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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,408 comments Add your comment
bravofan
September 30th, 2010
9:19 am
are they wearing a certain color saturday I say navy blue!!!!!
monty
September 30th, 2010
9:20 am
Slow morning? or is their a new blog up already?
bravofan
September 30th, 2010
9:21 am
monty: no new blog that im aware of just slow I guess time to go to second period see yall around 10:30
Nova Scotia Steve
September 30th, 2010
9:22 am
I very pleased to see Derek Lowe getting some love from “fans” who have ripped him a new rear end the last two season.
Like David Ross said yesterday ‘This is why they pay him the big dollars,” cause he’s a big game pitcher.
That he is – always has been….
Daybed Wagmoe
September 30th, 2010
9:32 am
Funny opening paragraphs from Ken Rosenthal’s story about the Braves’ backups:
David Ross took one look at the lineup, saw that he was batting sixth and jokingly asked Braves manager Bobby Cox if he had been drinking.
Cox shot back with a quip of his own.
“He said that he was about four drinks deep last night and had me in the four hole,” Ross recalled Wednesday night. “But then he woke up this morning, came to his senses and put me in the six hole.”
Lew
September 30th, 2010
9:37 am
NSS – We’re in complete agreement about Lowe. Dude has done nothing but win 31 games since coming to Atlanta. Yeah, he make a lot of $$$$, but so does everyone in MLB – he just makes a bit more of a lot than many – but he keeps racking up those innings and wins and that’s exactly why Frank Wren brought him here.
Frankie Wren
September 30th, 2010
9:37 am
Be nice if either or both SD or SF lost today but not crucial. This team is sitting in great position. Nothing’s really came easy and they earned the position where they are today. With that, probably won’t back into playoffs and they will earn it by beating the Phillies. Should take 2 and might even possibility sweep. Phillies have absolutely nothing to play for and we will rise to the occasion. Huddy on Sunday if needed(hopefully not) but if so will have 4 days off. Lowe opening the playoffs right now wouldn’t be a bad option if it comes to that. No reason not to finish the drill here.
Nova Scotia Steve
September 30th, 2010
9:42 am
No doubt about that Lew!
What do you think about this Jurrjens situation??? I quite happy with going with Hanson, Hudson, Lowe down the stretch. Ride the horses you know…
Maybe if we clinch early give him a shot to throw a few inning (if the knee holds up) and see what happens???
raleighbravefan
September 30th, 2010
9:42 am
We need to win at least 2 this weekend, which won’t be automatic, or even easy. if we don’t do that, we don’t deserve to go, although we may still back in.
Lew
September 30th, 2010
9:50 am
NSS-It’s a drag that Jurrjens is out for the stretch run here (or could very well be out), but all three of thoise starters is going well right now. I’m comfortable going up against anyone except the Phillies and think (if we win the WC), that we’ll win in the first round against either Cincinnati or the Giants.
In that Rosenthal article, did you see what LH Hitters are doing against Bronson Arroyo? I drool in anticipation of us facing him.
Frankie Wren
September 30th, 2010
9:52 am
Just BS about this town not supporting the Braves. Huge crowds expected this weekend and they should almost hit 2.5M at the gate this year. That would put the Braves probably around 13th in MLB regarding attendance out of 30 teams. Sunday home playoff game if get in and that should be a sellout.
Rock on......
September 30th, 2010
9:53 am
The way I see it. Per my last post I am starting to get a feeling that a three way tie is getting more probable. I can’t see a sweep be either team in our series nor a sweep by either SD or SF so tonigh’s games are critical to the three way tie scenario. A SD win tonight coupled with a SF loss raises that possibility dramatically.
Frankie Wren
September 30th, 2010
9:53 am
Lew-
I think the Giants have the tiebreaker over the Reds so pretty good chance we will be starting in SF unless somehow the Padres get hot.
Lew
September 30th, 2010
9:54 am
I wonder what people’s reaction would be had Lowe and Hudson (maybe Hanson, too, but not as certain) had run support in many of their losses. We could realistically have two and maybe three 20 game winners. Not sure when the last time that happened, but it’s damned well been quite a while.
ContactBuzz
September 30th, 2010
9:57 am
Why do the Wild Card standins on the main page include 3 teams that have been eliminated?
Nova Scotia Steve
September 30th, 2010
9:58 am
Lew – I know. Reds have that potent offense but as you are well aware good pitching can shut down good hitting – or at least slow if down significantly. That starting pitching for the Reds will be their demise.
Now SanFran – I believe ATL could beat the Giants as well. I think it’ll be an epically low scoring series but I think we have the pitching and enough offense to take em out.
Phils/Braves NLCS would be enticing for sure….I think we’d all be drooling if it comes down to that – really heat up the rivalry.
P-Town Brave ©
September 30th, 2010
9:59 am
Logically, we would prefer that we have things wrapped up before Sunday so that they could throw Minor on Sunday and push Huddy back to Gm1 of the playoffs so then they could setup a Huddy/Hanson/DLowe rotation in that order.
If Huddy has to pitch Sunday, we would probably have to start Lowe in Game 1.
Either way magic # sits at 3 before todays Padres/Cubs matchup which has Gorzelanny against Garland…lets hope Garland has his off again outing.
Mikeyc588
September 30th, 2010
10:00 am
Think about this:
We started the year with an infield of Glaus, Prado, Yunel and Chipper and now have a very good chance of going into the playoffs without ANY of those guys starting for us anymore. There are different ways you can spin that, but to me it’s a testament to the job that Wren and Cox have done this season working with what they have and getting the most out of players while not being afraid to make changes. Impressive, and Cox has done it that way for years.
Rock on......
September 30th, 2010
10:01 am
JJ is pitching on about a par with Beachy or was prior to going down. Personally I am not expecting any huge help from JJ the remainder of the season. The way Hudson, Hanson, and Lowe have been pitching the drop off to a #4 starter in the playoffs is huge. Yankees were successful last year going with three starters. Given our great pen I say roll with the horses and go to the pen early as needed.
McPameeeeeeeward
September 30th, 2010
10:03 am
Well if we go into the weekend with the thought that the Braves have had a very good season and it was really fun to watch then whatever happens just happens. I’m not going to be stressed about the Braves getting into postseason I just want the weekend to be electric and exciting for the retirement of Bobby Cox. 90 wins is a successful year and man was it fun watching the come from behind wins and walk-offs.
As I tell my colleagues around America, in Atlanta we have a winning team. Too bad Baltimore, Houston, Chicago (2) and Florida can’t say the same and they always agree that the Braves do well. I wish our fans really appreciated the job this organization has done in 2010.
Lew
September 30th, 2010
10:03 am
FRankie-Still works for me – The Giants have good starting pitching, but we’ve beaten both Cain and Lincecum and have a winning record against the Giants. Lowe has pitched well against the Giants – Career 7-5 with a 3.02 ERA and only 8HR in 104 IP.
Hudson not quite as well – 5-4 with an ERA of 3.56 in 91IP and has given up a somewhat high total of 11 HR (only one at SF).
P-Town Brave ©
September 30th, 2010
10:04 am
Rock on…
For that to happen, we would have to all finish at 91-71…
That would mean this:
-Giants would have to lose today
-Padres would have to win today
-Padres would have to take 2 of 3 from the Giants IN San Fran with Cain/Zito/Sanchez going this weekend
AND
-Braves would have to lose 2 of 3 at home to the Phillies who wont be pitching anyone of note this weekend while resting their starting position players here and there
So…you’re telling me ALL of that is going to happen?
Frankie Wren
September 30th, 2010
10:06 am
I guess Zito will open the SD series on Friday? If he pitches the way he has, betting that SF possibly goes with Sanchez in the playoffs before Zito. Might be good for us as Zito unfortunately pitches well against the Braves the last two years. We hit Sanchez hard last time.
P-Town Brave ©
September 30th, 2010
10:06 am
Rock On-
Depending on the matchup I think Minor or Beachy could get you through 5 IP in a Game 4 NLCS situation anywhere…its not as though either have pitched that poorly…we will just need to actually rattle some bats, and guess what…we are gonna have to do that to beat anyone in the playoffs…clutch situational hitting is key, which means, no leaving RISP like we do now.
DAP
September 30th, 2010
10:08 am
great series against the marlins, pitched really well, got just enough runs, no costly errors.
but its not over…gotta keep the intensity high.
Frankie Wren
September 30th, 2010
10:08 am
Lew- Huddy did pitch outstanding out there in April the game Wags came on and Renteria hit tying home run. Line them up, they can win any first round matchup.
Lew
September 30th, 2010
10:09 am
Dadgum-You got that right. And if Saito is available for the post season we’re all that much better with two RHP in relief. We sure are loaded with LH relievers though -0 always a very good thing.
Has anyone noticed that in 20 something appearances, that MIke Dunn has given up runs ONCE? Not missing Javy Vazquez quite as much with that kid’s performance. With him, Venters and O’Flaherty nack next year, too………
Gary O
September 30th, 2010
10:10 am
Props to Lowe for the September he has had. He should be September’s pitcher of the month. That being said, I think Braves try to sell high on him this off-season.
N8,
When Prado was struggling offensively, and battling a sore pinky, and a sore groin, imagine if Bobby Cox had actually given him the time off to rest and heal a little bit?
All he had to do was start Conrad for a few games, knowing that Prado would be much better for the stretch run and the playoffs. And who knows if the season-ending injury would still have occurred?
I know its hindsight, but I think that was a mistake on Bobby’s part not giving Prado more time off.
Felix Millan
September 30th, 2010
10:11 am
there are about 50% of folks on here that won’t admit it, but Bobby is managing his rearend off.
Efrim
September 30th, 2010
10:11 am
but its not over…gotta keep the intensity high.
Yup. Padres take care of business today and it’s a 1 game lead, which can evaporate quickly if Beachy struggles in his third major league start. The Braves are in a solid position, but there is plenty of work to do. Now, if the Padres lose today…..
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
September 30th, 2010
10:12 am
Lew Has anyone noticed that in 20 something appearances, that MIke Dunn has given up runs ONCE?
Mike Dunn rocks…he, Kimbrel, and Venters…dang, that’s some good pitching so far right there! And they’re all ours!
Rock on......
September 30th, 2010
10:12 am
Mikeyc….here is one for ya. The Braves now have only one player starting that finished as a starter in ‘09 and that is McCann. If we start Diaz and Ankiel we only have two starters playing that actually started opening day this year which is Heyward and McCann. Everyone contributes but the bullpen is the glue. Were it not for them everyone here would be saying what an idiot Wren is.
Frankie Wren
September 30th, 2010
10:14 am
Man was I wrong. I stupidly was one preaching for maybe Glaus to get a start when Martin went down. Conrad had been mediocre when he started this year but I won’t doubt that guy again. Tuesday’s tying triple and yesterday’s homerun, big, big hits. He doesn’t get many knocks but when he does they sure count. Short series guy might make a big difference, who knows. Good job Bobby.
Lew
September 30th, 2010
10:14 am
McPameeeeewrd-Some of us do.
Lew
September 30th, 2010
10:16 am
McFann-I definitely should have mentioned KImbrel. Thing is that even if Wags and Saito are gone next year, the pen is still Golden – especially now that whatever they did for Moylan has turned him back into Moylan and not the Roo Nads Boy he was for several weeks there.
Rock on......
September 30th, 2010
10:19 am
Ptown….never did I say it would happen only that it is more probable after last night. Actually I think the Braves win two against Philly with Hudson getting the clincher on Sunday. If I had to bet that is the scenario I would bet on.
Lew
September 30th, 2010
10:21 am
PTown-While I agree we have an excellent shot at the post season, I’ve learned two things in my almost 60 years. 1. Never say it can’t get any worse and 2. Never ask what can happen next. Fate has a wickedly morbid sense of humor and will let you know in no uncertain terms that yes, it CAN get worse and No, you probably don’t want to know what can happen next.
Is a three way tie improbable? Absolutely. But I would count on it NOT happening. Like I said about Fate…..
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
September 30th, 2010
10:21 am
Lew—
For sure! It’s definitely exciting…and I know Frank Wren isn’t stupid enough to trade any of them!
Lew
September 30th, 2010
10:22 am
Wouldn’t count on it not happening.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
September 30th, 2010
10:26 am
Bobby is managing his rearend off.
Blasphemous, I tell you…pure blasphemy! Dot-Don will be here shortly to straighten you out…
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
September 30th, 2010
10:26 am
Lew 1. Never say it can’t get any worse and 2. Never ask what can happen next.
Truer words were never spoken…
Rock on......
September 30th, 2010
10:27 am
Talking about strange. The Braves have not made the playoffs since this blog has been in existence. Don’t know why that entered my mind. No idea whatsoever but I did have a dream about DOB playing guitar last night at the Buckhead Theatre with some old 80’s hair band. Maybe that was it.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
September 30th, 2010
10:27 am
Or should I say “were never typed“…
DAP
September 30th, 2010
10:27 am
offensively, brooks conrad has always done one thing, and pretty much only one thing well.
it stands to reason that his hits are going to be big ones, because about a third of them will be for extra bases. that makes him a great pinch hitter, hopefully a guy that can have a big couple of weeks for us.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
September 30th, 2010
10:28 am
Rock On…—
DAP
September 30th, 2010
10:28 am
hit for power. thats the one thing brooks does well. i forgot to spell that out in my last post.
Gary O
September 30th, 2010
10:29 am
I think Braves will have clinch on Saturday, so Huddy will be pushed back to start game 1 of the playoffs.
Rock On…
Have you seen Javy Vazquez’ September numbers? 7+ ERA, with 13.2 innings in 4 september games. He will have to take a big paycut next season (imo).
David O'Brien
September 30th, 2010
10:31 am
Rock on….
That was one strange dream you had, my friend. Remnants of some night long ago must have been dislodged and fell into your brain pan.
Lew
September 30th, 2010
10:31 am
Dadgum-Not so. I started on the blog during the 05 season and we made the payoffs that year.
Lew
September 30th, 2010
10:34 am
McFann-Lesson One is in the ether.
N8
September 30th, 2010
10:34 am
Gary O, I somewhat agree with you on Prado getting rest earlier in the year.
Some of it’s on Bobby for not giving him regular rest since returning from the DL, with a guy like Conrad on the bench (Prado could have always been used to PH in those games).
But an equal portion of playing guys through these nagging injuries is on the players. There’s this lunacy out there that guys need to “tough it out” and play through things.
This isn’t the NFL, where raw strength, grit and determination can lead a guy to getting that extra half yard for a game winning TD, or drive extending 1st down.
This is baseball where any minor mechanical flaw can cause a guy to struggle (both hitters and pitchers, and even in the field). So when a guy has a nagging thumb injury, he not only risks making it worse. He risks compensating for it and either causing another (possibly more serious) injury – in the case of pitchers altering their deliveries. Or just as bad, but not as talked about, causing some odd mechanical flaw, or tendancy that causes them to NOT be as productive as they are capable of being.
In the case of Chipper and Heyward, not all was lost. They racked up the walks and still got on base. But in Chipper’s case, he’s not getting paid 14 million bucks to bat 3rd and draw walks.
Heyward already had enough on his plate as a rookie needing to make adjustments. He didn’t need to battle through a thumb injury too.
So yeah. Bobby could have sat them down for a while to see if it did any good long term. But the guys could have stepped up to the plate and said they needed a couple of days off as well. After all, if a player says he’s “fine” why wouldn’t the manager put him in there?
bravofan
September 30th, 2010
10:34 am
where would game one of the playoffs be for the Braves if we win the wild card and on what day?
haggardeeee
September 30th, 2010
10:34 am
Sorry about the repeat post. Just meant to copy the last part about tickets.
Like so many here on the blog say, I wish we didn’t have to wait another day for a game!
Rock on......
September 30th, 2010
10:34 am
GaryO…. Yep I saw his numbers and they are exactly what we all said would happen when he headed to the Bronx. Doesn’t faze me at all. I still want him back. Had he been lights out the Yankees would keep him. As it is he will be on the move and I would love to see him back here wielding about a 4.0 era.
haggardeeee
September 30th, 2010
10:35 am
Rock on
I can see that !
Lew
September 30th, 2010
10:36 am
Nathan-I’m thinking that Matrtin’s injury was much more a result of that great play he made (hip AND oblique tear) than any lack of rest he didn’t have.
Though, that being said, I would have sat him a game or two myself.
haggardeeee
September 30th, 2010
10:37 am
Don’t know if it’s my imagination or not, but it looks as if Lowe has dropped some weight in the past couple of months.
Lew
September 30th, 2010
10:39 am
Vazquez next year could easily provide a more than competent number 4-5 in our rotation.
If nothing else, this season has shown that no matter how good or how deep your rotation might be, it’s always good to have even more options – in particular options with a proven track record and not rookies by the handful (though I’m damned glad we had Minor and Beachy).
Rock on......
September 30th, 2010
10:39 am
Lew….I started in ‘07 I think but I recall DOB doing an interview at that time saying the blog had been around a year. That is what I was going on. If indeed it was ‘05 then oh well never mind.
Efrim
September 30th, 2010
10:40 am
The Braves have not made the playoffs since this blog has been in existence.
Was thinking about that the other day too. The in game bloggers will have a great time with Lincecum/Cain/Sanchez pitching against our offense. No matter to me. I just want to taste the postseason again…
Frankie Wren
September 30th, 2010
10:42 am
Vazquez had a career year last season. I wouldn’t mind seeing him back of rotation guy if we did get him on the cheap. Don’t want him with the ball in October though. Ozzie was right, this guy is not a big game pitcher. He could help us get there, but never has been a money pitcher.
Efrim
September 30th, 2010
10:42 am
If nothing else, this season has shown that no matter how good or how deep your rotation might be, it’s always good to have even more options
Which is why I think they keep Beachy around for next year and try to trade one of the younger prospects that are further away. Beachy/Minor battle for the 5th starters role would be good. Then there’s Kenshin…
N8
September 30th, 2010
10:43 am
Case in point with my last post….
Chipper Jones 2010: .265/.381/.426/.806 10 HR, 46 RBI in 381 PA
Brooks Conrad 2010: .241/.317/.497/.813 8 HR, 31 RBI in 165 PA
I don’t think any sane person out there actually thinks that Brooks Conrad has more natural ability and raw power than Chipper Jones does.
But in 2010, for whatever reason, he’s been almost as “productive” in less than half of the plate appearances. Chipper got on base more, Brooks slugs at a higher rate.
Where would this team be had Brooks Conrad had another 220 PA, instead of Chipper Jones?
Since Brooks doesn’t walk too much, if you “pro-rate” his numbers, he’d be around 26 HR and 105 RBI for the year assuming around 550 plate appearances.
No whay in hell Chipper ends up with those numbers had he not gotten hurt. So in that one instance, and small sample size, it somewhat proves that a healthy bench guy can be a better option than a superstar that isn’t close to being healthy.
My guess is that Chipper would tell you the same thing. After all… he loves the Raw Dog!
Mikeyc588
September 30th, 2010
10:44 am
Rockon –
Wow, did not realize that but it is pretty incredible. If Hudson, Lowe and Hanson can keep pitching like they did this week, I really like our chances to make a decent run at this thing.
Murph
September 30th, 2010
10:44 am
I hate off days. I think today I will take a day off as well. No point in sitting here, speculating and pontificating.
Go Braves.
Wayne in Utah
September 30th, 2010
10:44 am
How much of Vazquez’ success in Atlanta was Bobby, or Roger, or just being in a nurturing environment for a pitcher with talent but light on confidence or whatever it is he is missing in NYC?
Rock on......
September 30th, 2010
10:45 am
Another thought is I am almost positive that the Braves will trade JJ this year. May not but trading him before Boras gets him big money might be prudent. Get rid of JJ and bring back Vazquez that eats 200+ innings sounds good to me.
Doc Holiday
September 30th, 2010
10:46 am
7 remaining games concern braves WC hopes……….only 3 have to go braves way.
SD loses tonight we would only need 2 games to go our way during the weekend.
I think SF is going to eat SD alive.
We can take at least 1 from phillies………….Im sure we can and maybe even 2. Its not that hard. Mets did it.
N8
September 30th, 2010
10:46 am
Totally agree Lew. I forgot to state that to Gary O. I think that injury happens regardless if Prado is healthy or not. Just landed awkwardly. Bad luck more than anything.
I was talking more about his production since returning from the DL. 1 day off a week might have done wonders for his production. After all, if that theory can’t be deemed possibly true, why give Mac a day off every now and then? I get that Mac (all catchers) get beat up back there and wear down.
But…..
Doc Holiday
September 30th, 2010
10:47 am
Kendrik on Friday………..lets hit this guy.
P-Town Brave ©
September 30th, 2010
10:47 am
Bravofan-
As of now: Wed in San Fran
Frankie Wren
September 30th, 2010
10:48 am
JJ is not going anywhere in my opinion in the offseason. He still will be inexpensive with arbitration and if he is healthy could be a strong asset next year. I am disappointed he hasn’t been healthy. This guy has the makeup to be a big time pitcher come playoffs, something Vazquez certainly is not.
Doc Holiday
September 30th, 2010
10:48 am
SF is sending Zito, Cain and Sanchez against SD……………..They will need to pray a lot.
haggardeeee
September 30th, 2010
10:50 am
Wayne in Utah @ 1044
I believe there’s a lot to be said for that line of thinking. Dude sure ate up some innings and was fun to watch.
Frankie Wren
September 30th, 2010
10:51 am
Pray a lot- Who SD? SF is in the drivers seat even if it comes down to the weekend.
Mikeyc588
September 30th, 2010
10:52 am
Rock on…..
Are you serious about trading JJ? Don’t we have him controlled for at least two more seasons? Last year he was like 3rd in the NL with a 2.60 ERA. You don’t trade controllable young talent like that, especially coming off an injury-plagued season that diminishes his trade value. They might very well trade JJ at some point, but not this offseason.
Wayne in Utah
September 30th, 2010
10:53 am
N8
The only scary thing is that with a few exceptions (the last two games being exceptions) Brooks has not done nearly as well when starting.
I don’t have the inclination to run the numbers, but that is what my gut is telling me.
Here is the thing though. In the past 10 years, there have been a handful of team to win it all when they weren’t necessarily the best team on paper (or even the best 2-3 teams). The D’backs, the Cardinals, the Marlins, and the White Sox.
They got hot at the right time. If the Braves could must 5-6 runs per game or more against the Phillies this weekend, it might be just what the doctor ordered to get them off on a tear. With Brooks leading the way????
Stranger things have happened. And that come from behind magic needs to return. Potentially we have the arms to do it, if the bats can just wake up!
I too hate off days.
N8
September 30th, 2010
10:53 am
Efrim, I was thinking the same thing.
All summer, and last winter after it happened, I was saying don’t judge the Vazquez trade until Vizcaino and Dunn are contributing. Melky was just a throw in to give us a warm body.
Here’s the thing. With Minor and Beachy able to be alright and possibly better than alright at the backend or the rotation (I think Minor will be closer to a #3 than a #5 when all is said and done – and maybe even a very solid #2 with his command), it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Braves trade Vizcaino.
The production that it looks like they’ll get from Dunn moving forward is ALREADY making that trade a bargain, considering what Vazquez was making and how he’s pitched this year.
If Wren were to go out and sign Vazquez to a low risk deal, and he produced? He will have basically give up one season of Vazquez for 11.5 million dollars to control Dunn moving forward for the next few years. And the kicker is that Vazquez struggled badly and the Braves look like they’ll STILL make the playoffs despite trading Javier away.
If Vizcaino ever finds himself as a mainstay in this rotation, or Wren can trade him for somebody that can immediately contribute next year? That trade will go from being good to amazing.
I can’t stress enough how excited I am to have Venters, Dunn and Kimbrell anchoring our bullpen moving forward. That is almost as exciting as Freddie Freeman coming on board next year to me. Maybe more.
N8
September 30th, 2010
10:56 am
You’re right Wayne. No real proof or evidence that Conrad “keeps up” that pace getting 3-4 AB per game. He’s been put in some amazing situations and came through. Possibly skewing the numbers a tad.
A couple of grand slams and a 3 run HR will do that for you. But that being said, who’s to say Chipper’s “production” wouldn’t have been better getting only a handful of AB in good RBI situations. Not that Wren would have a 14 million dollar PH on the bench. But clearly, Chipper wasn’t getting it done playing every game either.
bravofan
September 30th, 2010
10:56 am
how would it be in sf we bought playoff tix for game one and its in atl
Efrim
September 30th, 2010
10:58 am
it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Braves trade Vizcaino.
I’m thinking Randall Delgado because of Vizcaino’s elbow injury – which he rehabbed and reports were good. But still not sure if they’d want to trade him right now. But I understand your point. When it comes down to it, I’d rather keep Delgado/Vizcaino over Beachy, but I doubt the Braves go that route.
Lew
September 30th, 2010
11:00 am
Dadgum-Definitely around in 05. That’s when I was laid up with a toe infection (I trifled with my toe) for nine months and came here to alleviate boredom and depression. Sure has done that – in spades – the boredom, anyway.
N8
September 30th, 2010
11:01 am
“Mikeyc588, I think if you can trade JJJ for an everyday player that you will control for at least as long, or longer, that can play LF or CF, then you do it. Especially with Boras as his agent.
With the probability of Medlen returning in 2012, Beach and Minor being viable options and Teheran and Delgado (and possibly Vizcaino) along the way? I think the odds of JJJ pitching in Atlanta beyond how long the Braves control him is minimal at best. Especially if pitches like he did last year and will command CC Sabathia type money (or close to it).
No way the Braves who at that time will finally be ridding themselves of Lowe’s huge contract, will shell out another one with young possible aces coming up through the pipeline.
And if he isn’t pitching well enough to command that kind of dough? They they certainly will replace him with a younger cheaper option.
Two more seasons is the max that I see Jurrjens being a Brave. If he can clear medical exams and/or physicals this winter, I wouldn’t be shocked at all to see him go. Unless they choose to move Minor instead to acquire a bat. Just don’t see that happening though.
K with a K
September 30th, 2010
11:02 am
WEAR YOU BLUE FRIDAY OCT 1st….GO BRAVES!
Rock on......
September 30th, 2010
11:03 am
How do we know Vazquez isn’t a big game pitcher? Until he pitches for us here in a playoff game I am sure as hell not taking what Ozzie “Latin Players are treated poorly” Guillen concludes. The guy is a freakin jerk.
Vazquez did well here because he liked it here with a good culture and team. Good pitchers park etc. Sure he liked Bobby but Fredi is a Cox protege and Cox will still be around the organization. For the reasons he came here the first time I can see him coming back again and not having to face the dh.
bravofan
September 30th, 2010
11:03 am
any plans for a color on saturday??
N8
September 30th, 2010
11:05 am
Efrim, I’m a guy who with our budget pines to have balance on our 25 man roster.
I’d love to keep both Delgado and Teheran as well. But if it comes right down to it and Wren can swing a deal for a “can’t miss” outfield prospect that is pretty much ready to jump in?
I’d take a kid like that in the outfield with Beachy in the rotation for a few years, over Delgado in the rotation 2-3 years from now and in the time being we have to watch Melky Cabrera any longer in the outfield.
I realize that the sample size on Beachy is small (no guarante he’s any better than Buddy Carlisle long term), and that Melky likely is not a Brave past when this season ends.
But you get my point.
Moving forward, Teheran and Freeman are my two “off limits” prospects if I’m Frank Wren. Everybody else (other than Heyward, Hanson, Kimbrel and Venters) is available if it improves the club short-term and long-term.
Frankie Wren
September 30th, 2010
11:08 am
Vazquez is a solid pitcher. Throughout his career the guy eats up innings and has been healthy. Good career. With that said, easy to get carried away after what he did last year. The guy had a career year period. He was really good. His whole career has been marked by inconsistency. Good one year, mediocre the next year. Ozzie is a jerk but he was right on with Javy. More concern about Vazquez is how much velocity he has lost this year. That is a major concern.
Great trade by Wren last year and spending the money keeping Huddy.
Heavy Medlen
September 30th, 2010
11:09 am
DOB, I know it’s a longshot, but what are your thoughts on this?
If the Braves are able to find someone to take D-Lowe’s final year, (and I think it would be easier this offseason since another year is removed from his contract and he restored some value in September), and then look to resign Javy Vazquez to a 1 year, 4 million dollar deal? mlbtraderumors suggests that’s what he will be looking to sign for, or what he should get. By doing that, we would be replacing one back of the rotation starter with one that will be that at worst, and we can put that 11 mil towards a LF bat, or other needs.
I know D-Lowe won a bunch of games, but those numbers are a bit misleading and there was a stretch this summer where it felt like the only time we were losing was on days he pitched. JV thrived in ATL and would probably jump at the chance to come back.
Obviously, many hurdles to clear but would seem to make sense at the same time. Thoughts?
David O'Brien
September 30th, 2010
11:10 am
Heavy Medlen, D-Lowe has two years left on his contract, not one. Two years and $30 mill left on four-year, $60 mill deal.
Gary O
September 30th, 2010
11:10 am
Rock On…
I would take Vazquez back to be our #4 starter next season (behind Huddy, Hanson, and Lowe) if the price is right.
As for whether or not he is a big game pitcher, it’s hard to tell. he struggled with the White Sox and the Yankees in that role, but last year he came up big for us whenever we needed it.
Rock on......
September 30th, 2010
11:11 am
Gotta get something productive done and this blog ain’t it. See you losers (in a good way) later.
Rock on….. Changing back to Dadgum soon.
Wayne in Utah
September 30th, 2010
11:11 am
Since we are bantering about on futures, what is the prospects we have in the system for non-first base type infielders.
Names we have all heard are Mycal Jones, Pastornicky, Lipka (sp?), Salcedo, etc. Who else is out there with real potential? What positions do these guys translate to?
Amateurs please do not trouble yourself with a response………
Frankie Wren
September 30th, 2010
11:12 am
Gary-
Vazquez ahead of JJ????
MiaBchBravesFan
September 30th, 2010
11:14 am
Based on what we know, it is pointless to go into the playoffs with JJ and Saito at way less than 100%.
Hudson, Lowe, and Hanson are pitching about as well as anyone can hope for at this time of the year, especially Lowe, whose elbow chips have be salved by the magic of cortisone.
A bullpen of Wagner, Venters, Kimbrel, Moylan, Dunn, Farnsworth, and Martinez (in long relief) represents the best health the Braves have in that department – with no significant dropoff in talent. Only Moylan has a shoulder that has been sore – the past three days providing evidence to the contrary.
Even though EOF’s dizzy spells makes him unavailable, the combo of Venters and Dunn provides the Braves with two highly effective lefthanders to combat lefty bats.
Let’s hope common sense rules. Leave JJ, Saito, and EOF off the playoff roster.
Wayne in Utah
September 30th, 2010
11:14 am
“who are the prospects” instead of “what is the prospects”
Thinking with my fingers again…….
timthebrave
September 30th, 2010
11:14 am
Raise your hand if you were thinking that Bobby Cox should have started Mccann and Glaus instead of Ross and Brooks…..I may have mentioned something about Glaus getting a start against the left hander instead of Brooks Conrad….Bobbby definitely made the right moves yesterday
Heavy Medlen
September 30th, 2010
11:15 am
DOB.. thanks. In my head, it was 3 years/45. Knew it was a flat 15 annually. Wishful thinking I guess. So do you think that second year will make my suggestion impossible, or still an outside chance? It would essentially be what they wanted to do last year.
Murph
September 30th, 2010
11:15 am
I was going to take a day off, but had to post regarding Werth and Crawford. Looks like the Red Sox are going to pursue both of them, and that means the Yankees will probably do so as well. Those two teams will drive the costs up to ridiculous levels. Goodbye Werth, goodbye Crawford.
So, if the Braves are going to go out and get a leadoff guy or power hitter, it’s gonna have to be via trade. Bummer. Hate to see any of the current guys go or a deal that will involve any of the top tier prospects.
If they are going to trade a bunch of prospects then I sure hope they get something good for ‘em, not a broken down 36 year old guy who hit 40 HR 3 years ago.
T for Texas
September 30th, 2010
11:17 am
I was just looking up Conrad’s splits. Surprsingly he has better numbers when starting. I thought it would be the other way around. He is .256/.341/.513 as a starter..224/.288/.478 off the bench. I was also surprised to see that he hits for a slightly higher average from the right side of the plate.