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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,361 comments Add your comment
Boonie
December 2nd, 2010
4:31 pm
Good luck Matty D!!!
P-Town Brave ©
December 2nd, 2010
4:32 pm
RC-
I think they throw another CF out there and use Mather as a roving player on the corners in the OF and at 1b to backup Freeman…
I really think Conrad at this point is the odd man out.
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2010
4:35 pm
Braves followed up previous press release with an addendum: Uggla also arb-eligible and obviously tendered a contract.
Probably just an oversight, but how ’bout if it was because they intend to sign him to extension? (Figure we might as well give that pot a stir this afternoon.)
RC
December 2nd, 2010
4:35 pm
P-Town Brave ©,
You could be right about Conrad. I just felt like he had to be included on this list until the Braves’ plans became more clear.
LWells2000
December 2nd, 2010
4:37 pm
We need Diaz for several reasons. He is an entertainer, for one. He has no idea where the ball is going when he hits it…and neither do his opponents. I love it when he bats. Also, his brother Johnny sings like a bird and I have him on my radio station in Atlanta. Best of all, he is never boring unlike many ball players. I say make it right for him to be a 2011 Brave.
RC
December 2nd, 2010
4:38 pm
Among other non-tenders already announced are two really strong options for the backup CF: Tony Gwynn (jr) and Scott Hairston both non-tendered by the Padres.
Or if the Braves want to take a trip down memory lane, Ryan Church and Blaine Boyer were also non-tendered. :p
ncscoots
December 2nd, 2010
4:40 pm
Figure we might as well give that pot a stir this afternoon
Why the hell not, LOL? If we’re going to be reduced to discussing utility infielders for the next three months, might need a canoe paddle to stir up enough bloggage.
Soph
December 2nd, 2010
4:44 pm
Glad we were able to keep ‘Skeeee.
MattE.
Frankie Wren
December 2nd, 2010
4:44 pm
Good news about EH. Hopefully they won’t have to depend on him as much platooning but a great bat off the bench and occasional starter. Guy can produce big hits and that will be a big asset. Agree on Diaz. Great guy, good hitter but time to move on. Need isn’t there right now for the one dimensional player.
Andrew in PA
December 2nd, 2010
4:48 pm
scott hairston has some pop,can he play CF?
Snotboogie
December 2nd, 2010
4:49 pm
DOB has been one busy bunny today. Breaking news one after the other.
ncscoots
December 2nd, 2010
4:52 pm
Need isn’t there right now for the one dimensional player [such as Diaz].
Geez, no offense, but exactly how many dimensions are you ascribing to Hinske, LOL?
Andrew in PA
December 2nd, 2010
4:53 pm
White Sox Nearing Agreement With Adam Dunn
By Tim Dierkes [December 2 at 3:44pm CST]
3:44pm: The deal is “basically done,” according to Heyman (on Twitter). Peter Gammons of MLB Network confirms that it’s a four-year, $56MM deal (Twitter link).
Could Uggla be in line for the same type deal? Both are below average fielders (uggla more upside for not being such a donkey) Both pretty much rake it till it breaks.
Snotboogie
December 2nd, 2010
4:56 pm
ChiSox might be getting Konerko in addition to Dunn. They also have Quentin and Rios. Quite the lineup it will be.Also Dunn can DH which should suit him fine.
Uggla coming over to the Braves and Dunn leaving the ML – both good news for us in the NL East.
Chop-It-Up All-star
December 2nd, 2010
4:58 pm
Nice to have Hinske back…this has been a great offseason for the Braves so far. Matty D Godspeed!!
Andrew in PA
December 2nd, 2010
4:59 pm
Kawakami for Juan Pierre straight up get it done.
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2010
5:00 pm
I don’t think Tony Gwynn Jr fits at all. You have virtually the same player in Matt Young. Why waste the money on a FA with the same abilities as Young.
Braveheart
December 2nd, 2010
5:00 pm
Good news about Hinske, bummer about Diaz. Almost definitely the right move with Diaz, but it stinks because Diaz is one of those types that makes baseball worth watching.
As great as it is to watch Chipper, Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz be awesome, that gets kinda boring sometimes. Rooting for the rookies or the journeymen minor leaguers, branded for whatever reason into their late twenties by the powers that be with the AAAA label, and dealing with their ups and downs, is what gets me excited. Love the way they can make you go from OMG to WTF from inning to inning.
BravePack
December 2nd, 2010
5:01 pm
C’mon Frank one up the Sox and sign Uggla to an extension already. We all know we’ve been looking for a right handed power bat for years and now that we have one lets keep it for more than a year. When was the last time the Braves signed a legitimate power bat? I’m tired of the Braves trading for big name players only to have them leave in a year or 2. It’s about time the Braves commit to a big name player especially with Chipper leaving soon.
richbrave
December 2nd, 2010
5:02 pm
DAP
December 2nd, 2010
4:22 pm
man, i still hope they sign diaz.
Live in hope, die in despair.
Snotboogie
December 2nd, 2010
5:05 pm
Kawakami for Juan Pierre straight up get it done.
Funny thing is he has a limited no-trade clause. The Dodger’s GM thought the 44 M wouldnt be enough of a deterrant and gave it. You got to laugh at that guy. And now they are paying 3.5 M of the ‘11 salary too. So if we send KK over, we have to fork out money – about 1.7M. Ridiculous, dont you think!
Andrew in PA
December 2nd, 2010
5:07 pm
Pierre had 68 steals last year and hit a respectful 275 i think thats ridiculous and would gladly send them that money for those numbers.
BravesFanChris26
December 2nd, 2010
5:08 pm
Hinske is back
Great move by the Braves there. Now onward to the Winter Meetings.
Braveheart
December 2nd, 2010
5:10 pm
Kawakami would get torched in Comiskey
chris
December 2nd, 2010
5:11 pm
indeed scott hairston can play cf. also tony gwynn jr. was non tendered. i expect the braves to take a look at those two players
joedirt
December 2nd, 2010
5:12 pm
what is braves wish list for a bullpen acquisition dob? will they try to address this need at winter meetings?
P-Town Brave ©
December 2nd, 2010
5:13 pm
Gosh, that quote from MattyD really makes you wanna bring him back even more doesn’t it?
Sounds like the guy would do anything and play for peanuts to be a part of the Braves ‘11 crew…
I think he knows this team could build upon ‘10 and be something real special!
Dunn out of the NL…THANK YOU CHI SOX!
RC
December 2nd, 2010
5:13 pm
I don’t think Tony Gwynn Jr fits at all. You have virtually the same player in Matt Young. Why waste the money on a FA with the same abilities as Young.
Better defense, big league experience, depth.
Snotboogie
December 2nd, 2010
5:14 pm
Ok – but why would the ChiSox do that deal? They have a leadoff guy with those stats and paying him 5M. Instead they get a pitcher whose bad luck hangs like a black cloud every time he takes the mound, in a ballpark where the ball flies out.
Andrew in PA
December 2nd, 2010
5:17 pm
Because the sox offense could provide KK with some run support finally.
P-Town Brave ©
December 2nd, 2010
5:17 pm
Snot-
They wouldn’t, thats the point…
We’re all grasping at straws to figure out how to get rid of the Asian Abomination
P-Town Brave ©
December 2nd, 2010
5:19 pm
RC-
I believe its been mentioned before but not a bad thought w/ TGII…
Just never let him have a bat….late game defense and pinch running duties for that guy.
Snotboogie
December 2nd, 2010
5:20 pm
Gosh, that quote from MattyD really makes you wanna bring him back even more doesn’t it?
Where are you reading quotes from him?I dont see them in the other mini-blog either.
P-Town Brave ©
December 2nd, 2010
5:20 pm
Chris-
The only way I would take a look at Scott Hairston would be to glance at him, but really check out his wife (if he has one and she were hot)…
Scott Hairston should not be a possibility.
Trey
December 2nd, 2010
5:21 pm
Well, it is sad we don’t keep Matty D, but at least we are keeping Hinske. We will have a real deal club next year!
RC
December 2nd, 2010
5:22 pm
I think the Braves current plan for KK is likely to hold on to him and see who ends up needing starting pitching once spring training rolls around. There’s going to be SOME team out there that simply needs a pitcher to give them innings, and they’ll likely pick up at least $2 million on KK’s contract in order to get that. They will probably only send back a PTBNL, or some super low level organizational guy with no future, but that’s ok. At this point we are just looking to get a little bit of cash back from a sunk cost.
Randy S
December 2nd, 2010
5:22 pm
Nothing would get extension negotiations (or the relationship in general) with Uggla off to a better start than a good ol’ arbitration hearing. Let’s hope it never gets to that point.
Boonie
December 2nd, 2010
5:22 pm
DOB What do you think it would take to lock Uggla up long term?
RC
December 2nd, 2010
5:23 pm
P-Town Brave ©,
TGII has been mentioned a lot, but it wasn’t until today that he’s officially a free agent. There was a chance the Padres would tender him a contract.
cabravesfan
December 2nd, 2010
5:24 pm
$5 Million for singles and stolen bases seems a bit steep…
Snotboogie
December 2nd, 2010
5:25 pm
I dont get how the Phillies are already on the hook for ~145 M and are still in the hunt for Werth.
RC
December 2nd, 2010
5:25 pm
$5 Million for singles and stolen bases seems a bit steep…
Though not as steep as $6.67 million for a starting pitcher in AA.
(Not that the Sox would EVER go for that trade anyway)
C's
December 2nd, 2010
5:26 pm
Braves should see what it would take to sign Bobby Jenks.
RC
December 2nd, 2010
5:26 pm
I dont get how the Phillies are already on the hook for ~145 M and are still in the hunt for Werth.
Because they sell out every game and get a lot of TV revenues.
Andrew in PA
December 2nd, 2010
5:29 pm
Cabravesfan, not really cuz you get at leadoff hitter and put prado where he should be. 2nd
1. Pierre
2. Prado
3. Heyward
4. Uggla
5. McCann
6. Jones
7. Gonzo
8. Freeman
Bay Area Steve
December 2nd, 2010
5:30 pm
I’m not saying I disagree that Kawakami’d get torched in Comiskey.
All I’m sayin’ is: what makes Comiskey different than anywhere else?
ATL For Life
December 2nd, 2010
5:30 pm
DOB, any chance the braves will pursue Tony gwyn jr. seen how he was non tendered by san diego??? I think he could be a really good pick up, has lots of speed and can steal lots of bases and come in defensivley if needed and spell mclouth and possibly take the job if he does well and nate struggles again. just a thought, especially if we can get him for league minimum.
Andrew in PA
December 2nd, 2010
5:32 pm
Tony Gywnn jr is a terrible pick up,he couldnt even be a pimple on his daddys ass
Moe Berg
December 2nd, 2010
5:33 pm
“I’m not saying I disagree that Kawakami’d get torched in Comiskey.
All I’m sayin’ is: what makes Comiskey different than anywhere else?”
For starters, he would have to go back in time–perhaps his arm would not be mature enough?
RC
December 2nd, 2010
5:33 pm
ATL For Life,
I’m assuming it will take more than the league minimum to for Atlanta to get Gwynn. If he was willing to play for that, he’d probably resign with the Padres and drive down “Tony Gwynn Ave.” to get to work every morning.
MFin04
December 2nd, 2010
5:33 pm
So does this mean the Braves won’t resign Diaz? Or that they won’t at this price?
Hate to see Diaz go to the Phillies and rake against us. He will be missed if the Braves don’t sign him.
Braveheart
December 2nd, 2010
5:34 pm
KK doesn’t strike people out, and he doesn’t induce alot of grounders. That could get real ugly in Comiskey. He’s really not that bad of a pitcher, but putting him in a park that allows alot of homers would probably not be the best place for him.
ATL For Life
December 2nd, 2010
5:34 pm
andrew, obviously he is knowhere near his father, but as i said as a backup 4th outfielder he could be helpful cause he has good speed and plays really good defense and like i said at league minimum potentially?? gotta atleast take a look
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2010
5:34 pm
Andrew
Thank you. Glad some one said it. We have a TG Jr and his name is Matt Young. Hell Matt Young may hit better than him. Why would you pay a guy FA money for the same production you can get out of Young for 400K. He makes no sense to me. It would at least help his cause if he was RH but hes not.
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2010
5:35 pm
ATL
Gwynn won’t take league minimum. This year would be his first in arbitration. He will take at least near a mil to sign him. Not worth it when you have the same player in your farm system.
ATL For Life
December 2nd, 2010
5:36 pm
RC,he might though, he only hit .204 and if not league minimum something close to the lines, or how about an incentives contract, he might prove people wrong.
RC
December 2nd, 2010
5:36 pm
According to fangraphs.com, Gwynn was worth $10.9 million in 2009 and $6.8 million in 2010, and had a NEGATIVE value with his bat.
In other words, kid is a really, really good centerfielder.
cabravesfan
December 2nd, 2010
5:36 pm
blog ate my post AGAIN!!!
Bay Area Steve
December 2nd, 2010
5:36 pm
“Back in time” Nice; well done. What is it, US Cellular now?
And, he really is that bad of a pitcher. I don’t know nuttin’ ’bout no stats. But, I can see stuff damn good from my couch. And that boy’s stuff is… less than stellar.
cabravesfan
December 2nd, 2010
5:37 pm
Andrew-
My point is that I don’t want to pay $5 million to a guy that can’t do anything but hit singles and steal bases. I agree that Martin is better in the 2 hole, but Pierre is not worth that much money
ATL For Life
December 2nd, 2010
5:38 pm
P’cola, yeah I do want matt young up and he is league minimum, he looks pretty good i wanna see him perform in the bigs. I was just throwing ideas out. wasnt trying to offend anyone.
Andrew in PA
December 2nd, 2010
5:38 pm
ATL for Life, Tony Gywnn Jr is not a good baseball player. Ok maybe he has decent defense,but have you look at his batting stats or are you just going off him being a Gwynn? He has no business playing in the big leagues.
cabravesfan
December 2nd, 2010
5:38 pm
RC-
I also was agreeing with your post about KK but the blog ate it twice…
Moe Berg
December 2nd, 2010
5:38 pm
Yep, US Cellular. Feel like I have not seen him that much–mostly on gameday. But I know the result is not good.
Snotboogie
December 2nd, 2010
5:39 pm
Hey if we are shrewd enough to pawn off KK for Pierre we could probably exchange McLouth for Rasmus right?
Bay Area Steve
December 2nd, 2010
5:39 pm
So what have we learned cab?
I’m goin’ with: Even think about going against one’s lifetime team, and the Blog Gods shall strike you down.
Niners!
Frankie Wren
December 2nd, 2010
5:39 pm
Matty D will help surely somebody especially if it is the Phils. Fortunately we will only throw out Minor starting as a lefty so he won’t hurt us much if that happens.
Snotboogie
December 2nd, 2010
5:40 pm
Hinske for 1.45 M. (according to Heyman). Not a bad piece of business.
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2010
5:40 pm
ATL
Your good. Gwynn has been thrown around a lot but hes very similar to Matt Young. Since we have him theres no use in signing Gwynn. If an OF is to be signed he needs to be someone who can contribute offensively. We have a defensive option in Young.
cabravesfan
December 2nd, 2010
5:40 pm
BAS-
I am still having a major moral dilemma about picking against my Niners. It is seriously giving me a queasy stomach…
RC
December 2nd, 2010
5:40 pm
P’cola Brave,
I honestly don’t know much about Matt Young’s fielding, so I can’t speak to whether or not he’s as good defensively as Gwynn. Considering how good Gwynn is defensively, I would assume no. The reason you would spend money on Gwynn when you’ve got a comparable player in Young is because CF is a HUGE question mark for the Braves, and having as many options as possible makes a lot of sense to me. If Young obviously outplays Gwynn in the spring? Cut Gwynn, you are only out $1 million. But if Young struggles, or they are close to equal, then you’ve got Gwynn on your team PLUS Young in AAA if you need to call someone up during the season due to injury.
There’s nothing at all wrong with buying a little depth.
BravesFanChris26
December 2nd, 2010
5:41 pm
Hinske will get 1.45 million according to Jon Heyman.
ATL For Life
December 2nd, 2010
5:41 pm
Anrew, no like i said im not giving him a starting job, im strictly talking as a back up outfielder, who can swipe some bags, and come in DEFENSIVELY.then i made the note that IF he surprises and does well and nate slumps then MAYBE we think about full time but like i said thats also a big IF.
Lew
December 2nd, 2010
5:42 pm
But there’s no way on the face of the earth they spend $5 mil to fill the spot.
ATL For Life
December 2nd, 2010
5:42 pm
andrew** srry my bad
Andrew in PA
December 2nd, 2010
5:43 pm
No there is nothing wrong with adding depth,but again tony gywnn jr sucks at baseball so your not adding your wasting a roster spot.
ATL For Life
December 2nd, 2010
5:43 pm
RC, exactly, thats what i was thinking
Bay Area Steve
December 2nd, 2010
5:43 pm
That value number at fangraphs is astounding to me, RC.
How can Gwynn’s, or anybody’s, defense be worth so much to overcome a well-below average stick, much less make him a $10 million guy?
I guess I’ll go look and Andruw’s and that kid’s from Seattle now.
Randy S
December 2nd, 2010
5:45 pm
C’s:
Jenks is most likely out of the Braves’ price range. But his availability may drive down the price of those second tier set-up / closer types that Wren is interested in.
Braveheart
December 2nd, 2010
5:47 pm
And, he really is that bad of a pitcher. I don’t know nuttin’ ’bout no stats. But, I can see stuff damn good from my couch. And that boy’s stuff is… less than stellar.
Yeah, don’t know why I’m being kind to Kawakami since I’ve never been in the past. Always drove me crazy when people would say, “Aw, poor KK gets no run support.” That comment always made me kinda violent it annoyed me so much.
Bay Area Steve
December 2nd, 2010
5:47 pm
RC,
That “fans” line is fangraphs projection, right? So what is that number in parethesis?
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2010
5:47 pm
RC
Theres nothing wrong with depth. But we have other holes that need to be filled and we just used 1.5 to sign Hinske. If we aren’t upgrading in CF or bringing in someone that could take over full time if someone goes down then use the money elsewhere. We still need a RP and possibly a back up MIF. I know Gwynn is a ++ fielder but Young is pretty good. Runs very well. I just see other holes that should be filled before using a mil on a guy who we virtually have in the minors in YOung
ATL For Life
December 2nd, 2010
5:47 pm
alright guys ttyl goin to work. peace!!
TnBrian
December 2nd, 2010
5:48 pm
$1.45 M for 11 HR in limited playing time, plus being a leader type guy on the team is a very good deal for us, right? I mean, I know he doesn’t play great defense and struggles some with LHP, but you have to love this deal for the team.
Murph
December 2nd, 2010
5:48 pm
How much money is left in the budget after signing Hinske? Anyone know?
nolie
December 2nd, 2010
5:48 pm
and (I believe) lead all of MLB in HR for the decade of the 80’s LEW
second behind Schmidt I believe Lew
BRAVEBUTT
December 2nd, 2010
5:49 pm
Hinske’s a bum, shoulda signed Diaz instead! Frank Wren is an Idiot!
Chicken Little
December 2nd, 2010
5:51 pm
The sky is falling, the sky is falling.
Bay Area Steve
December 2nd, 2010
5:51 pm
Murph,
Ward’s at work; you’ll have to wait.
Tomas
December 2nd, 2010
5:51 pm
I think Diaz would sign with Phillie and be a platoon guy. I’m guessing he would play RF with Dominic Brown. From what I’ve seen of Matty playing RF, it would certainly be a weakness.
Braveheart
December 2nd, 2010
5:55 pm
Ron Jaworski’s hatred of Mike Vick really got old 5 or 6 years ago. Sad to see it still goes on today. Jaworski had a 53% completion percentage for his career, and a 72 passer rating, but every conversation he has had over the last decade on television includes a shot at Vick’s ability as a passer. Loved how nasty Gruden got to Jaws about it a few weeks ago.
Murph
December 2nd, 2010
5:56 pm
ward really needs to give us his work contact info. It’s rough having to wait until his shift is over to get these questions answered.
Let’s just say the Braves have $3mil left in the budget after signing Hinske and giving out raises… I know I’m going to get beat up for saying this, but I still think they should sign Andruw to a 1 year deal for $1-1.5mil and let him battle it out with Nate for the starting CF job. He may only hit .220, but it’s better than .190, and he’s always a threat to go yard. Use the last $1.5mil on a reliever and you’ve got your team.
Tybee Island Bob
December 2nd, 2010
5:58 pm
DOB, not sure if you were around several years ago when Skip would sometimes do the radio pre-game that included some callers. (I think the crew rotated it) Even if you were here covering the Braves I’d imagine before the games you were too busy to listen. His handeling of idiot callers and their stupid questions was worth every second. I listened just for that part. Your remarks to idiot boggers (like your 10:21 am to Shamrock Lucky) are priceless. Skip would be proud.
Andrew in PA
December 2nd, 2010
5:59 pm
Bravesheart i get all eagles coverage. Vick asked Jaws to wear number 7. Jaws loves mike vick. I dont know what shot you were talking about but it sounds made up. Jaws talks on philadelphiaeagles.com alot and ive never heard him say anything bad about anyone.
Lew
December 2nd, 2010
6:00 pm
nolie – Scroll back Dude – I corrected myself two posts later. Schmidt hit 313 and Murph hit 308.
Andrew in PA
December 2nd, 2010
6:00 pm
I’d rather have Andruw back then sign TG Jr.
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2010
6:01 pm
Murph
I don’t think thats a terrible idea on Druw. Hes shown he still has power and could be a threat coming off the bench. He may not be the best option but hes not the worst either.
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2010
6:02 pm
On Twitter, Jason Heyward just said “Happy Bday, mate” to Peter Moylan, who replied a minute later, “Thanks brother. See Ski is back. ohh snap”
Yes, this was a popular move within the clubhouse, for sure.
BravePack
December 2nd, 2010
6:07 pm
DOB or anyone who knows
If the Braves were to offer Uggla an extension how would that work into the payroll? People are saying the Braves only have a few million left to spend. Does that amount not include the money players would get through arbitration? Do the Braves even have the money to offer an extension to Uggla unless it’s end loaded?
Mixxo
December 2nd, 2010
6:07 pm
‘Ski! That’s cool.
I like Matty too, but someone out there will want a free-swinging, beer-league softball player.