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P-Town Brave ©
October 19th, 2010
9:59 am
^^ Yeah, but when has Crawford played as little as Chipper has in the last 8 years?
I myself do not want Crawford because I dont feel he’ll fulfill his contract, BUT I can understand why someone may want him…I mean c’mon, compared to what we’ve had out there…
Me Thinks ......
October 19th, 2010
10:00 am
I really don’t think Freeman should have been playing fall league ball. Why? The guy had a spectacular year at Gwinnett. He was league rookie of the year. So Freeman needed more playing time in Arizona? To prove what, exactly? Seems to me Freeman has a strong skill set and a solid work ethic. Seems that he earned the time off. Spring training that far off? Wren blew this call.
I hope you’re purdy, because you’re too dumb not to be
CraZyTRaDeMaN
October 19th, 2010
10:00 am
How about a McLouth/Francoeur platoon in LF
I was thinking Francoeur/G.Anderson but I guess Mclouth will work.
P-Town Brave ©
October 19th, 2010
10:02 am
I hope you’re purdy, because you’re too dumb not to be
Why do I feel like I just stepped into Deliverance?
Hope is all I have left
October 19th, 2010
10:05 am
I know I’m a little late here but I live in NY and I’ve watched Carlos Beltran for a few years now. He’s a terribly unmotivated player and has always seemed to be a bit soft. I like the idea of his bat because the last few seasons he’s shortened up and has been driving the ball to the gaps (the type of hitter we really need). Just based on watching him player at the end of last year, there is NO WAY he should be playing CF anymore. I’d take him if we could KK and someone else (I wouldn’t be trading prospects for him). I don’t like the idea of getting rid of McLouth. He seemed to be doing better at the end of last season; I think with more at bats, a new hitting coach and maybe a little more help from Chipper he could re-gain his form. However, McLouth should be in LF as his arm does worry me.
Lew
October 19th, 2010
10:05 am
OK. Maybe it’s nothing but a difference in what we mean when we use certain phrases.
Aramis Ramirez was “A Beast” for the Cubs last year? Yeah, I guess a .241 BA, .291 OBP, .452 SLG% and OPS of .745 is somewhat Beast-like – when compared to what Nate McLouth did.
Yeah, Aramis hit 25 GR and knocked in 83 runs, but Wrigley Field and Turner Field are two different places. He wouldn’t put up those numbers in ATlanta. Well, the power numbers, anyway. We’ve seen that the low BA and OBP can be replicated.
BravePack
October 19th, 2010
10:05 am
I would definately go after Rasmus of all the players mentioned. Cardinals just re-signed LaRussa and obviously he and Rasmus don’t get along. He’s young and promising and I would think he comes with less baggage then Kemp as far as attitude even though both have one.
Jeff R
October 19th, 2010
10:09 am
CraZyTRaDeMaN & raleighbravefan… For Freeman, the fall league is just showcasing. Freeman demonstrated through the summer at AAA that he’s got the talent, skill set, and disipline to play at a major league level. What did Freeman need to really work on in Arizona? What didn’t he demonstrate at Gwinnett?
Freeman needed to be showcased? Why? I understand playing Freeman or any other player who needs to work on skills in the fall league (case in point, Jason Heyward, who didn’t have the benefit of a full season at Gwinnett). But I think Freeman damaged his thumb for no good reason. I think Wren blew it.
Me Thinks ......
October 19th, 2010
10:14 am
For Freeman, the fall league is just showcasing. Freeman demonstrated through the summer at AAA that he’s got the talent, skill set, and disipline to play at a major league level. What did Freeman need to really work on in Arizona? What didn’t he demonstrate at Gwinnett?
It’s more like what didn’t he demonstrate at the major league level? The kid needs more seasoning. the more pitch recognition, plate discipline, plate approach development you can get for a 21 year old against the elite of the minors, the better he’ll be.
P-Town Brave ©
October 19th, 2010
10:15 am
I don’t know where this whole bad attitude BS comes from…
Just because he doesn’t get along w/ LaRussa, doesn’t mean he has an attitude…
LaRussa doesn’t and didn’t get along w/ many players…Scott Rolen is one of the best clubhouse guys in all of baseball…LaRussa hated him!
Lets just say it for what it is, LaRussa is a D*CK and we’d be lucky to end up with Rasmus…
That said, I would be ok with either Rasmus or Kemp because guess what, either one would GREATLY improve our OF.
Lew
October 19th, 2010
10:17 am
Dude sprained his thumb. It could have happened at Gwinnett. It could have happened when he was called up in Atlanta. It could have happened when he was deer hunting with Chipper or playing air guitar at home. Hell – didn’t Clint Barmes hurt himself tripping on stairs?
There’s still almost four months until Spring Training. I wouldn’t worry so much. It sounds like it’s not a big deal.
P-Town Brave ©
October 19th, 2010
10:17 am
Ok, sorry, apparently some comments have just put me in a bad way right about now…
Why does Freeman NEED to be showcased?!
The ONLY reason you would NEED to “showcase” a player is if you were planning on dealing him…
Otherwise, the reason the guys are in the AFL is to see if they’re ready for the jump to the next level.
P-Town Brave ©
October 19th, 2010
10:18 am
Lew-
Yes, the infamous Clint Barmes, carrying a deer up the stairs and slipping and breaking my wrist/arm story.
Lew
October 19th, 2010
10:18 am
Scott Rolen has never gotten along with any manager. Ask Larry Bowa.
. Don
October 19th, 2010
10:20 am
Some of you are saying that the Braves only need to add one good hitting outfielder to be competitive. This is difficult to understand.
Even if you count Infante as being plugged in somewhere as a regular, the Braves have only 4 major league quality, experienced, healthy position players – Catcher, 2nd Base, Right Field and Infante. Even this assumes that Prado can bounce back from the injury, that Heyward will be good in his second year, and that Infante will have a good year as a regular.
Even more significantly, the assumption that the Pitching is going to continue to be great may not be correct. After Hudson and Hanson, you have only question marks for the starting rotation. Medlin is out for next season. JJ’s knee is a minor thing – he has not been anything like as effective since his shoulder injury. Lowe is old and will be a year older and is in question. The rookies are promising but who knows.
At third base -As great a hitter as Chipper has been, at best, he probably is going to be no better than the last two years which were not very productive – And his defense which has been barely adequate may be worse after the injury and another year of age. Freeman at first base may or may not be ready to be productive at the major league level. Escobar is gone and Gonzo is no long really a quality shortstop either defensively or offensively. And, of course, the outfield (other than Heyward) is a huge question.
Lew
October 19th, 2010
10:20 am
PTown-I have personal experience with injuries and steps. They”re out to get us.
But like I said – four months til Spring Training and it only took me four months to heal from a broken leg. Freeman’s a kid. He’ll heal in no time.
Lew
October 19th, 2010
10:22 am
don-Apparently you have nothing else to live for. We’re sorry that suicide has become your only option.
DAP
October 19th, 2010
10:23 am
lew lets hope its not a career ending thumb sprain for the kid.
Lew
October 19th, 2010
10:24 am
Besides – Freeman shares a house with Heyward. They can do thumb rehab together.
Frankie Wren
October 19th, 2010
10:24 am
Anybody have any thoughts on getting Berkman next season? Since we are going on the cheap(and we will again for 2011) does this guy have another season in him? Send his 35 yr body out to left field and he can spell the kid at first batting RH. I think he has some life left in the bat at least. Defensively taking a big gamble but we have been doing that the last 3 years in left field.
Lew
October 19th, 2010
10:24 am
DAP-Really.
Hillbilly
October 19th, 2010
10:27 am
Lew, dude, Freddie is a California boy. Seriously doubt he’s got much deer hunting in his life.
Air guitar sounds more fathomable.
Jeff R
October 19th, 2010
10:28 am
P-Town Brave © … Well, I don’t intend on putting anyone in a sour mood. But Wren and management haven’t evaluated Freeman’s performance over the past summer to know if he’s ready to jump to the next level, as you say? So, a poor showing by Freeman in the AZ fall league means he’s not the odds-on favorite to be the Braves’ regular 1B in 2011?
I’ll ask again: What didn’t Freeman demonstrate at Gwinnett that he needs to demonstrate in the fall league? Why over-play these kids? If there were real question marks about Freeman, or his skill set was suspect, I’m all for the additional play. But there’s no evidence that Freeman required the extra time at Arizona.
DAP
October 19th, 2010
10:28 am
and by the way lew, please stop saying its 4 months til spring training. that seems like way to long, and i dont like it.
Bobby Hill
October 19th, 2010
10:29 am
DOB-
Are you planning another trip to Arizona this fall? Another bike ride in the rain?
DAP
October 19th, 2010
10:31 am
jeff r But there’s no evidence that Freeman required the extra time at Arizona.
and none that it would hurt him either, unless you are really worried about a thumb strain at 21 holding freeman back from the player could be.
youre making way to big of a deal out of this. i know its the offeason, but gee whiz, dude.
raleighbravefan
October 19th, 2010
10:32 am
Jeff R – Did you read Wren’s comments?
FF isn’t being showcased. hey wanted to give a young guy with limited exsperience some work (only 6 weeks) in the AFL, then some time off. The alternative is to waste 4 months, or work him 3 months in Winter Ball. Seems like the right choice to me. Are you suggesting he sit at home and do nothing for 4 months, because he may get hurt? HUH?
Jeff R
October 19th, 2010
10:33 am
DAP… I’ll defer to your wisdom here.
raleighbravefan
October 19th, 2010
10:35 am
Jeff R – Again, he’s not going there to be “evaluated”. He’s going there to get in some work and gains some experience against the top prospects in the game. Is there really a problem with that?
LTBF
October 19th, 2010
10:36 am
Good morning all, Since Liberty Media does not want to spend money to get us good outfielders. It might be a good idea[if we can get him on the cheap] to get Jeff Francoeur back, he seems to be hitting ok with Texas. Could be with new mamager here he could do the job in LF.
Jeff R
October 19th, 2010
10:37 am
raleighbravefan… Well, yes. But I think DAP is right!
Bobby Hill
October 19th, 2010
10:38 am
I think with all the big prospects in the Arizona league the competition is a notch higher than AAA. Freeman showed he could excel at AAA but his numbers in Atlanta didn’t exactly scream, “Full time job on playoffs contending team.” He’s didn’t get any regular playing time and its a small sample size, so I won’t read too much into that. But still, Freddy hasn’t proven himself to be a productive major leaguer. No one wants another Scott Thorman situation on a team with legitimate playoff aspirations. Wren needs every piece of data he can pull together to decide what kind of a backup veteran 1B he’ll need.
Obee
October 19th, 2010
10:42 am
Barry Bonds.
Lew
October 19th, 2010
10:43 am
LTBF-Francoeur? Seriously? Didn’t we already try that for a few years?
Yet another case of “Anything has to be better than what we have” and not much else.
richbrave
October 19th, 2010
10:44 am
Barry Bonds? Now there’s an option……….NOT!!!!! BTW, I always cap names, but I’m making an exception for the almost a BRAVE.
Jeff R
October 19th, 2010
10:44 am
Bobby Hill… Methinks the game is way over evaluated today. Management has become too bureaucratic: rfling through reams of stats, measursements, odds. Okay, some of that is good, but a lot of it is excessive.
Owl Hunter
October 19th, 2010
10:48 am
LTBF
You can’t be serious.
LTBF
October 19th, 2010
10:48 am
Lew: Jeff is still young and has great arm, think he is about Mc Canns age without looking it up.
P-Town Brave ©
October 19th, 2010
10:51 am
Lew-
Did you really use the words “get along” and Crazy Larry Bowa in the same sentence…
C’mon now Lew…you’re better than that!
Murph
October 19th, 2010
10:52 am
Frenchy? Really? Why not try and get Andruw Jones while we’re at it. An outfield of Frenchy in left, AJones in center, and Heyward in right.
They would hit a collective .220, but they’d definitely do better than 40 homeruns for the season total. And they’d probably lead the league in outfield assists.
I’m sure AJones can be had for $1mil or so.
Bobby Hill
October 19th, 2010
10:54 am
The Braves organization really isn’t prone to do that much number crunching. But I think Wren wants to see Freddy succeed out in Arizona. If Freddy hits .225 with no power in Arizona it might raise some flags. Also, at this point Freeman really hasn’t played much since the end of August. Too much time off can be a bad thing for a young kid, both on and off the field.
Owl Hunter
October 19th, 2010
10:54 am
LTBF
Frenchy can’t hit consistently for any sustained period of time. He was a massive failure in Atlanta. Did you just start watching baseball at the beginning of this year’s playoffs?
richbrave
October 19th, 2010
10:55 am
Is the ‘DUD’ REALLY an ex-BRAVE. One can only hope.
David O'Brien
October 19th, 2010
10:56 am
Someone asked about Matt Young. He’s playing in the Mexican League this winter, same as last year when he was one of the league’s best and most surprising players. He’s on same team down there as Gwinnett teammates Wes Timmons and starting pitcher Tim Gustafson.
. Don
October 19th, 2010
10:57 am
Obviously, the thing that has made the Braves competitive is their PITCHING.
But their most serious and significant problem for next season (and a problem that everyone seems to be overlooking) may be their STARTING PITCHING.
After Hudson and Hanson, they have only question marks for the 3 remaining Starters. Medlin is out for at least next season. JJ’s knee injury is a minor thing; but the big problem is that ever since his shoulder injury, he has not been dependable/effective compared to his first year. Lowe, although great in the last part of this season, is old and will be a year older – will he be the Lowe of September or the Lowe of a significant other part of the season? The rookies are promising – but may or may not prove to be effective. So the overall starting pitching is a huge question mark.
LTBF
October 19th, 2010
10:57 am
Murph: I think Andruws problem was he did not stay in good shape to play, he put on a lot of weight. I think he is now to slow to play CF
richbrave
October 19th, 2010
10:58 am
‘FAIL-couer.’ Seems like only yesterday I saw this moniker being applied to his bat. Nothing wrong with his fielding however.
Murph
October 19th, 2010
11:00 am
Andruw Jones hit .230 last year but had 19 HR’s and 48 RBI in only 328 PA’s. He also had an OBP of .341.
I can’t believe I’m typing this, but now that I think about it, I think the Braves should make a run at him so long as he can be had for under $1mil. Who knows, coming back to Atlanta with a new hitting coach… might do him some good. Even AJones at .250 would be a huge, huge upgrade over McLouth, both with the bat and in the field.
Bring AJones home (so long as he’s super cheap)!
LTBF
October 19th, 2010
11:02 am
I did say about Jeff “if we can get him cheap” I would not give much to get him. looking at our hitting numbers in LF and CF Jeff cound not be worse than what we have.
richbrave
October 19th, 2010
11:06 am
.Don:
I think the emphasis should be placed on defense this offseason. Good defensive players with marginal bats can be had on the cheap, and obviously LIBERTY’s approach to spending is CHEAP, so let’s get some defense in here. With pitching and great defense, we’ve got two legs of the three necessary for a WS champion.
WES TIMMONS is a good defensive 3B who’s a veteran AAA bat (.293 BA in 2010). He can play second, and has a few times. MATT YOUNG is very small, but hits for average (.300 in GWINNETT), and has good defense in center. Both these guys would upgrade the defense as opposed to CONRAD or CABRERA.
O.J.
October 19th, 2010
11:07 am
So what does Matt Young project as? He doesnt seem to have a lot of power, but he did have 39 stolen bases in the minors with a .380 OBP. So I guess he projects as a leadoff type of of guy. Is that a correct assumption DOB?
Hillbilly
October 19th, 2010
11:07 am
Geebus, are we really trying to re-construct the ‘06-’07 teams here?…because THOSE were the golden years, right?
LTBF
October 19th, 2010
11:07 am
There are outfielders I would rather have but Liberty Media will not allow Wren to get them.
John in NY
October 19th, 2010
11:10 am
I have a question….I agree with everyone here that the Braves need an power bat, and I also agree the Braves need to increase their team speed dramatically. Since the Braves are based on pitching, would you want the Braves to make a play for Zack Greinke? Always help to have another stud pitcher. With the way the Giants and Phillies are stacked up, would you want to see the Braves attempt to inquire about him. Braves have pitching so they would be dealing strength for strength
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
October 19th, 2010
11:14 am
This is difficult to understand.
And this is news to us?
Look, personally, I am sick and damned near tired of going after and consistently playing guys that get a year older every year. To me, that is the major flaw of this ball club.
Murph
October 19th, 2010
11:14 am
I don’t want to remake the ‘07 squad, but show me a better outfielder that is under 35, who can hit for power, and can be had for under $1mil and I’m all ears.
Again, I can’t believe I’m even typing it, but I really think the Braves should go out and get Andruw. At the worst he’d make a good 4th outfielder and would be very cheap. At the best he comes in and hits 20+ HR’s and 75+ RBI.
Go get AJones to play LF, put together a package for Rasmus even if it included Delgado or another top prospect, and sign Infante so he’s available when Chipper gets hurt. Done and done.
DiamondbackMac
October 19th, 2010
11:17 am
Lew
How have you been? I’ll be sending you some dewberry wine later today. Sorry it took so long.
Murph
October 19th, 2010
11:18 am
1. Prado (2B)
2. Heyward (RF)
3. Rasmus (CF)
4. McCann (C)
5. Chipper (3B)
6. AJones (LF)
7. Freeman (1B)
8. AGon (SS)
That’ll work for me.
abwright
October 19th, 2010
11:20 am
Compared to the last two years, I doubt that the Braves are particularly active this off-season. I certainly see them acquiring some piece for the outfield (it would be insane not to unless nothing is available). I suspect there will be some additions to the bullpen.
I’m not convinced that the Braves will deal Kawakami. I still suspect that there was something negative between KK and BC. Fredi might give him a chance.
Although I don’t agree with .Don’s comments on SP, Braves are thinner in that department and have some question marks.
Lowe, Hudson, Hanson, Jurrjens (?), Kawakami (?), Minor (?), Beachy (?), Medlen (???), then who?
The stud pitchers are still probably a couple of years away.
Despite his crummy W/L record, KK should have some value (not to the full price of his contract). But, Braves might not be able to get anywhere close to equivalent value back. If only he could be stashed in the minors until he is needed.
I would like to see the Braves go after a young, nearly major league ready 2B, with great defense and some hitting. Chipper is at best going to be available for 2 more years. I would love to see Martin moved to 3B when Chipper retires.
In field defense is vitally important to the Braves success with the pitching staff that they have assembled. Conrad demonstrated how a bad stretch defensively could ruin the Braves. The in field of Chipper, Gonzalez, Prado leaves a lot to be desired in terms of range. Move Prado to third and put a defensive stud at 2B and things look a little bit more rosy.
On the other hand, if Chipper does play out his contract, a young option can be stashed at AAA until needed. Whereas a veteran would be unlikely to move back and forth between the minors and the majors.
UnretireBobbyCox
October 19th, 2010
11:29 am
.Don – you cannot be serious about starting pitching being the Braves’ problem. Seriously. Hudson/Hanson/Jurrjens/Lowe and Minor or Beachy will make for more than an adequate rotation. If the Braves will have a line-up that can hit, Lowe will get more run support and win a few more games.
TennesseePaul
October 19th, 2010
11:29 am
Freeman shares a house with Heyward. They can do thumb rehab together
I think the medical and technical terminology for this type of rehab is “Thumb Wars”
Lew
October 19th, 2010
11:34 am
Dback-I appreciate it. Been doing pretty well. I’m walking normally and am up to 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile daily now. Basically, just out of shape after playing slug for four months.
Snotboogie
October 19th, 2010
11:35 am
keykargo
Regarding your question on Saito/Lee/Cabrera – they could be offered arbitration. Clearly Cabrera didnt deserve it and we dont want to risk it. Saito’s career might be over and he might not qualify as a type A or B to give us a draft pick. Lee should end up being a type B player and get us a sandwich pick. Hence he hasnt been released.
Lew
October 19th, 2010
11:39 am
In 08 we had a losing team with not enough pitching to break even for the year. Since then, Wren has improved the Braves both years and we are now a 90+ win team. I have every confidence that he’ll improve the Braves yet again in 2011.
It probably won’t be by attaining a big name Free Agent – much to the dismay of those who feel the only way to achieve a winning record is through spending untold numbers of $$$$$$ – but he will manage to improve the Barves anyway – just like he ahs the past two years.
Seems to me that we’re only a small piece or two away. Y’all did notice that we made the playoffs this season and could have won every game we played – even with our most productive players injured and 2/3 of our rotation and two prime relief pitchers not available?
Lew
October 19th, 2010
11:41 am
Snotboogie-I don’t think arbitration can be offered to either Lee or Saito. They should both be Free Agents and not arb eligible..
Tomas
October 19th, 2010
11:43 am
Chipper proved something this year. He started out slow, but he seriously started hitting like the Chipper of old, he proved he can still hit, and his defense was pretty good too.
For Chipper is just a question of health, but if he is in there he is gonna perform like the Chipper of old. He won’t hit 30 homers, because he isn’t going to play more than 130 games, but I’m pretty confident that he is gonna hit 300 with an OBP over 400 and a SLG over 450, which is pretty good.
Lew
October 19th, 2010
11:43 am
Or actually, I don’t see any reason arbitration would be offered to either of them – even if they are eligible. Way too risky.
CB
October 19th, 2010
11:44 am
Saito is arb. eligible and Lee is a free agent.
UnretireBobbyCox
October 19th, 2010
11:46 am
Lew: well said at 11:39! It has been a rebuilding process and the Braves may have been one year ahead of schedule (making the playoffs). Starting pitching was a major problem and Wren fixed that. Now he can turn towards getting one or two hitters; the fact that he has been able to insert Heyward and – next season – Freeman will also free up some money to sign another got bat. 2011 should be the year where we can actually expect the Braves make the playoffs – and go further than this season.
Snotboogie
October 19th, 2010
11:46 am
Lew
I think you can – unless there was a clause in their contract prohibiting it (and I dont think there is), we can offer arb and when they dont take up the offer, we get draft picks in return from the team that eventually signs them. I dont mean the one where they have less than 6 yrs total service. This is the Maddux/Soriano risky version though and dont know if the Braves would risk it.Probably DOB will let us know.
DiamondbackMac
October 19th, 2010
11:53 am
Lew
This batch of wine is not as dry as I would have liked, but is still pretty good. I’m glad to hear you’re getting back into your exercise regimen. Be careful with the icy roads and sidewalks though.
Lew
October 19th, 2010
12:00 pm
Just a bit of follow up on Chipper.
From JUne 1 til the end of his season in August, he hit .276 (48-183) with 7HR, 25RBI and had 24BB to go with it all. Didn’t figure his OBP for that period, but let’s just use the .381 he posted for the entire season.
From JUly 1 he hit .289 (30-1-4) with 5HR, 14RBI and 14 BB.
Now is he worth $13 million? Who knows.? Who really cares. He paid his dues and gabve the Braves many more breaks financially over the course of his career – way more than any difieciency between his skills and pay might otherwise indicate. He is still – as should have been seen with the level of pay after he was injured – the heart and soul of this team. Had he been in the lineup all season? Well, you figure it out.
His knee might affect his range which was non existent anyway. But one thing is for sure – where might the Braves be if we had him at third this post season? They damned well never would have laid that bunt down on him if nothing else. That barehanded play is one he still makes as well as anyone around.
Y’all should be praying he comes back able to play.
Lew
October 19th, 2010
12:04 pm
Snotboogie – Maybe so, but I would pretty much guarantee Lee doesn’t have arb offered. He is still capable of commanding a +$10mil/year contract and the Braves don’t have nearly that kind of flexibility.
Saito? Maybe so, but with the injuries he suffered this year and him being over 40? Not seeing them take the chance – even if all they’re talking about is $3-4 mil.
. Don
October 19th, 2010
12:07 pm
UnretireBobbyCox, I don’t understand your point.
Of the pitchers you name, Only Hudson and Hanson seem to be really great bets to be effective — Lowe is a year older and who knows, JJ has never been dependable/effective since his shoulder injury anything close to his first year, and Minor and Beachy are both unproven. The pitching could be good or it could be a huge problem.
Murph
October 19th, 2010
12:08 pm
Is Chipper at 3rd and Prado at 2nd more productive than Prado at 3rd and Infante at 2nd? I’m excited for him to come back, but I sure hope FW makes plans for a lineup that is sans Chipper. Doubtful he plays 120+ games this season.
One thing that always leaves me bewildered is the concept of “owing a player” something. These guys get paid millions and millions of dollar. Sometimes for doing close to nothing. Chipper may have taken less money to stay with Atlanta, but it’s not like he was playing for $1 a year. He was getting paid and paid well. I don’t think the team owes Chipper a thing.
If he’s the best guy the Braves have at third, then by all means, put him out there. However, if they can get more production from someone else, then they should put wins ahead of some mythical obligation that, because he showed up, he deserves to play.
DAP
October 19th, 2010
12:13 pm
murph Is Chipper at 3rd and Prado at 2nd more productive than Prado at 3rd and Infante at 2nd?
is that a serious question?
Lew
October 19th, 2010
12:13 pm
Murph-Yeah, there should never be any reward for loyalty and taking much less than what he might have made. Even the MLB minimum salary is four times what people who make good mio=oney make, but let’s get real here. He could have left the Braves and made tons more anywhere else he might have decided on.
P-Town Brave ©
October 19th, 2010
12:14 pm
^^ Thats why we still have Infante around just in case (and expected).
Also, thats why Chipper should NOT bat 3rd any longer, and why we should go out and get that Kemp type bat for the middle of the order…
Well, that and my constant reminder of not wanting to read McFann complaining about BMac batting 4th
Lew
October 19th, 2010
12:15 pm
And The Braves are richer by him being here – unless you think it’s all $$$ and nothing else matters.
P-Town Brave ©
October 19th, 2010
12:16 pm
Lew-
I dunno though….anywhere else and his injuries may not have been tolerated, and he would already be looking for work elsewhere….
No way does Chipper still make anywhere remotely this kind of money if he moved on.
Murph
October 19th, 2010
12:16 pm
This season Chipper made $36745 per plate appearance. Omar made $4397 per plate appearance. Prado made $675 per plate appearance.
Don’t get me wrong, I want Chipper in the lineup, but I also want the Braves to put the best lineup on the field everyday, with or without Chipper.
Lew
October 19th, 2010
12:20 pm
And they are better with Chipper. You really can’t make it a $$$$ issue. It won’t matter anyway even if you do and it should be based on performance and not pay.
Gripe about Liberty Media not bosting payroll. It isn’t Chipper’s fault. Many here claim he’s onlyplaying for the money left on his contract – if that were so, then you have to think he wouldn’t have re-negotiated his contract before and just made the bucks and screw anything else.
That’s not what he did. And honestly, I think he gave up a bundle of bucks for ni=othing. I still don;t think they spent the $$$$ they saved like they claimed they would.
Skeeterleg
October 19th, 2010
12:27 pm
Why does .Don keep posting that nonsense about the Braves only having three capable major league players? I’m sure his xbox team where he traded Glaus and Kawakami for Pujols is great and all, but this is reality. No team has an all star at every position and five 20 game winners in the rotation.
TennesseePaul
October 19th, 2010
12:28 pm
Lew: Regarding Chipper’s stats: .277/.362/.462/.824 7 HR, 25 RBI, 24 BB, 25 K for the period you were discussing.
After the All Star break he hit: .307/.391/.533/.924 4 HR, 13 RBI, 11 BB, 7 K
Then he got hurt. But his hitting was getting progressively better as the season went on. Right there at the end he was hitting like his old self. I hope he can return to that. It’d be awesome to see.
Murph
October 19th, 2010
12:29 pm
It’s not all about money, Lew… it’s about return on investment. Chipper’s offensive numbers weren’t much more impressive than Prado’s if you project his stats out for the entire season.
Yes, I would rather have Chipper and Prado in there at the same time. I think they are better than Prado and Infante. However, I disagree that the team owes him anything. Chipper’s production has been on the decline while he’s still collecting very large paychecks. The team signed him to a long-term deal that ensures he can retire as a Brave… they don’t owe him anything.
David O'Brien
October 19th, 2010
12:30 pm
Two lines on the transactions wire today, one that will surely make a lot of fans happy: Braves released RHP Takashi Saito, and Braves released OF Melky Cabrera.
O.J.
October 19th, 2010
12:33 pm
Hey DOB, I am sure we are all curious, but how do you release someone who is a free agent?
John in NY
October 19th, 2010
12:33 pm
So we know for certain the Braves will acquire an OF bat, and probably another pitcher
Lew
October 19th, 2010
12:33 pm
Murph-That’s where we diffr. I think the Braves have more than gotten their return on their investment in CHipper. They’ve had a HOF player on their team for 16 seasons, went to the Post Season with him on the team 12 times and recieved an MVP Award, a Batting Championship and a World Series Title.
Yes, we realize that many here wanted much, much more, but they got their money’s worth nonetheless.
John in NY
October 19th, 2010
12:34 pm
OJ…. I believe since the season is not officially over, they were still under contract with the Braves.
P-Town Brave ©
October 19th, 2010
12:36 pm
BYE BYE FATTY!
Tomas
October 19th, 2010
12:36 pm
Chipper turned it around right after the retirement talk, and started in the series against Tampa Bay. He made an adjustment in his swing in that series.
Since the TB series(June 15) he was 46 for 150 thats a 307AVG with 7 homers……a 446OBP and a 520 SLG%
Murph
October 19th, 2010
12:36 pm
No more Melky!!!
The champaign is on me fellas! Woo hoo!!!!!!
Lew
October 19th, 2010
12:37 pm
And by your criteria, every worker out there that has made a large salary by virtue of working hard for so long should be released and a cheaper, less knowledgeable workere should be hired because they’re cheaper.
Thank God that’s not always the way it works, cause you’d begrudge them their pension and Social Security, too.
Tomas
October 19th, 2010
12:37 pm
No more Melky…..Yes good job Wren
Murph
October 19th, 2010
12:40 pm
I don’t disagree with you Lew, but I don’t agree either. The sentimental part of me thinks Chipper has given the Braves their money’s worth… he’s been great for many, many years and is one of the best hitters I’ve ever seen. The business part of me, though, sees numbers like $35k per AB and it makes me cringe when I look at what the team got for their money.
P-Town Brave ©
October 19th, 2010
12:40 pm
Lew-
Sadly, thats what most businesses do…
I would not say so much doing it to save money, but I’m fairly certain there is someone out there we could pay $15M to that would produce more and for a lengthier time in a season than Chipper…
Thats all I will say on the matter, simply because we all know Chipper isn’t going anywhere and he’s going to take his money.
P-Town Brave ©
October 19th, 2010
12:42 pm
Hey, at least we’ve already cut some of the fat right
P-Town Brave ©
October 19th, 2010
12:43 pm
Between Melky and Chino, that’ll save some money on the budget in the area of food expense…
Frankie Wren
October 19th, 2010
12:43 pm
The thought of not seeing Cabrera in a Braves uniform next season will make watching the NLCS a lot easier today.