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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,563 comments Add your comment
AdirondackDave
January 5th, 2010
3:34 pm
Fischerking04 — I’d trade Lowe in the next year even if he bounces back because at that salary, we no longer need him and Medlin can fill that slot. With less money due on his contract and good ‘10 performance, Lowe should be tradeable for more good prospects. Conventional wisdom has been “you can’t have too much pitching”. Of course there is still truth to that but I think we are moving into an era defined more by “you can’t have too many (good) prospects who, if/when they become impact big leaguers, are controllable for 6 2/3rds years (and perhaps longer if contract extensions are worked out.)”
Random
January 5th, 2010
3:34 pm
NY-CITI (January 5th, 2010 2:55 pm): “Thanx for your deep and insightful thoughts. You express them with such intelligence.”
Well, you asked. Had any better responses?
Seriously — who here gives a rat’s ass about what the Mets might or might not do?
Certainly not me.
Jeff R
January 5th, 2010
3:35 pm
Well, what I like about Damon is that he certainly knows how to win. Despite his defensive deficiencies (or deficiency: his arm), it can’t but help the younger players to have a teammate who’s won with the Red Sox and Yankees.
RC
January 5th, 2010
3:36 pm
I disagree with that Winn would be a valuable addition. He has good range for a corner OF, but not that great in CF. His OBP from 2009 was .318 which is atrocious. Combine that with the fact he struck out nearly 100 times and I just don’t see what the appeal is. And I know that HR aren’t anything, but only hitting 2 HR is not a good sign. He’s a 4th OF at best, and we’ve already got a better 4th OF with Melky.
Random
January 5th, 2010
3:37 pm
Braveheart (January 5th, 2010 3:00 pm): “Oh, geez, you really are a little mangina. You’re right. I backtrack. I flip flop. I express what I feel one moment, what I think the next. Been doing it for years. Am quite well known for that m.o. Been pretty honest about it for years too. Never pretended otherwise. Never gonna change either. Satisfied? Now here’s a tampon, go do what you got to do in the little ladies room.”
So that’s your response when someone calls you on your bullsiht?
Huh.
Well, like I have said previously — sod off, jackass.
(”pretty honest”, my ass.
)
Arkansas Transplant
January 5th, 2010
3:37 pm
McLouth, Parr, Marek, Delgado and Valdez for Adam Lind. There you go.. outfield problems are fixed for the next 5 to 10 years.. Lind, Schafer, Heyward.
Random
January 5th, 2010
3:38 pm
TennesseePaul (January 5th, 2010 2:44 pm): “I don’t know that I agree with that. By being “forced” to make a move on Hudson they could have been similarly “forced” to make a move on Cameron as his contract situation was coming to a head. They extended Hudson, after being “forced”, knowing full well that a deal would be needed to free up payroll. If Cameron was the guy the Braves truly had wanted, the presence of Vazquez and/or Lowe would not have played a roll in preventing them from signing. Payroll restrictions would have been worked out in the end, but I think the team would have signed him had they truly wanted him. From the reports the length of the contract was the issue. Not necessarily the money. It is to that end that it would seem odd that Damon for two years is plausible when Cameron was not.”
First off, lemme say that you’re probably right. (At least, righter than me.
)
But let me throw out some quibbles and qualifications for your consideration:
The Braves were “forced” to make a decision in each of the cases (by different circumstances, but no matter) — they decided one way on Hudson, and another way on Cameron.
The possible difference? A matter of time (and knowledge) — when they extended Hudson (end of Oct), they were probably still rosily thinking to be able easily to trade Lowe. When they declined to sign Cameron (he inked with Boston mid-Dec), the gloomy Lowe writing was on the wall. (They traded Vazquez within a week after Cameron signed.)
As we said, the Braves were “forced” to make a decison on Cameron (no two-year contract), and now appear ready to make a completely different decison on Damon (two-year contract).
The possible difference? A matter of time (and desperation) — when they declined to offer Cameron two years (mid-Dec), they weren’t nearly as desperate for the few remaining FA hitters as they are now, when they might be willing to offer Damon two years.
Since mid-Dec, the following players have been removed from availability: Brian Anderson, Garrett Atkins, Jason Bay ( I know —
), Marlon Byrd, Coco Crisp, Nick Johnson, Ryan Langerhans (I know — don’t start), Hideki Matsui, for example).
Time and desperation, my friend, that makes all the difference.
(Maybe.)
Mike in Smyrna
January 5th, 2010
3:38 pm
DOB, Earlier today you mentioned Laroche would be better defensively than Glaus. Hasn’t Laroche been criticized for his defense in the past? And wasn’t Glaus an elite 3rd baseman just a couple years ago having the highest fielding percentage at the position in the majors? I know Glaus has very little experience at 1st base but I think he could adapt and become a defensive upgrade at first over Laroche. You already said offensively if he stays healthy he is an upgrade. I think Glaus is a perfect fit for the terms we were looking for in a first baseman.
Nova Scotia Steve - Roy Halladay wins 2010 NL Cy Young Award -
January 5th, 2010
3:39 pm
Daslied: @ 2:38
Good post….
6-4-3
January 5th, 2010
3:39 pm
Does Melky get a presser too?
ncscoots
January 5th, 2010
3:42 pm
Does Melky get a presser too?
Uh, no. And that might provide an indicator of how differently the two players are valued, LOL.
Jeff R
January 5th, 2010
3:42 pm
joerochester… you, sir, are correct about Wren’s scheme.
RC
January 5th, 2010
3:43 pm
Mike in Smyrna,
It all depends on who you ask about LaRoche. Some metrics rate him as about average or slightly below as far as range goes, but most scouts consider him an elite defensive 1b. Stats for judging 1b defense haven’t quite developed enough to be useful yet, because things like range factor don’t really give you a good idea of how well a 1b receives the ball or makes up for errant throws by his infielders. I think I’d probably side with the scouts on this issue and say that LaRoche is a very good defensive 1b.
Steve from OH
January 5th, 2010
3:45 pm
Does Melky get a presser too?
He sure as sh!t better not…
RHR
January 5th, 2010
3:45 pm
Daslied January 5th, 2010 10:40 am
Dude…that was hilarious. LOL … poor Loaf. I don’t care what none of y’all say…I liked him.
Braveheart
January 5th, 2010
3:47 pm
Melky sez: “I make more than Glaus. He can have his little press conference.”
Fischerking04
January 5th, 2010
3:47 pm
Adirondack Dave- ncsoots
At the end of the season, assuming Medlen, Minor and some of the others have progressed I would like to trade Lowe for prospects. But doing so midseason or without knowing who could fill in would be dangerous IMO. I think Medlen will be able to be there at some point but if you traded Lowe at midseason and had Medlen fill in then who do you turn to when one of the pitchers is inevitably injured?
I like the plethora of pitchers now and I’d like to trade Lowe when we already have other reliable guys waiting in the wings.
BTW when is this press conference going to start???
P-Town Brave
January 5th, 2010
3:47 pm
Arkansas TP-
Lind ain’t goin anywhere, just like I keep tryin to explain to others that Sizemore ain’t goin anywhere…
Those are just wasted keystrokes…
Tom Waits-
Damon would wear #18 if he signed with the Braves
Seems like that may be the last piece to the major part of the 2010 Braves puzzle.
Hope they air the Glaus presser on MLBN later…pretty excited for it actually
N8
January 5th, 2010
3:47 pm
“I’ve said it before I’ll say it again, Glaus is gonna turn out to be the bargain of the offseason.” BravoMan
I’m not 100 percent confident that he’ll remain completely healthy for the whole year. But that being said, I agree. At 1.75 million, how can we go wrong?
In the event of an injury to Glaus later in the year, or him just wearing down, perhaps the 2-3 months for Freeman in the minors, would allow him to step in later in the summer if needed. After all, both McCann and Francoeur stepped into the everyday lineup in June after spending zero time at AAA. So it’s not an impossible thought.
The worst case scenario, would be Glaus not being healthy to start the year. That could leave Wren scrambling a bit. Which is why I still see a trade of Melky to clear space for another guy like Nomar or somebody else with ML experience at 1B. Which is why, imo Derosa would have been such a nice fit. He would have covered a lot of bases (pun intended), as a possible backup at many positions.
I guess, Wren could just roll with Infante at 2B and slide Prado over to 1B if Glaus goes down. Which I assume might be the case if Chipper goes down. Or Infante at 2B and Prado moving to 3B.
But I still think Nomar or Hinske are perfect for our bench as well. Both have ML experience at many positions. While neither is a long-term answer at any of them. Giving Bobby much flexibility is a priority if I’m Wren. Especially with some of the question marks we have at many positions.
But if healthy, I think Glaus wins comeback player of the year, or at least puts himself in the conversation in the NL.
Every year, there is a handful of guys that numerous teams could have had off the bargain bin, and the slap themselves for not taking a chance on them. Glaus fits that mold. If the Braves medical staff has deemed him healthy, then I’m left with no choice but to believe them and be excited about the cheap stop-gap that Wren has found bridging the way towards Freeman Time.
VERY solid pickup, imo, provided another veteran utility/backup 1B is picked up as insurance for Glaus.
Steve from OH
January 5th, 2010
3:47 pm
RC–I think both sources give us valuable info. Like the scouts, I do think he handles the ball well, has good hands, smooth actions, etc., but like UZR, I do think his range is pretty limited. It just depends on how much empahsis you place on range vs. hands at 1B as well. I don’t think he’s horrible by any stretch, but I personally wouldn’t call him elite.
Jeff R
January 5th, 2010
3:48 pm
RC, I’d say LaRoche is a solid defensive first baseman, as a matter of observation. How do you think Glaus will fare at first?
Purdue Thomas
January 5th, 2010
3:48 pm
@ RC
Dig a bit deeper into the stats and you’ll see his value, I did it for your in this post of my on page 6:
————————————————————————
“With all this ballyhooing over Damon (which I agree mostly about), what if we took a look at Damon the Lesser Known… also known as Randy Winn.
He too is an older LFer without elite power but good speed. Before you go all “He hit .262/.318/.353/.671 with only 2 HR !!!!!” on me, let me explain.
Randy Winn is a switch hitter but recently so in name only. Last year he hit .292/.354/.397/.751 (Damonesque?) against RHP as a LHB and only .158/.184/.200/.384 against LHP as a RHB (yeah, eww). So if you used him in a LF platoon (enter Diaz) you could get Damon – the extra 13 or so HR + the other stuff I’m going to go into.
In the previous two years he had season lines of .300/.353/.445/.798 and .306/.363/.426/.790. Maybe this year’s drop in production is because he has gotten older, but I don’t think so his prior two year’s BABIPs have been .332 and .346 but this year it fell to .314. However his LD% (which usually leads to better BA and BABIP) rose to 22.3% from 18.7% and 19.1% from the two years prior. I’m seeing some bad luck coming into play here. If you make some modest adjustments for that luck his numbers start looking like his 2007/2008 which are pretty good for a leadoff man, even if you were using him full time.
So he has no HR power. Now thats out of the way… he does hit a nice amount of doubles over a full season (only 5-8 less than Damon) so he isn’t exactly ONLY a singles hitter. He also should (with average luck) be a nice OBP threat as he has posted his best walk rates the last two years of 9% and 8% since his 2000-2003 seasons. That combined with his contact ability he should be back (again with average BABIP luck) in the .350-.360 OBP (again Damonesque). A .350-.360 OBP is a solid if unspectacular leadoff clip. Again in Damon form he hasn’t struck out in the triple digits since 2003 and steals about 15-20 bases. All that isn’t as good as Damon obviously, but its pretty dang close.
Where he does crush Damon is in two things: defense and cost. Winn is an excelent LFer defensively. For the Giants last year he had a 40.6 UZR/150 in LF and a 17.4 UZR in RF and his arm and range are both solid to stellar as a corner OFer. Simply said he would be a sizeable upgrade defensively over Damon in LF with the added ability to play RF and some light work in CF. He also should come at a much less cost in years, salary, and playing time demands. I’d be willing to bet he could be had on a one year deal for less than half of what Damon will ask for and be fine with a 70% timeshare in LF with Diaz.
When I add up all the pluses and minuses when comparing Damon and Winn, I have to say Winn could be the smart choice when considering the Braves situation.
1. Winn v RH(.292/.354/.397/.751) / Diaz v LH(.412/.464/.640/1.103) LF
2. Prado 2B
3. Chipper 3B
4. Glaus 1B
5. McCann C
6. McLouth CF
7. Escobar SS
8. Heyward (Melky) RF
That lineup is nearly on par on offense with the one with Damon on top but comes with much superior defense and at a cheaper cost.
Just an idea.”
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 5th, 2010
3:49 pm
GA did everything the organization expected he would. No more No less. I’d say the Braves got their money’s worth. period. He was the Major League hitter he was supposed to be and the bad outfielder everyone knew he was. Why do people have a problem with this?
P-Town Brave
January 5th, 2010
3:49 pm
Just read that the M’s are close to a deal w/ the Sawx to acquire Krotchman.
Arkansas Transplant
January 5th, 2010
3:50 pm
One thing about an Adam Lind trade, it would solidify our outfield for years allowing us to rebuild the farm back with what we’d have to give up in that trade. We’re pretty set in pitching for years with JJ, Hanson and the likes of Minor, Vizcaino, Medlen, Teheran, Spruill, Hoover and Rohrbaugh. So moving that package for Lind wouldn’t handicap us. I think we have the infield pieces except a replacement for Chipper when he retires.
Nova Scotia Steve - Roy Halladay wins 2010 NL Cy Young Award -
January 5th, 2010
3:50 pm
Bravoman: “I’ve said it before I’ll say it again, Glaus is gonna turn out to be the bargain of the offseason.”
I agree with you…if this man is healthy…get ready for some MAJOR BOMBS in 2010 at Turner Field.
Cause this guy ‘dont hit cheapies….
P-Town Brave
January 5th, 2010
3:51 pm
Am I the only one around here that isn’t too fond of needing to go to a platoon?
Arkansas Transplant
January 5th, 2010
3:52 pm
One thing about baseball… It’s a Business!
Which means anyone can be “had”, just depends on how much your willing to go.
Nova Scotia Steve - Roy Halladay wins 2010 NL Cy Young Award -
January 5th, 2010
3:53 pm
P-Town: I can’t stand the platoon either.
Spending some damn money and get a guy that can hit to play a god darn outfield position.
I’m absolutely sick of this platoon business…and I LIKE MATT DIAZ
cs95
January 5th, 2010
3:53 pm
alright i know i am probably gonna get nailed for this, but if glaus can play third is their much difference in playing 1B? people on here were talking about chipper moving over to 1B, what’s the difference?
Nova Scotia Steve - Roy Halladay wins 2010 NL Cy Young Award -
January 5th, 2010
3:55 pm
We’ve been platooning an outfield position since the Charles Thomas days…and folks…that’s a long time ago
Arkansas Transplant
January 5th, 2010
3:57 pm
actually I think the platoon days go back to Hunter.
RC
January 5th, 2010
3:57 pm
Purdue Thomas,
Didn’t see that you were proposing Winn in a platoon w/ Diaz. Based on his numbers I could definitely see the value in that. However, I don’t like the idea of a platoon at leadoff….I just prefer consistency atop the lineup. This lineup would defintely fly though:
1. McLouth
2. Prado
3. Chipper
4. Glaus
5. McCann
6. Escobar
7. Diaz/Winn
8. Melky (when Heyward arrives I’d move him to 7 and drop Diaz/Winn to
Not as strong as I think it’d be w/ Damon atop it, but considering the financial obligations each would require it’s potentially a better investment.
wjones
January 5th, 2010
3:57 pm
“It’s probably too late already to get great deals on McCann or Yunel, but we could still get fairly reasonable deals with them.”
Uh… I hate to break it to you, but we signed McCann to a 6 year deal back in 2007, with an option for a seventh season. We offered a similar deal to Frenchy (twice) and he turned it down. Sometimes God is looking out for you.
ncscoots
January 5th, 2010
3:57 pm
But doing so midseason or without knowing who could fill in would be dangerous IMO
You bet. I must have missed that part of the thread, somehow.
joerochester
January 5th, 2010
3:58 pm
I still like the idea of moving Nate out of the leadup spot.
N8
January 5th, 2010
3:58 pm
Here’s the thing with Damon and a two year contract for me. If the price is right, it’s a sound investment. Provided his production doesn’t fall off the face of the earth. Why is that, you ask?
Because of our younger OF’s. McLouth included. Even Diaz. ALL of our outfielders would be tradeable after 2010 if need be. McLouth’s contract is friendly. If we give up on Schafer, somebody would give us something for him (KC?).
On the flip-side, if Schafer and Heyward just flat out force Wren’s hand and take over in CF and RF (or in Schafer’s case – if he’s ready to do so going into 2011), any of Damon (with one year remaining on his deal), Diaz or McLouth could easily be moved, imo.
Very low risk, if you ask me, in giving Damon a two year deal, if Wren REALLY wants him for 2010. Then if Schafer isn’t ready, we could simply keep Damon in LF in 2011, and move either Melky (who I think will be traded long before then), or Diaz.
A lot also depends on the next manager. If it’s a veteran guy, perhaps Damon is the kind of veteran he’d want around? Perhaps Diaz won’t have the next manager’s vote of confidence and friendship the way Bobby has Matt’s back? Perhaps another manager will want to have a power-RH bat in LF?
A lot can, and likely will change after 2010 is over. I don’t expect a massive 25 man roster overhaul like we see in the NFL when a new HC takes over. But to expect a new manager to come in and not impliment some of his “guys” or suggest that Wren make a move for his style of player, isn’t very realistic.
Injuries could very well dictate what happens between now and then. What if Heyward tears a knee up in August, causing him to miss much of the 2011 season? Lot of baseball to be played in 2010 before setting the roster for 2011.
I just think there is worse investments that could be made than giving Damon a 2 year deal around 12-14 million.
If Wren was able to move Renteria with one year left on his deal, I suspect he’d be able to move Damon next winter in the same situation if need be.
Do I think Damon is THE answer for us in 2010? I don’t know. He’s an answer. I’d go that route before I’d give Nady the same amount of money. That much I know. And I like Nady. Just don’t trust that elbow.
RC
January 5th, 2010
3:59 pm
Interesting blog post on park effects:
http://thesportsresourceblog.blogspot.com/
Even gives a legitimate reason why Turner Field was so pitcher friendly last year….although don’t let it start ANOTHER weather debate
Bryan from Kansas (Go KU!)
January 5th, 2010
4:00 pm
Great questioning David!!!…Glaus looked great in the Braves uni!!
Purdue Thomas
January 5th, 2010
4:01 pm
So everyone wants to play Diaz everyday against RHP when a platoon partner with him would yield much greater overall results…. just because you are tired of platoons?
It would be just ONE postion where a platoon would exist. It’s not really that big of a deal.
dogsbrekky
January 5th, 2010
4:01 pm
sounds like we are done with MAJOR signings !
Fischerking04
January 5th, 2010
4:03 pm
Good press conf. Makes me a lot more excited about the signing. He seemed pretty amped up. All of the questions about his injuries were answered well. And IF he is healthy having a middle of the order with Chipper, Glaus, Mac, and Yunel could be awesome.
Side note: Sounds like Frank Wren will definitely make another move or two, though no telling how big/small.
JEB
January 5th, 2010
4:03 pm
If you were listening to the press conference,
and heard what I heard from Wren –
this is the team they plan to take to Spring Training.
He also said they might make some small additions.
Unless he is just blowing smoke….(to cover something up)
I guess we better start making the line-up with who is on the team right now!
Nova Scotia Steve - Roy Halladay wins 2010 NL Cy Young Award -
January 5th, 2010
4:03 pm
Damon would qualify as a major signing IMO
ugaaccountant
January 5th, 2010
4:03 pm
I hate platoons as well, but since we’re already staring one straight in the face with Melky/Diaz, I’d love to improve that to Winn/Diaz. Basically I’ve got no interest in Melky.
Winn and Diaz are decent enough “everyday” players, that platooning those two isn’t terrible. If we had injuries and had to play them both, I could think of much worse everyday options.
At least this platoon isn’t the type we used to have with a very mediocre player + a AAA quality player. We’re talking about established major league players here who have started alot of games the past few years and been relatively successful.
Purdue Thomas
January 5th, 2010
4:04 pm
@ RC
I could be game with that lineup.
Nova Scotia Steve - Roy Halladay wins 2010 NL Cy Young Award -
January 5th, 2010
4:04 pm
Well basically we’ve employed two players…to fill the position normally filled by one!
Like come one…
ugaaccountant
January 5th, 2010
4:06 pm
Major “signing” – Damon, Uggla yes I know that’s a trade, Nady
Minor signing – Hinske or Winn or whoever for less than 2 Mil
So if you guys are right about no major signings, it’s time for the Braves to stop lying about our payroll being “similar” to last year. It’s only “similar” if they calculate it in unusual or unexpected ways.
james I
January 5th, 2010
4:06 pm
What do you mean “that’ll work”??? Give me a break. That still leaves this team old, vulnerable to injury and still pales in comparison to the Phillies and Mets lineups when it come to power. Guys like Damon are a bandaid for a team that needs quality power and speed. Guys this team can look toward for many seasons to come. I’d rather give Heyward the full time job then go off and spend money and old farts like Damon. Sure he’s good now but he’s 36! Players get old over night. It doesn’t just gradually happen. Bad idea all around. Shouldn’t have traded Vasquez. Would have been better off going into the season with 6 pitchers and trading one come midseason depending on where the team is at in the standings.
billy bob
January 5th, 2010
4:07 pm
the way Wren Keeps saying that their is just smaller things left to do it seems like they are not going to hard after Damon – i dont think Damon would not be a “smaller” move than glaus.
Tennbravefan
January 5th, 2010
4:07 pm
If Kotchman goes to Seattle and Delgado to NYM, I see no market at all for LaRoche. The only possible would be SF, but that means they move DeRosa to outfield, and Sandival back to 3rd.
keef1234
January 5th, 2010
4:07 pm
trying to figure out, psychologically speaking, how Wren/Braves will EVER mend fences with Lowe. He pitched his heart out, won 15 games with a new team, WANTED to be here…and he was shopped almost immediately….Its like dumping your girlfriend for the latest hottie only for the hottie to turn you down. And now you want to make up with “old reliable…” Talk about uncomfortable in every conceivable professional aspect…
billy bob
January 5th, 2010
4:08 pm
the way Wren Keeps saying that their is just smaller things left to do it seems like they are not going to hard after Damon – i dont think Damon would be a “smaller” move than glaus.
RC
January 5th, 2010
4:08 pm
I agree that Damon would have to be considered a major signing. I really wonder if the Braves actually have as much money to spend as many of us have been speculating, ESPECIALLY when considering the incentives clauses they gave to a lot of players this offseason. Conservatively, let’s say the Braves have $6 million left to spend. If Glaus hits his incentives, they number drops to $4 million. If Saito hits his incentives (which would mean that Wagner is hurt probably), that’s another $2.3 million, dropping the total to spend down to around $1-2 million. To me, the Braves might have enough left to go get a good pinch hitter (hellooooo Gary Sheffield!), but it’s not likely they will be able to do much else. Of course, that could change if Melky is dealt prior to spring training…
Braveheart
January 5th, 2010
4:08 pm
sounds like we are done with MAJOR signings!
done before we started making any MAJOR signings I guess.
dogsbrekky
January 5th, 2010
4:09 pm
Diaz
Prado
Hoss
Glaus
McCann
Yunel
McLouth
Milkman
Pitcher
AdirondackDave
January 5th, 2010
4:09 pm
I caught the last few minutes of the press conference. Glaus sounds confident he will handle first base with some ST tune-up. Wren said that was probably it for major moves. Sounds to me like no Damen, Nady, Uggla… unless that was Frank being coy for negotiating purposes.
Fischerking04
January 5th, 2010
4:10 pm
Wren has been playing his cards close to his vest so nothing would suprise me. Not to mention he probably doesn’t want to belittle Glaus at his introduction press conference by saying that he wasn’t the “big move” he was going to make.
Nobody knows but Frank.
TnBrian
January 5th, 2010
4:11 pm
Nova Scotia, right. Wren sounded pretty certain that a big signing, like a Damon, isn’t happening. Oh well, we had all better hope Heyward is the real deal from day one and Glaus can stay healthy. By the way, Glaus looks awesome with a Braves jersey on.
Thrillhouse44
January 5th, 2010
4:11 pm
trying to figure out, psychologically speaking, how Wren/Braves will EVER mend fences with Lowe
Good question. Good analogy. But, Lowe’s a professional and has something to prove. Plus, If he needs any more more motivation or reassurance, I bet Bobby can handle that.
ugaaccountant
January 5th, 2010
4:12 pm
wjones – I was thinking about another extension for McCann. Every year we wait, on any of them, makes it more expensive to do so. I figure that salaries will start increasing again next offseason after the economy improves. This is going to be made worse b/c we’re about to enter an inflationary period due to the long standing trend of inflationary practices by the federal reserve. Anyway, if we’re going to lock in anybody, 2010 is likely to be the cheapest opportunity to do so.
unbelievable
January 5th, 2010
4:12 pm
I dont think Frank is dumb enough to sit on $7-9 mil, when he can still upgrade this offense. No way he thinks its good enough
RC
January 5th, 2010
4:13 pm
I really doubt Lowe will have any problem next year due to the trade rumors that surrounded him this offseason. If anything, I’d expect that he’ll use it as motivation to go out and do his best to have a stellar year, to show them just how valuable he can be.
ncscoots
January 5th, 2010
4:13 pm
done before we started making any MAJOR signings I guess.
Got that right.
Thrillhouse44
January 5th, 2010
4:14 pm
done before we started making any MAJOR signings I guess.
I haven’t been this disappointed since Wu Tang’s The W
wjones
January 5th, 2010
4:15 pm
keef1234
“January 5th, 2010
4:07 pm
trying to figure out, psychologically speaking, how Wren/Braves will EVER mend fences with Lowe. He pitched his heart out, won 15 games with a new team, WANTED to be here…and he was shopped almost immediately….Its like dumping your girlfriend for the latest hottie only for the hottie to turn you down. And now you want to make up with “old reliable…” Talk about uncomfortable in every conceivable professional aspect…”
Yeah, I guess it’s like dumping your GF. If you were paying her $15 MILLION TO TAKE YOU BACK!!!!
Fischerking04
January 5th, 2010
4:15 pm
Is it wrong of me to still fully trust Wren because of the Renteria trade that brought JJ and Gorkys? Cause man that was genious.
Random
January 5th, 2010
4:16 pm
Dans l’esprit de l’escalier:
Braveheart (January 5th, 2010 3:00 pm): “You’re right. I backtrack. I flip flop. I express what I feel one moment, what I think the next. Been doing it for years. Am quite well known for that m.o. Been pretty honest about it for years too. Never pretended otherwise. Never gonna change either. Satisfied?”
Well, I suppose it IS a woman’s prerogative to change her mind . . .
Duly noted, little missy.
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 5th, 2010
4:16 pm
N8 @ 3:58
Hey, I’m a poet, I know it, hope I don’t blow it.
You are correct – Wren has creadted so much wiggle room with the players he has acquired, and the contracts he has given. It is brilliant. Once Holiday signs, then we will know what Damon and Nady are worth. As usual, Boras’ representation of all three has skewed the market. Damon and Nady will suffer due to the immensity of a Holiday contract. This is why many indict Boras for conflict of interest and it will only take 1 player to end this scam. The owners know it and Scott is beginning to get the picture. His only defense “colusion”, which is exactly what he is doing to his clients.
jeffrey d
January 5th, 2010
4:16 pm
It’s only “similar” if they calculate it in unusual or unexpected ways.
Maybe they’re calculating it in Canadian dollars to save some money.
ugaaccountant
January 5th, 2010
4:17 pm
RC – The 7M available figure is still lower than 2009, even factoring in 100% achievement of Bonuses. They must have also done something funky like considering insurance reimbursement for Hudson as an offset to 2009’s payroll. If that’s how they figure it, then it means we had a major drop in payroll from 2008 to 2009, and that we plan another major drop in 2010.
ncscoots
January 5th, 2010
4:17 pm
I haven’t been this disappointed since Wu Tang’s The W
Yeah, but I’d still rather be Wu-Tang-ed than Whitesnake-ed, LOL
(a blast from the blog past, that one)
P-Town Brave
January 5th, 2010
4:17 pm
NS Steve-
AGREED! And I like Diaz as well, I just see Damon as a major fit(as long as cost is right).
Moving Nate to the 2 or 7 hole greatly benefits this team…
OR something that hasn’t been mentioned, we could put JD in the 2 hole and leave Nate at leadoff at worst, but I like JD 1, Prado 2, and Nate 7/8.
ugaaccountant
January 5th, 2010
4:21 pm
DOB made a post that he talked to Lowe and Lowe’s fine with how things turned out. Apparently he’s a grown-up and understands exactly why he was available for trade. Further, he wound up staying where he wanted to stay, so he got his way. Hard to be too upset in that situation.
Thrillhouse44
January 5th, 2010
4:22 pm
(a blast from the blog past, that one)
Good way for me to end this day on the blog.
wjones
January 5th, 2010
4:22 pm
“ugaaccountant
January 5th, 2010
4:12 pm
wjones – I was thinking about another extension for McCann. Every year we wait, on any of them, makes it more expensive to do so. I figure that salaries will start increasing again next offseason after the economy improves. This is going to be made worse b/c we’re about to enter an inflationary period due to the long standing trend of inflationary practices by the federal reserve. Anyway, if we’re going to lock in anybody, 2010 is likely to be the cheapest opportunity to do so.”
I don’t see any urgency on the Braves part to do anything with McCann. He’s only half way through a contract, one in which was player friendly the first half, and now team friendly (as long as McCann keeps producing) the second half. What I think they would probably do is to approach the McCann folks in 2012 about dropping the option and renogiating. Two more seasons in the books, and the team has a better idea of how McCann is aging, and how productive he still is. Betancourt, by that time would at least be in AA, if not higher, assuming normal progression. McCann would be around 28, I think, by then, so a good time to evaluate from both sides. McCann apparently likes it here and probably appreciates the fact that the Braves gave him the early deal.
Random
January 5th, 2010
4:23 pm
keef1234 (January 5th, 2010 4:07 pm): “Talk about uncomfortable in every conceivable professional aspect…”
Nah — uncomfortable in every conceivable personal aspect, perhaps.
But not in any professional aspect. That’s where your analogy breaks down — the difference between the personal and the professional.
These are their jobs, not their dates.
dogsbrekky
January 5th, 2010
4:23 pm
uga accountant and others – My daughter is almost 15 and has started to plan her college apps and she wants to move here to USA from Perth, Australia to go to school.
DO the state sponsored type colleges like UGA, UNC Chapel Hill etc have special application requirements for foreigners… she will be doing all of the SATs etc for USA requirements…
Heath
January 5th, 2010
4:23 pm
Not a bad start to the week…. stock increases net me $550 yesterday and $115 today. Looking at a $665 week so far. I like that daily average.
Just Pat
January 5th, 2010
4:24 pm
Have been lurking for a while and wanted to say that I think the full (and blue) moon MUST have contributed to all the controversy here today.
TnBrian
January 5th, 2010
4:24 pm
Tom Waits, very good point on Boras. I never thought of it that way, but I think you hit the nail on the head. It is kind of a scam when you think about it. He’s pretty much screwing his “lower” clients at times and I’m with you, someday one of those guys will nail him with some sort of lawsuit.
CB
January 5th, 2010
4:26 pm
Heath,don’t be on the blog one day crying about what you lost.
RC
January 5th, 2010
4:26 pm
ugaaccountant,
I don’t know much about the inner workings of the Braves, but I am pretty sure they DO include the Hudson insurance reimbursment in their budget, meaning that the $9 million Hudson is making this year has to come from somewhere other than his salary last year, since that was partially/completely offset (the info isn’t available to the public).
UNCBrave
January 5th, 2010
4:27 pm
FRANK Wren needs to be let go NOW…”No more major signings”….WTF??
dogsbrekky
January 5th, 2010
4:27 pm
Heath – lost many multiples of what you made today, system trades did me in overnight
I am long 30yr bonds, short SP500 and short Nasdaq futs as a macro bet, long $, short Pound, Swiss and Euro
TennesseePaul
January 5th, 2010
4:28 pm
Random:
Regarding time passing… While Langerhans was quickly taken off the market to the chagrin of Braves manageent I’m sure, Damon’s price also alegedly “fell.” I still doubt the Braves could get him for that price. I’d speculate that if he were “cheap” enough for the Braves, he’d fit into the Yankees plans as well and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Damon chose the Yankees over the Braves.
Nevertheless, I find the position of “money was the issue” misplaced. Reports at the time said the Braves were interested and possibly at the amount Cameron signed for, but that the two year commitment was too much. Perhaps it was a statement of offensive assessment… if Damon is actually a guy they wouldn’t mind having on a two year deal, then obviously the Braves agree with me (as per usual
) that Damon is the better hitter of the two. That’s about the only reason I think two years for Damon is doable while two years for Cameron was not.
RC
January 5th, 2010
4:29 pm
dogsbrekky,
I’m thinking each school probably handles thier requirments differently, but you are probably best served by going to the individual school’s website and finding an email address for their Registrar. The Registrar’s office should either be able to answer your question, or direct you to the department of the school that can.
Hope that helps.
unbelievable
January 5th, 2010
4:29 pm
Bobby must be pissed knowing that the Braves are done making moves and that the Braves will prob sit on $7-9 mil.
ncscoots
January 5th, 2010
4:31 pm
Wait a minute! Was that a TennPaul emoticon?!? Yikes!
Jessee James
January 5th, 2010
4:31 pm
Any word on what Nate’s new number will be. I believe Glaus was 25 with the Angels when they won the Series and Damon could have his number 18. Sometimes things just work.
chip off the ol block
January 5th, 2010
4:31 pm
anyone know where i can watch the press conf i missed it live at 3:30, is it recorded somewhere??
Braveheart
January 5th, 2010
4:31 pm
Well, I suppose it IS a woman’s prerogative to change her mind . . . Duly noted, little missy.
You got that right, girlfriend.
RC
January 5th, 2010
4:31 pm
FRANK Wren needs to be let go NOW…”No more major signings”….WTF??
Well, they WOULD let him go, but then they’d have to hire a new GM, and that would be considered a major signing, and…..you know what, it’s just easier to call you and idiot.
dogsbrekky
January 5th, 2010
4:32 pm
RC – we have done that for NYU and Duke but I was told the State schools may be more difficult for a foreigner… was just wondering .. will check the sites forthwith
joerochester
January 5th, 2010
4:32 pm
Didn’t say “no more major trades” did he?
Bayou Brave
January 5th, 2010
4:32 pm
unbelievable, your and idiot.
RC
January 5th, 2010
4:35 pm
dogsbrekky,
I have no idea if the state schools are tougher or not. I went to GA Tech (a state school) and I know they did have a department that worked with international students, but I don’t know a lot more than the fact most schools probably have that.
Radio Cure
January 5th, 2010
4:35 pm
Jesse James
McClouth is #13, right?
Tom Waits wears Redwing boots
January 5th, 2010
4:36 pm
UNCBrave-
You are incredibly stupid.
Heath
January 5th, 2010
4:36 pm
CB -
Cryin’ about losses goes with being happy about gains…no? I’m not a greedy guy. I won’t let everything turn around and fall so bad that I lose. I am about modest gains anyway….up $1200 in a week and a half of trading (after front-loaded expenses) should tell ya how modest I am. Besides, what’s got you so mad at me anyway?
deosbrekky -
You dabble in quite a bit more than me.