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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
7,406 comments Add your comment
Salamander
January 2nd, 2010
1:39 pm
A little more faith and such things as loyalty and morals and ethics just might be a bit better. I don’t know of any society that couldn’t do with an increase in those things.
Without question – I’m 100% in agreement with you. I don’t think this has to start in houses of worship, but they certainly have been the traditional ‘homestead’ (so to speak) for moral thinking in this country.
I don’t understand Atheists but I don’t condemn them or challenge their lack of belief.
There is such a thing as a Deist (hint, me). Don’t have to be an atheist to think that organized religion puts the focus in the wrong place.
Anders
January 2nd, 2010
1:44 pm
chipperchop. I’ve never said the Mets have a better organization than the Braves. As a matter of fact I’ve said in the past that the best two sports executives imo are Schuerholz and Lou Lamierello of the Devils. I did believe the Mets were a better team than the Braves when 2009 started and they were showing that until they starting getting hurt.
As for the Mets being deplorable- you might be over stating that but it’s your opinion.
Who exactly have the braves replaced thos black holes with? Prado, Glaus, Diaz, McLouth. Not exactly murderers row.
Macon Braves (RIP)
January 2nd, 2010
1:49 pm
Not sure what the Mets health issues have to do with Chipper and Glaus – but yes the Mets certainly have to hope their guys come back healthy. Based on their ages I think it’s fair to say Reyes and Beltran should come back strong Anders
You posted this yesterday. So based on their ages they should come back strong huh? Well let’s see, Beltran is 32 and Glaus is 33. So using your logic then, it should be fair to say that Glaus should come back strong as well…right? Especially since Beltran is going to be playing a more physically demanding position of CF and Glaus a corner infield spot.
TennesseePaul
January 2nd, 2010
1:52 pm
CB: Went to theh HOF not too long ago. It was the last summer of Shea and old Yankee Stadium. Traveled up there to see both places one last time and then to go to the HOF. I loved the HOF. I could have spent a whole week there. Cooperstown was amazing. It’s just baseball everywhere. To me that was incredible. The locals seemed to be a bit put out on the idea. Heard a few kids saying: “Yeah I’m going to college! I don’t want to live here my whole life. Only jobs here are the HOF or a t-shirt shop” Made me laugh. But I really enjoyed the visit. Really is out in the middle of nowhere.
SoWeGa Fanatic
January 2nd, 2010
1:56 pm
Salamander, if I’m not mistaken, you are the only person who has mentioned “organized religion”.
Anders, Bay makes you guys better, but you don’t really think the Mets have a chance in’10 do you?
Anders
January 2nd, 2010
1:57 pm
Macon Braves-Fair enough. Put Glaus down for 25 dingers. Of course he played 14 whole games last year so he should step right into a new team at a new position and regain his form.
TennesseePaul
January 2nd, 2010
1:57 pm
Who exactly have the braves replaced thos black holes with? Prado, Glaus, Diaz, McLouth. Not exactly murderers row
Well that’s because they lost out on the Marlon Byrd bidding…
CB
January 2nd, 2010
2:04 pm
Macon Braves and Tennessee Paul, thanks for info.
Macon Braves (RIP)
January 2nd, 2010
2:06 pm
Fair enough. Put Glaus down for 25 dingers. Of course he played 14 whole games last year so he should step right into a new team at a new position and regain his form.
I’m not saying put anyone down for anything. You don’t know about ANY player going into ANY season. So Glaus only played 14 games last year and Beltran played only 81, I don’t think it’s a given either one comes back and plays like they are capable of. Certainly possible in either case, but not a given.
I just thought it was interesting you said it is “fair to say that Reyes and Beltran will bounce back given their age” when Glaus is only nine months older than Beltran.
Anders
January 2nd, 2010
2:07 pm
Anders, Bay makes you guys better, but you don’t really think the Mets have a chance in’10 do you? (SoWeGa Fanatic)
If Reyes, Beltran and Wright return to form and you add Bay and Molina (which I think they will). They have Santana and a premier closer. Perez and Maine have won 15 games each in a season before so who’s to say they can’t do it again?
Listen, I’m not saying it’s likely but it’s not like they don’t have pieces in place that haven’t done it before. It’s easy for many on here to write that they’re deplorable and such but the truth of the matter is they have 5 or 6 all star players on their roster-you can’t just dismiss a team with that imo.
For the record I think they need a #2 pitcher but I’m not gonna sit here and say they have no shot.
Salamander
January 2nd, 2010
2:08 pm
Salamander, if I’m not mistaken, you are the only person who has mentioned “organized religion”.
- scratches week old stubble –
You lost me. I’m not sure what your point is. I was responding to your comment about anti-Christian sentiment on the blog. I generalized my comments with the phrase ‘organized religion’ because I lump all of them into the same heap in my brain.
Macon Braves (RIP)
January 2nd, 2010
2:11 pm
Also, Glaus has played in at least 149 games in 7 of his 11 seasons (that number is significant since when missing only 13 games a year, chances are a player doesn’t get DL’ed any that season assuming at least two off days in any 15 games stretch). Beltran has played at least that many games in 6 of his 11 seasons. I’m not counting their rookie seasons since a lot of reasons other than injury would contribute to a player not playing regularly. So Glaus is no more an injury risk than Beltran has been over their careers.
Jim
January 2nd, 2010
2:12 pm
The Leatherstocking golf course at Cooperstown is very good. My wife – not a baseball or golf fan – went to grad school in Cooperstown, so we have visited there a bit. There are six (6) other, non-baseball museums in the town and the Glimmerglass Opera House (summer only) is just north of town. Only trouble is that it rais a lot in Cooperstown. Niagra Falls from Canadian side is only way to go. Good family vacation, but leave 3/4 of a day for driving between the two.
Anders
January 2nd, 2010
2:15 pm
Macon Braves- So let me ask you these two questions. If Beltran was a FA this off season do you think he would have had to sign a 1 year $2 mil incentive laden deal? Why did Glaus have to?
David O'Brien
January 2nd, 2010
2:15 pm
It’s good to be home and great to see all the continued participation and passion here. Really is. Braves news will pick up very soon, I think.
By the way, forecast for Atlanta calls for lows from 17-19 degrees each of the next three days — colder (and windier) than it was during the entire week we just spent in snowy British Columbia.
Macon Braves (RIP)
January 2nd, 2010
2:21 pm
Anders—No, I don’t think Beltran would have had to sign a deal like that. They are two completely different players. Glaus has a big bat, that’s about it. Beltran is a five tool player when healthy. I haven’t compared their skill sets, I was comparing whether or not Glaus is more of an injury risk than Beltran. It is quite obvious that if both were healthy, Beltran is a much more valuable player.
Not sure how you jump from me comparing their ages and their abilities to recover from last season’s injuries to their contracts. Kind of apples and oranges wouldn’t you say.
But if both are healthy and both perform as they are capable, I won’t be upset with having Glaus at $2 million compared to whatever Beltran is making.
Chris from the Rock
January 2nd, 2010
2:21 pm
An announcer on MLB Home Plate just suggested the Braves might still re-sign LaRoche even after the Glaus signing. I think he’s had a little too much egg nog.
Steve from OH
January 2nd, 2010
2:21 pm
flange1–question–Mahogany, Maple, or Alder for a guitar body wood? Got some scholarship money back and I’m buying a guitar with it, LOL!
Bravoman
January 2nd, 2010
2:22 pm
DOB
Are the Braves interested in Dye? Also when is Glaus taking his physical? Thanks.
Steve from OH
January 2nd, 2010
2:22 pm
(Or anyone else with any guitar knowledge that has an opinion and would would like to share)
Chris from the Rock
January 2nd, 2010
2:24 pm
There’s a reason why bottle rockets are illegal in many U.S. states:
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fespndeportes.espn.go.com%2Fnews%2Fstory%3Fid%3D952669%26s%3Dbei%26type%3Dstory&sl=es&tl=en
Anders
January 2nd, 2010
2:26 pm
Macon Braves – OK.
David O'Brien
January 2nd, 2010
2:28 pm
Make no mistake……….MC, Chipper, and Glaus are not that cleanup hitter we are looking for…….glaus might get there by midseason if he plays regularly and stays healthy, but we dont have a cleanup hitter to start the season……… — Doc Holiday
Gonna have to disagree with you there. Because if Glaus is healthy as Braves and his rep say he is, and if he stays that way through spring training, there’s no reason he can’t be a 25-35 homer, 100-RBI man from the start of the season. Just no reason to believe it’ll take till mid-season for a veteran like him to find his swing and get into a groove. He’s an experienced hitter who will have had an entire spring training, plus the work he’s done all winter after returning at season’s end for Cardinals.
(And in case anyone wants to draw comparisons between Glaus and Garret Anderson, I don’t think there’s any real correlation — Garret switched leagues and, most importantly, missed most of spring training after signing late and then getting hurt.)
jeffrey d
January 2nd, 2010
2:30 pm
Glad to have you back, DOB
David O'Brien
January 2nd, 2010
2:30 pm
Bravoman: Again, Glaus was scheduled to have his physical after the holidays, is all I was told. That’s including after this holiday weekend (docs aren’t around to give physicals the weekend after a Friday New Year’s day). Braves offices reopen Monday. I’d expect him to get it Monday and an announcement to come Monday or Tuesday….
Not sure of level of Braves’ interest in Dye, but they have at least some.
TnBrian
January 2nd, 2010
2:32 pm
I just know some of you love predictions for the upcoming season, so this is for you,LOL. I’ll put Nady in there since he makes the most sense to me:
CF/McLouth, .256 avg. 22 HR, 72 RBI
2B/Prado, .287 avg. 12 HR, 58 RBI
3B/Jones, .312 avg. 21 HR, 89 RBI
1B/Glaus, .248 avg. 26 HR, 92 RBI
C/McCann, .289 avg. 28 HR, 102 RBI
SS/Escobar, .305 avg. 16 HR, 72 RBI
LF/ Nady, .278 avg. 17 HR, 70 RBI
RF/ Heyward, .275 avg. 20 HR, 82 RBI
I really think those numbers are accurate as far as a Tn boy can tell.
jed
January 2nd, 2010
2:34 pm
bear– i cant stand idiots. can you blame me?
"Chef" Tim Dix
January 2nd, 2010
2:36 pm
DOB, would like to have you on the “Sports Buffet ” first anniversary show. So please, warm up your “Dusty” impersonation…
brent a.
January 2nd, 2010
2:37 pm
DOB,
You should have a blog dedicated just to your bags lost by Delta Airlines. I’ve honestly never heard of anything like this. (Three times this year, right?)
I’ve never had an airline lose a bag.
"Chef" Tim Dix
January 2nd, 2010
2:38 pm
TnBrian: I’ll take’m!
TnBrian
January 2nd, 2010
2:44 pm
Lets look at the rotation; hey, something is better than nothing because nothing is up with the Braves right now. No fear, the DuckMan is here:
Hudson– 15-8, 3.34 ERA, 138 K’s, 78 BB
Hanson– 16-5, 3.05 ERA, 215 K’s, 68 BB
Jurrjens– 14-8, 2.87 ERA, 172 K’s, 82 BB
Lowe– 12-10 3.84 ERA, 138 K’s, 62 BB
Kawakami- 10-9, 3.92 ERA, 125 K’s, 46 BB
Chris from the Rock
January 2nd, 2010
2:45 pm
You guys want to see something funny? Check out the Braves’ depth chart on their Yahoo team page. You have to see who they have as the 5th starter. Hilarious!
Joe Fan
January 2nd, 2010
2:46 pm
To THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum — I would say that you should have been laid off. You just wasted valuable minutes in your day with an extensive response to a business question on a sports blog of all places.
Chris from the Rock
January 2nd, 2010
2:47 pm
Melky Cabrera must be really talented! Yahoo has him starting left field AND right field in their depth chart.
BravoMan
January 2nd, 2010
2:51 pm
Glad to have yea back DOB. Hope you enjoyed your break.
TnBrian
January 2nd, 2010
2:53 pm
Chris, well, we know they’re conceding ‘10 if Reyes is anywhere near that team this season.
BravoMan
January 2nd, 2010
2:54 pm
TnBrian 2:32,
I’d take those numbers that’s for sure
ace
January 2nd, 2010
2:58 pm
TnBrian, reasonable projections I think. Maybe instead of Nady, Melky/Diaz might come in around .285/15/70 using Diaz the most, even against some righties. With defense maybe a bit better than Nady. Hard to know without a recent evaluation of Nady’s throwing/arm health.
So is our $7-9M best spent on Nady, when we have a similar production option already in hand?
Wren’s internal debate for use of the $ might hinge on whether Heyward is considered likely to start the season in the lineup. If Heyward is in the cards, can the $ be spent effectively on an upgade over Diaz/Melky? And this deabate is complicated by the fact that a decision on Heyward is best made late in the spring.
Can Nady be a useful OF piece as well as backup for the Glaus gamble at first? Does he have any track record of decent defense at first? I don’t know, just asking.
Use of the $ on someone who can play LF and first sure does seem like the best way to fill out the roster at first glance. But it’s complicated by the fact that Diaz has earned a shot at significant playing time.
Other than Nady, I wonder if Wren has “under the radar” options for a LF/IB?
DOB, you stirred up lots of holiday chatter by mentioning the Uggla option before your trek. I wonder if you had a source for that or if it was just your creative brain at work. By all means, protect your sources, just wondering.
18 Wheels of Love
January 2nd, 2010
3:03 pm
Jeff Passen mentions the ‘C’ word in his latest article…collusion. Wonder if it will be a problem during the next CBA?
BravoMan
January 2nd, 2010
3:04 pm
Whatever Wren plans to do with the rest of the dough saved up I think we get bet that some will go to a back-up 1B/PH. I really think Nady makes since for us if his health wasn’t an issue.
David O'Brien
January 2nd, 2010
3:08 pm
Having said that about Glaus, I should underscore the part about being and staying healthy. Obviously coming off shoulder surgery at his age, it’s not a given that he’s going to be what he was and have the same swing extension and bat speed. So the Braves are taking a gamble penciling him as an every-day 1B, there’s no doubt about that. If he’s healthy and stays healthy all spring, he should be a force. But until we see him swing the bat all spring, are we really going to know about the bat speed and extension and whether he can maintain it day after day?
David O'Brien
January 2nd, 2010
3:12 pm
BravoMan: I agree Nady’s a great fit, but I think he prefers more of a guarantee of regular OF work rather than a hybrid type of position as corner OF/IF.
Don’t forget about the Johnny Damon possibility, folks. Just seems to me that there’s something there, in part because Damon would like to play for the Braves and I think they could get him for a lot less than the early rumor about what he was asking for.
I’d guess they could sign him for two years at a figure that would work in the Braves’ payroll, if they have the $7-10 mill left to work with in 2010 that I think they do, to keep payroll near last year’s total.
Salamander
January 2nd, 2010
3:12 pm
So is our $7-9M best spent on Nady, when we have a similar production option already in hand?
No – easy answer. I’m opposed to signing Nady under most circumstances, but if Wren got him for ~$3 – 4 mill, then at least the deal wouldn’t hurt too bad if Nady flops/gets injured for a significant amount of time.
Will Nady/Boras sign that cheap? Doubt it. If it came down to signing Nady or standing pat, then I hope Wren holds on to whatever payroll flexibility he has and goes after someone midseason when ‘expensive’ players become more appealing via trade.
TnBrian
January 2nd, 2010
3:13 pm
ace, I think one of Diaz or Cabrera will be traded at some point before or during the early 2010 season for prospects or Uggla. If not Uggla than Nady would be my guy. One thing I think is for sure is that Diaz gets a little too much props on here. The guy’s splits against RHP to LHP isn’t too pretty and he does’t have enough power to offset those splits. He plays terrible defense also. I wouldn’t be so sure about those numbers with a Diaz/Cabrera platoon since Diaz is a streaky hitter and Melky is coming into a new world with new teammates, new manager and new league. At least you know, if healthy, what Nady will give you.
Andrew in PA
January 2nd, 2010
3:13 pm
Thats why Wren wants to sign an 1b/OF in the case Glaus should go down then you still have (Nady) and Melky is there is fill in the outfield.
Eric from MO
January 2nd, 2010
3:14 pm
BravoMan I think Nady makes the most sense. You mention his health, while that is true, with Diaz, Melky, and Glaus Nady will not be as crucial to the lineup. Meaning if he goes down for a month our season will not be over. Especially considering Heyward should be up by June 1st.
Right now I dont see a better option to spend the remaining 9 million on. Maybe Wren finds someone flying under the radar but right now I dont see who it could be.
Andrew in PA
January 2nd, 2010
3:14 pm
Oh god here comes the Damon rumors/lineups again…welcome back DOB,sparking up Damon again.
18 Wheels of Love
January 2nd, 2010
3:15 pm
Would love Damon. You need that guy that has been there before to maybe help Chipper lead these guys. He probably wont put up Yankee Stadium numbers but he would be a good fit in LF.
TnBrian
January 2nd, 2010
3:16 pm
Or Damon. I like him too. Leadoff guy, gets Nate out of a spot he has no business being, imo, and he,Chipper and McCann make three fine leaders on the team. No complaints from me at all for either Nady or Damon.
jeffrey d
January 2nd, 2010
3:18 pm
Except Damon’s left handed. I really don’t like the idea of having all these lefties
TnBrian
January 2nd, 2010
3:18 pm
Oh, Andrew in PA, just look at it like this… we can now find a million different names for Damon with that girly arm of his.
BravoMan
January 2nd, 2010
3:19 pm
DOB,
Interesting option in Damon. He gives us some power, average, and speed. I suppose he’d leadoff while Prado bats second and put McLouth lower in the order or leave McLouth in the leadoff spot? I really doubt is range is worse that Garret’s with his speed. If he can be acquired and a suitable back-up for Glaus as well I’m down.
Eric from MO
January 2nd, 2010
3:20 pm
DOB I havnt held my breath on Damon so far because I didnt think it was a good fit for the Braves roster. Lets say they sign Damon, they will have Diaz, McLouth, Melky, Damon, and Schafer and Heyward in the minors. Assuming Heyward is ready by June, what do you think they would do with the extra OF. Although cosidering the past two seasons, this isnt a bad situation to have.
The reason I have said Nady makes the most sense is because we could also play him at 1B some. Although you are probably right that he wouldnt want to play part-time OF, part-time 1B.
jeffrey d
January 2nd, 2010
3:20 pm
Hey is the Troy Glaus deal not done? Yahoo and ESPN both have him still with the Cardinals
Salamander
January 2nd, 2010
3:21 pm
Not a big fan of Damon either (for his current asking price at least), but if Wren has to choose between an over-priced Damn or an over-priced Nady, then I hope he picks Damon (1 year deal only).
ace
January 2nd, 2010
3:21 pm
If we use the $ on Damon instead of a LF/IB swing man – then plan B for IB is Prado, with Infante doing his usual solid job at 2B. Not a bad plan B. Not enough punch, but it would, after all, just be a plan B.
Another advantage to Damon is he could be ok leading off, and McLouth could instantly add speed and power lower in the lineup where both commodities are needed.
Anders
January 2nd, 2010
3:21 pm
I’d be very suprised if the Braves signed Damon, especially for two years. Everyone knows he can’t throw anymore but he really struggles to get to and catch balls too. He’s just breaking down at his age. he’s always knicked up. Good team guy and he definetly gives what he’s got but his legs are going and that was a big part of his game. He’s suprisingly big for the type of game he played.But I think that size is catching up with him.
As for his offense, batting in front of Tex,A-Rod et al sure had an effect. Pitchers had to challenge him and he is a pro hitter who can handle cripple pitches. The shortporch didn’t hurt either. The Yanks recognized this and aren’t going to committ much to him based on it.
Proceed at your own peril.
jeffrey d
January 2nd, 2010
3:27 pm
we can now find a million different names for Damon with that girly arm of his.
Since when did 5 tool players become so widespread? We’ll complain about Uggla’s D or Damon’s arm, but people, we’re not going to get an A-Rods or a vintage Griffey. We’re gonna get a player, and he’s either gonna be a poor fielder, or won’t be able to hit for power, etc.
Or we’ll get someone like Garret again who can’t do anything good.
Eric from MO
January 2nd, 2010
3:27 pm
Anders while I agree Damon is slowing down, and would be suprised if the Braves signed him too, its not that bad of a fit. He would be playing left instead of center more than likely. So he wouldnt have to covor as much ground. Even with him slowing down, he would still covor more ground than Diaz and GA. I doubt they sign him, but I would be pretty thrilled if they did.
DAP
January 2nd, 2010
3:27 pm
nolie, my life and sense of humor are just fine, thanks for your concern.
Thanagar
January 2nd, 2010
3:29 pm
Steve from OH, my older Guild is mahogany, and it sounds fine. Rosewood is another popular option. Maple is not as common, and might affect the resale value, if you worry about things like that.
BravoMan
January 2nd, 2010
3:30 pm
Yea I’d be surprised if they signed Damon too. We just havn’t heard him mention, but we never heard Glaus connected either. DOB makes a good point about Nady. He probably doesn’t want to go to a team as a utility player. So the solution is we give him LF, or RF til Heyward is ready and if we have to deal Diaz/Melky we could do that. Honestly I’d rather keep Melky cuz of his versatility as a 4th OF.
Chris from the Rock
January 2nd, 2010
3:31 pm
Damon hasn’t signed yet because he’s been to busy appearing on WWE.
Thanagar
January 2nd, 2010
3:32 pm
Oops, just realized you didn’t specify electric or acoustic…I was referencing acoustic woods.
Anders
January 2nd, 2010
3:32 pm
Eric- Damon played left last year. He has no arm at all so he can’t play center. He’s below average in left too now. He’s played an all out physical game his whole career and he’s paying for it now.
Eric from MO
January 2nd, 2010
3:36 pm
Anders I will take your word for it then. I dont watch the AL very much. However, I assume whereever Damon goes he will be an OF, not a DH; so is there really a difference with him playing LF for the Braves, or him playing LF for someone else?
DAP
January 2nd, 2010
3:40 pm
andersIf Reyes, Beltran and Wright return to form and you add Bay and Molina (which I think they will).
i think molina makes you worse. i wouldnt be rooting for him to sign with your mets. the dude did hit 20 homers, but his .285OBP…thats right, .285OBP erases pretty much all of his value. hes a black hole.
ncscoots
January 2nd, 2010
3:43 pm
We’re gonna get a player, and he’s either gonna be a poor fielder, or won’t be able to hit for power, etc.
$7MM ain’t what it used to be, LOL.
Herein lies sthe problem with the philosophy (espoused by some bloggers) of “spreading the wealth”, i.e., get multiple players with the money that you might spend on a single elite player. The multiple players the team can get are the Nadys, Damons, and Ugglas: not bad but not great, with at least one glaring deficiency. In the end, the impact of the salary outlay is diffused, and the sum of the (multiple players) parts is less than the (elite player) whole. Nor is the risk reduced, since you are hoping for excellent years from more than one player to produce the same impact of the average year from the elite player.
But I don’t ridicule the BRaves for going that route this offseason, simply because the FO may not feel that Holliday and Bay are worth the elite dollars, and they also may not feel that Cabrera (the right one) or Gonzalez are worth the prospects in a trade. This year is not the last year the team will play, after all. Maybe that cash and trade currency are better spent in an offseason other than this one.
Still, give me the star and a league-average roster-filler over the two or three second-tier guys, every time.
Andrew in PA
January 2nd, 2010
3:44 pm
did anyone see on foxsports.com they have the braves as the biggest offseason loser? check it out its a 4 minute video
DAP
January 2nd, 2010
3:44 pm
i certinly wouldnt jump up and down about damon, but the braves could do worse i guess. the thing about though is that he will have basically no opporuntiy to DH. can he play the field everyday? he can back up 1st, so thats a plus, and there are still some things he does well. a little more power would be nice though.
TnBrian
January 2nd, 2010
3:51 pm
“did anyone see on foxsports.com they have the braves as the biggest offseason loser”
Really? Why, because we lost our ace, resigned a guy coming off TJ surgery to replace him, have upgraded the offense(which was the biggest priority) with a guy coming off surgery and pretty much replaced Gonzo and Soriano with two older guys with as many or more health questions? Can’t really imagine why they’d vote that way.
Heath
January 2nd, 2010
3:52 pm
Big time intensity in this UK-UL game. Sloppy beginning with the emotions running so high. Go Big Blue!
Anders
January 2nd, 2010
3:53 pm
DAP- Compare Molina to Schneider. Schneider was a black hole behind the plate too which really suprised me. I wanted him when the Mets got him. I thought he’d really handle the pitchers well but he was terrible. The Mets would use Santos too who they like. Can’t compare catching offensive stats to McCann. He’s clearly an exception.
mr baseball
January 2nd, 2010
4:00 pm
After the acquisition of Damon, exactly why do folks on here think the Braves would be interested in someone like Damon? Do ya’ll really think that Wren would dump Vazquuez for a 4th OF? Really?
Maybe Cabrera could be part of a package to bring a legit power hitter in return, but the signing of Damon or Nady or Dye or whoever would essentially render Cabrera irrelevant. And I don’t think a GM is going to trade someone like Vazquez for a player who isn’t going to play regularly.
Maybe the Braves are looking to deal Diaz instead, but I don’t see him having that much trade value. And as well as he’s hit the last 2 seasons, I don’t see him relegated to a bench role.
I think it’s fairly obvious that the Braves are not going to shell out the money it would take to sign an impact-type player. The fact that they elected to deal Vazquez for a much cheaper player & a prospect is evidence of that.
Teams that are really serious about contending don’t make those kinds of trades. That is a Royals/Indians/Pirates/Padres kind of deal.
Maybe the Braves will use the money they saved by dumping Vazquez to sign a big bat. Doesn’t look like they will, but anything’s possible. Please don’t cite Glaus as an offshoot of that move. The contract dumps of Johnson, Church and especially LaRoche far more than cover the minimal cost of his deal, even with incentives.
With Heyward (& maybe Schafer) on the way, the Braves likely aren’t going to invest much in a starting corner OF, unless they trade Cabrera to get one.
What they need is insurance for both Glaus & Chipper. And given the financial direction this team is heading, an affordable one at that.
Anyone got a better suggestion than Aubrey Huff?
Cameron B
January 2nd, 2010
4:02 pm
Andrew in PA
Mr. Jom Bowden, the franchise killer himself, talking about bad moves.
That guy talking bad moves is like Dick Cheney talking about gun safety…
“Milky” Cabrera…*sigh*
ncscoots
January 2nd, 2010
4:03 pm
Why, because we lost our ace, resigned a guy coming off TJ surgery to replace him
In other words, you either think Vazquez would have extended for Hudson money; or, you would prefer to lose Vazquez next year as a FA after showing Hudson the door the year before, and, oh by the way, getting nothing in return for either. Because those seem to be the only two scenarios in which Vazquez could have been a Brave in 2010.
Cameron B
January 2nd, 2010
4:04 pm
I’m a terrible typer…*Jim Bowden
TnBrian
January 2nd, 2010
4:10 pm
ncscoots, I think Javy is better in Atlanta than anywhere else as he proved last year and Hudson hasn’t that great of a year while in Atlanta as Javy in ‘09. Hudson isn’t getting any younger and coming of TJ, so why am I to believe he’ll improve? Javy is worth more than Tim.
A Fan
January 2nd, 2010
4:20 pm
hey i don’t think bowden is very credible but one things for sure he knows how to pick a loser. i mean nobody has done a better job at losing this side of the royals than him. i think the guy should stick to what he’s good at running a terrible franchise into the ground and skimming (allegedly) bonuses from players!!
Heyward
January 2nd, 2010
4:22 pm
javy not gettin any younger either tnbrian aka the smart guy
Heath
January 2nd, 2010
4:23 pm
Ugly, ugly game being played by my cats today so far. Good defense today….horrible offense. Can tell these guys are really amped up.
Efrim
January 2nd, 2010
4:26 pm
Not a huge Damon fan. That ballpark certainly helped him, and he’s not exactly a good defensive left fielder. Some team is going to give him a two year deal, so that’s what it’s going to take to get him. It’s a tough call.
Eric from MO
January 2nd, 2010
4:30 pm
TnBrian if Hudson puts up an ERA around 3.3 and pitches 180 innings which he has done reguarly in Atlanta than he is better than every other number 3 pitcher in baseball. We didnt need Vazquez. Im getting pretty sick and tired of people complaining we traded Vazquez for Melky. We also got a hard throwing bullpen prospect and a damn good pitching prospect and got rid of money. It was a good trade. What did you expect to get out of a rental player with one good year in his entire career. Are you so stupid to think that teams dont look at the players entire career, only the past nine months?
Can you guarantee me that Vazquez would of pitched like he did last year? No. My guess he would of had a 4+ ERA and people like you would of been like why didnt we trade him when we had a chance. We are better this year and the future with Hudson, Melky, Vizcaino, and the bullpen prospect than one year of Vazquez.
tbhawksfan
January 2nd, 2010
4:31 pm
If Wren does nothing to upgrade the roster in a major way, he will be in deep. The moves to date are only acceptable if he brings in another clear upgrade.
It can’t be a rebuilding thing, not after the moves of last season (Lowe, KK…).
There has to be more to the off-season puzzle. It’s not unrealistic to think that we could have big problems at 3B, 1B and a late innings pen that could also explode.
The OF is only marginally improved and the rotation, while still legit, lost it’s most productive starter.
I think Wren is looking for that big move that will save his butt.
David O'Brien
January 2nd, 2010
4:31 pm
After the acquisition of Damon, exactly why do folks on here think the Braves would be interested in someone like Damon? — Mr. Baseball
I don’t think they’d be interested in Damon. But maybe Damon.
Topher24
January 2nd, 2010
4:34 pm
So I just watched Jim Bowden’s “biggest loser of the offseason” bit on foxsports.com…
A couple thoughts.
First, I don’t put much stock, nor do I think anyone should, into what Jim Bowden says… ever. After all, he lost the same job that he now criticizes as an “expert analysis”. That being said, I can see his side of the argument this time. Coming off a season that has filled Braves Nation with hope of a return to postseason play, what has Wren been able to do to truly fortify or improve this ballclub? He’s taken a bunch of gambles that could make us a contender or could have us limping to the finish line in 2010.
Secondly, why is it that the Braves can’t be one of the teams spending money to do whatever it takes to win? Year after year, the Braves “get creative” and hope to return to the dominance they once had. Say what you will about the payroll and blah blah blah. But check out the Twins. Where’s their payroll been the last couple of decades? They produce quality MVP, Cy Young talent and stay in the mix every year.
Someone made the point a while back about the Braves not necessarily not having money to spend but just investing it poorly. As much as I hate to agree with that, maybe it’s true. I, like most Braves fans, would probably be labeled as supportive and hopeful of whatever the ballclub is able to do regarding offseason moves. But there comes a point when you have to wonder if the team will ever get back to prominence. It’s only been four years. Let’s hope the gambles pay off.
Eric from MO
January 2nd, 2010
4:38 pm
tbhawksfan the team is just as good as it was last year when they finished. They have the best rotation in baseball, a very deep bullpen, and they had the highest scoring offense in the NL the second half of the season. He doesnt need a big move to save his butt. He has already put a championship team together and he has money to make a big move during the season to put them over the top.
Steve from OH
January 2nd, 2010
4:39 pm
Thanagar–I’m not really worried about resale value. I’m just between three guitars (all of which are very good looking) with three different body woods and pickup types. Really not sure which way I’m going to go…
chris
January 2nd, 2010
4:39 pm
mr. baseball- maybe they are interested in damon? but not damon?
chris
January 2nd, 2010
4:41 pm
topher24, i believe the braves have flat out been a victom of bad luck, plain and simple.
chris
January 2nd, 2010
4:41 pm
*victim
tbhawksfan
January 2nd, 2010
4:42 pm
“I don’t think they’d be interested in Damon. But maybe Damon.”
DOB are you sipping the kool-aid or is it the altitude?
I think it has to be a bigger move. Simply signing one more decent player probably won’t get it done in the division next season. Glaus is a huge ? and Chipper should rebound, but how far and for how long? Wagner and Saito isn’t very reasurring either health wise.
Heyward will be very nice, but the team shouldn’t count on a rookie.
I really think a Melky or McMouth and a couple of prospects for a nice OFer is in the works.
Anders
January 2nd, 2010
4:46 pm
tbhawksfan – Go bck and study DOB’s post. He was funnin us.
mr baseball
January 2nd, 2010
4:47 pm
I said Damon instead of Cabrera. Corrected it in the next paragraph. Shoot me. I’ll ask again, why would this team be interested in Damon? Not expecting much in the way of an insightful response.
Steve from OH
January 2nd, 2010
4:55 pm
mr. baseball–I guess it just depends on your assumption that Wren wouldn’t dump Vazquez for a 4th OF. Personally, I don’t think Melky is a starter and I don’t think he is on this team.
I would say this team would be interested in Damon because they want a good hitter. Just me, though.
We’ll just have to wait and see what happens. However, I can assure you that I won’t be very happy if Melky is our opening day LF…
Crazy lineup guy
January 2nd, 2010
4:56 pm
LF Damon
2B Prado
3B Jones
1B Glaus
C McCann
SS Escobar
CF McLouth
RF Diaz/Cabrera
chris
January 2nd, 2010
4:58 pm
damon would probably be the leadoff hitter, which would push mclouth around the 6 or 7 hole in the lineup. which would deepen the lineup overall. i think melky stays as the 4th outfielder, and will trade either melky or diaz when heyward gets the call up around june of july.
chris
January 2nd, 2010
4:59 pm
crazy lineup guy- i think if the braves do sign damon, which seem quite possible, that this lineup would be exactly what it would look like on opening day…
diamondlady
January 2nd, 2010
4:59 pm
DOB- At our home, we say D.E.L.T.A. stands for: Don’t Expect Luggage To Arrive! Glad to have you back in the lower 48.
königiphone
January 2nd, 2010
5:10 pm
happy new year – love your blog