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576 comments Add your comment
Scott Dalane
October 15th, 2010
10:22 am
After watching McLouth in left for a few weeks…..the fact that he can “play” left is highly debatable. He looked much worse in left than in center….and he didn’t look nearly as good as he used to in center, either.
GTSteve
October 15th, 2010
10:27 am
DOB….do the regular bloggers disappear in the off-season
dub366
October 15th, 2010
10:37 am
that the whole problem Chipper Jones everything around him what the hell has he done lately don’t even play a whole season. the team would have done the same thing with him in the lineup he wash up. bring him back instead of going forward is a mistake very.
PMC
October 15th, 2010
10:43 am
6.5 million for McClouth is unbelievable. Sigh.
Anyone got any roids?
. Don
October 15th, 2010
10:45 am
Let’s face the plain truth.
Regardless of who the new manager is, the Braves probably are not going to be competitive next season or perhaps for several years to come:
(1) In reality, the Braves have only THREE established, healthy, major league quality regular position players – Catcher, Right Field, and Second Base. And even this assumes that Prado will be able to bounce back from his injury and play second – And of course, the right fielder is a second year player who is not yet a proven veteran player.
(2) The Braves should have been looking forward to a bright future with a Star young Pitching Staff. But instead, Bobby Cox is leaving them with two of their young Star Starting Pitchers INJURED. Medlin is out at least for all of next season, and JJ has only been a shadow of what he was in his first year since his SHOULDER injury (the knee is only a minor concern). Neither of them may possible ever come back and be effective. With Bobby Cox keeping McDowell on as Pitching Coach in spite of his terrrible record of continued multiple pitcher injuries every year since he has been here, we now have the two injured YOUNG pitchers and our pitchng staff may be desimated for years to come. (Granted, there is no way to prove all or even any of all these pither injures are McDowells fault, it does not speak well of his conditioning program or overall handeling of the pitching staff. Cox should have at least tried someone else.
(3) The Braves should have a young potential All Star Shortstop and big bat in the middle of their order for years to come in Escbar. But because Bobby Cox could not/would not manage him (his hands off, make no demands of players approach did not work with Escobar), we traded him/game him away. His is huge in impacting the future of the Braves.
(4) There is little or no money for making improvements because a significat, huge part of the budget is already obligated to players who are not going to be or may not be productive – Chippper, McLouth, Melky, Kawakmi, and even Lowe if being a year older he is not productive.
Braves Fan Since "80
October 15th, 2010
10:51 am
Infante played very well this year and has played well since joing the Braves averaging over .300 with the bat but is no more than OK with the glove….. I think his versatility and offense are his value…… like him as the top option and a must with Chipper.
Chipper was a great player, now below avg and his salary hurts the Braves….. I know we can blame Lowes, KK, McClouth but we had needs to fill with each of those…… Chipper had a great year, with no power and got a super extension….. Chipper needs to negotiate his retirement….. He can always Farve it……. If Chipper cares about winning CARL Crawford in LF and a trade for Matt Kemp (yeah I dreaming) would allow us to play the weak infield that we have now…….. We must only hope the mets and Phillies steer clear of Crawford
I keep hearing people talk about how great Chipper is…… where are his endorsements?
Freeman and Heyward will probably play well…… Heyward, like Howard did not look great defensively as a rookie but he has got two years to learn on the job…. He looked better than Matt or Melky….
WE will put a poor performing team on the field, no minor leauge help and struggle to make the playoffs….. Pray our pitchers hold up……. Chipper man up Braves/Liberty Media give it up
GTSteve
October 15th, 2010
10:57 am
.Don, that one put me over the edge, see you guys in March…OUT
collegeballfan
October 15th, 2010
11:02 am
I really do not like what I am reading re the infield for 2011.
What I do not like is Gonzalez at SS.
Freeman 1B, Prado 2B, Jones 3B & Infante SS & McCann behind the plate.
Gonzalez can be a backup and pitch hitter along with Conrad.
Trade bait? David Ross deserves a shot to be a starting catcher in the big leagues. He was arguably the top backup catcher in MLB last season.
He hit .289 in the 59 games he played. And the pitchers said they loved his catching.
So who will spend a starting outfielder for a starting catcher and another player to be named later?
Hoosier Aaron
October 15th, 2010
11:05 am
You would consider trading DLowe basically because he and Chipper make up roughly 1/3 of our annual payroll. As FW said, “We have to be creative”.
Last year, everyone wanted to dump DLowe. Now, he has an outstandnig month and he is untouchable. $15 Million/year (total of $30M) for a pitcher like DLowe is well within his market value – try to get one as a free agent for less (15+ wins & 200 innings). A healthy JJ replaces DLowe in the rotation. We have capable 4 & 5 starters.
We need the $15 million to fill holes.
Red Sox missed the playoffs – call them first.
Also, I think the length of Carl Crawford’s contract will be more of a hurdle than the annual dollars.
Those dollars will be huge but we don’t need a 10 year contract at $17 Million/Year.
Trainwreck
October 15th, 2010
11:06 am
I though ACL took a year of recovery. How would Chipper make it back by opening day?
Hanshin Tigers
October 15th, 2010
11:10 am
Where did my post (around 8:40) go???
Mr D
October 15th, 2010
11:15 am
Keith Moon lives: yeah that plan worked great with McGriff and Klesko.
Please God, don’t let them trade Jurgens for another 270 hitter from the AL!
Chief Nock A Homa
October 15th, 2010
11:23 am
Hoosier Aaron has it right…
D Lowe market value will never be higher… even if it just brings in a prospect or two (but have to imagine with the good end of season and decent year overall he could bring more), it more importantly knocks $15 mil off the books to go get a power bat…
JJ is who we want in the rotation – more steady and not financially debilitating…
jack
October 15th, 2010
11:27 am
Simply releasing Melky will create an upgrade in the line-up.
ChipperSu__cKs.com
October 15th, 2010
11:38 am
What happened to all the love for Javy Vasquez……. Chipper make Braves fans happy, retire!
Braves Fan Since "80
October 15th, 2010
11:43 am
I agree JJ is the guy we want to keep……..Lowe can get us a more quality player from a team wanting to win….. Dodgers? CUBS? JJ if he comes back healthy we can trade him before Boras
no money
October 15th, 2010
11:46 am
unfortunately the problem is that ownership will not spend the extra money to get one of the only two good outfielders available that will make any sort of difference. we will be stuck trying to fill our gaping holes with has been players and be in the same position next year
E-6
October 15th, 2010
11:57 am
There are a lot of good outfielders available, there are only two (maybe one – not so sure about Werth outside Philly) VERY good outfielders available. Going from lousy to just good would be a large upgrade which should transfer into a few more victories. Also, I wish I shared Wren’s optimism about the shortstop position. Don’s point three above is well taken.
JonnyVenter'sLeftArm
October 15th, 2010
11:58 am
OK, question: besides Freeman, who is the best position player prospect in the organization with offensive skills? How could the system be so devoid of power-potential hitters? You’ve got the whiff machines Cody Johnson (who took a step backwards) and Mitch-Career-Minor Leaguer-Jones.
joe giradi
October 15th, 2010
12:03 pm
Reason why Yankees rule and Braves suck: advanced scouts (scouting reports). Getting all the star players in the world won’t help the Braves. Their services are useless if they are lazy and go along with management not using scouting reports. Prado might be the hardest working player on the Braves but majority of the Braves are lazy and lucky due to hunches/gut feelings that paid off until the end. So, Braves go ahead and get a Manny Ramirez type player and you will be sorry. Might as well build organization around Escobar. Lack of utilization of scouting reports is the reason why teams like Washington whooped the Braves. Laziness of going out and partying instead of working on fundamentals is why the Braves were among the league losers in defense.
b
October 15th, 2010
12:07 pm
DOB, don’t take the criticism from these bloggers so harshly.
Don’t you realize most of us are just a bunch of nuts.
Most bloggers don’t take the time to post positive comments.
Everything will be ok.
myra
October 15th, 2010
12:09 pm
Bring up PASTORNICKY today!
joe giradi
October 15th, 2010
12:14 pm
Big reason why Dunn and Kimbrel choked at the end because both were being screwed around by Wren going up and down to the minors for no reason other than his stupid mlb rules strategy.
hmmmm......
October 15th, 2010
12:17 pm
We can’t move Lowe unless the braves pay part of his salary. I wouldn’t mind seeing the braves go after Scott Podsednik or Nady and move Heyward to center. Or stick Freeman in left and bring in Lance Berkman it’d be nice to have another switch hitter in the middle of the lineup
joe giradi
October 15th, 2010
12:20 pm
Chris Resop was misused as a reliever and It probably contributed to his injury . He could have been a spot starter but Braves neglected to see his success as a starter in AAA. Braves can’t capitalize on opportunity and will always end up a great pretender until they get serious about competing against the big boys.
joe giradi
October 15th, 2010
12:25 pm
Berkman will fit well with Braves since he is injury prone and Nady will make Braves lovable losers as ever.Grin and bear it with Freeman at 1b. He did hit a homer off Halladay.
Thundersticks
October 15th, 2010
12:26 pm
How about Lowe for Papelbon? The Red Sox have already indicated they are not going to resign him when they already have a replacement. He can close for us for one season (free agent after next season) and give Kimrel one more year. Or we could trade Papelbon at the deadline to fill another need.
joe giradi
October 15th, 2010
12:27 pm
Braves conditioning of pitchers resemble how the Cubs condition their pitchers. Braves king of the Tommy John procedure.
joe giradi
October 15th, 2010
12:29 pm
Why not just move Lowe to the bullpen and get a real number one starter. Find the most affordable number one starter that dominated the Braves and get him.
hmmmm......
October 15th, 2010
12:31 pm
hey joe forget how to spell your name girardi
hmmmm......
October 15th, 2010
12:32 pm
Dunn choked because he’s a converted pitcher and doesn’t always locate
RHR
October 15th, 2010
12:38 pm
I can’t get over Nate McOut making 6.5 million! 6 point 5 MILLION! Somebody call the cops!
nashvillewill
October 15th, 2010
12:38 pm
Chipper is not going to just go away. He could be induced to forego some salary in interest of hiring Crawford or Werth. Ask him. I am. Chipper, would you please accept a salary commiserate with your value, say $7-8 mil? That’s still quite a hefty salary for your contributions at this stage of your career.
Other opinions: let McClouth go; let KK go; let Gonzo go (chant, Let Gonzo Go! Let Gonzo Go!) These “players” have been terrible. Let’s just call it a loss and move forward.
Don’t resign Lee, he was terrible also. Ditto for Ankiel.
Where the heck does Infante play. Although I have lobbied since Chpper went down for Infante to be everyday LF, it doesn’t appear Braves management agrees. So if I’m Omar, I’m asking,”Where do you play me? If not everyday, after the year I had, please trade me.” Omar deserves to be everyday as much as anyone, more so than Heyward and Freeman.
I don’t like moving guys all around, especially in IF. So put Prado on 2B and leave him there. Chipper at 3B and find a young talent (Alvarez-like) to groom there and fill in for the injured CJ. Put Infante in LF and leave him there. Find right-handed power hitting 1B not-Lee to back up Freeman. Hire best CF. And there you have a contender to fight Phils. C’mon Wren. This is do-able. Trade Jurrgens if you have to. Or even Hanson. Braves have enough pitching to contend already.
In Spring, Braves must work on fundamentals: defense, moving runners, baserunning, and defense. And they need to work on improving defense.
Blackberry Cobbler
October 15th, 2010
12:39 pm
The Braves have more problems than just the outfield. Wren is clueless.
Ist Base is a huge need– I guess we plug FF in there.
SS is a need– Gonzalez was useless most of the time.
Lowe much pretty much useless most of the season.
Hanson wilted into nothing late in the season.
Peter
October 15th, 2010
12:45 pm
Why do Braves fans think we should increase the payroll ?
How about FIRE WREN.
The current Texas Ranger payroll is less than $56 million…and they are a dominating team.
The Tampa Bay team that went to the World Series, and the Florida Marlin Teams, that won it all were not big payroll teams….BUT they were teams they were put together correctly.
Gonzalez was an upgrade at SS ?
Melky was worth what ? And Nate, or KK, what are they worth ?
Wren is not doing a good job, and so there we have it……. also Chipper should take a pay cut…..or pro rate his salary for the amount of games played.
reggie
October 15th, 2010
12:45 pm
1. Let’s hope Fredi is more of a stickler for fitness than was the HOF manager. McCann, Moylan, Jurrjens, Glaus, Hinske and Diaz…to name a few, all seemed out of shape, and actually gained weight (not muscle) during the season.
2. McLouth in CF in 2011? Oh. My. God. How many balls are gonna fall in right center because he’s having flashbacks of colliding with Heyward. Those two won’t get near each other. File this under “seriously bad ideas.”
3. What has happened to Hinske’s versatility? How can a guy who played 427 games at 3rd base from 2002-04, and 49 games in right field in 2008 suddenly be unqualified to play an inning at either position?
RHR
October 15th, 2010
12:46 pm
Don’t complain about Chipper’s money, he’s a BIG asset to this team, and if you didn’t see that after he was out then I don’t know what to tell you. Why not ask McOut and Kawakrummy to give us their money back? Those two combined make more than Chipper and are about as valuable to us as Chipper’s big toe so don’t come on here all mad at Chipper because of the money he has EARNED and because he has so kindly deferred salary and took pay cuts before don’t expect him to do it again and be mad if he doesn’t.
Peter
October 15th, 2010
12:47 pm
Hey reggie ….I have been saying the Braves are a SLOW, OLD, over weight team for some time now.
Most look like weekend Beer drinking softball players…….and they play the same way !
Great call !
steveP
October 15th, 2010
12:51 pm
http://pinetarandpocketprotectors.wordpress.com/2010/10/09/colby-rasmus-trade-value/.
Towards the bottom of the article is a suggested group of players that this guy suggests the Cardinals get back in return for Rasmus. HELL NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ryan
October 15th, 2010
12:52 pm
What are the plans for Medlen? I know he won’t be available until the Summer, but he was solid while starting last year?
Kawacrummy
October 15th, 2010
12:54 pm
Maybe I try sumo next.
Spud Webb
October 15th, 2010
12:55 pm
What needs to happen is Chipper retire and spend that 13 million for an OF position.
Spud Webb
October 15th, 2010
12:57 pm
“Don’t complain about Chipper’s money, he’s a BIG asset to this team, and if you didn’t see that after he was out then I don’t know what to tell you. ”
Really????? I like chipper, but the fact is you CANNOT pay him 13 mill a season to be a mentor. Before the knee injury he wasn’t producing, bottom line. 13 mill for the owners (who wont spend money) is enough for a stud OF….not an old 3B, who like it or not, cannot produce any longer. That is a fact & if you don’t realize that, I have no idea what to tell you.
bravesgrl4life
October 15th, 2010
12:58 pm
No way the Braves trade McCann or Heyward. Heyward will be cheap for a few years and McCann has already shown this team that he is willing to work for less $$$ in order to play in his hometown. Both are fan favorites (at least they are outside of this blog). No way, no how is either of them going anywhere soon. J-Hey might once he’s free to do so, but not McCann.
Hire Greg Walker hitting coach
October 15th, 2010
1:02 pm
Jack have no fear.. Milky won’t be here!
People everything Wren said probably is a front for some other deal, etc. Wren is like a salesman trying to make other GM’s want what he’s got. The spin man. he knows he screwed up last season with some of his late season trades (just look at OF we got) and must do better. I still believe he will get a good power hitter. Pray I’m not wrong.
RHR
October 15th, 2010
1:03 pm
13 million isn’t that much in professional athelete salary terms. See: Nate McOut makes 6.5 million dollars.
Papadawg
October 15th, 2010
1:07 pm
All you smart fans who hated Francouer, guess who hit 360 in Sept. and is still playing in the playoffs.
Melky & McLouth
October 15th, 2010
1:10 pm
We quit! Fredi says he expects us to not only cover outfield but hit too.
Hire Greg Walker hitting coach
October 15th, 2010
1:12 pm
Thanks Stevep for Link..good stuff.
Papedawg glad u keep up with Frenchy and I wish him the best but lets see who pays the 7 plus million he wants for next year?
blueridge
October 15th, 2010
1:13 pm
Don’t trade Jurrjens unless he’s packaged with Kamakaze. It’ll free some dollars.
ijudgenot
October 15th, 2010
1:14 pm
The Dude
October 15th, 2010
12:35 am
PEOPLE…FORGET ABOUT CRAWFORD! NOT GONNA HAPPEN! He will be a Yankee. Keep JJ and take a page out of the Marlins or Rays playbook. Build a team for 2012. Obviously the team the Braves have is competitive…they did make the playoffs and aren’t losing anyone. Adding an outfielder is not going to get them to the WS…so don’t let go of the young talent we have.
I think this is the way to go. The days when the Braves pitching could carry them is over. The Braves have good pitching now not great as in the past. Resign yourself that they will probably not win the division next year but can be competitive with the idea that you continue to develope players in the minor leagues that may be able to takeover at 3rd base and LF(Winton Ramirez). Trade for a decent CF who has speed and a litle pop over the Winter.
Papadawg
October 15th, 2010
1:18 pm
What are the Braves paying for their sorry a__ outfield now.
Skeezix
October 15th, 2010
1:18 pm
I said it at the time–trading Francouer was a huge mistake by Wren. The Braves didn’t exercise enough patience with him. He is a player who doesn’t shrink from the pressure of big games and has played great for the Texans………….against the Giants, we sure missed his arm/defense in RF.
DogTheMan
October 15th, 2010
1:21 pm
Its depressing to know going into the Free Agency period that we have no chance to get someone who will instantly improve our team. We will sign someone who was ok 2 or 3 years ago and hope he has a great year. SEE TROY GLAUS, It would be great to actually be ablew to read that ownership caes enough to fund the team. WHERE IS TES TURNER!!!!
RHR
October 15th, 2010
1:23 pm
360 in September? Why the cherry picking? Why not mention his .125 post season average or his 240 career average?
Frank Wren
October 15th, 2010
1:23 pm
When selecting players-I find that the ouija board works best for me.
Hire Greg Walker hitting coach
October 15th, 2010
1:28 pm
Papadawg, I agree with sorry A@@ outfield……..we need to clean house but who is going to take what we got. Frenchy is not the answer though but I wish him well.
donald
October 15th, 2010
1:30 pm
the braves need to do multiple things:
1. trade Lowe high – a 37 year old with a 4.00 era isnt worth 15 million a year. he pitched well at the end of the year, so selling high is a viable option
2. carl crawford is completely out of the question. there is just no way the braves will sign him, so you might as well stop talking about it. jayson werth is also most likely out of the question, but is a bit more of a realistic option. the braves need to invest in a young outfielder who will be with the team for years to come. if they can piece something together for colby rasmus (maybe jurrjens and a prospect), that would easily be their best option and a game changer as he is only 24 and will only get better.
3. if the braves do want to spend money in the offseason chipper has to retire. his contract is absolutely ridiculous. he will get paid 14 million next year to hit .260 with 12 homers and 50 RBI. that contract is just killing us.
4. hanson is our ace of the future. we don’t need to trade for an ace or sign one (not that we could even do that anyways given our budget) because tommy will be one of the best pitchers in the NL within the next couple of years. anyone who thinks we have a chance at getting felix hernandez or signing cliff lee doesn’t know anything about baseball.
5. the braves have to acquire some sort of above average infielder because prado and infante will not have years like they had this year ever again and we can’t count on them to.
what the braves will actually do: get another middle of the road outfielder who will contribute nothing special to the team (cody ross) and call it a key acquisition. then they will make a couple of other insignificant moves and expect to have a team that can compete in the playoffs. the current team has way too many holes, and will have to give up some good pitching in order to fill them
DawgDad
October 15th, 2010
1:41 pm
“Adding an outfielder is not going to get them to the WS”
Depends. In my mind, Braves would still be playing if they had Holliday in left field. The Phillies are a roadblock right now, but they might not be as formidable next year. Many key players on the Braves are a year older and slower next season – that is a big concern, too.
nique
October 15th, 2010
1:43 pm
The problem with the Braves this last season was that they had about 5-6 marginal guys playing the same position that Bobby subbed in and out, and these guys each got paid a couple of mill.
We should just play Infante in left (if Chipper must come back) and focus on signing a very good CF for the money we’d otherwise give to 3-4 guys. Get some cheap depth through the minors or elsewhere.
JD
October 15th, 2010
1:47 pm
Think this guy misses the Braves? I think not:
http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/14/francoeur-misses-his-friends-but-is-happy-in-the-playoffs/?ref=sports
Francouer’s hitting .340 since going to the Rangers and is playing G1 of the ALCS tonight…
Tim S.
October 15th, 2010
1:49 pm
First of all, I agree Infante has shown he is a regular. But he doesn’t have a position… what Wren/Fredi should do is announce to the media that Omar WILL play SOMEWHERE nearly every game, good for at least 400-500 ABs… That would work. They’d just need to rotate, play Chipper and Martin about 5 games per week to keep them healthy as much as anything else; there’s 4 starts combined for Omar. Throw him out in the OF once or twice week, too…
If they think he’s going to appreciate gettin 200-250 ABs again, like in the past, he won’t. . Reward the guy for once, all he gets is a bad rap (happened here in Detroit, too).
Meanwhile, speaking of the Tigers, sign Magglio to play left (again maybe 5 games a week). Magglio was a close friend of Omar’s during the latter’s Detroit career and Maggs also (since he is Venezuelan) would connect very well with Prado. Excellent for team chemistry. Sign Ordonez for maybe $7-8 mil. Oh yeah, the Bravos should extend Omar to 2012 right now.
JD
October 15th, 2010
1:49 pm
don’t want him back, just pointing out how nuts things work sometimes in baseball. Career .240 guy gets hot on his new team, wonder what they’ll think when he’s batting .200 next July?
DawgDad
October 15th, 2010
1:52 pm
nique: Brooks Conrad is the definition of “cheap depth”. Might look good sitting on the bench or in spots, but not quality depth when you need him to step up. Infante, Ross, that is quality depth, and they are worth the extra bucks. Diaz was, and might still be. Hinske faded back to the bench, but his bat is extremely valuable. Braves will need to take a flyer on some new faces for the back end of the bench, and it will be interesting to see how they fare. Middle infield should be interesting to watch, and we can only hope for new faces in the outfield.
JD
October 15th, 2010
1:56 pm
@Tim S – Like Maggs too but he’s just too old. We need an everyday CF with POP, not a part-timer. we got too many of those now….
coach smith
October 15th, 2010
2:00 pm
How is it that the Braves have 15 million or so coming off the payroll but can’t afford Crawford or Werth?????
Spud Webb
October 15th, 2010
2:05 pm
Where are the braves losing 15 mill in salary?
Braves Fan in Illinois
October 15th, 2010
2:07 pm
I am shocked at the number of dreamers who actually believe Carl Crawford is an attainable commodity. I must believe that the folks who genuinely believe such a signing is possible are the same ignorant loudmouths who are pleased to see the retirement of the best manager in baseball. There is simply not enough stupidity to go around in this world unless these two schools of thought are coming from the same group of “fans.”
TD (the biker)
October 15th, 2010
2:09 pm
coach smith you stop whining in the press and make the playoffs with the players we give you. we manage the salary cap and draft the players. you want what, our benevolent owner to sign you future hall of fame skill players and draft instant starters and transform a wasteland of talent into a consistent annual winner? who do you think owns us, Arthur Blank? Ted Turner?
Thundersticks
October 15th, 2010
2:11 pm
“DogTheMan
October 15th, 2010
1:21 pm
Its depressing to know going into the Free Agency period that we have no chance to get someone who will instantly improve our team. We will sign someone who was ok 2 or 3 years ago and hope he has a great year. SEE TROY GLAUS, It would be great to actually be ablew to read that ownership caes enough to fund the team. WHERE IS TES TURNER!!!!”
I’d like to actually be able to read your post.
C's
October 15th, 2010
2:13 pm
Rasmus…..
To the Braves for: Craig Kimbrel, Arodys Vizcaino, Omar Infante (one year until free agency)
———————
Don’t…smoke….crack……
C's
October 15th, 2010
2:22 pm
I think the Braves and Rangers match up great for a JJ/Cruz swap. Braves need offensive help, the Rangers will need pitching help after Lee leaves. Both players are young and cheap. Both have a slight history of injuries, but are very good when healthy.
Then I’d try to sign Javy (or a similar type pitcher; 1-2 year contract) to fill the #4 spot.
Thundersticks
October 15th, 2010
2:25 pm
“C’s
October 15th, 2010
2:22 pm
I think the Braves and Rangers match up great for a JJ/Cruz swap. Braves need offensive help, the Rangers will need pitching help after Lee leaves. Both players are young and cheap. Both have a slight history of injuries, but are very good when healthy.
Then I’d try to sign Javy (or a similar type pitcher; 1-2 year contract) to fill the #4 spot.”
I couldn’t agree more. We might be able to deal Lowe, a mid-level prospect and about $10M for Cruz.
There are no realistic free agent options for the Braves. So a trade is the only way we can really improve the offense.
count_schemula
October 15th, 2010
2:34 pm
If they would take the risk, Crawford is attainable. If we don’t pick up any more bad middle of the road contracts. McLouth and KK are $6m each, but that is $12m together. Do not trade any pitchers. Get Chipper to commit to retiring after 2011. We owe him 2011. He owes us stepping aside in 2012. So, right there, in 2012, we’d have $30m off the books. Our bullpen is pretty cheap with Kimbrel, Venters, Dunn being so young. We have 4 solid starters and 2 options vying for #5. Resign Hinske to cover 1b and LF. Let Diaz and Lee and Melk Dud go. Force McLouth to play at even a .250 clip. Use roids if you have too. Don’t trade pitching. Don’t do it.
Terry
October 15th, 2010
2:36 pm
Forget Crawford because he only hits around 20 HRs a year. I don’t know who will be available through free agency but we need a big banger that can hit 30 plus. Load up for a good trade with a team like the Brewers who could use pitching for one of their steller outfielders. I doubt if anyone would invoke their no-trade clause if they were coming to the Braves.
count_schemula
October 15th, 2010
2:36 pm
There is no sell high on Lowe. He’s 37, he’s owed $15m and he’s ours. Seems like McDowell made some “adjustments” and somehow, he wins 15-16 games. Yes, the Phils have the best 1-3 starters, but we have a better 1-4 and a better bullpen. Don’t loose the forest for the trees here.
count_schemula
October 15th, 2010
2:36 pm
*lose – I hate typos
count_schemula
October 15th, 2010
2:38 pm
I’ve posted the FA list twice in this thread. There is not much available. Crawford is 20HRs, but he’s also good D and good on the basepaths. Burell or Dunn would be a nightmare in the field.
Ghost of Leyritz
October 15th, 2010
2:40 pm
If Wren is consistent with his history, he will trade JJ for another .250 hitter. How do you think we got this outfield in the first place?
No thanks. Keep JJ
count_schemula
October 15th, 2010
2:40 pm
We would have advanced with even an old Chipper and a banged up Prado this year. We lose Wagner and Saito, but Kimbrel looks ready, and somehow, Bobby did not kill Venters.
JR
October 15th, 2010
2:43 pm
don’t have time to read three pages to see if this has come up, but it was interesting that medlen was not mentioned in the article.
mike
October 15th, 2010
2:51 pm
I wouldn’t mind trading JJ if it reeled in a nice outfielder. That is if Medlen were to be available to be in the rotation.
bvillebaron
October 15th, 2010
2:53 pm
Ah, great to see that the offseason has arrived and all of the rocking chair GM wannabees are out in full force. Do the Braves have some needs? Of course: offense, speed and improved defense among them. But some of the posts here are simply idiotic. My personal favorite is trade Kimbrel (a 22 year old who has dominant closer written all over him), Vizcaino (a 20 year old very promising pithcing prospect) and Infante (an Allstar super sub) for Colby Rasmus (I guess I must have missed when he became transformed from a good player into the second coming of Willie Mays).
We all can whine about how cheap Liberty Media is ad infinitum, but that ain’t gonna change. Wren has to operate within a budget and, while I haven’t agreed with all of his moves, the bottom line is that in two years, he transformed the team from one that had the 7th worse record in baseball to the playoffs. Maybe, just maybe, he deserves a little credit for that!
count_schemula
October 15th, 2010
2:53 pm
Medlin is pretty much out for 2011. He did well, but really feel he would have gotten exposed at some point as a starter. I like him in the 2-3IP relief role.
Spud Webb
October 15th, 2010
2:53 pm
count_schemula…helarious, use roids if you have to!!!
and I don’t know how venters survived bobby running him out there everyday.
Hobo
October 15th, 2010
2:54 pm
Because won’t be ready till the second half of the season at the earliest.
Hobo
October 15th, 2010
2:56 pm
Medlen that is.
reagan
October 15th, 2010
2:57 pm
DOB…..it’s this board that needs to be upgraded! Have read some of the dumbest posts of the year in the last few days. Believe we have more than a few mets and phillies fans posting here who are not serious posters. You need an IGNORE feature! YOU on the other hand do a great job. Love YOUR posts.
count_schemula
October 15th, 2010
2:58 pm
And even when Medlin “comes back” he will be in regain form mode in 2011. He will pitch, but won’t have value until 2012.
Terry
October 15th, 2010
2:59 pm
Trade Lowe…trade Hanson…get rid of Chipper, by reading these comments, it is my opinion the Braves have dumbest fan base ever. I hope no one on the Braves staff seriously reads any of this crap.
reagan
October 15th, 2010
3:00 pm
Donald (from 1:30) and braves fan in Ilinois (from 2:07)……good posts!
count_schemula
October 15th, 2010
3:02 pm
The nice thing is we don’t really have to do anything but throw money at the problem. Keep the pitching intact. Sign Crawford. Wait for McLouth, KK and Chipper to come off the books in 2012. Sign Hinske and Infante and I guess A Gon since he’s pretty cheap all told. Hey, Yunel, go skrew yourself for forcing us to have to make that trade since you were such a punk.
Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
3:03 pm
Andrew jones is the braves only choice in my view for a new outfielder in my personal view . Otis Nixon would be the best hitting coach and Andrew could hit around 320 and have 25-32 home runs . Otis nixon getting guys to 2n base and helping lead off hitters could pull us a 100 game winning season .
Texas Frenchy
October 15th, 2010
3:04 pm
Since we have limited funds, how about go after Nady for LF, hes a FA & has power from right side if he can stay healthy, were stuck with McClouth in CF for 6 million reasons, DO NOT put him in LF he might kill himself!
Hoosier Aaron
October 15th, 2010
3:04 pm
Not to bash Frenchy, but he did well for us until the pitchers made adjustments and he did not.
Now, AL pitchers are getting to see him basically for the first time. Based on history, if they make similar adjustments to NL pitchers – he probably won’t (again).
I’m just glad he turned down the same offer that BMac accepted. We’d still be stuck if he wasn’t a little bit greedy.
All that being said, I hope he goes on to a Hall of Fame career…..in the AL.
DontTouchThat
October 15th, 2010
3:09 pm
I don’t know if anyone has thrown it out there but what do you all think of signing Andruw Jones to a minimum contract with incentives? His numbers are pretty much identical to Carlos Pena’s with the only concern being his defense. If he drops more weight, I could see him being an average LFer at best which is more than we need. Other issue would be the ballpark as it’s not hitter friendly so his production might drop a little but signing him with no expectations is worth it for a former Atlanta great.
nique
October 15th, 2010
3:10 pm
DawgDad – you’re right Conrad is a perfect example of cheap depth – we paid the guy what $400K and he pinch hit and played a valuable role on the team. The guy single handedly won us how many games? Granted he looked horrible at the end, but I’d much rather spend money on a good player who will start for us every game he’s healthy and have a guy like Conrad on the bench and come in occasionally when needed than have Melky, Diaz, Hinske, McLouth and Ankiel all rotating between positions -that’s a lot of money between all those guys.
nique
October 15th, 2010
3:14 pm
Same deal with Glaus and Hinske – they could’ve and should’ve signed LaRoche and had him start all season rather than paying 2 guys to play until Lee got here.
BTW, I think Hinske is great and definitely want him back but we don’t need 4 guys of the same caliber as him on the bench unless we plan to continue to sign re-tread over the hill types who we hope will some how rejuvenate their careers in ATL just because.
Thundersticks
October 15th, 2010
3:15 pm
“Atlanta braves fan of south
October 15th, 2010
3:03 pm
Andrew jones is the braves only choice in my view for a new outfielder in my personal view . Otis Nixon would be the best hitting coach and Andrew could hit around 320 and have 25-32 home runs . Otis nixon getting guys to 2n base and helping lead off hitters could pull us a 100 game winning season .”
LMAO!!!! Oh, wait. You weren’t kidding?!?!?
joe girardi
October 15th, 2010
3:15 pm
Pretty much all the good players that were put on the waiver wire,Braves failed to do anything about.They wouldn’t get Adam Dunn.They wouldn’t get Ted Lilly. They didn’t get Cody Ross and it was the nail in their coffin. They just sat back and looked to blame their failure on their injuries. They had a first baseman that was playing injured and could only put up Casey Kotchman numbers. They refused other players playing time because of contract incentives. This all looks Pete Rosey if you ask me. Braves are bound to fail because of those with power see it fit for them to do so.