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898 comments Add your comment
Spud Webb
November 17th, 2010
12:19 pm
Fire Frank Wren,
yea, we’re really missing salty. He’s tore up both leagues since he left hasn’t he? He’s in boston working on THROWING THE BALL BACK TO THE PITCHER.
BravePack
November 17th, 2010
12:26 pm
DOB
Have you talked to Wren about what he might be thinking as far as a timeline for talking about and getting an extension worked out? I know Uggla is on some kind of tour now but his agent probably isn’t so they could still talk. Many are saying not to lock him up but Uggla has been consistent for many years now and we need that power in our line-up for years to come with Chipper leaving soon. I feel Uggla has put up the numbers in this league so why not give him the money he’s worth. We’ve needed the right handed power bat for years now and now that we have it we should try and keep him here. Great clubhouse guy who works hard, puts up consistent power numbers, and by all accounts wants to be in Atlanta. Great trade Frank despite what many bloggers are saying, but those are the same who would never be happy anyway so who cares.
dpelfrey
November 17th, 2010
12:27 pm
Guys, this scenario is a win any way you look at it. We didn’t give up any prospects. The $10 million Uggla will get is more affordable than any other free agent. The Braves have $14 million coming off the books next year (McLouth & Kawakami) and about $40 million more in 2012, so the money is there to sign him long-term if he has a good year for the Braves. Even if they don’t resign him, he’ll probably be a type A free agent next year and we’ll get draft picks. In that scenario, the offical trade becomes Infante & Dunn for one year of Uggla and a first round pick. WIN WIN WIN!!!!
Guys, this is the best case scenario all of us were talking about a month ago, filling the hole of a right-handed power hitter without giving up any key prospects.
G Bravo
November 17th, 2010
12:30 pm
This will only be a good trade if the Braves sign Him to a long term contract. If not it will another trade like the Texas trade.
Choppinmama
November 17th, 2010
12:41 pm
Dan, Dan, he’s our man, if he can’t do it, no one can. Welcome to the ATL, Ugly.
If Chipper only plays one or two more years, maybe that will open up payroll room to sign Danny Boy to something long term after 2011. He’ll also be in a good comfort zone playing for Freddi. I say, “welcome to the Owl.” Hate to see it cost us Infante, but it was definitely worth doing.
A big Atlanta Braves rasberry to the Marlins – you wuz robbed.
NORRIS
November 17th, 2010
12:42 pm
I dont understand why we still are not going after an outfielder. I mean lets think logically. Even if chipper comes back he does not play every day.
We need an outfielder!
Rock
November 17th, 2010
12:45 pm
The Braves are going to miss Omar Infante.
Desperado
November 17th, 2010
12:46 pm
Now batting for Atlanta, number E4, Dan Uggla.
jim
November 17th, 2010
12:46 pm
Count,
McLouth is a drain on salary, but he is not “owed” a roster spot. He could be relegated to the bench by a cheap alternative like a Hall or Matt Young that would otherwise be a utillity player. Chipper IS penciled in at 3B. The Braves cannot go get a regular 3Bman or LFer that they would need if Chipper is unable to go or produce. They would have to make do with a Hinske/Diaz/Mather type of option for LF as well as a McLouth option in CF in that case.
Slowhiteguy
November 17th, 2010
12:47 pm
To compare this trade to the Texas trade is extremely myopic.
bravesfaninNashville
November 17th, 2010
12:49 pm
Brilliant move….. especially so early in the offseason. FW had to act fast as there would have been competition to get Uggla from other teams. We gave up a REALLY GOOD utility player in Omar and I loved his approach to hitting for sure. But we win either way you look at it IMHO because if Omar signs elsewhere as a free agent next fall we lose him anyway and if he wants to play for the Braves we can resign him next year. If we lose Uggla to FA we get two high picks because he’ll be a Type A free agent. My hunch is we sign Uggla to an extension before spring training and we’ll have a shot to sign Omar next fall. Thank you Frank Wren…. Awesome move and job overall.. By the way this turns the move for Vasquez into a one year rental of Melky, a help in landing Dan Uggla, a very promising Vizcaino on the horizon and a three year extension of Tim Hudson. I still can’t believe anyone is complaining about the Vasquez deal especially after the year he had for the Yankees and the year Hudson had for the Braves for $2 million dollars less than we would have paid Vasquez. Frank Wren you are a smart man….
ramblingman
November 17th, 2010
12:49 pm
Everyone who says this is (or could be) like the Texiera trade only reveal themselves to have zero knowledge on the inner workings and intricacies of baseball, and that they are merely the types who live by the sound bite. They’ll repeat something ad nauseum without bothering to attempt to understand it.
Rowland Office
November 17th, 2010
12:50 pm
In 45 games at Turner Field, he has hit .354 with 12 homers and a 1.051 OPS.
I’ll take that over a full season. The souith Fla people are NOT happy about this trade. So all you Atlanta fans should be very excited. If it is possible to weigh out a trade before they play, all the stories I have read and heard have all said the same thing… The Braves won this trade.
bravesfaninNashville
November 17th, 2010
12:57 pm
I have a question….. Now that the Braves have Dan Uggla would you trade him to the Marlins for Omar Infante and Mike Dunn? I wouldn’t even think about that trade..
count_schemula
November 17th, 2010
1:03 pm
This works both ways, I hope. We do owe Chipper this comeback. But he’s 39 and had to watch the playoff run and playoffs from the dugout. He said he would not, but is pulling a mild Farvre. If Chipper can’t produce, I hope he has the good sense to step aside and take a deal much like what Bonilla did with the Mets. Regardless, I think this is his last year and they (and we) will have to live with that and then redo this deal so he can retire a Brave. After this year, even he has to know it’s over.
Fols
November 17th, 2010
1:23 pm
Chipper is not even close to pulling a Favre….he’s just been coming back without the drama. Not fair to start that BS.
Uggla is going to be sweet in our line-up, I will sac fielding errors for that kind of production at 2B.
REALLY could use a speedy lead-off hitter in CF and our line-up is set. Very excited for this coming year already.
Not sure how this Prado/Jones 3B/LF is going to pan out? I just want a regular everyday line-up for a change. I’m getting sick of the platoon. I never want to see a platoon again. I don’t even like the word platoon.
…platoon…okay last one!
BILL MAIER
November 17th, 2010
1:25 pm
Wow unbelivable. i guess you cant please everyone.. This is a fantastic move a bench player for us next year if he stayed- infante, and our third best left hander out of the bullpen– look at Dunns inherited runners scored it is huge–for a 30 home run 90 or more rbis every year and a hard nose player with a great clubhouse prescence. Many of you are forgetting we should have chippers money after this year and lowes in 2012 — enough to pay Uggla. Those who are complaining did your really watch last year? Just what we needed a power bat without giving up the farm as in the past.
BILL MAIER
November 17th, 2010
1:26 pm
lowes after 2012 sorry—
count_schemula
November 17th, 2010
1:26 pm
I called it a mild Farve, in that, he said he would know when to step down, and that time will be BEFORE this contract expires. He can’t be our 3b at 41 years old. He has to be thinking about what criteria it will take for him to approach the Braves and ask for the Bonilla restructure.
NORRIS
November 17th, 2010
1:31 pm
IF Prado is at 3rd then who is in left and center?
Threadkiller
November 17th, 2010
1:31 pm
I really like this trade! Plus it leaves the door open for another possible trade!
count_schemula
November 17th, 2010
1:33 pm
Right now, Prado is in LF.
Brainiac
November 17th, 2010
1:34 pm
Yeah, as DOB said Utley & Rollins were both hurt this year. That’s 40 to 50 homeruns and two all-stars that will be back next year.
Chase
November 17th, 2010
1:36 pm
@ cajun, i like what ur thinkin but uhm, we wont get crawford, we are interested ellsbury though so just switch him out with carl, but ur lineup is retarded.
1. Ellsbury
2. Prado
3. Chipper
4. Uggla
5. Bmac
6. Heyward
7. Alex
8. Freddie
Brainiac
November 17th, 2010
1:36 pm
If Julio Franco can be a Brave at 45 years-old why can’t Barry Bonds be a Braves at 40 years-old ? Wren you need to invite Bonds to ST.
Brainiac
November 17th, 2010
1:39 pm
DOB, are the Braves actually gonna let McOut start in CF ? I mean come on, does Wren even watch players play ? McOut wouldn’t make it as a softball team starter.
LittleRockBravesFan
November 17th, 2010
1:40 pm
DOB, is true that at first the Marlins wanted Prado in the deal and were told “no” by Frank Wren? I hate to lose infante, but on the other hand I’m very glad that Martin is still with us.
Brainiac
November 17th, 2010
1:41 pm
Invite Andruw Jones & Barry Bonds to ST. Let the best one earn a roster spot. I’m sure Barry has vengeance in his bat.
Nova Scotia Steve
November 17th, 2010
1:42 pm
I don’t understand why people are even slightly trying compare this deal to the Texiera trade. It’s not even close and those that are….well it ridiculous to do such a thing
With the current contract situation’s of both Uggla and Infante – they basically got a 30-HR per season threat for a super-utility player with limited power and their third best left hander out of the bullpen.
Fredi Gonzalez asked Frank Wren on the phone who else did the Marlins wanted for Uggla…when Wren said that’s it (Infante and Dunn)….Gonzalez was shocked….I think that says a lot. Especially coming from a guy who managed Uggla for a good portion of the last four seasons.
Braves got the better end of this deal – and if the Braves sign Uggla long term (which I think they will) this one of a no brainer – if it isn’t already.
If Infante has another career year (which is highly unlikely) he probably would be departing Atlanta after this season anyway. So then its down to acquiring a guy with 30 HR potential for a reliever.
Not a bad deal at all.
Brainiac
November 17th, 2010
1:43 pm
Norris, if Prado’s at 3rd then Mather’s in LF and McOut’s in CF. Two automatic outs in the lineup.
Nova Scotia Steve
November 17th, 2010
1:44 pm
LittleRockBravesFan – Yes. The Marlins wanted Prado and were told he wasn’t available. The focus then shifted to Infante being the centerpiece of the deal on the Marlins end.
NORRIS
November 17th, 2010
1:47 pm
To even consider Mather as a starter made me vomit a little in my mouth.
The guy is a nobody with no upside. Mcout adds diahrea to my sickness.
Brainiac
November 17th, 2010
1:47 pm
Excellent copying abilities of DOB’s post there Nova Scotia…
South Georgia Braves
November 17th, 2010
1:50 pm
Bonds? We don’t want Barry. Neither does the other 30 teams. Let’s be real about this.
This deal, after studying it for a while, is a great move by Wren. Worst case is we have Uggla for one year – the two first picks if he leaves.
As I posted yesterday before it happened, I can’t believe the Marlins traded him within the division. I still can’t believe it now that it has happened. Maybe it was a delayed gift for Bobby Cox.
David O'Brien
November 17th, 2010
1:53 pm
LittleRockBravesFan: Yes, Marlins asked for Prado first
count_schemula
November 17th, 2010
1:56 pm
I would not trade Prado for Uggla straight up. Yes, Uggla has a lot more power.
NORRIS
November 17th, 2010
1:57 pm
We have to have another quality outfielder to be competitive.
Brainiac
November 17th, 2010
1:57 pm
I wouldn’t have traded Prado head up for H.Ramirez much less Uggla. Prado’s a star on the rise.
Why not offer McOut & Lowe to the DBacks for Upton and Braves pay McOut’s salary ? I mean McOut’s like throwing in a condiment sized pack of ketchup with a hamburger…
Nova Scotia Steve
November 17th, 2010
1:58 pm
Brainiac – I haven’t even read DOB’s post. I normally do but missed that one apparently. However, I did read several articles (including DOB’s) last night analyzing the deal and this angle made the most sense.
I also listened to MLB writers and read AJC’s stories by DOB. I believe the part about the phone call conversation between Wren and Gonzalez was included in DOB’s story – and it definitely caught me attention.
But I’ve never copied anything in my life – if DOB posted a similar comment – he’s right.
count_schemula
November 17th, 2010
2:00 pm
Um, I would trade Prado for Hanley. Let’s not get carried away here.
LittleRockBravesFan
November 17th, 2010
2:09 pm
LittleRockBravesFan: Yes, Marlins asked for Prado first
Thanks for the response; I wasn’t sure if that was just a Facebook/Twitter rumor.
Peter
November 17th, 2010
2:15 pm
Well Rah Rah…..Kiss butt for the Home team……..If Uggla is a one year player we will cry about Infante being gone.
If Uggla can be signed for 3 + years, and can be helped defensively we did make out on the deal.
But now where is the money for the outfield ?
NORRIS
November 17th, 2010
2:27 pm
Yep. We made a sweet deal but there is a bunch of money that is being cleared and can be spent on a quality outfielder.
gtjackets
November 17th, 2010
2:29 pm
ANDRUW JONES, ERIC HINSKE AND MAYBE MATTY D
Arkansas Transplant
November 17th, 2010
2:30 pm
Now I say we move Prado for Justin Upton, sign Vazquez and trade KK. We might be able to make a move for BJ Upton as well. I would say an outfield of Upton, Upton and Heyward would be awesome. No balls would drop and each would feed off each other.
Florida State Trooper
November 17th, 2010
2:33 pm
Braves, do you know why I pulled you over?
Arkansas Transplant
November 17th, 2010
2:38 pm
Then we resign Diaz and Hinske.
GM of the Future
November 17th, 2010
2:46 pm
When you look at the players involved it was a great deal, but here are my 2 concerns. Our bad defense just got way worse. Uggla is a sub-par defender and now Prado is out of position in left and we still have cement-shoes Jones manning 3B. Also, we spent all of our excess funds for the offseason and we have no leadoff hitter and Nate MccOut is still playing center. Replace Mcclouth with a speedster that can hit leadoff and we may just have enough to win the East despite our poor Defense.
Chipper's ACL
November 17th, 2010
2:51 pm
I can’t see the Braves locking Uggla up for 4 years. I think in the next two years we will see the move toward youth. The contracts of Huddy, Lowe, Chipper, and Gonzo will be gone. We will be looking at Hanson leading a young group of starters and Kimbrel closing games out. Freddie, Jason, Mac, and Prado hitting .300 and driving in runs. The next wave of young arms are close. Some will be traded to fill other needs. Hopefully the return will be young players who we’ll see for years to come. All eyes should be on how the next two drafts pan out. We will have multiple picks next spring and there appears to be strength at third and OF.
Hater’s of the Tex trade should be more furious over what we received in return from LA. Do some checking and look at the two picks LA selected that spring. One is the best CF prospect in baseball. Talk about getting nothing for something.
NORRIS
November 17th, 2010
2:53 pm
We have not spent any money at all at this point. Also Liberty supposedly was to be increasing the payroll last I heard…
There should be no excuse for not picking up an outfielder with the money we have off the books.
NORRIS
November 17th, 2010
2:56 pm
kawakami 7.3 mil possibly half gone
wagner 6.7 mil
M.Cabrera 3.1 mil
saito 3.2 mil
diaz 2.5 mil
Glaus 1.7 mil
= a bunch of money to play with…
GM of the Future
November 17th, 2010
3:01 pm
What I heard is the Braves have approximately 10-15 Mil to spend this offseason and they just picked up Uggla who will get around 10 Mil. We lost Infante’s salary of 2.5 Mil. With the Arbitration raises due Prado and Jurrjens we do not have that much cash left. Don’t forget we still need 1 or 2 (now that Dunn’s gone) relief pitchers as well as an Outfielder. DOB, can you verify?
BravePack
November 17th, 2010
3:05 pm
C’mon DOB, what’s your gut feeling on if Uggla will be here for more than one year? You have to have some kind of idea on if the Braves are thinking if this is a one year thing or plan on locking him up.
NORRIS
November 17th, 2010
3:18 pm
Uggla was making 7.5 mil and infante was 2.5 or so. So we went into spending money 5 mil or so?
But there is plenty of money on the table still to work with.
Podsednik is out there and could play center and lead off.
so al brave
November 17th, 2010
3:19 pm
If frenchy would sign aaa contract and have a good hitting coach, he would be the the ball player he used to be, and be back a brave.
rocky
November 17th, 2010
3:26 pm
Now that braves got the uggla, a power right hand hitter, pretty much for nothing….no disrespect to infante who I loved when he filled in. Now lets continue our great off-season and solidify our center field position by trading for Colby Rasmus. This lineup would rock.
1.(LF) Martin Prado
2.(SS)Alex Gonzalez
3.(3B)Chipper Jones
4.(C) Brian McCann
5.(2B)Dan Uggla
6.(RF)Jason Heyward
7.(CF)Colby Rasmus
8.(1B)Freddie Freeman
9.(Pitcher)
Johnny Brave
November 17th, 2010
3:27 pm
DOB
I think we need to go after BJ Upton, he is a great defender, great basestealer, has some pop, and is still young. OBP and BA could be a problem though he has shown to be good at both in the past. Rumors are he wouldn’t take a lot to get and will only get paid 5 million next year. Don’t you think Wren should at least ask about him? Remember, Mclouth never was a player as good as Upton is now and he is no lock to bounce back.
gtjackets
November 17th, 2010
3:27 pm
anyone heard if the braves have thought about andruw jones
i hope they sign him, hinske and diaz
please wren get this done and some relief help
gtjackets
November 17th, 2010
3:29 pm
i wish rasmus or upton but i dont see it happening
gtjackets
November 17th, 2010
3:35 pm
i change my mind no diaz but yes to bill hall
rocky
November 17th, 2010
3:35 pm
BJ Upton intrigues me too…especailly his speed. The braves should push to get one of these three players to solidify our centerfield position.
B.J. Upton-good mixture of power, excellent speed(reminds me of what we had when Marquis Grissom was here), but his average has been down….if he shows he can hit…he could move into our leadoff spot.
Colby Rasmus-Has great power, hits for average, and good OBP…this is my pick…would give us a solid lineup of power and average from top to bottom.
Jacoby Elsbury-Has great speed, hits for average with great base discipline(doesn’t strike out much and has a high OBP)…He would definitely solidify our leadoff spot.
Mountain Braves Fan
November 17th, 2010
3:38 pm
Compare these two second basemen:
Games 160, 159
AB 626, 589
Runs 103, 100
Home Runs 29, 33
RBIs 109, 105
Stolen Bases 3, 4
Walks 57, 78
AVG .319, .287
OBP .381, .369
SLG .534, .508
OPS .915, .877
Does anyone think the Braves could have gotten Robinson Cano (Player 1)from the Yankees for Infante and Dunn? Can you believe Uggla (Player 2) had more steals than Cano?
Right handed power is what the Braves needed. Uggla fills that need. He is consistent, relatively young, productive, and motivated (last year before free agency, wants to show the Marlins they made a big mistake). Whether the Braves sign him beyond 2011 or not, this trade was highway robbery and clearly a salary dump by the Marlins.
transplant brave
November 17th, 2010
3:38 pm
You say that Wren is probably done with the big name players since aquiring ugg, but if they they gave up nothing to get him, i.e. rental players, should’nt they have still have the means to go after a big ticket left, or center fielder.
If it just a matter of payroll fine, good move Wren, but it seems like they are a center/left fielder away from being a very dominant team. I also hope we keep stealing players away from the marlins, its a god farm team for us.
Chuck
November 17th, 2010
3:43 pm
So do you play Diaz in LF on the days that Chipper gets a break – like on a day with a LH pitcher? Does Uggla take pressure off Diaz in LF, maybe allow the team to keep him? (2B is big bat so LF doesn’t have to be).
Gary O
November 17th, 2010
3:46 pm
transplant brave,
The problem is Uggla’s salary this year will probably be $10 mil or so with arbitration.
Infante and Dunn probably only cost $3.5 mil, so the Braves are picking up an extra $6.5 mil in salary already. And since payroll will only increase slightly, they will be careful how much they spend on other positions.
DPort
November 17th, 2010
3:49 pm
I cant believe it …. the majority of Braves fans on here like a trade for once!… pigs must be flying or something !
Arkansas Transplant
November 17th, 2010
3:51 pm
Why stop with BJ Upton, who I was calling for all last season, why not look into acquiring his brother Justin. That’s an outfield that has the ability to put up 60 plus homers with as many stolen bases. I’d be willing to part with Prado in a Justin trade and I doubt it would take too much to acquire BJ.
Arkansas Transplant
November 17th, 2010
3:57 pm
How about this lineup:
BJ Upton
Jason Heyward
Chipper Jones
Dan Uggla/Brian McCann
Brian McCann/Dan Uggla
Freddie Freeman
Justin Upton
Alex Gonzalez
(insert pitcher here)
Now tell me that’s not a scary lineup! Plus we could also look at adding Vazquez if the price is right. Then you resign Diaz and Hinske. Add Gregg to the bullpen plus Marek. Round out the rest of the bench with Conrad and Hernandez. Then just call it a day!
Giirly girl
November 17th, 2010
4:00 pm
Not sure if I like this trade. Omar Infante was my favorite Brave’s player. Who’s our leadoff hitter now? Where’s the speed at the top of the lineup? Jason Heyward can’t be the only player who steals bases. And what about all the hot air about getting a power-hitting outfielder?? Why on earth would you replace Prado at 2nd? What we need is a shortstop who isn’t a crying baby bat slammer each time he strikes out. Grrr…there better be some other moves here…
wins-by-a-link
November 17th, 2010
4:01 pm
I hate to see Infante go but this is a great trade, Of all the players available this is the one I had hoped we would get and we didn’t give up a lot of young talent to get him, Way to go FW. Now lets sign him to a long term contract.
Transplant brave
November 17th, 2010
4:16 pm
This is not the maimi heat or your fantasy team, but having one of the upton brothers would be nice. Brooks Conrad needs to go stand in a corner for the rest of his life.
ed simmons
November 17th, 2010
4:23 pm
This is a lousy trade unless we are committed to signing him, we have rented enough for just one year.
bravesfaninNashville
November 17th, 2010
4:27 pm
I listened to the Dan Uggla interview from Cabo on XM Radio this afternoon. He is from Nashville and is ecstatic to be a Brave and only be 3 hours from home. He has a lot of friends and family that love to see him play at Turner Field and that is one of the reasons he say’s he plays with a little more energy there. He said he would love to see himself finish out his career as a Brave if the Braves feel the same. He also said he’s really happy to be back with Fredi Gonzalez. This is going to turn out great for Atlanta. Our lineup just became more dangerous….
Transplant brave
November 17th, 2010
4:30 pm
We would have had Omar for only one more year as well. The trade is good, because Wren traded for consistency and power. Uggla is now easily are best offensive threat.
count_schemula
November 17th, 2010
4:43 pm
He is “are” best threat. Where on earth did you transplant from that has worse school than Georgia?
Voice of Reason
November 17th, 2010
4:44 pm
See this is the problem with the fans in Atlanta. Frank Wren and Liberty Media blow some smoke up your #@@ and everyone wants to throw a parade and give us the championship. Please remember that we are RENTING Uggla for a year only. Sure this trade on paper looks pretty good because we didnt give up that much, but remember we are only RENTING him for a year. You cant build a championship team by renting a player for a year.
If Uggla had 2-3 years remaining on his contract his would be an amazing trade, but he doesnt and thats because nobody would trade him with that amount of time left. If Uggla was signed for 3-4 years this would be amazing. To all you people hoping we could sign Uggla keep dreaming. Uggla will command top dollar next year and will DEFINATELY be on the free agent market. Uggla has what most players at his position do not and thats POWER and we all know POWER is a premium. He will command big money, and we all know that big money and Liberty Media do not go hand in hand unless its the CEO’s pay. You are crazy and fooling yourselves if you think that we will be able to resign him. We wouldnt even spend $10 million to get Adam Dunn and his 40HR and 100RBI’s a year so quit fooling yourself.
Bottom line is that Frank Wren and Liberty Media will go out and spend the least amount possible to get what they can instead of getting us that power outfielder that we all know we need. Instead of signing a power hitting outfielder free agent to a 4-6 year deal we are renting another player for another year. Big deal people….wake up already!!!
GwinnettDad
November 17th, 2010
4:48 pm
I’ve seen the name of Frenchy mentioned here. I’m not sure why he’d be interested in leaving a team that just went to the World Series. But that aside, Frenchy holds a record of sorts, Four outs on six pitches with a strike out. Did that for the Mets last year, and came close to duplicating that feat a number of times. His aggressive “in your face” style of hitting worked in high school and in the minors, but has been a HUGE bust in the Majors. He has been one of the most frustrating players to root for ever. I wish him well, I really do, and always have since the days of wearing #12 for Parkview. However, he needs a sports shrink, and maybe then, he’ll blossom into a .375 OBP .300 hitter, which is what we’ve hoped he’d be since he first batted for the Braves. A walk is not a failure or indicative of being a wimp. It is not an out. It is smart baseball. It allows the next player to bat. Frenchy, it is a good thing! And vastly better than pulling the ball, and hitting a grounder ad nauseum to the third baseman.
count_schemula
November 17th, 2010
4:51 pm
A walk means you work the count to hit your pitch. Don’t talk walks? That mean you swing at crap. Look at how Frenchy does it and how Chipper does (did) it. A walk just means you did not get a pitch to drive. Frenchy never got this, and that’s why he’s the hitter he is. He’s not Vlad.
bravesfaninNashville
November 17th, 2010
5:06 pm
Please no Jeff Francouer.. We need professional hitters that work counts and swing at hitters pitches. Jeff does neither. Besides this team needs some speed on it. I say we make no moves that are not a serious upgrade from what McClouth brings. He can bat 8th and play solid D and not hurt us.
ManOfTeal
November 17th, 2010
5:16 pm
I will miss Dan Uggla in a Marlins uniform but, by all means Atlanta, please enjoy your 1 year rental of Uggla and thank you very much for your All-Star Omar Infante.
We just signed John Buck to a three year contract.
Go Marlins
mushcreek
November 17th, 2010
5:17 pm
Voice of Reason writes:
“We wouldnt even spend $10 million to get Adam Dunn and his 40HR and 100RBI’s a year so quit fooling yourself.Bottom line is that Frank Wren and Liberty Media will go out and spend the least amount possible to get what they can instead of getting us that power outfielder that we all know we need. Instead of signing a power hitting outfielder free agent to a 4-6 year deal we are renting another player for another year.”
Reality bites sometimes…but the reality is:
a) Our budget is what it is. LIMITED
b) We can moan and groan and have checkbook envy of teams like the Yanks…or we can do the best we can within our budget (like the Rangers did last year)
b) Working within a budget means you cant just go out and buy the best power hitting outfield for cash..you have to be creative (like FWren was)
c) Even if the Braves could land a Crawford, Werth, Rasmus, or J Upton….they’re not going to be anxious to commit a 4-6 yr deal with Atlanta when the Yankess/Bosox/Angels etc are always going to flash bigger bills in front of them in just a year or two.
d) Renting a player for a year IS SOMETIMES a successful move if he meets a need such as a power hitting right hander……and if you’re also building your team from the farm with good young arms and good young bats as the Braves have done.
e) We still have an abundance of talent to use to acquire another outfielder or veteran arm for the bullpen and I’m sure Frank Wren is exploring lots of creative options for finding a speedy CF with good “D” and decent On-Base pctage.
No one knows whether Uggla will be a boon or a bust for the Braves….and every trade or acquisition of a Free Agent involves risks. Maybe Uggla hits 40 hr next yr or maybe he gets beaned on opening day and goes on the DL. Maybe Infante repeats his hitting prowess for the Fish or maybe he ends up a part-time utility player for them.
BUT
98 percent of baseball fans are praising the Braves for this trade and regardless of the ultimate outcome, Frank Wren didn’t waste anytime and went out there and made the deal for the most consistent power hitter the Braves have had in the lineup in quite sometime.
Peter
November 17th, 2010
5:19 pm
I really have a hard time thinking Boston will let Jacoby Elsbury get away from them. He has been hurt allot, but they think he will have more power in the future.
Getting him would be the icing on the cake for me.
ManOfTeal
November 17th, 2010
5:22 pm
Also enjoy Uggla’s 150+ strikeouts a season and his horrible defense….I think you were better off with Brooks Conrad on defense….remember the All-Star game in New York when Uggla made 4 errors all by himself….yeah…enjoy THAT!
Greg
November 17th, 2010
5:24 pm
Yes, it was a great trade for everyone. Always remember, you have to give a lot to get a lot. We have GOT TO HAVE SOME POWER hitting on this team. Now, if Frank Wren will get a centerfielder and left fielder who can both hit .300 and 20 or more home runs, we can give the Phillies and Giants a run for their money in 2011.
Kerry
November 17th, 2010
5:26 pm
DOB, I must have missed your post or have you not asked Frank Wren about Andruw Jones yet?? I want him on the Braves in 2011!!
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
November 17th, 2010
5:47 pm
NORRIS
November 17th, 2010
1:31 pm
IF Prado is at 3rd then who is in left and center?
Who’s on first!
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
November 17th, 2010
5:51 pm
The CEO of liberty media made 87.1 million this year! Tight budget!
trheel
November 17th, 2010
6:27 pm
Great trade. Besides, HRs, OPS, etc., Uggla has it. He plays hard and he wants to win.
Braves HR and RBI leader last year had 21 HR and 77 RBI. They just added an guy with a 5 year avg. 30+ HR and 92+ RBI guy. They don’t just fall off the trees.
The only way this compares to the Tex trade-is Tex Trade II, when we traded him to the Angels and received Kotchman and Marek. We were dealing from a position of weakness when we traded Tex, and apparently the Marlins felt like they had to trade Uggla because without a long term deal they weren’t going to pay him this year. I’m stunned Wren pulled off this trade.
John Wayne, Johnny Cash, John Deere
November 17th, 2010
6:33 pm
ManofTeal
Infante is also a FA after the end of the year and Dunn has too many walks to be successful
Fail
so al brave
November 17th, 2010
6:57 pm
frenche is a free agent,i still say with the right coaching he could become a good player again. he has one of the best arms in base ball.
Gary O
November 17th, 2010
8:09 pm
The problem for the Braves in trading for a CF, is Nate’s contract. At $6.75 mil, I dont think they can afford to make Nate a 4th OF from before the season starts.
I think Frank and Fredi will give him every chance in spring training (like they did last year).
So I would be surprised to see them make a move for a Ellsbury, or Upton etc. i think it is more likely to be a much smaller move.
Gary O
November 17th, 2010
8:18 pm
From DOB’s “McCann on Uggla “Everything we’ve been looking for” blog.
“Brian McCann is my favorite guy in baseball.” Dan Uggla .
Maybe Uggla will join McFann’s fan club
aburtch
November 17th, 2010
10:02 pm
I have to say I think Frank Wren is turning out to be an excellent GM.
dmack2027
November 18th, 2010
12:05 am
Couple of points.
1. There was a report that the Cards were interested in Uggla until the Marlins asked them for Colby Rasmus in return. Boy, if that is true, the Marlins’ asking price came WAY WAY down.
2. In my opinion, this trade rivals the trade the Braves made with the Tigers when the Braves sent an aging Renteria north for JJ and Gorkys Hernandez. JJ has become a top of the rotation pitcher, and Gorkys was flipped to the Pirates for McClouth. Granted, McClouth has not panned out that well, but the trade with the Tigers was top shelf. I think this trade was better than that.
3. I think it is important to remember that Dunn had a flare up with someone in the organization when he was sent down in Spring Training. It always amazes me how the Braves seem to remember those types of incidents. The same can be said when a player plays very well against the Braves. Often, they will make a trade for that player. This time, it appears to have worked in the opposite direction.
The telling quote from the story was when Wren informed Fredi about the possible trade. Fredi asked who else was included in the deal, meaning top prospects. When he was told no other players were heading to Florida, he said make the deal right away. When my brother called me about the trade, I said the same thing. I wondered what top prospects were also part of the deal and was amazed to learn that Omar and Dunn were all the Braves had to part with.
People who are complaining about this trade know nothing about baseball and are wasting everyone’s time on this blog. Outstanding job by Wren.
“Go peck s$it with the chickens.” Wonder if anyone can tell me what movie that quote comes from……..
STEELY DAN MAN
November 18th, 2010
12:57 am
@ Owl Hunter
you are hilarious,man …… and I agree w/ you alot,too !
STEELY DAN MAN
November 18th, 2010
3:43 am
@ dmack2027
come on man, gimme a hard one …… YOUNG GUNS !
ManOfTeal
November 18th, 2010
7:59 am
@John Wayne, Johnny Cash, John Deere
Re-signing Infante will cost a whole hellava lot less for the Marlins than re-signing Uggla will be for the Braves.
He wanted 5 years at $71 million. The Marlins were offering 4 years and $48 million. I can think of only one team that might be willing to part with that kind of cash for a 2B that is on the down side of 30…..The Yankees.
So you can pretty much count on Uggla being the opening day DH for the Yankees in 2012, or maybe even sooner if the Braves aren’t competing by mid-season. Like I said, he’s a rental for the Braves…..think of him like another Mark Teixeira for you.
Go Marlins!!!!
AM-I-AN-ALIEN
November 18th, 2010
5:39 pm
Why do we continue to give up our talent… Yeah Uggla is good, but so was Infante… I am so tired of watching our talented players excelling for other teams…I’m sorry but I do not like this move… We need a center fielder hell…