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4,563 comments Add your comment
Nick
January 5th, 2010
5:21 pm
Like I said folks, the Braves are a last place team this year. Wren dropped the ball big time and should be fired. He doesnt seriously expect the Braves to compete with that lineup. Why trade your best pitcher for the Yankees worst player and 2 prospects who may or may not pan out? This is ridiculous. Im tired of ownership and our horrible GM. Like I said last month – 70-92.
RC
January 5th, 2010
5:22 pm
ugaaccountant,
Those USAToday figures don’t talk at all about how they reach those totals. I would be willing to bet that $100 million didn’t include any discount for LaRoche (even though Boston paid some of his salary) or any of Hudson’s insurance payout. They also said it was based on the “40-man roster” meaning they added a full major league minimum for every player called up, even though those players would have only received a 1-month prorated portion of that. Basically, until someone can prove it otherwise I’m calling the USA Today numbers wrong.
Tomahawkin
January 5th, 2010
5:22 pm
JoeRochester
“True or False…the lineup we have assembled currently is better than our opening day lineup last year?”
My response is neither of the above. This lineup has the credentials to be better than last year but it think it will be the same
Bobby will trot out the opening day lineup and will not adjust it until June just like he did last year when he stuck with Schafer, KJ, and Francoeur
Good Question However
Time to fry some shrimp and bump some old Tracey Lee “The Theme- It’s Party Time”
TennesseePaul
January 5th, 2010
5:22 pm
Guess we have our answer now
Let the line up projects begin…
…along with Heywards arbitration clock…
Wayne in Utah
January 5th, 2010
5:22 pm
beekay
Amen brother!
RC
January 5th, 2010
5:23 pm
DOB,
Any ideas on who the Braves might be considering for that final PH slot?
David O'Brien
January 5th, 2010
5:25 pm
I should point out, Frank Wren said he’d like to have Damon in the lineup for all that he brings, but they believe Diaz/Melky can combine for similar LF production.
ugaaccountant
January 5th, 2010
5:25 pm
joerochester
January 5th, 2010
5:10 pm
True or False…the lineup we have assembled currently is better than our opening day lineup last year?
True, but by a very small percentage. Chipper cannot be penciled in remotely close to what we expected opening day 2009. Melky not better offensively than Loaf. KJ and Frenchy are solid ML players who will be starters in 2010 and I refuse to buy into the company line that they suck.
Bedell
January 5th, 2010
5:25 pm
No matter the accounting methods, I’m hard pressed to see how they are close to last year’s budget or even 87mil. And what amount did Liberty commit to keeping the payroll at when buying the team?
Tomahawkin
January 5th, 2010
5:26 pm
JoeRochester……….I think the ajc will as that as a poll after S. Training
“True or False…the lineup we have assembled currently is better than our opening day lineup last year?”
My response is neither of the above. This lineup has the credentials to be better than last year but it think it will be the same
Bobby will trot out the opening day lineup and will not adjust it until June just like he did last year when he stuck with Schafer, KJ, and Francoeur
Good Question However, I think after the first 20 games that Bobby needs to make adjustments in the spots in the lineup that arent clicking
Time to fry some shrimp and bump some old Tracey Lee “The Theme- It’s Party Time”
Wayne in Utah
January 5th, 2010
5:26 pm
T’hawkin’
Last year it was McCann, Kotchman, KJ, Escobar, Chipper, Schafer, Francoeur and Diaz (eventually Loaf).
This year if things don’t change, it will be McCann, Glaus, Prado, Escobar, Chipper, McLouth, Diaz and Melky or Heyward?
To me that sounds like an improvement…..knowing what we know now. Of course, things could change…….guys could get hurt or be traded…..but I for sure like it better.
BravoMan
January 5th, 2010
5:26 pm
TennesseePaul,
1.McLouth-CF
2.Prado-2B
3.Jones-3B
4.Glaus-1B
5.McCann-C
6.Yunel-SS
7.Diaz-LF
8.Melky/Heyward
Not much to debate there my friend, that’s our opening day line-up when Huddy faces Zambrano.
Which reminds me, it coulda been worse we could’ve sign Bryd. And Byrd is most certainly not the word…
Andrew in PA
January 5th, 2010
5:27 pm
Bowman says wren looking for another small piece (pinch hitter) DOB what’s up with that,is frank just playing his cards different this year and lying about what he wants?
TnBrian
January 5th, 2010
5:28 pm
I want you all to check out that press conference again and watch Wren’s demeanor when DOB or whoever it was asks the question about another hitter. Pretty sure some of you caught it like I did, but the ones who didn’t will notice it too…. Wren looks like someone shot his dog. He knows the majority of fans will be disappointed. Sorry, but this guy has done some solid work this offseason considering the payroll he has to work with and I know nobody wants to hear that because it’s kind of a let down and all.
RC
January 5th, 2010
5:29 pm
My guess at the 25-man roster
1. McLouth
2. Prado
3. Chipper
4. Glaus
5. McCann
6. Escobar
7. Heyward
8. Diaz
9. Cabrera
10. Jurrjens
11. Hudson
12. Hanson
13. Lowe
14. Kawakami
15. Wagner
16. Saito
17. Moylan
18. O’Flaherty
19. Medlen
20. Chavez
21. Dunn
22. Infante
23. Ross
24. Back-up IF TBA (currently in system)
25. Pinch hitter TBA (free agent)
ugaaccountant
January 5th, 2010
5:30 pm
RC – Those are the figures used for the luxury tax unless i’m misreading the articles I’ve seen. Thus they are “the official numbers”.
Assuming it’s official:
Laroche’s money was a publicly anounced part of the deal. It’s in there.
Insurance reimbursement I don’t think counts, ever. But if i’m wrong it’s in there.
40 man – will be consistent every year
Bonuses – will be in there
I’m saying that when we’re sitting here at the end of 2010 and look at that number, it will be way less than 100M.
nolie
January 5th, 2010
5:31 pm
Yeah, I kind of thought about that when the 7-9 million number was thrown around. Guess we have our answer now. Efrim
I’ve said as much several times, that there is a lot more to their payroll figure than can be determined by surfing places like Cot’s. Bonuses and incentives must be included and other components too I’m sure . I’m not surprised at all that they are basically done.
abwright
January 5th, 2010
5:31 pm
N8, January 5th, 2010, 3:47 pm … “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.”
I also thought that Matt Diaz had some experience at 1B. With McLouth, Cabrera, Schafer, and Heyward as possibilities, Diaz at 1B might be the back up plan. I cannot remember whether Diaz was a complete butcher at 1B or was respectable or whether I have even seen him play there. I think he is a better option than moving Prado out of position, though.
N8, January 5th, 2010, 3:47 pm … “VERY solid pickup, imo, provided another veteran utility/backup 1B is picked up as insurance for Glaus.”
THE Bear convinced me that Mitch Jones is probably the veteran backup 1B. (I’m not being sarcastic here, there’s a decent case to be made.) So, Prado, Diaz, M. Jones. That seems to be as good coverage as bringing in an expensive guy who is also not really a 1B-man (Nomar, Dye, etc).
joerochester
January 5th, 2010
5:31 pm
If you look at our opening day lineup last year there was so much potential that we saw. Frenchy was supposed to have fixed his swing and been more patient. Schafer was going to be a breakout rookie. And in the beginning, it definitely looked that way, didn’t it?
Nick
January 5th, 2010
5:32 pm
I dont know how some of you can actually say Wren has done a good job this offseason. Our 2 big offensive acquisitions are Melky butt-humping Cabrera and Troy Glaus. Seriously.. This team has a chance to lose 100 games.
Tomahawkin
January 5th, 2010
5:32 pm
Booney
Simply Put we can not rely on a declining Chipper to carry the offense this year. We did that last year and got burned. Once he gets a nagging injury to his wrist or oblique his bat speed slows
Chipper can be counted on for .300 20HR 75-85 rbi’s and man I hope his defense improves…!
Jim
January 5th, 2010
5:32 pm
dogsbrekky:
University of Virginia in Charlottesville (home of Thomas Jefferson) has larger % out-of-state undergraduate population than most other state universities. Part of the Jefferson legacy. UVA is still very tough to get into but the farther you are from and the more unique you are, the better your chance. Let me know if you want to discuss this some more – offblog.
PalmettoBrave
January 5th, 2010
5:33 pm
So does anybody think we’re going to finish higher than 3rd in the NL East next year? Sure doesn’t look hopeful…
BravoMan
January 5th, 2010
5:33 pm
TnBrian 5:28,
I know exactly what you mean! I thought the exact same thing! But I have to say with the consideration of financial constraints I like what he’s done with what he’s had to work with.
Tomahawkin
January 5th, 2010
5:34 pm
Wayne in UT
Forgot to add Loaf not being in our lineup this year might be a plus
But It’s gonna break down to Heyward and how he comes out. He could be the Next Justice or the next George Lombard, Remember Him? Time will tell…
David..(Athens, AL)
January 5th, 2010
5:34 pm
RC, last two will most likely be M. Jones and Thurston
Efrim
January 5th, 2010
5:34 pm
Let the line up projects begin…
…along with Heywards arbitration clock…
Yup, all but cements that the 20 year old is in our opening day lineup. I was really hoping that they would give him a couple months in Triple-A.
Wayne in Utah
January 5th, 2010
5:34 pm
abwright
Nomar would be an awesome addition. Could we afford him AND Sheffield?
I think Nomar made about 1 million last year. Hey Nomar, ya wanna ride the Bobby Train in 2010?
joerochester
January 5th, 2010
5:34 pm
I know Chipper doesn’t admit it, but I believe part of the reason he struggled is because he felt a lot of pressure to hit for more power. In 2008 he was hitting for average and not worrying about power.
RC
January 5th, 2010
5:36 pm
I’m betting Damon ends up in SF now….they seem to be one of the few teams that:
1. Needs a bat
2. Has money
3. Has a spot in the outfield
Marko
January 5th, 2010
5:36 pm
The idea of having a PH slot is the hint of failure.
If the team is staffed where we just have a bunch of good or decent gamers, enough that we’d have a few on the bench each game, then the alleged PH slot would take care of itself.
Melky, Diaz, McLouth, Heyward – the one that doesn’t start is a PH’er.
Infante, Chipper, Prado – the one that doesn’t start is a PH’er.
There should be another player, maybe an OF or a 1B that should also be in the mix that could be a 3rd PH’er.
The Greg Norton position is a waste. Almost never fielded. Just sat around waiting. Because he was there, he presented the challenge to get him an AT BAT every game. Then when he popped out or struck out on 2 pitches, he’d be useless. Bobby would have to get him an AT BAT or otherwise he’d become rusty, which he was anyway. As far as I’m concerned a PH slot is a DH that is only usefull in interleage.
Efrim
January 5th, 2010
5:36 pm
I’ve said as much several times, that there is a lot more to their payroll figure than can be determined by surfing places like Cot’s. Bonuses and incentives must be included and other components too I’m sure . I’m not surprised at all that they are basically done.
I remember writing a nice long post about this and then deleting it for some reason. You’re right, you were on it from the start.
O.J.
January 5th, 2010
5:37 pm
Andrew in PA, if you would bother to read, you would say that DOB has said the same exact thing already.
Tomahawkin
January 5th, 2010
5:37 pm
PalmettoBrave
“So does anybody think we’re going to finish higher than 3rd in the NL East next year? Sure doesn’t look hopeful…”
As it stands right row put your money on the braves falling into third. The only way the braves win over 85 games next year is that they Beat up on the Garbage teams outside our division, something we failed to do last year on a consistant basis…If we play .500 baseball against the NL east then we have a shot at the WC. Forget about the division we need to battle the NY Melts for the WC
Wayne in Utah
January 5th, 2010
5:38 pm
T’hawkin’ (workin on you, man)
KJ vs Prado……Prado
Kotchman vs Glaus…..if Glaus is good to go, definitely Glaus!
Schafer vs McLouth…..though I am high on Schafer, McLouth was much better.
Francoeur vs Heyward (or Cabrera)…..a plus for us either way. Could be a large plus.
Loaf/Diaz vs Diaz/Cabrera…..not having Loaf is a big plus.
I just think the differences, while not monumental, are definitely in our favor this year.
abwright
January 5th, 2010
5:39 pm
beekay, January 5th, 2010, 4:42 pm … “Could Roachy be brought in for a one year 5 mill deal if Seattle passes? We then can use Glaus as a bench player covering the corner infield and possibly outfield slots??”
I think that Glaus has been hired as the starting first baseman. Bringing in another first baseman would mean Glaus would be demoted/fired before Spring Training has begun. That would be an el stinko move.
Tomahawkin
January 5th, 2010
5:40 pm
JoeRochester
“I know Chipper doesn’t admit it, but I believe part of the reason he struggled is because he felt a lot of pressure to hit for more power. In 2008 he was hitting for average and not worrying about power.”
Well Said
Efrim
January 5th, 2010
5:40 pm
I just told my friend at work(knows I blog while I am at work), that the Braves were done with their offseason additions. His response:
“Maybe Wren wouldn’t be done if they didn’t guarantee 83 million to Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami last offseason”.
He is a Met fan. Of course.
AustinBrave
January 5th, 2010
5:41 pm
Guys don’t forget Mitch Jones. He could hit 30 homers could be the best signing all year. Between Glaus, Mitch Jones, and Heyward we could see 75-85 homeruns. Let’s stay positive glass half full.
Chopshop
January 5th, 2010
5:41 pm
It’s sad being a Braves fan has turned to this. Phillies have a 140 mill payroll. Mets are going to be somewhere a little short of that. No way we can compete with our 90ish payroll. I guess the winter of 2010 we should begin to shop JJ. Hopefully we can get a couple of great prospects for him. Now I know what a Marlin fan feels like !
BravoMan
January 5th, 2010
5:41 pm
Tomahawkin,
I fear alot of teams above the Mets for the WC
TnBrian
January 5th, 2010
5:42 pm
Just throwing a name out there and I’m sorry if this guy has been signed already, but what about Hank Blalock? Back up 1st baseman and could probably even spell CJ a bit at 3rd in case Infante needs to give Prado some rest. Don’t know if he’s a “small piece” and his price could way off for what Wren wants or has to spend, but it’s an idea.
Efrim
January 5th, 2010
5:43 pm
No way we can compete with our 90ish payroll.
We absolutely can. Just gotta be smart with your 90 million. Investing more money in player development, scouting and the draft would help too.
Wayne in Utah
January 5th, 2010
5:43 pm
We never got clarification on Mitch Jones……will he run through walls or does he talk to an imaginary friend? (and is that imaginary friend a lefty or a righty?)
nolie
January 5th, 2010
5:44 pm
He is a Met fan. Of course Efrim
sounds like Anders’ brother actually
ugaaccountant
January 5th, 2010
5:45 pm
Loaf was better offensively than Cabrera. Not buying that.
Nor am I buying Cabrera/Diaz equalling Damon as Cabrera brings nothing to the table splits wise. A Cabrera/Diaz platoon should have Diaz in everyday.
Anybody really believe Chipper gets to both .300 and 150 games played this year? If so do you further believe he reaches 20 homeruns? He’s playing cleanly, without drugs in my opinion, and he’s reached the decline stage of his career.
nolie
January 5th, 2010
5:45 pm
He could hit 30 homers could be the best signing all year. Austin
maybe, but he could also be a total bust.
dogsbrekky
January 5th, 2010
5:45 pm
cricket – thanks for the info on GA Tech… being an old engineering grad myself I would like her to go that way.. but I think she is going to do business
heath – I recommend you formulate your own strategies… ALWAYS… but use your eyes and plagiarise those ideas from others that fit with your personality etc… If you can make money in stocks with no leverage then stick with that as it is much lower risk than futures !
Slowhiteguy
January 5th, 2010
5:46 pm
Wayne in Utah, agreed. Braves will be fine. We are all disappointed that Wren has financial restrictions, no doubt. All things considered, however, this team will be very competitive. Will they win the NL Easy, doubtful. Will they compete for the WC, likely.
AustinBrave
January 5th, 2010
5:46 pm
Chopshop- Remember the Marlins won two World Series in the last ten years, how many have the Mets and Phillies won. Only one. Its not only about how much money you have, but how well you use what you have.
joerochester
January 5th, 2010
5:46 pm
I don’t get Mitch Jones. Dude does awesome in AAA and kills pitchers. Gets to the ML and can’t really do anything. Maybe he needs a regular gig to be able to get going?
BravoMan
January 5th, 2010
5:47 pm
Wayne in Utah,
I’m with yea on those comparisons. Also I’ll take a healthy Wagner and Saito over Gonzo and Soriano and a full year of Huddy and Hanson over Vazquez and whoever we used as the 5th starter last year before Hanson came.
I know I’m always positive, but I really like this team.
ugaaccountant
January 5th, 2010
5:48 pm
Didn’t Mitch only have about 8 at bats in the majors last season? Going from memory here but that’s not a real tryout.
Tomahawkin
January 5th, 2010
5:48 pm
CheeseWhiz
I just Talked to my boy Donald Stump who lives in Fort Lauderdale and its in the Low 50’s Down there! It hasn’t getting this cold across the nation in Years!
nolie
January 5th, 2010
5:48 pm
personally I think it most likely that he is just another AAAA hitter, but I hope he does well
Efrim
January 5th, 2010
5:49 pm
sounds like Anders’ brother actually
The guy’s comment actually made my blood boil. But that’s probably because I’m just dissapointed that there won’t be an everyday outfielder added to the roster. And that Heyward is going to have to start in right field as a 20 year old. Oh well.
Tomahawkin
January 5th, 2010
5:49 pm
BravoMan
You have my Narrow Carcas excited over what Big Red (Hanson) can do over a full season
15-17 wins…? if ya smell what I’m cookin?
ugaaccountant
January 5th, 2010
5:51 pm
Wow, the half full brigade is full on today:
Multiple rankings of free agents just said that Soriano and Gonzalez are better than Wagner, and certainly Saito.
David O'Brien
January 5th, 2010
5:52 pm
Glaus was pursued by about 10 teams, according to his agent, who said he could have gotten more money elsewhere. Glaus said playing for Cox and for a team he grew up admiring was a big part in his decision to come here and be willing to move to 1B, etc:
“It was a huge part [of the decision]. Getting a chance to play for Bobby is something that I’ve wanted to do for my entire career, ever since 2000 when I got a chance to play for him in Japan. But just looking at the team itself, and looking at the pieces that are here – the pitching staff that’s here, the bullpen that they’ve put together – from my perspective this organization gave me the best chance to play in the playoffs again and play on a winning team and hopefully get this team to the level that the Braves have been accustomed to.”
joerochester
January 5th, 2010
5:52 pm
And that Heyward is going to have to start in right field as a 20 year old. Oh well.
King Tut ruled a kingdom when he was like 12. Heyward can play right field.
Wayne in Utah
January 5th, 2010
5:52 pm
joerochester
nolie is dead on. A guy like MJones, more than likely will be a bust. BUT, you take a flier on a guy who really hasn’t got much of a shot before, and who knows.
Matty Diaz did next to nothing before coming to the Braves.
csg
January 5th, 2010
5:52 pm
I know Melky has value because he can play all 3 OF spots, but his value is to teams with a lot of power (something the Braves are once again lacking). For a payroll stricken team, Im surprised they dont want to to try and give Heyward the same treatment that Hanson got. An OF of Melky/Diaz/McLouth until June doesnt strike fear into anyone, however its still a huge upgrade over Anderson/Schafer/Frenchy
joerochester
January 5th, 2010
5:52 pm
And that Heyward is going to have to start in right field as a 20 year old. Oh well.
King Tut ruled a kingdom when he was like 12. Heyward can play right field at age 20.
N8
January 5th, 2010
5:52 pm
abwright, I don’t have a problem with Mitch “Crash” Jones being the primary backup at 1B or one of the main PH off the bench. But I’d just like to see a guy like Nomar (or Sheffield if he’d be willing to play that backup role for Bobby’s last stand), for the bench.
As far as Damon? I’m actually alright with a Melky/Diaz platoon. I agree with Wren. I think they’ll provide the same amount of production as Damon would. My main concern would be some veteral leadership. But let’s be real here. Melky just played CF for the WS champions. He now has won as many WS rings as Chipper and Glaus have. Wasn’t a big fan of Damon’s arm in LF anyhow. Add to that, they’ll provide the same numbers at about the same cost as Damon would by himself.
Melky can obviously play CF (as can Infante in a pinch), and as DOB stated, if Heyward falls on his face in ST, we could do a lot worse than Melky in RF and Diaz in LF until Schafer or Heyward are ready to help.
This might be a simple case of less being more, or the very least… less being the same.
I’ve said it all winter. I’d rather have Wren leave a few million bucks for an in-season upgrade/trade, than have him max out and not be able to add salary to help out, rather than max it out on guys that might not be the answer anyhow.
Why spend all the money now? We have all of ST to truly find out what might actually be missing.
But this news of no more big signings, should fuel the “we got screwed in the Vazquez trade” crowd for the next 3-4 months. Which is just great.
azbravesfan
January 5th, 2010
5:53 pm
Nolie and Efrim,
I was thinking the same thing since I heard we still had 7-9 million after Glaus. I tried asking the below a couple times (once each on the last two blogs), I guess this answers it.
“DOB,
Just wondering if you knew how the incentive money for a contract like the one for Glaus gets allocated to the braves budget. For example, if say there is another 4 million in performance incentives (in addition to the the 2 million base), does that mean Wren can’t spend that money? Just curious if the rumored 7-9 million available includes any additional allotment for Glaus.”
Obnoxious Lineup post guy
January 5th, 2010
5:55 pm
CF McLouth
2B Prado
3B Jones
1B Glaus
C McCann
SS Escobar
RF Heyward
LF Diaz/Cabrera
Noah
January 5th, 2010
5:55 pm
don’t forget Soriano had trouble staying healthy and Gonzo was prone to blowing games. They are good pitchers but also had questions around them.
Chopshop
January 5th, 2010
5:56 pm
Matt Holliday 7 year 120 million deal from St. Louis. Its great to see dedication to winning from ownership…… amazing how it sparks the fan base.
Noah
January 5th, 2010
5:57 pm
Sheffield needs an AL team due to age, he is 41. Braves are better off with a defensive minded player who can play a few spots off the bench and will be healthy. I’d love Jim Thome but same problem.
David O'Brien
January 5th, 2010
5:57 pm
Andrew: I wrote the same thing earlier (4:58 p.m.) about what Wren had said about looking for a PH/spare OF type. You must’ve missed it.
BravoMan
January 5th, 2010
5:58 pm
Tomahawkin ,
15 wins on the Big Red Machine in Hanson.
Oh and maybe I should clarify a bit on my bullpen thoughts. If it came down to it and I wanted a shut down closer I’ll take Wagner over Gonzo and Soriano becuz of track record and inconsistency in our former duo. Wagner did not pitch the entire year so obviously he’s going to rank below Sori and Gonzo, but he was a type A. As for Saito well if you can pull off a sup 3 ERA in that division and league as a late reliever then im content with that.
N8
January 5th, 2010
5:58 pm
“No way we can compete with our 90ish payroll.”
Hmm. The Marlins Twins and Rays just chimed in with a different opinion. The Braves have almost as much money tied into Chipper and Lowe as the Marlins do their whole team.
Care to rephrase that?
Wayne in Utah
January 5th, 2010
5:58 pm
Another thought. Glaus is 4 years younger than Chipper. If Chipper’s tank is empty, and Glaus comes around this year, then we might have an answer to who plays third for a few years?
Noah
January 5th, 2010
5:59 pm
Wagner is one of the all time great closers and if he is anywhere near form will be just what we need.
Slowhiteguy
January 5th, 2010
5:59 pm
Well, I hope Heyward is ready for a ton of pressure. I personally think he is. He is special, a once every 25 years type of player. At the end of the year, the Diaz/Melky platoon and Heyward in right will be more productive than a Damon/Dye, or Damon/Nady combination. That’s what the Braves believe and what their scouts are telling them. Save the cash for mid season moves or 2011 off season.
BravoMan
January 5th, 2010
6:00 pm
Sub 3 not sup 3 lol
TnBrian
January 5th, 2010
6:01 pm
I have a very good feeling about Glaus. Who knows, this could be the year where everything falls in place for a change and really, without even that “big” move some teams and fans get obssesed with during the offseason. Maybe Wren’s lack of funds will light a fire under CJ’s ass even more than his bad ‘08 and the rest of the guys will have more focus too knowing it’s all up to them to make it happen.
Noah
January 5th, 2010
6:01 pm
Can’t compete with a $90+ million payroll, thats funny. So another words if your around the top 8-12 teams in payroll and you can’t compete your saying only the top 8 or less teams will even compete much less make the playoffs. Funny, but there are 8 playoff slots and teams in the top 10 in payroll include the likes of the Mets, Astros and such who haven’t made the playoffs recently or even competed.
joerochester
January 5th, 2010
6:01 pm
It’d be nice to have a full time closer again. I love watching the game and knowing who will be finishing it.
dp
January 5th, 2010
6:02 pm
DOb did wren say when he might make his next move
Noah
January 5th, 2010
6:03 pm
Glaus is not old and apparently recovered from his injury, could be in for a great year.
Noah
January 5th, 2010
6:04 pm
dP: What general mgr says when they will make their next move, its a fluid process, many players are signing now and in the next week or so..if he is to sign a money player it will be this month for sure.
joerochester
January 5th, 2010
6:05 pm
It’d be cool to see Wagner break the LH closer save record as a Brave.
Wayne in Utah
January 5th, 2010
6:06 pm
Congratulations to the Cardinals for letting Boras run that contract up to over 100 million for 7 years with a no-trade clause, while bidding against NOBODY!
csg
January 5th, 2010
6:06 pm
DOB any chance the Braves dont keep it around $90 and bump it to the $92-95 you mentioned a few days ago? Trading Melky would then allow them to add Damon/Nady/Uggla or Dye if they could increase the payroll just a tad
N8
January 5th, 2010
6:06 pm
“Matt Holliday 7 year 120 million deal from St. Louis. Its great to see dedication to winning from ownership…… amazing how it sparks the fan base.”
You mean like when the Rockies ridiculously overpaid for Mike Hampton and Denny Neagle a while back? Or perhaps when the Rangers gave all that money to Chan Ho Park? Oh. Sorry. You must be talking about the huge contract that the Orioles gave Albert Bell? Angels and Mo Vaughn?
7 years and 120 million for Matt Holliday is NOT a commitment to winning. It’s a commitment to raising ticket prices in an already down economy (assuring that Albert Pujols will make around 25 million per year when his time comes), and that at the tail end of that contract, Matt will be one of the most over-payed, under performing guys in all of baseball.
Well done St. Louis. Way to go being dedicated to your fans.
brian
January 5th, 2010
6:07 pm
what happened to the $11.5 million they “saved” by dealing vazquez minus what is owed Melky?
Wishfully I hope Wren is just trying to play hardball with the Marlins that he is done with big additions
Wayne in Utah
January 5th, 2010
6:07 pm
Like Nancy Reagan said, “Just say no to Dye, Guerrero, Uggla and Caveman.”
richbrave
January 5th, 2010
6:07 pm
When do the pitchers and catchers report.
Jake W.
January 5th, 2010
6:08 pm
Matt Holliday 7 year 120 million deal from St. Louis. Its great to see dedication to winning from ownership…… amazing how it sparks the fan base. -Chopshop
Thats a little shortsighted, especially when you consider that one day they are going to be trying to keep the best player in baseball around longer in Albert Pujols. Unless the Cardinals organization has decided to the way of the Phillies in payroll, this deal could look very bad a couple of years down the road.
Chopshop
January 5th, 2010
6:08 pm
No way we can compete with our 90ish payroll.”
Hmm. The Marlins Twins and Rays just chimed in with a different opinion. The Braves have almost as much money tied into Chipper and Lowe as the Marlins do their whole team.
Care to rephrase that?
Sure….. No way to compete when somewhere betweeen 25% and 30% of your payroll is tied up in two guys on the wrong side of 35 for the next three years.
Noah
January 5th, 2010
6:10 pm
7 years is a LONG time for someone that isn’t even the best player on your team and to pay him $17mil
Efrim
January 5th, 2010
6:10 pm
I think Holliday was the best player on the free agent market this year. Not saying he deserves the money he received, but he is a better bet than Jason Bay to fulfill his average annual salary. Just my two cents on it.
Tomahawkin
January 5th, 2010
6:10 pm
I’d Take Wag’s track record as well over MFIKY and Gonzo, but T-Hawkin is already having Nightmares of how its gonna be like seeing Wagner up in the Ninth facing Utley and Howard with the game on the line…
joerochester
January 5th, 2010
6:10 pm
I hope the Cardinals have not chosen their future with Holliday over Pujols.
azbravesfan
January 5th, 2010
6:11 pm
So I always hate when people say something was bad/stupid without offering any sort of alternatives. So rather than just complaining about how we used the funds from the Vasquez trade, here is what I would have done differently this off-season.
1) I would not have signed Saito. I was fine with the deal at 3 million, but if we have to budget for the contract at around 5 million (to include incentives), I think that’s too much for a setup man on a team with a 90mm budget.
2) Would have just kept Vasquez and Lowe (based on reports we had no other serious suitors) and move KK to the bullpen.
3) Still sign Glaus to same deal. I believe the money still works here as we are allocated approximately 3.5-4mm for Glaus, 5mm to Saito, saved roughly 8 million by moving Vasquez, and reportedly still have a few million to spend.
4) Try to find at least one other outfield option to sign to a minor league deal to compete for a job in spring training (similar to Mitch Jones).
I understand this pretty much mandates we use Heyward starting on opening day and leaves us thin in the outfield overall, but I would prefer to give Diaz more time than someone like Melky anyway and I wouldn’t mind having backups like Blanco and Infante.
This also leaves us with a very pricey middle reliever in KK, but I think we add a lot of value to keep Vasquez in the rotation and if we are going to have depth anymore, let it be starting pitching. I also think this leaves us in a better position if Lowe rebounds well during the first part of the season – we could look at moving him for an outfield bat then (at a higher value and teams might be more desperate due to injuries), and try to ink Vasquez to an extension.
So overall for me it comes down to: keeping Vasquez >> adding Melky and Saito
Efrim
January 5th, 2010
6:11 pm
Sure….. No way to compete when somewhere betweeen 25% and 30% of your payroll is tied up in two guys on the wrong side of 35 for the next three years.
Not a bad way of rephrasing it.
David O'Brien
January 5th, 2010
6:11 pm
I asked Glaus if he told his agent to try to find a 3B job or if moving to 1B reallyl wasn’t a big deal to him:
“I’ve played way more at third base than anywhere else. But the position wasn’t such an integral part of my decision. I wanted to focus more on playing in a city and for an organization in a situation that gave me the best chance to get back to the playoffs and be on a winning team and be in a winning atmosphere. And that’s why, ultimately, the position didn’t matter as much as that did to me.”
Geezer
January 5th, 2010
6:12 pm
Glaus & Melky – Wren’s Walking Wounded Retreads…..what an addition…NOT!!!
VaBraveFan
January 5th, 2010
6:12 pm
Mitch Jones i wouldnt mind seeing him as the 4th OF and maybe in a platoon role until Heyward is ready. Give the guy a good amount of AB’s see what he gots. He has the power for sure. He is a high upside low cost player. He will either help the team or be sent to AAA.