you were, you need to go back for a refresher course.
Go to BaseballReference.com and check his fielding numbers, they are most all negatives, and the current defensive metrics think more of his play in those days than the ones used at that time.
I scouted for a dozen years and I love Chipper Jones, but anybody who thinks he was ever a good fielder in those days is blind.
as for your Cox comments, I won’t even go there
nolie
December 15th, 2009
5:45 am
Now I’m not personally saying he was as bad as some of those metrics said, I never thought of him in the bottom 8-10, but he was never in the top 10 either as far as performance. And the general consensus was that he was poor.
He had a fairly strong and reasonably accurate arm and decent hands, but he has always been lacking in range, and diving/jumping ability and doesn’t have the best anticipation in the world either.
wjones
December 15th, 2009
6:20 am
If this has been answered by DOB or someone else, I apologize, but I never saw it answered. Who among the Braves 40 man roster is out of options? Thanks.
Marc in FL
December 15th, 2009
6:52 am
Just throwing this out there.. it’s still possible we trade Javy instead of Lowe. Obviously Wren is trying his best to push Lowe, but we have to trade a starter and if Javy is what will get it done then that’s what will happen.
Scott from Fairburn
December 15th, 2009
6:54 am
P’cola Brave … I’m not following “The Angels have money coming off of the books” scenario. They could potentially increase their payroll after all is said and done by $5M – $10M annually.
Considering recent/potential moves they have reduced payroll by approximately $34M:
Lackey -$10M
Figgins – $6M
Guerero – $15M
Rivera? – $3M
Total –
Considering the moves they have already (or could potentially) make:
Matsui – $6.5M
Abreu – $4.5M (increase over last year’s deal)
Lowe? – $12-15M (depending on the Braves’ charitable contribution)
Bay/Holliday? – $16-18
Total – +$39M – $44M
Couch Tater
December 15th, 2009
7:03 am
What is a “shyster”?
I think it’s when a “random” poster JUMPS in on a bet with BAS, knowing he has a lampoon advantage.
O.J.
December 15th, 2009
7:12 am
How in the heck are the Phillies going to pull this off? Let me get this straight, they get Halladay, 3 prospects, one of which was #33 overall, AND 6 million dollars??? HOW THE HELL IS THAT POSSIBLE??
O.J.
December 15th, 2009
7:20 am
Well, after looking at it closer, looks as if Phillies are giving up an Ace, their numbers 2, 3, and 4 prospects (according to baseball america) for another Ace and Seattle’s number 6 and 7 prospects, and 6 million. Not sure who is the winner here.
glord1
December 15th, 2009
7:23 am
It is possible because they are giving up their # 2,3 and 4 prospects and a cy young award winner.
JasonInFL
December 15th, 2009
7:29 am
Haven’t the Braves supposedly let teams know they would “settle” for prospects in a Lowe trade…specifically at 3rd and SS? The whole goal in trading Lowe is to free up money. They have stated all along that they don’t plan on getting the bat they are looking for in a Lowe trade. I find it very hard to fathom that a team with a tight payroll and history of not paying players to play for another team is going to eat 3-5 million a year on a Lowe deal. If Lackey and Wolf can sign the contracts they did, Lowe for a couple of good prospects isn’t completely out of the realm of possibility, is it? I think not.
O.J.
December 15th, 2009
7:39 am
JasonInFL, dont think I have read that anywhere. I read where they were willing to eat a portion of his contract, but thats it.
Dawg
December 15th, 2009
7:44 am
The Braves are basing an entire offseason on protecting a spot for Freeman in 2011. Who knows if he will be ready? His stats and his distance from the major leagues would say that yes he could play but he would not be a contributor until maybe 2012.
Let’s trade Lowe for money and let’s not sign LaRoche, the best 1st baseman on the market. Let cut payroll and not sign anyone.
This whole offseason is not making sense. Money is cut from the payroll and we are still left with picking over scrap heap players.
I like Freddie Freeman but I would rather win and not still annually hope for a player to contribute as a rookie. Let’s wait till he hits double digits with HR’s again.
Hey, let’s sign players who can platoon at every positon.
ugasucks
December 15th, 2009
7:51 am
cameron gone who are we going to get anyone heard wren i hope got something up his sleeve
richbrave
December 15th, 2009
7:51 am
The Braves are basing an entire offseason on protecting a spot for Freeman in 2011. Who knows if he will be ready? His stats and his distance from the major leagues would say that yes he could play but he would not be a contributor until maybe 2012.
Now you’re talkin’ dog, I mean dawg.
JasonInFL
December 15th, 2009
7:51 am
I think it was one of the infamous “tweets” during the Winter Meetings that the Braves were supposedly telling teams both…that they would accept prospects and/or eat part of his contract. I just think as the pitching market has unfolded in the last couple of weeks that there is no need for them to eat any money on Lowe’s contract. I certainly don’t think they would eat $12 of his contract to get Juan Rivera.
Billy Walsh
December 15th, 2009
8:05 am
Richbrave,
Tough loss for your spiders a few weeks back. I will never forget when they took down Syracuse as a 15 seed. Were you able to watch Montana against App. State? I had no idea the amount of wins Montana has had in the last 10 years.
CB
December 15th, 2009
8:08 am
Alas, I was not deemed adversary enough. When Paul Lentz asked for “Takers” for his bet yesterday, I felt what a great time to take one for the team,lol. Paul said he wanted it to be one of his harshest critics,maybe Random,scoots,BAS, or maybe Steve from OH. What he does not know,although I do not hate him, he stands for everything on this blog that I stand against. We,as a group, come on the blog to express an opinion and share our love for the Braves and baseball. This is not a political forum,not a religious or atheistic forum for any of us to say hateful things against what others believe. He does not think I am worthy enough, on this blog believe me Paul,nobody wants you to go more than me. I told you last night I only felt sorry for you for it must be tough being you.
OregonianBrave
December 15th, 2009
8:14 am
DOB:
Am I totally off-base in being surprised with the lack of Yunel Escobar trade rumors, considering the following factors:
1. Escobar’s value has probably peaked, even if he maintains last years performance, given that his team friendly contract will only get shorter.
2. The long awaited emergence of Brandon Hicks’ bat through the latter part of the minor league season, carrying through into the AFL.
3. What seems to be an *acceptable* risk, given the teams need for more power, and the possession of both Hicks and Infante, IF Escobar could bring a return of say…an Adrian Gonzalez type bat at first base.?
ncgary
December 15th, 2009
8:17 am
oreganian , why trade a potential silver slugger at short for 2 years of a good first baseman
richbrave
December 15th, 2009
8:29 am
Billy Walsh
December 15th, 2009
8:05 am
Richbrave,
Tough loss for your spiders a few weeks back. I will never forget when they took down Syracuse as a 15 seed. Were you able to watch Montana against App. State? I had no idea the amount of wins Montana has had in the last 10 years.
Thanks. And we’ve lost our coach in addition to 15 fifth-year seniors this year.
No, I didn’t watch. I COULD care less about those programs, but I don’t. Don’t know how many wins GRIZZLIES have, but historically, they have one less than they could have for sure.
raleighbravefan
December 15th, 2009
8:30 am
CB – agree with you 100% This is not the place for religion or politics. I am sick of the name calling and personal attacks.
Mitchie-san
December 15th, 2009
8:31 am
Got a question, DOB.
With all the immediate “tweets” (I feel stupid calling them that) that reporters are throwing out left and right, do see someone getting into trouble or losing credibility if it is wrong information?
Reason I am asking is if someone wrote an article and misinformed a bunch of people, wouldn’t their credibility be tarnished?
Since the Winter Meetings, there have been about 300 “tweets” that were total speculation or just flat out wrong. Do you personally worry about that or do you do your homework before you Twitter to make sure you dont shoot yourself in the foot?
Burdell
December 15th, 2009
8:36 am
Adrian Gonzalez is more than a “good first baseman”. With the current pitching, if you insert him into the lineup, the Braves can suddenly compete with Philly for the Division.
I also agree that if the Braves are ever going to move Escobar, this is the best time to do it.
I just disagree that they should plan to ever move Escobar. Despite Hick’s second half, the guy finished with a sub-.700 OPS and a .237 Avg. And this is after a 2008 season where he put up slash stats of .241/.333/.389 in AA and a combined .235 AVG in A+ and AA. The guy is not ready, even at 23 years old. Add to that the fact that the Braves have next to no real prospects at SS in any level other than Hicks and that the Braves’ FA option is probably going to be Khalil Green (Tejada is too expensive, and Cabrera is too old and starting to show his age – no good for a long term replacement), and you get a no-go on moving Escobar.
rtrafford
December 15th, 2009
8:43 am
got to believe that some portion of the contingency is to have Prado at first base, Escobar at short, and Hicks at second for 2010…
raleighbravefan
December 15th, 2009
8:43 am
Saying we should move Escobar because he is going to get more expensive is like saying the same for McCann. He is one of our best players, and we should hold on to him long term. I know he can be a pain in the ___ but I believe that situation is improving, and they are working on him in the clubhouse. Besides, we could use a LITTLE fire on the team.
Rock On......
December 15th, 2009
8:47 am
CB & RaleighBrave…..tell that to our insightful denizens Homer and FWREN. Always great to see them.
Kashi
December 15th, 2009
8:51 am
In my opinion Kelly is a good baseball player. We Atlantans don’t appreciate their sacrifice for team. Kelly was a outfiled player and asked to become a second base in a year. I like his clean swing and patience on the plate. When he moved he focus on building his skills as a short-stop and not on his swing as a baby braves. Just cuz Martin showed some fireworks in half season that doesn’t mean he is the solution on second base. He is the fan favorite until he dropped the mile high ball against Phillies while running and battling against light. We lost the game. How can we blame it on Kelly for that? If bobby had taken out Boyer on time and soriano didn’t give up home run then we wouldn’t be talking about that for a long, but it did hurt Kelly a lot and it took a while for me to get over it. Fan start thrashing him on blog and everywhere. Mentally he was set back. C’mon fan do you think Kelly is not a good baseball player? Do you believe he doesn’t have talent to be on a team? What happened to Chipper when we asked him to move to Left filed for Vinnay Castilo for 2 years? It teared his body and since then chipper can’t play full year. C’mon Atlantans show some respect for players that make us and city pride. Go Braves!
Couch Tater
December 15th, 2009
8:51 am
Mitchie-san, I was just reading an article about tweets at the winter meetings. I agree with this statement by Tim Dierkes:
“Readers do not care who got it first,” [Tim Dierkes,MLB Trade Rumors] said. “I think they’d rather see one complete story or blog post containing information that stands up.”
It’ a pretty good article…
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2010493907_mari13.html
rtrafford
December 15th, 2009
8:52 am
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?
—-
splendid backpeddle. 9.6 from the Russian judge….
it’s not at all difficult to comprehend that Schafer’s trade value is not at its peak. it’s not difficult to understand that he had a rough year in 2009 due to the injury and subsequent performance.
it IS difficult to understand how any rational person would look at the facts surrounding the kid’s season and declare that “he sucked and was slow to heal”. most would look at the season and simply be disappointed that he was injured after starting out with such promise, both in spring training as well as the opening series.
you’re truly a clown.
CB
December 15th, 2009
8:55 am
Rock On, you should know who our Homer is – one of our BBQ friends who is doing it in a playful way. I will let you figure out who it is.
Gibby
December 15th, 2009
8:59 am
Just read this article on Baseball Prospectus. Top 20 players of the next decade.
1. Hanley Ramirez
2. Justin Upton
3. Joe Mauer
4. Tim Lincecum
5. Zack Grienke
6. Evan Longoria
7. Ryan Braun
8. Stephen Strausburg
9. Felix Hernandez
10. Albert Pujols
11. Prince Fielder
12. Jon Lester
13.Jason Heyward, OF, Braves
2010 Birthday: 21 on August 9
The top position player prospect in the game, Heyward has a chance at opening 2010 in the big leagues, and even if that doesn’t work out, he’ll be in Atlanta well before he can legally have a drink to celebrate his accomplishment. A potential “face of the franchise”-level talent, Heyward hits for average, hits for power, draws walks, and even runs a bit. If that sounds like Dale Murphy, you’re not the first to think that.
14.Adam Jones
15.Brett Anderson
16.Andrew McCutchen
17.Tommy Hanson, RHP, Braves
2010 Birthday: 24 on August 28
Had the Braves opened the season with Hanson in the rotation (which would have been the right decision), we’d be talking about your reigning National League Rookie of the Year. Instead, we’re talking about one of the circuit’s best young arms. The only thing keeping him from ranking higher is that some feel he’s at his ceiling of a consistent 15-18 game winner as opposed to a true ace.
18. Rick Porcello
19. Matt Kemp
20. David Wright
Two Braves. One Met, No Phillies. Nice.
6-4-3
December 15th, 2009
9:04 am
I know it’s been shot down by the front office, but is there any chance of keeping both Lowe and Vazquez? Could we just sign Nady to play first and start the season with Heyward (or Schafer) in left field?
I don’t think that’s such a bad option. We’re not going to out hit the Phillies anyway, why not have the deepest pitching staff we could possibly have.
Lowe was bad last year but I think he’s going to bounce back. If we need to we can always trade Lowe before the deadline.
Rock On......
December 15th, 2009
9:05 am
Adrian Gonzalez is, I feel, the perfect fit for the Braves. It will cost numerous prospects no doubt. Probably Shaefer and Medlen and two other lower level guys minimum assuming the Padres are going the cheap prospects route. Assuming LaRoche is looking at 30 mil+ for three years that puts Wren focusing on keeping the defense strong at first along with a strong bat. He would get both in Gonzalez and a #4 hitter at that all the while at a relatively cheap 2 year rental price tag.
Sure they will lose prospects but I believe we are getting picks for losing Gonzo and may get something in the future Lowe deal. For me, it is all about structuring the team to be World Series caliber. Prospects may or may not pan out. The Braves have always been a revolving door for 1st basemen why not go get one of the best at a cheap price that can hit you 40 homers. Just sayin……
rtrafford
December 15th, 2009
9:07 am
The Braves are basing an entire offseason on protecting a spot for Freeman in 2011. Who knows if he will be ready? His stats and his distance from the major leagues would say that yes he could play but he would not be a contributor until maybe 2012.
Let’s trade Lowe for money and let’s not sign LaRoche, the best 1st baseman on the market. Let cut payroll and not sign anyone.
This whole offseason is not making sense. Money is cut from the payroll and we are still left with picking over scrap heap players.
I like Freddie Freeman but I would rather win and not still annually hope for a player to contribute as a rookie. Let’s wait till he hits double digits with HR’s again.
Hey, let’s sign players who can platoon at every positon.
——
are you truly paying attention to the details of what is taking place?
6-4-3
December 15th, 2009
9:09 am
I know it’s been shot down by the front office but is there any chance we keep both lowe and Vazquez? We could sign Nady to play first and start the season with Heyward (or Schafer) in left field.
Lowe was bad last year but I think he’ll bounce back.
We’re not going to out hit the Phillies anyway so why not have the deepest rotation possible.
If we need to we can always trade Lowe at the deadline.
Mitchie-san
December 15th, 2009
9:10 am
Thanks for that link, Couch Tater. I can see Twitter being used less in the future too (for this purpose, anyway). Fans will quickly start to not care about “mal-tweets” and care about facts.
We dont want wrong information, fast. We want true information as soon as possible.
I just made up “mal-tweets”. You heard it here first.
TnBrian
December 15th, 2009
9:22 am
“Nady sucks.” PWHjort
Do you have evidence that proves that the guy sucks? Define “suck”.
Burdell
December 15th, 2009
9:26 am
Probably Shaefer and Medlen and two other lower level guys minimum assuming the Padres are going the cheap prospects route.
If that’s what it took to get Gonzalez, he’d already be a Brave. The Padres want Heyward or Hanson to start the discussion. Then you’ll have to at least throw in one of Schafer, Medlen, Teheran, Freeman, then you’ll have to throw in another prospect or two. No gonna happen.
raleighbravefan
December 15th, 2009
9:26 am
Lowe was dissapointing last year mostly due to his salary and expectations. However, he wasn’t “bad”. In fact, he was pretty good. He ate up a lot of innings in spite of blister problems and won 15 games.
He was never considered an ace, but has been a good pitcher for us. We are comparing him to some great, young, cheap pitchers on our staff.
ncgary
December 15th, 2009
9:28 am
6-4-3 i agree , if nady or possibly glaus at 1b were used , i think we get a better deal for lowe closer to opening day
TennesseePaul
December 15th, 2009
9:28 am
I’m interested to see what actually happens after the dust settles on this Halladay deal. Lots of moving parts. A lot of interesting parties.
It’s strange though. One year of Halladay at nearly 16 million was moved for a bevy of prospects. Yet three years of Lowe can barely net anything. Yes. I know Halladay is a different caliber pitcher than Lowe. But I would have thought Lowe would be worth something of value. It’s as if he is teetering on the edge of an atrocious contract level… a Hampton, Bradely, Pierre, MattHGHews Jr, Burrell, etc. Guys you pay to leave the team. I just don’t see it. It may very well be, but, well, time will tell.
Rock On......
December 15th, 2009
9:30 am
I know it’s been shot down by the front office, but is there any chance of keeping both Lowe and Vazquez?—6-4-3
Sure, but either Hudson or KK would have to be traded (and Random said that won’t happen). Kind of interesting when Cox and Wren said they had 6 strong pitchers and one of them would probably have to be dealt to get what they need. I have not heard them say one time who that would be exactly. Obviously they don’t want Hudson and Lowe together with the current budget at about 94 mil so that makes Lowe the odd man out.
With the Phillies adding Doc I feel Vazquez isn’t going anywhere and that the market for Lowe looks better. With the fact they just signed Hudson at 9 mil per he (assuming no post-TJ repercussions)is a cheaper version of Lowe that could get you 13-14 wins in the #5 slot. If Wren can find a suitable trade partner for Lowe and acquire Gonzalez he would be King of the Off-Season. If he puts Prado at 1st, acquires Uggla for 2nd, and then signs some mid-tier FA OF bat he would become Chump of the Off-Season. My money is on the King…..
Braveworld
December 15th, 2009
9:32 am
One year ago Lowe was the STAR! Did someone jump the gun last year?
Couch Tater
December 15th, 2009
9:32 am
Mitchie-san,
I too, was a victim of a mal-tweet. Tantawizing tweet from a twit who twittered, “Harbaugh to KU”, was untwue.
I miss, Gilda Radner. Funny; as Babwa Wawa…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HOMtOzoVM8
Random
December 15th, 2009
9:32 am
Paul Lentz (December 14th, 2009 11:28 pm): “I dont make deals with SHYSTERS like you. I made my bet with Bay Area Steffi.”
God, are you stupid. It’s painful just to try to communicate with you.
I would think that you’d be taking on all comers, ’cause if you win, they’d all be off the blog at no additional risk to you if you lose.
You are a frigging moron.
And a welcher, a liar and a cheat.
Pepperidge Blogs Remembers
Paul Lentz (October 24th, 2009 10:49 pm): Random…………My point all along is that Kelly Johnson wont sign a contract (under any circumstances) with the Braves for less than $3 mil. ……I’ll go ahead and accept the bet under your terms.
WarEagle1
December 15th, 2009
9:33 am
I know that we need to address the needs of a corner outfielder and a first baseman, but we also need to dump Lowe’s large contract. What if we traded Lowe and some unguarded prospects to the Angels for Rivera (like we want) and throw in Matthews Jr. for less money and time than Lowe? Bad contract for bad contract, but we get a small bit of salary relief and address our needs and less time with a bad contract. Would they bite?
Braveworld
December 15th, 2009
9:37 am
No to Matthews Jr…Braves cut him one time already.
unbelievable
December 15th, 2009
9:44 am
“One year ago Lowe was the STAR! Did someone jump the gun last year?”
nope, Braves just had no clue how Hanson would develop, how Huddy would recover, and how KK would pitch in MLB. They were smart to add Lowe at the time. Now he’s an asset that we can move
Bobby's Belly
December 15th, 2009
9:46 am
DOB – thank you – understood. My mistake – constructive criticism late at night is not appreciated – I get it. Please continue w/ the sarcasm. I was/am right, though.
Random
December 15th, 2009
9:47 am
JasonInFL (December 15th, 2009 7:29 am): “Haven’t the Braves supposedly let teams know they would “settle” for prospects in a Lowe trade…specifically at 3rd and SS? The whole goal in trading Lowe is to free up money. They have stated all along that they don’t plan on getting the bat they are looking for in a Lowe trade.”
Imo, you’ve gotta figure that any public statements from the Braves during their backroom wheeling and dealing are as likely as not to be smokescreens, feints or diversions.
TennesseePaul
December 15th, 2009
9:47 am
Would they bite?
Would the Angels be interested in relieving themselves of the worst deal they made this decade (and quite possibly in the history of the franchise), acquiring a top of the rotation innings eater with big game experience, locked up for three years at what appears to be the going rate for pitchers of his caliber, and a prospect? For Rivera?
Yes. I dare say they’d jump all over that one. And then jump all over Bay. All while laughing with uncontrollable glee.
Rock On......
December 15th, 2009
9:49 am
Burdell….maybe, but every GM knows that both Hanson and Heyward are off limits just like they were last year. The question is how many prospects are they willing to lose to acquire Gonzalez with the Tex trade still stinging them in the butt. Would you send Shaefer, Medlen, Hicks, and say a Diaz-type to San Diego for Gonzalez if that would make San Diego pull the trigger? Are the Braves willing to put Freeman in the wings until 2012 while Gonzalez plays 1st?
I feel that if Gonzalez plays 1st and we trade Lowe we will win the pennant assuming no pitching injuries or key position players going down. A lot of the questions will be answered soon.
18 Wheels of Love
December 15th, 2009
9:50 am
I just hope Wren hasn’t over-played his hand with Lowe. He’s pretty much all in at this point.
DAP
December 15th, 2009
9:51 am
MLBTR is also saying the halliday is signing an extension for $20mil per for three years.
CB
December 15th, 2009
9:55 am
Random, you “Shyster”. We had some fun with our “friend”,didn’t we?
Nova Scotia Steve - #40
December 15th, 2009
9:55 am
I’m sorry but Freeman looks like he’s about 150 lbs soaking wet.
And he’s the answer at 1b?
Chris from the Rock
December 15th, 2009
9:56 am
DOB, have you heard anything about Chuck James? Is he going to attempt a comeback this year? And if so, wouldn’t the Braves be interested in signing him to a minor-league deal?
Nova Scotia Steve - #40
December 15th, 2009
9:57 am
Looks like we can kill the Mike Cameron rumors…and really Matt Holliday is getting a bigger contract than the one offered to Pujols???
Think I’ll go throw up now…
(and yes I know Pujols contract was signed almost over 5 years ago – BUT STILL)
Efrim
December 15th, 2009
9:57 am
What happens if the Angels just go and sign Joel Pineiro to a three year deal worth something like 36 million? Not saying he’d be that much better than Lowe over the course of the next three seasons, but maybe they just don’t want to give up much for a 37 year old Derek Lowe. I’d be interested to see where Wren goes if something like that were to happen. Yankees and Cubs, I guess, would be the other two teams that could potentially have interest.
PopeVanIII
December 15th, 2009
9:59 am
DOB
If the Braves manage to hang onto Vazquez, as it appears they will be able to do, what do you think the chances of signing him to an extension are?
Also, have you heard any indication that a long-term deal could be reached between the Braves and Jurrjens or Escobar (or both) this offseason?
Thanks in advance!
NCmike
December 15th, 2009
9:59 am
Deciving pic on Freeman. He’s like 6′ 5″ and 230lbs… Don’t forget his still very young. I didn’t, ehem…. “fill in” until my 20’s.
TennesseePaul
December 15th, 2009
10:00 am
Rock On…: Knowing what has been written, that there is zero chance the Braves are going to target Adrian, or any big bat for that matter, the list of prospects you have there might not be what would be needed. If, (big if since all of this is improbable according to reports), if Lowe were traded for prospects, said prospects could be part of a deal for Adrian. So it might not technically cost the Braves their own farm. In essence they would exchange Lowe for a more usable currency in a deal for Adrian.
Of course that is not possible by any means. But that is how I would see it happening, if it could happen.
TennesseePaul
December 15th, 2009
10:05 am
Now, to clarify my hypothetical for the record, I wouldn’t suggest that the impossible avenue of acquiring a big bat such as Adrian Gonzalez could be done via only the impossible to obtain prospects acquired in a trade of Lowe. Just that, with the improbable return from the impossible trade of Lowe for a decent, or multiple decent, prospects said prospect(s) could be included along with some players currently in the Braves system.
Now that should be some good fodder for the cannons.
NCmike
December 15th, 2009
10:06 am
It’s a done deal!!! Lowe to the Angels for Kotchman and Marek.
NCmike
December 15th, 2009
10:06 am
Sorry, couldn’t help myself…
sidslidkid
December 15th, 2009
10:07 am
TennesseePaul, what?
Tomahawk1310
December 15th, 2009
10:08 am
Phillies getting one of the best pitchers in baseball…Defending NL Champs
Mets possibly getting one of top free agents hitters…Back Healthy…Return to being competitve
Braves sign 2- 40 year olds and sitting on their azz not getting any legitimate power bats…priceless…and another 3rd place finish.
Braveworld
December 15th, 2009
10:10 am
unbelieve…I agree,just said that because everyone seems to want to give Lowe away. Be ok with me to keep him but I understand the other needs we have has to be taken care of.
sidslidkid
December 15th, 2009
10:12 am
“Phillies getting one of the best pitchers in baseball…Defending NL Champs
Mets possibly getting one of top free agents hitters…Back Healthy…Return to being competitve
Braves sign 2- 40 year olds and sitting on their azz not getting any legitimate power bats…priceless…and another 3rd place finish.”
Oh tail! Oh tail! Where could you be? Why can’t you stay attached to poor ole me!
dmack2027
December 15th, 2009
10:14 am
DOB, would be interested to hear your take on the Halladay deal. Phillies get a good pitcher, but gave up Drabek (their Hanson) and Michael Taylor to do so.
I am still trying to figure out how Cleveland’s GM did not get more for Lee when he traded him to Philly.
Nova Scotia Steve - Roy Halladay wins 2010 NL Cy Young Award -
December 15th, 2009
10:18 am
Enter your comments here
Nova Scotia Steve - Roy Halladay wins 2010 NL Cy Young Award -
December 15th, 2009
10:21 am
I don’t see the purpose of getting rid of Lowe unless we can extend Vazquez…
…Besides I don’t believe many should be so trigger happy to ship Lowe off…From what I’ve been reading it looks like the Braves are leaning more and more to having Heyward starting 2010 in right field….
So who is going to be our big off-season singing Xavier Nady???? that’s it??? hello???
echo?
N8
December 15th, 2009
10:22 am
nolie, yeah I realize that Chipper was never GG material. But he was a SS coming up, so he had to have some value on defense. And certainly, his range and defense was better in his younger days than it is right now, not?
Tomahawk1310
December 15th, 2009
10:22 am
sidslidkid
That tail is tired of staring at 3rd place evry year and tired of better team getting better while we just stay mediocre, but I guess you don’t mind being in 3rd place to our most hated rivals all the time.