Wren making bold moves; we pick Best CDs of ‘09

Get Uggla and lets play ball………………..Merry Christmas DOB, and all you great bloggers.

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Chip, are we doing onomonapea?

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Dave – There is no y in Todd Snider. But he’s the coolest anyway.

Folks, don’t evaluate the Vasquez trade until we know how Frank spends the rest of the money. The move is not over yet! Also, prospects are nice to have! Melky is a platoon player, but so what!

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C – McCann
1B – Glaus
2B – Prado
SS – Escobar
3B – Jones
RF – Heyward
CF – McLouth
LF – Diaz/Cabrera

UTL – Infante
UTL – Ross
UTL – Thurston
UTL – Diaz/Cabrera
UTL – M. Jones

SP – Lowe
SP – Hudson
SP – Jurrjens
SP – Hanson
SP – Kawakami

CL – Wagner
RP – Saito
RP – Moylan
RP – O’Flaherty
RP – Medlen
RP – Chavez
RP – Dunn

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Rock On……, getting old is tough. I’m barely in my 30’s and I’m starting to feel out of touch with what’s “in”. I just looked at iTunes “top songs” section and I have only heard of maybe half of the artist they have listed. I’m trying to stay young and hip, but it’s tough…. do people still say hip?

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davBraves – Merry Christmas to you too

DOB – looks like Billy Jo really may live forever.

Haven’t posted in a while, here’s my take on the last couple of weeks. Sorry, it’s going to be a little long. I still am in full support of Wren. Last year he should have earned a lot of cred with Braves fans. He has made solid moves at every turn. I don’t think you can say he has made a bad trade or signing.

1) Wagner & Saito vs. Gonzalez & Sorianno. I think those were 2 good signings. Saito I’m the least sold on, but since he isn’t tabbed as the closer then it’s not as big a concern for me. Lots of the denizens have mentioned they think Wagner is very risky. I think he’s gonna blow everybody’s under-expectations away. Is he that much more of an injury risk than either Sorianno or Gonzalez just b/c he’s older? In case the critics forgot both those guys have had arm problems/surgeries/dead arm off and on since they’ve been with the Braves (I like both so not knocking them). Do the critics really think Wagner is going to all of a sudden turn into Wickman/Kolb/Reitsma?? I think Wren gets an A on the Soriano for Chavez trade. A solid return, and I would rather see them get the roster ironed out now instead of waiting. I have been concerned the longer they wait they will miss out on players for all the positions they need to move on.

2) Vazques trade. Lots of people are overreacting. No way you can say this is as bad a trade as all those slitting their wrists the last few days have been saying. Also, we don’t know the behind the scenes market for what was there for trades involving either Lowe or Vazquez.
I’m not blown away by the trade, but if they couldn’t get something they wanted for Lowe and if the two pitchers turn out to be as good as their potential is, then this will turn out to be a good trade. If Cabrera winds up being a piece of another trade, and both pitchers pan out as time goes on, then this may turn out to be a really good trade.

Also, it’s very likely Vazquez will drop off somewhat and Lowe will pick it up somewhat. None of can predict the numbers, but the rotation is still probably the best in the NL. KK is going to pick it up in his 2nd year. Some critics are saying they think Jurrjens may have some drop off. What more does this guy have to do to sell anybody??? And it’s not like with still having Lowe we have a Jo Jo/Carlyle/Campillo/Cormier situation as a 5th part of the rotation. If Wren held off and possibly traded Vazquez mid-year, it could mess up the team chemistry much more than doing it now.

3) Glaus. I think it’s a good signing. I’ve never been sold on LaRoche and definatley would not want to see the Braves give him a 3 year deal. Yes he did very well for us last year, but how can you rely on a guy this streaky. (Kelly Johnson anyone?) You have to look at it this way too. If the season started today, Glaus would be batting clean up, Mac moves to his natural 5th hole. So, do you really not think Glaus is a better clean up hitter than Loaf was? Rest assured Glaus will crank more than 13 hmers and 60 rbis or so that Loaf put up. (And I’m not knockin’ Loaf either, I’m actually a fan). Glaus won’t have a hard time adjusting to 1st either. Won’t be a solid with the glove as LaRoche, but that’s the only draw back, b/c we know neither guy is the long term solution anyway. And Glaus provides some right hand pop we’ve needed for balance in theline up for some time.

My last question is have their actually been any credible rumors about a possible Carl Crawford trade, or is that just blog dreaming?

Crawford would be sweet for a couple prospects and their pick of Cabrera/McClouth/Diaz. Put Crawford at leadoff for this team and I think all those crying the last few days would not even be able to find something to complain about.

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Nothing would ever shut Mark Bradley up, the dude just whines about everything and offers nothing of substance except bashing any move the Braves make, good or bad. I cannot read his columns anymore b/c its always so negative. I come to the DOB column where I know I will get a mostly unbiased opinion and some substance and analysis about the moves that the Braves make. I deal w/ enough whining and B*tching at home, don’t need to read about it too.

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Maybe I’m late on this but did anyone else notice that DOB has two 12’s in his top 50 cds.

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Merry Christmas! And thanks for the new Blog.

…….Chief

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I’m sorry but AC/DC Black Ice was an excellent album…and I also enjoyed Metallica’s Death Magnetic….but don’t think its gunna make any top album lists…just a personal favorite.

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Merry Christmas Braves fans!

We may not agree on anything together on this blog…lol…But it sure as hell is an amusing way to spend some time.

Go Braves

PS

Saito is 40

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Sign Nady or Derosa and that’ll be a good end to it for me. I’d still love for them to trade for a better hitting outfielder, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.

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Saito is 40

But he looks 12.

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Braveheart,

Good to see you’re still reading. Have a Merry Christmas and a great New Year. (Starting 1/7/10) RTR.

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I just love how so many think that if the Braves were sold to an individual like Ted, Cuban or The Falcons owner, that all of a sudden the Braves would add another $20-50 million and put them into the same category with the Yankees, Red Sox and Angels.

If the Braves WERE sold, nothing whatsoever would change salary wise until the fans start putting their posteriors in Turner Field’s seats and buying lots of that outrageously priced beer and nachos. Y’all have no one to blame for the lowered payroll other than yourselves. Boost attendance and see what happens THEN.

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sidslidkid-I got a Fredi Gonzalez signature from several years back this year. Got a Phil Neikro one year, though.

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Ole Billy Joe Shaver looks like he could use a BATH!!!

What does Martin Prado have to do to secure the 2B job? I mean I would be pissed if I were him.

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DOB:

Get on that plane and out of DODGE pronto. See you in a few. Stay well boarding the great ROCKIES. And Holiday greetings to all you posters out there. Enjoy the blessings this country offers and the good Lord provide us each and every day. Later.

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Merry Christmas McFann!

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Anyone think maybe Joe Torre could come full circle and manage the Braves next season…his contract with the Dodgers expires after this season.

Probably a pipe dream…

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I will be really ticked if this takes away playing time from Matty D–he was the heart and soul of this team last year and he proved he deserves to play every damn day! I am fine with Matty in left, Nate in center and Heyward in right with Jordan backing up and I guess Melky backing up but I guess they plan on doing that stupid platoon thing again. Matty will work his way into the lineup every day, you can’t hold him down!

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“Matty D–he was the heart and soul of this team last year…”

Lets not over do it now. He was good but come on.

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Merry Christmas to all and wishing you a healthy and prosperous 2010! I have had much enjoyment this year on the blog (mostly reading), nice to see it is still going strong, if not stronger.

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DOB – How about the Felice Brothers album Yonder is the Clock?

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IF…
Wren is able to sign: DeRosa or Nady or Ugla.
Then it definetly makes the Braves a MUCH DEEPER team for injuries and the long season. We won’t have the drop off at SS, 3b, 1b – 2b or OF, if anyone gets hurt or needs a rest(as we did last year).

Then the Vasquez trade looks pretty good.
We then traded Vasquez & Boone Logan for:
Troy Glaus, Melky Cabrera, Mike Dunn, Arodys Vizcaina,
(DeRosa, Uggla, or Nady).
THAT would NOT be considered a BAD trade!

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I would speculate that Liberty wants to be certain that the Braves are a financially enticing investment for someone when they can legally from a tax standpoint unload the team in the next year or two. At the same time they want to maintain the Braves as a competitive entity in order to attract fans. As a result the trades overall aren’t bad ones for the future of the franchise.

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I have few predictions for the Braves before Opening Day.

1. Another move, whether it be free agent pickup or trade, is coming. I think a trade of Dan Uggla or signing Mark DeRosa would be preferred. I think Uggla could possibly be had for Matt Diaz, Brandon Hicks and one Atlanta’s prized pitching prospects. Another possibility could be a trade for Jorge Cantu. Cantu should receive a nice raise through arbitration and is flexible enough for the Braves. He can play 1B, 3B, 2B and some OF. I’d prefer Uggla but Cantu may be more realistic. A signing of DeRosa could take place but he may have to take a hometown discount of sorts. A 2yr/$11 mil deal could work.

2. If a trade or free agent signing doesn’t take place before spring training the Braves will pray that Jordan Schaefer is completely healthy and tear up the Grapefruit League like he did a year ago. That would allow the Braves to maybe move Diaz and platoon Schaefer in LF with Cabrera.

3. Jason Heyward will show in spring (as he did last year) that he is ready and he does belong forcing the Braves to bite the bullet and start his arb clock early.

4. Teams like the Reds, Rays, Tigers and Royals conceivably will all be looking for outfielders thus making it easier for the Braves to move Diaz or even Cabrera for a good hitting 2B allowing Prado to become a super utility player like Infante. The Reds could be looking to move Brandon Phillips. The Rays have a plethora of young infielders for the Braves to choose from. The Tigers could be looking to move Carlos Guillen. And, while the Royals really don’t have any players of interest that they’d actually trade they do have some prospects the Braves could stockpile for future trades.

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ncgary-You assume that after seeing the Braves in Boston and TYoronto the past several years, that I actually have $$$$ to send to you.

I undesdtand that times are tough and that games can be somewhat expensive (though Y’all have NO clue comparing Atlanta’s prices to those you pay at Fenway), but if you aren’t going to go to games, for what ever reason (and I don’t direct this just to you)-then just don’t bitch that they have no money. I guarantee you this-no matter who owns the team, they are not going to foot the bill for a higher salary until the Atlanta fans start buying tickets and concessions. That’s just the way it is and nothing will change until attendance goes up.

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Well, I think the Braves have focused so much on pitching they don’t really produce everyday players. That needs to change. But, if you think about it some orginizations are the other way around. Look at the Yanks and Rangers. They produce really good hitters but their pitchers for the most part are marginal with the exception of maybe a Ted Lilly. Some teams are great at doing both like the Angels, Red Sox and Dodgers.

That being said I think the Braves do have some good to great everyday players on the way: Heyward, Freeman, Hicks, Tyler Flowers (now with the White Sox), Cody Johnson and I think Clint Sammons could be an everyday catcher but he is never going to get that opportunity here with McCann on the roster. Also, I still believe Brandon Jones could be a solid everyday player. When he has been with the big league club he has done okay. His minor league numbers have been so-so but if you think about it Yunel Escobar’s weren’t that great either. Neither were McCann’s. Lets not forget McCann only got called up in 2005 because the Braves top 3 catchers were all hurt. Some guys don’t blossom until they have the opportunity. Maybe playing in the minors bore them if that makes sense.

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Based on their current rosters, the Braves offense projects the following stat line…
.271/.347/.426/.773

And the Phillies offense projects…
.268/.340/.439/.779

Not a big difference. I have not checked/compiled the pitching staff projections yet, but I would assume the Braves staff is stronger. So, 2010 looks like a dead-heat. Cannot wait.

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RCIB-Somewhat ironic, isn’t it, that a couple years ago the Braves were accused of not producing pitching in the minors. The more things change……..

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I think Brooks Conrad will be on the Braves’ bench

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agreed lew, not sure what tv revenue contract splits up between all 30 teams now, but guessing somewhere in between 4 to 6 billion. pretty sure a few years back they were splitting 4 billion, which pretty much would take care of payroll.still seats filled in stadiums is how payroll can easiest be extended

unfortunately here unemployment all around here for a 50 mile radius is 14 to 15 % officially. unofficially its probably closer to 33%. and the jerks that are hiring are paying 8 dollars an hour for jobs that used to pay 20

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…and if the Braves were to bring Johnson back to spell Diaz and Prado occasionally, then their projected stat line would be…
.274/.350/.433/.783 – BETTER OPS THAN PHILLIES!

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Title of article should be ” Wren making Bad Moves”! Braves will be the laughing stock of the National League!

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Continuing on projections for 2010, the Braves project to have OPS advantages at C, 3B, SS, LF, CF. Which leaves the Phillies with a high projected OPS at 1B, 2B, RF. Pretty interesting stuff.

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DAMON DAMON DAMON….FROM WHAT’S BEEN READ & SAID… THE BRAVES COULD GET HIM FOR SOME HAMHOCK AND SOME GREENS. HE IS NOT HAPPY WITH THE YANKEES AND THEY’RE NOT HAPPY WITH HIM? HIS HOME IN IN ORLANDO, FL CLOSE TO THE BRAVES’ TRAINING CAMP. DOES THE BRAVES REALLY WANT A WINNING TEAM OR JUST WANT TO SAVE MONEY????

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coach smith

I think getting 2 isnt gonna happen. The Braves like to have a little wiggle room for in season moves. But they sure can use another guy. Definitly if Heywards starts in AAA we could use another guy out there. 2 years 12 mil has been offered by the Giants. So we would have to top that. Nady could come cheaper, for gaurenteed money but would prolly nmeed some incentives simalar to Glaus. But the Braves definlty have the room to add another solid piece. Wouldnt even be a bad idea to look at the remaining RP’s on the market. Wags and Saito at the back end age and major injurys in the past could be a question mark. The Braves value u pitching so much it wouldnt surprise me at all. But i sure hope they add 1 more solid piece to the Ballclub.

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I find it funny people on the blog complain and complain about Wren not making a move and when he finally does its a called a move done in a panic. I’m sure most of you are astute to know the Glaus deal was likely already in place and the only thing holding back an announcement and official signing was Wren trading JV or Lowe.

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DOB, hope Javy knew just about everybody on this blog wishes he was still a Brave and that’s saying something with the tough crowd you have around here. Hope he wins the AL CY award, just hope the Yankees finish last… fat chance though.

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Billy, Wren has done some damn good work, and “panic moves” don’t necessarily mean those moves turn out bad. Cabrera could end up being our MVP next year. He just has froggy throat.

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As a FA after this season could Javy return to Atlanta if they move either Lowe or KK at the trade deadline or in the next offseason

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Let me say this about Lowe. Calling him a whiner is a bit unfair. Would you react different if you were in his position. He signs a four year deal and after the first year he is being shopped with no control over where he goes. I can understand Lowe’s frustrations. I don’t think his comments were that inflamatory. Like he said, if he thought there was a possibility he could be moved after one season he would have thought twice about signing here.

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Total Class Act, it’s great to see/hear soemthing like that from an Athlete to a reporter and vice versa. WHo klnows, maybe he’ll be back in Atlanta a year from now!

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Here they are, your 2010 NL East third place winners. Wow, makes me want to rush right out and get tickets now. Looking forward to the new signs along the outfield, a thumbs down for every year they don’t make the playoffs. The 1 for 15 pennants are a running joke.

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Well people I know consider me a music Nazi so I’m not going to discuss the list. That was a real nice text from Javier. Totally classy. It’s a shame he’s not part of the team anymore. Any chance we sign him as a FA next year? I know probably not.

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Look, Melkey Cabrera is who he is. He’s a guy who is an excellent defensive player. His offensive is marginal but does seem to flourish in the leadoff spot which goes to show some guys hit better in certain spots. And, I will say this. He did impress me during the postseason. When Tex, Arod and even “Jetes” were somewhat struggling he was raking along with that overrated Johnny Damon.

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My Top 15 Live Concerts of 2009

1) Paul McCartney – Piedmont Park
2) Phish – Bonnaroo (Friday)
3) Greyboy Allstars – Tipitina’s
4) Monsters of Folk – Tabernacle
5) Bear Creek Music Festival – the entire thing (acts included: Galactic, Soulive, Ivan Neville, Karl Denson, Derek Trucks, Bernie Worell, Steve Kimock)
6) David Byrne – Bonnaroo (directly preceded Phish)
7) U2 – Georgia Dome
John Prine – House of Blues New Orleans
9) The Meter Men – Jazzfest Fairgounds
10) Medeski, Martin and Wood – Variety Playhouse
11) Os Mutantes – Tipitina’s
12) Robert Walter’s 20th Congress – 420 Fest
13) Wilco – Classic Center
14) John Scofield and the Piety Street Band – Variety Playhouse
15) The Trio – multiple evenings at the Maple Leaf (George Porter (bass), Johnny Vidacovich (drums) + various third members)

Likely to push into the list shortly: 4 nights of Phish in Miami for New Year’s.

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TnBrian-I here you re: Javy, but he will be the fourth starter for the Yankees-not likely he’ll come close to Cy Young consideration no matter if he has a good year or not.

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